Caregiving - Finances

Finances

Old Age Security Pension
Guaranteed Income Supplement - The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides additional money, on top of the Old Age Security pension, to low-income seniors living in Canada.
Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor - For Canadian Seniors ages 60-64.
Canada Pension Plan
Veterans Independence Program - A national homecare program. Eligibility is determined by contacting Veterans Affairs Canada.
Veterans - Benefits for Primary Caregivers - Housekeeping and/or grounds maintenance services for primary caregivers of Veterans. Primary caregivers include eligible spouses, common-law partners and others.
Compassionate Care Benefits - Benefits paid up to a maximum of six weeks to a person who has to be absent from work to provide care or support to a gravely ill family member at risk of dying within 26 weeks (unemployed persons on EI can also apply).

Seniors Life

Caregiver amount - An amount for each dependant may be claimed by those that (either alone or with another person) maintained a dwelling where one or more of their dependants lived.
Amount for infirm dependants age 18 or older - If you are eligible for this amount, you can claim an amount for each of your or your spouse's or common-law partner's dependants who has a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions and is 18 years of age or older.
Registered Disability Savings Plan - A savings plan that allows anyone who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit to invest tax-free money.
Senior's Supplement - If the income level of an eligible senior falls below a level guaranteed by the province, the supplement is provided to make up the difference. It is paid automatically to eligible seniors so there is no need to apply.
Income Assistance – Financial assistance for those 65 or over who are not eligible for the Old Age Security Pension and its supplement (GIS). Eligibility is based on income, assets and shelter costs.
Personal disability credit - For eligibility criteria check the CRA Website.
Medical expenses credit - Tax credits for eligible medical expenses.

Senior's Supplement - If the income level of an eligible senior falls below a level guaranteed by the province, the supplement is provided to make up the difference. It is paid automatically to eligible seniors do not need to apply.
BC Sales Tax Credit - Effective for the 2010 tax year, the Sales Tax Credit is wound up into the new BC HST Credit.
Income Assistance - For those 65 or over who are not eligible for the Old Age Security Pension and its supplement (GIS). Eligibility is based on income, assets and shelter costs.
Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) - Provides financial assistance to help eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities in British Columbia to continue to live in the comfort of their home.

British Columbia Medical Services Plan - The Medical Services Plan (MSP) and PharmaCare, including Fair PharmaCare, provide medical and drug coverage to all eligible British Columbians. Enrolling for medical coverage is mandatory for B.C. residents.
PharmaCare - BC PharmaCare helps British Columbians with the cost of eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies.
Community Support for Independent Living - Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) gives eligible British Columbians with daily personal care needs more flexibility in managing their home support services.

Seeking information and support for caregiving? - Caregiver Connect provides a guide to giving care.

Disability Assistance and Trusts - Information about trusts for persons with disabilities in receipt of Disability Assistance.
Employment Assistance for Persons with Disabilities - Information about provincial financial assistance for persons with disabilities.
B.C. Employment and Assistance Rates

Funeral Costs - Information about the costs of the individual funeral components.
Death Benefits and Assistance - Information about available financial assistance for funeral costs.
B.C. Palliative Care Benefits Program - Provides supports for individuals of any age who have reached the end stage of a life-threatening disease or illness and who wish to receive palliative care at home.

The Family Caregivers' Network Society - Publishes a bi-monthly Newsletter with monthly articles on financial and legal topics.