Financial help
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.
British Columbia
British Columbia offers a variety of financial programs to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more about BC’s response to COVID-19.
Government of British Columbia
The Government of BC has different financial programs that can help you and your family along your cancer journey.
Disability assistance
The BC government offers financial or health support to people who have a severe physical or mental impairment that affects their ability to perform daily tasks.
Find out more about disability assistance
Seniors supplement
BC offers a top-up to the Canada Pension Plan for people who are 65 years of age and older with a low income.
Find out more about the seniors supplement
Travel assistance
This program can help pay for some transportation costs if you have to travel for medical services not available in your community.
Find out more about BC’s travel assistance program
BC Hydro
BC Hydro offers grants to help customers who have lost their jobs, face unexpected medical expenses or have suffered a death in the family. You may qualify if your account is overdue and you are facing disconnection.