Paying for incontinence supplies can be expensive. Fortunately, there are a few potential opportunities to offset some of these costs. For example, did you know the Canada Revenue Agency allows tax credits for some incontinence supplies and that charities like Easter Seals and the MS Society or government sources may be able to help. Check out the details below to see some of the different incontinence supplies tax credit and funding options that may be available to you in Ontario, Canada. Please note the details provided about the programs are as indicated on the various sites as of March 1, 2011 and are provided as a courtesy for general information only.
Veterans Affairs Canada provides funding for eligible clients for various medical supplies used in a non-hospital setting, including incontinence supplies. A list of those who may be eligible for Veteran Affairs Canada health care benefits can be found on the Veterans Affairs Canada website.
If you are receiving Ontario Disability Support Program Income Support, you and your family may be able to get help with the cost of:
- Diabetic supplies, such as syringes, alcohol swabs and blood glucose monitors.
- Surgical supplies, surgical dressings and incontinence supplies.
Assistance with these costs is provided under the Ontario Disability Support Program’s Mandatory Special Necessities benefit. Details regarding this program can be found on the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services website.
If you are receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works, you may be eligible to receive assistance with the cost of certain health benefits including incontinence supplies. Information regarding financial assistance from Ontario Works for incontinence supplies can be found on the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services website.
Some chapters of the MS Society of Canada, such as the Toronto Chapter, provide funding assistance for incontinence supplies for their members. Further details about the MS Society – Toronto Chapter program and an application form can be found on the MS Society – Toronto Chapter website at www.mssociety.ca/toronto
Details about programs in other areas can be obtained by calling your local chapter of the MS Society. A list of MS Society Chapters in Ontario can be found at www.mssociety.ca/ontario
The Easter Seal Society administers the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program for children and youth with chronic disabilities (physical or developmental) that result in irreversible incontinence or retention problems lasting longer than six months requiring the use of incontinence supplies.
The program is for children and youth between the ages of 3 to 18 years with a chronic disability resulting in irreversible incontinence lasting longer than six months. Some children under the age of 3 may be eligible for funding depending on their diagnosis (for example, Spina Bifida, Prune Belly Syndrome).
Further details about the program and an application form can be found on the Easter Seal Society website at www.easterseals.org
