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.
Quebec
Quebec offers a variety of financial programs to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more about COVID-19 in Quebec.
Government of Quebec
Quebec has different programs that can help you and your family cope with costs along your cancer journey.
Shelter allowance
If you are having trouble paying your bills, you may be able to get help with your rent or mortgage payments.
Find out more about Quebec’s shelter allowance program
Aid programs
You might qualify for financial help to pay for certain medicines and medical devices to help you cope with changes due to cancer.
Find out more about aid programs
Independent living tax credit for seniors
You may qualify for a refundable tax credit if you need to buy equipment, such as a hospital bed, to help you live independently in your home. It may also be granted to seniors who have stayed in a functional rehabilitation transition unit after being in the hospital.
Find out more about the independent living tax credit for seniors
Other services
You can find out about support and services in your area through the provinces’ integrated health and social services centres.