Help paying for health services

You can apply for financial assistance for special items such as eyeglasses. If you are receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, contact your case worker for more information.

If you are not receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program you can apply to EHSS. Be prepared to provide information about:

• Your family size
• The ages of your children
• Your housing costs
• Your sources of income
• The items you own
• Your expenses

Low-income residents can apply for help by calling 3-1-1 between 8:30 am and 4 pm:

• Select 1 for service in English or 2 for service in French
• Select 4 for Employment and Social Services
• Bell Relay TTY 1-800-855-0511

You can apply for financial assistance for help with the cost of equipment and medical supplies. If you are receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, contact your case worker for more information.

Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

• A provincial government program that helps any Ontario resident who has a valid Ontario health card and a disability requiring equipment or supplies for six months or longer
• Covers 75 per cent of the costs of specialized equipment and supplies – like wheelchairs, hearing aids and medical supplies
• For a full list of items covered and how to apply visit Assistive Devices Program

Help if you can't pay the difference

Private insurance companies, service clubs and charitable organizations such as the March of Dimes, and Easter Seals may be able to help you cover additional costs. Social Services can help you when all other options are exhausted.

Contact Social Services for help

Call 3-1-1 and select:

1. 1 for English, 2 for French
2. 4 for Community and Social Services

TTY Line: 1-800-855-0511

Employment and Social Services Centres are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.

There are two programs to help you pay for prescription drugs: the Ontario Drug Benefit program and the Trillium Drug Program.

Ontario Drug Benefit program

You qualify if you are:

• Receiving financial assistance through Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• 65 years of age or older
• A resident of a long-term care facility or a home for special care
• Receiving professional services under the Home Care program
• A Trillium Drug Program recipient

Trillium Drug program

You qualify if:

• You are a low-income individual or family
• Your insurance covers only a portion of your drug costs
• Most, but not all, prescription drugs are covered. Your doctor can apply to the Ministry of Health to request that a drug be covered.
• There is usually a minimal pharmacy fee of $2 for each prescription.
• Some seniors and Trillium Drug Program recipients must pay a certain deductible for their own prescriptions. This amount varies according to your family size and income. If you can't afford the deductible, the City will look at your financial situation and needs to determine if you are eligible for extra help.
• You must provide receipts for all paid prescriptions.

How to apply:

• For the Ontario Drug Benefit program, your coverage is automatic if you are receiving financial or residential assistance.
• Seniors contact their pharmacist.
• For help paying the deductible for Ontario Drug Benefit or Trillium Drug Program, low-income residents can apply for help by calling 3-1-1 between 8:30 am and 4 pm:
  • ​​Select 1 for service in English or 2 for service in French
  • Select 4 for Employment and Social Services
  • Bell Relay TTY 1-800-855-0511