Financial Support
Wellspring Money Matters
Wellspring's Money Matters program provides patients with access to individual access to financial counselling, connecting them with expert case managers that help with income replacement and drug compensation programs.
The Money Matters video series is comprised of short videos that describe the income replacement programs and other financial resources that may be available to you if you need to take time off of work due to your illness and treatment.
The videos only discuss programs available to residents of Ontario. Videos are accurate as of May 2023 as government programs may change from time to time.
Canadian Cancer Society
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.
Shine Through the Rain: Rainy Day Fund
Shine Through the Rain is a charity that offers funding to patients with cancer through their Rainy Day Fund. The Rainy Day Fund provides emergency payments directly to the utility companies and landlords, ensuring that each patient has a warm, safe place to call home while recovering. The Rainy Day Fund also provides grocery gift cards and hospital transportation and parking costs. Shine Through The Rain also reviews special requests for consideration above and beyond the scope of services already covered.
Severe Permanent Disability Benefit (Government of Canada)
Borrowers with a severe permanent disability who are unable to repay their Canada Student Loans may be eligible to have their debt cancelled through the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit. You have to apply and qualify for this benefit.
Trillium Drug Program
The Trillium Drug Program helps people under the age of 65 who have high prescription drug costs relative to their household income.
Power of Hope: Cost Reduction Program
Multi-dimensional plan that offers financial assistance to qualifying cancer patients who are 40 years and younger, providing a reduction in the overall cost required to pursue fertility preservation treatment.
Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund (Breast Cancer)
This fund supports those diagnosed with breast cancer and either in active treatment or within two months of completing treatment who are living at or below the poverty line. It provides assistance for expenses not covered by health insurance, social assistance and family income. Applicants may apply for financial assistance of $1000, or apply up to twice in a year ($2000 maximum).
Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation (Breast Cancer)
This program provides financial assistance to those diagnosed with breast cancer for transportation, parking, food costs, home health, prosthetics, supportive care, rent, etc. Patients can apply 3 times to the Trust fund per calendar year with a maximum of $1000 each application.
Coping with Cancer - Financial Programs for Patients with Cancer and their Caregivers (UHN Brochure)
