Halton Region provides one-time financial assistance to help with the cost of funerals and health needs, including select assistive devices recognized by the Assistive Devices Program

• eligibility criteria varies across different supports
• for many benefits, documentation from a medical professional or vendor is required to confirm either need and/or cost
• do not order or pay for a service or item prior to approval from Halton Region staff as you will not be reimbursed for anything purchased prior to approval

Health-related benefits and medical equipment

Adult day programs:

• The Region may provide coverage for the cost of adult day programs in Halton
• A referral from Home and Community Care Support Services is required (formerly operating under the name Local Health Integration Networks, or LHINs)
• The adult day program determines the number of days a resident is eligible to attend
• For more information, including how to apply, visit the Community Programs for Older Adults page

Bath aids:

• Halton Region may provide coverage for basic and essential bath aids, up to a maximum of $500 per item
• An assessment and referral from an occupational therapist are required.
• Two cost estimates are required; the most cost-effective item will be approved.
• The following bathroom assistive device aids may be covered:
• bath transfer bench
• raised toilet seat
• stationary commodes
• grab bars

Custom cast footwear:

• Halton Region may provide coverage for footwear when a resident requires custom shoes fitted from plaster cast due to severe foot deformities, up to a maximum of $2,000
• An assessment and cost estimate are required. The assessment must be completed by one of the following medical professionals:
• Podiatrist, D.P.M.
• Chiropodist, D.Ch.
• Pedorthist, C.Ped. (C)
• Certified Orthotist, C.O. (C)
• Please visit your family doctor for a referral to one of the medical professionals listed. They will provide the assessments needed to complete your application.

Emergency dental:

• Halton residents between the ages of 18-64 may be eligible for emergency dental services
• All dental work must be pre-approved.
• Your dentist must bill per the schedule of Dental Services and fees for Ontario Works Adults and provide an estimate to the Region
  
• Children under the age of 18 may be eligible for dental coverage through the Healthy Smiles program
• Seniors aged 65 and older may be eligible for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Eyeglasses:

• Halton Region may provide coverage for eyeglasses.
• Residents must contact Halton Region to confirm eligibility and receive a vision care form before purchasing
• Eyeglasses can only be purchased from an approved vendor
• 3 for 1 Appleby Opticals, 2180 Itabashi Way, Burlington
• ICare Optical, 300 North Service Road West, Oakville
• Akal Optical, 15 Martin Street, Milton
• Family Optical, 280 Guelph Street, Georgetown
• Acton Optical, 80 Mill Street East, Acton

Hospital beds:

• Halton Region may provide coverage for a hospital bed if it is necessary to prevent hospitalization
• An assessment and referral from an occupational therapist are required
• Two cost estimates are required; the most cost-effective item will be approved
• Residents may be required to explore other funding options before coverage is approved
• The following hospital beds and costs may be covered:
• single bed, up to $3,000
• bariatric bed (weight must exceed 450 lbs), up to $3,600

Mechanical, ceiling and Hoyer lifts:

• Halton Region may provide coverage for mechanical, ceiling or Hoyer lifts
• An assessment from an occupational therapist is required
• Two cost estimates are required; the most cost-effective item will be approved
• Requests are only considered if other funding options are not available
• Ceiling lifts will only be considered for applicants that own their home. Applicants that live in group homes, agency homes and rental units will only be eligible for portable lifts.

Medication:

• Halton Region may provide one-time coverage for residents that do not have drug coverage through an employer or other source, up to a maximum of $500.
• Coverage is only provided if the medication is covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary. Applicants must apply to the Trillium Drug Program for ongoing drug coverage.
• Medications that may be covered include:
• medication covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary
• EpiPens

Medical equipment and items:

• Halton Region may provide coverage for basic and essential medical equipment that are directly related to the health and safety of a resident
• An assessment from an occupational therapist or another healthcare provider are required
• Two cost estimates are required; the most cost-effective item will be approved
• The following medical equipment may be covered:
• 2-wheel walker
• transport chair

Orthotics:

• Halton Region may provide coverage for one pair of orthotics, up to a maximum of $350
• An assessment and cost estimate are required
• An assessment will only be accepted from the following medical professionals:
• Podiatrist D.P.M.
• Chiropodist D.Ch.
• Pedorthist C.Ped. (C)
• Certified Orthotist C.O. (C)
• Please visit your family doctor for a referral to one of the medical professionals listed. They will provide the assessments needed to complete your application.

Project Lifesaver:

• Halton Region may cover the initial charge for the transmitter, up to $400. Halton Region may also provide annual coverage for a battery, up to $60
• The Project Lifesaver program helps protect family members who might wander or run away through the use of wearable technology
• Visit the Project Lifesaver page to learn more about the program and apply.

Assistive Devices Program top-up coverage

The following items are partially covered under the Provincial Assistive Devices Program. Halton Region may assist eligible residents with low incomes with their portion of the cost not covered by the Assistive Devices Program

Hearing Aids:

• A hearing assessment and cost estimate are required
• Halton Region does not provide coverage for batteries or other related equipment

Mobility aids:

• An assessment from a chiropodist or podiatrist is required
• The following mobility items may be covered:
• wheelchairs (manual)
• walkers (rollator)
• scooters
• No assistance for mobility aids is available if Assistive Devices Program funding is not approved

Prosthetics:

• Coverage requires a medical assessment and estimate approved by the Assistive Devices Program.
• Additional items not covered by the Assistive Devices Program, such as stump socks, will be considered for coverage on a case-by-case basis.

Sleep apnea machines (CPAP machines):

• Halton Region may assist with the costs not covered by the Assistive Devices Program
• Halton Region may also provide coverage for supplies related to the function of the machine (masks, tubing) once every 12 months

Funerals

• The Region provides financial assistance on behalf of deceased Halton residents whose estates cannot cover the cost of a funeral
• Coverage is available for both burial and cremation
• The level of coverage provided depends on the financial situation of the deceased. Two levels of support are available:
• Basic funeral support covers only a simple burial or cremation. Basic support does not cover a visitation and only a graveside service is possible
• Traditional funeral support covers burial or cremation, visitation and service

Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5 pm 
Access Halton: Mon-Sun 24 hours

• be residents of Halton
• have a total net annual household income that falls below the Net Low-income Cut-off (LICO) for Halton Region
• include valid government-issued identification for each household member in the benefit request (birth certificates and immigration documents)
• give verbal consent to staff to record information in order to assess eligibility and issue benefits

Call Access Halton at 311