Financial help
Financial support programs may change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more about Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
Community Services Locator
The Canadian Cancer Society is here to help you find financial support.
Transportation
We can also help you pay your expenses if you need to travel for cancer treatment.
The following are some of the other programs that you might be able to access for financial help while you are being treated for cancer and during your recovery.
Canada
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada offers a variety of programs that can help you meet your financial needs while you or someone you love is coping with cancer.
Employment Insurance (EI)
You can access benefits if you who lose your job through no fault of your own. This includes if there is a shortage of work in your area or your company lays you off.
Find out more about Employment Insurance (EI)
Sickness benefits
You can get financial help if you can’t work because of sickness, injury or quarantine.
Find out more about sickness benefits
Caregiving benefits
If you need to be away from work to care for or support someone who is critically ill, you can get financial help.
Find out more about caregiving benefits
Tax deductions
You can claim tax deductions or credits for some medical expenses that are not covered by insurance policies or other programs. There are also deductions and credits available for people with disabilities and their caregivers.
Find out more about tax deductions
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
Canada offers different programs to help support people who are 60 to 64 years of age and 65 years of age or older.
Find out more about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
211
211 provides information about health and social services available in your area. The service is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day by phone, chat, text and internet. 211 is a non-profit organization funded through the generous support of United Way.
Hope Air
If you need to travel long distances to receive medical care, Hope Air can help. This national registered charity helps Canadians in financial need fly to medical treatments.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia offers a variety of financial programs to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more about the government’s response to COVID-19.
Government of Nova Scotia
The Government of Nova Scotia has different financial programs that can help you and your family along your cancer journey.
Pharmacare
Nova Scotia offers the following programs that can help people with cancer.
The Boarding, Transportation and Ostomy Fund offers financial help to people who are being treated for cancer and have a low income. They can help pay for transportation and accommodation, as well as ostomy supplies.
Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients can help with the cost of certain cancer-related drugs and supplies. It is available to Nova Scotians who have a low income and do not have drug coverage.
Find out more about benefits for people with cancer available through Nova Scotia Pharmacare
Travel and accommodation assistance
If you need to leave Nova Scotia for medical treatment, you may qualify for funding to help cover some of your costs.
Find out more about Nova Scotia’s out-of-province travel and accommodation assistance