Searching for Financial Assistance Programs For Seniors
Located near Kitchener
Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
Toll Free (within Wellington County): 1-800-628-9205
Fax: 519-821-8192
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- evictions
- rent increases
- maintenance and tenant rights issues
- rent-geared-to-income housing concerns and reviews
- eligibility
- denial or suspension of benefits
- overpayments
- assistance applying for OW or ODSP
Assists non-unionized workers who have questions about:
- rights in the workplace including unpaid wages, leaves of absence, reprisal, termination and severance pay
- wrongful dismissal
- workplace harassment and discrimination
Referrals given for areas of law that the Legal Clinic does not practice, including family law, criminal law, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board matters, human rights law, traffic offences, and civil litigation issues
Legal Health Check-Up:
- online check-up to help people living in poverty to identify legal problems and get help
- without adequate money to live on, a good home or job, or family, social and health supports, an individual's legal health may be at risk
Employment Services - Assistance with career planning and counselling including resume and interview assistance and student and youth employment services. Access to online Job Bank
Employment Insurance - Basic income protection program for employed workers
Financial Benefits - Information and forms for federal pensions and benefits including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), Disability Benefits, and Survivor Benefits
Social Insurance Number (SIN) application -Personal identification number for access to various Canadian government programs
Services for Business - Services regarding employees and safety, including records of employment; wage subsidies; labour market information; labour standards; occupational health and safety and workplace equity
- staff consists of community legal workers and lawyers
- offer services from our main office in St. Thomas and our satellite offices in Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Aylmer, Ingersoll, West Lorne, Chippewa of the Thames, Oneida of the Thames and Munsee Delaware Nation
- initial contact is made through St. Thomas head office
- assistance on landlord/tenant matters and appeals in Ontario Works
- Ontario Disability Support Program, employment law and on Canada Pension Plan matters
- traditional casework, summary advice, public legal education, law reform, and a wide range of community development activities
The Clinic is currently involved in a project to educate and assist residents about sexual harassment in the workplace. A lawyer is available to provide workshops and information about sexual harassment in the workplace free of charge. The Clinic is involved in a project to provide advice and support to victims of intimate violence and sexual abuse with a lawyer and a social worker. The Clinic has an Indigenous Justice Program with a staff member who will assist the Indigenous communities and residents. The program is meant to facilitate connecting Indigenous residents with the justice system.
Main office in St. Thomas with full-time satellite office in Woodstock, and part-time satellite services in Tillsonburg and Ingersoll * if needed, arrangements can be made in other communities to meet with clients that have no transportation
Accessing services Online Services available HERE If you require assistance accessing services please complete an online request HERE A Service Canada officer will contact you within 2 business days. If you do not have access to the internet and require assistance accessing services, please call 1-877-355-2657.
Services to employers and workers including Record of Employment (ROI) support, job order posting, labour standards, labour market information, work-sharing, industrial adjustment services, Employment Insurance (EI), Health and Safety, Workplace Equity, Apprenticeship grants and Youth Services.
SIN numbers, Passport applications and drop-off, Canadian Forces Recruitment, Income Security Programs (CPP), Disability Benefits, Survivor Benefits, Death Benefits, Parental Benefits and Old age Security
Applications from Federal Government Ministries such as Revenue Canada and Human Resources Development Canada. Direct lines to other Federal Departments.
Computers available to assist with job search, walk-in job search centre. Access to computers, fax, photocopier and telephone. Free Internet access, resource materials, job boards, labour market information, software tutorials, assistance with resumes, employment and vocational counselling and assessment, job placement, life skills training, job search and computer skills workshop, interview simulations.
A one-time, lump-sum payment to the estate on behalf of a deceased Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributor.
If an estate exists the executor should apply for the benefit within 60 days of the date of death. If no estate exists or if the executor does not apply, payment may be made to: the person or institution responsible for paying funeral expenses, the surviving spouse or common-law partner of the deceased, the next-of-kin of the deceased.
Individuals who are eligible for this benefit may also be eligible for the Surviving Child's Benefit or the Survivor's Pension which both offer monthly payments to children, spouses, and common-law partners of deceased CPP contributors.
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly benefit, the amount determined by how ong the person receiving the benefit has lived in Canada. It is considered taxable income.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a supplement added monthly to Old Age Security for those with limited or no income. It must be re-applied for annually, and is not payable outside Canada beyond a period of 6 months regardless of how long the person lived in Canada.
Allowance is a monthly allowance for spouses 60-64 years old of Old Age Security pensioners receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement. It is based on the combined income of the couple.
Allowance for the Survivor is a monthly allowance for widowed spouses 60-64 years of age, who have not remarried or entered a common-law relationship. It is based on limited or no income.
A monthly, taxable benefit that replaces a portion of the applicant's income upon retirement. Those who qualify for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) will receive the retirement pension for the rest of their life.
Individuals aged 60 to 69 can continue to work while receiving CPP. CPP contributions will then go toward post-retirement benefits (PRB) which will increase income upon retirement.
| COVID-19 All in person Service Canada Centres are closed to the public until further notice. Clients can apply for critical services online. Personal service support for EI and pension applications are available through e-service online and on mobile phones. Accessing services Online Services available HERE If you require assistance accessing services please complete an online request HERE A Service Canada officer will contact you within 2 business days. If you do not have access to the internet and require assistance accessing services, please call 1-877-355-2657 Services to employers and workers including Record of Employment (ROE) support, job order posting, labour standards, labour market information, work-sharing, industrial adjustment services, Employment Insurance (EI), Health and Safety, Workplace Equity, Apprenticeship grants, Youth Services, Skills Link. For Employment Insurance (EI) please call 1-800-206-7218 SIN numbers, Passport applications and drop-off, Canadian Forces Recruitment, Death Benefits, Parental Benefits, Income Security Programs (ISP), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Disability Benefits, Survivor Benefits. Old age Security please call for appointment 1-800-277-9914 Applications from Federal Government Ministries such as Revenue Canada and Human Resources Development Canada, Passport Canada receiving agent, pleasure craft licences and drop off centre for ISP applications Youth Job Search, walk-in job search centre. Access to computers, fax, photocopier and telephone. Free Internet access. Resource materials, job boards, labour market information, software tutorials, assistance with resumes, employment and vocational counselling and assessment, job placement, life skills training, job search and computer skills workshops and interview simulations |
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One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services includes: All Canadians
- apprenticeship grants
- benefits finder
- job bank
- labour market information
- passport application
- passport receiving agent service
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) application
Employers and organizations
- funding programs
- hiring foreign workers
- human resource management
- Record of Employment (ROE)
Families and children
- Canada Child Benefit
- Canada Pension Plan children's benefits
- Canada Pension Plan death benefit
- Canada Pension Plan survivor's pension
- Employment Insurance family supplement
- Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefits
- Employment Insurance special benefits for parents of critically ill children
Labour and workplace information
- labour standards
- occupational health and safety
- wage earner protection program
- workplace equity
Newcomers to Canada
- foreign credentials referral
People with disabilities
- Canada Pension Plan disability benefits
- opportunities fund for people with disabilities
Seniors
- Allowance program
- Allowance for the Survivor program
- Canada Pension Plan retirement pension
- Canadian government annuities
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- international benefits
- Old Age Security (OAS)
Veterans
- Veterans Affairs Canada
Workers
- Canadian forces recruitment awareness
- Employment Insurance regular benefits
- Employment Insurance sickness benefits
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recruitment awareness
Youth and Students
- Canada Pension Plan Disability (18-25 years of age)
- Canada Pension Plan Survivors (18-25 years of age)
- Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)
- career focus
- job search assistance
- Skills Link
A one-time, lump-sum payment to the estate on behalf of a deceased Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributor.
If an estate exists the executor should apply for the benefit within 60 days of the date of death. If no estate exists or if the executor does not apply, payment may be made to: the person or institution responsible for paying funeral expenses, the surviving spouse or common-law partner of the deceased, the next-of-kin of the deceased.
Individuals who are eligible for this benefit may also be eligible for the Surviving Child's Benefit or the Survivor's Pension which both offer monthly payments to children, spouses, and common-law partners of deceased CPP contributors.
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly benefit, the amount determined by how ong the person receiving the benefit has lived in Canada. It is considered taxable income.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a supplement added monthly to Old Age Security for those with limited or no income. It must be re-applied for annually, and is not payable outside Canada beyond a period of 6 months regardless of how long the person lived in Canada.
Allowance is a monthly allowance for spouses 60-64 years old of Old Age Security pensioners receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement. It is based on the combined income of the couple.
Allowance for the Survivor is a monthly allowance for widowed spouses 60-64 years of age, who have not remarried or entered a common-law relationship. It is based on limited or no income.
A monthly, taxable benefit that replaces a portion of the applicant's income upon retirement. Those who qualify for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) will receive the retirement pension for the rest of their life.
Individuals aged 60 to 69 can continue to work while receiving CPP. CPP contributions will then go toward post-retirement benefits (PRB) which will increase income upon retirement.
This listing gives an overview of programs and services available to older adults, and is also an index to related listings in this directory
- for comprehensive information, please see the Halton Seniors' Services Directory here
FOOD
Community Meals: programs that organize suppers, lunches or other get-togethers that give community residents an opportunity to meet one another in a friendly and informal atmosphere
- see list of providers here
Grocery Delivery: organizations that accept online and/or telephone orders and deliver food and household supplies to the homes of people who are unable to go out and shop on their own behalf or food pantries that deliver to people with illnesses, disabilities, transportation issues or other extenuating circumstances which prevent them from picking it up
- see list of providers here
Meal Delivery Providers: programs that prepare and regularly deliver meals to older adults, people with disabilities and others who have difficulties shopping and/or preparing food for themselves
- see list of providers here
HOUSING
Affordable Housing and Help for Rent, Utilities or Property Taxes: information on programs that make rental housing more readily available to low-income individuals, programs that provide financial assistance for people who are at risk for having their utilities shut off, and programs that provide financial assistance to enable people to pay all or a portion of their property taxes
- see separate listing here
Long-Term Care Homes: inpatient health care facilities that provide nursing and personal care over an extended period of time
- for full list see here
Retirement Homes: residential facilities, apartments and/or planned communities for older adults, people with disabilities or other populations that are available at market rates and designed to enable those who are eligible to have a form of independent living in a secure environment while sharing common interests and having access to supportive services
- for full list see here
IN HOME ASSISTANCE
For individual types of services, such as shopping assistance, home maintenance, housekeeping assistance, personal care and yard maintenance, see here (in each category, click 'View Programs and Services' to see all providers)
Some personal care is available for free under Ontario's health care system, by applying to your local Home and Community Care Support Services
- for contact details see full listings here
Veterans Affairs Canada provides funding for eligible veterans to help pay for the cost of in-home care and housekeeping/home maintenance services
- see separate listings here
Assistive Devices Program: programs that pay all or a portion of the costs associated with acquiring assistive technology products and/or obtaining support services such as customization, fit/modification services or repairs
- see separate listings for the Assistive Devices Program and March of Dimes
Friendly Outreach Programs: programs that reach out to people who are hospitalized or in another institutional setting, are socially isolated due to disability or old age, or otherwise lack companionship with the objective of brightening their day and helping them to maintain contact with the outside world
- for full list see here
Homebound Services: services that are provided in-home for Individuals are unable to leave their homes because of illness, disability or frailty
- see list of providers here
Personal Alarm Systems and Locator Aids: programs that provide electronic equipment which connects people with sources of emergency assistance or that facilitate the ability of caregivers to determine the whereabouts of people who have Alzheimer's disease or other similar conditions
- see list of providers here
INCOME SUPPORT
Income Programs and Financial Assistance: information on income supports and benefits from federal, provincial or territorial governments
- see separate listing here
Ontario Drug Benefit Program: program that pays all or a portion of the costs for prescription drugs required by people who meet eligibility requirements for the programs
- see separate listing here
LEGAL SERVICES
Legal Help and Information: information on programs that provide legal counselling and/or representation for low-income individuals who need assistance in routine legal matters
- see separate listing here
TAX ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICES
Income Tax Clinics: programs that provide tax preparation services for people who meet income and/or other eligibility criteria
- see list of providers here
TRANSPORTATION
Disability Related Transportation: programs that provide transportation for purposes of shopping, banking, social events, medical appointments, getting to and from work, and similar activities for people with disabilities who need special accommodations and are unable to utilize other available means of transportation
- see list of providers here
Escort Programs: programs that accompany people who have limited mobility, cognitive impairments or other problems to specified local destinations and provide assistance which may include transportation or driving services, and assisting the individual to enter and leave the vehicle and buildings
- see list of providers here
Full-service Gas Stations: Burlington, Oakville
Local Bus Services:
- see list of providers here
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation: programs that provide transportation for medical appointments, trips from and between hospitals, to nursing homes or other special-care centres or for other non-emergency medical needs for individuals who, because of their physical condition, are unable to use other means of local transportation
- see list of providers here
Senior Driver Renewal Program: programs that evaluate the motor and cognitive functioning of elderly individuals or people with disabilities to determine the person's ability to drive
- see separate listing here
Taxi Services:
- see separate listing here
This listing provides an overview of benefits from federal, provincial or territorial governments, and acts as an index to related listings in this directory
For a customized list of federal, provincial and territorial programs and services, see the Government of Canada's Benefits Finder
- does not collect or track information
For a customized list of provincial benefits and programs, see the Government of Ontario's Benefits Finder
- does not collect or track information
FEDERAL PROGRAMS:
For assistance with federal programs, see listings for Service Canada Centres here
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension
A monthly, taxable benefit that partially replaces income
- those 60 or older may apply if they have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP
- for more information, see separate listing here
May also qualify for the following CPP benefits:
- disability benefit is a monthly payment for those CPP contributors under 65 who have a mental or physical disability
- survivor's pension is a monthly payment paid to the legal spouse or common-law partner of the deceased CPP contributor
- children's benefits provide monthly payments to the dependent children of disabled or deceased CPP contributors
- death benefit is a one-time payment, payable to the estate or other eligible individuals, on behalf of a deceased CPP contributor
Employment Insurance (EI)
Provides temporary income support to eligible unemployed workers while they look for employment or to upgrade their skills
- also provides special benefits to workers who take time off work due to specific life events (illness, pregnancy, caring for a newborn or newly adopted child, caring for a critically ill or injured person, or caring for a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death)
- for more information, see separate listing here
Old Age Security (OAS)
A monthly, taxable payment for those 65 and older
- amount depends on income and years lived in Canada or specific countries after the age of 18
- for more information, see separate listing here
May also qualify for the following benefits:
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) - for low-income OAS recipients living in Canada
- Allowance - for low-income legal spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients, ages 60-64, who meet residency requirements
- Allowance for the Survivor - for low-income spouses or common-law partners, ages 60-64, of deceased GIS recipients
Veterans Affairs Canada
Provides income support and emergency funding to eligible veterans and their families
- for more information, see separate listings for Veterans Affairs Canada offices here
PROVINCIAL PROGRAMS:
For assistance with provincial programs, see listings for ServiceOntario Centres here
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Offers monthly financial assistance with living expenses, including food and rent
- for Ontario residents 18 years or older who qualify financially and meet the definition of a disability
- for more information, see separate listing here
Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)
Provides a monthly, non-taxable benefit to low-income Ontario seniors
- for those 65 and older, who meet residency requirements, and receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments from the federal government
- for more information, see separate listing here
Ontario Works (OW)
Provides temporary financial assistance to people who are returning to the workforce
- for Ontario residents in financial need who are committed to finding and keeping a job
- for more information, see separate listing here
Visit Website
One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services includes: All Canadians
- apprenticeship grants
- benefits finder
- job bank
- labour market information
- passport application
- passport receiving agent service
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) application
Employers and organizations
- funding programs
- hiring foreign workers
- human resource management
- Record of Employment (ROE)
Families and children
- Canada Child Benefit
- Canada Pension Plan children's benefits
- Canada Pension Plan death benefit
- Canada Pension Plan survivor's pension
- Employment Insurance family supplement
- Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefits
- Employment Insurance special benefits for parents of critically ill children
Labour and workplace information
- labour standards
- occupational health and safety
- wage earner protection program
- workplace equity
Newcomers to Canada
- foreign credentials referral
People with disabilities
- Canada Pension Plan disability benefits
- opportunities fund for people with disabilities
Seniors
- Allowance program
- Allowance for the Survivor program
- Canada Pension Plan retirement pension
- Canadian government annuities
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- international benefits
- Old Age Security (OAS)
Veterans
- Veterans Affairs Canada
Workers
- Canadian forces recruitment awareness
- Employment Insurance regular benefits
- Employment Insurance sickness benefits
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recruitment awareness
Youth and Students
- Canada Pension Plan Disability (18-25 years of age)
- Canada Pension Plan Survivors (18-25 years of age)
- Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)
- career focus
- job search assistance
- Skills Link
The following returns are not eligible for this service:
- returns for deceased persons
- individuals who file for bankruptcy
- self-employed individuals
- individuals who report capital gains or losses
- individuals who report employment expenses, or business or rental income and expenses
A one-time, lump-sum payment to the estate on behalf of a deceased Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributor.
If an estate exists the executor should apply for the benefit within 60 days of the date of death. If no estate exists or if the executor does not apply, payment may be made to: the person or institution responsible for paying funeral expenses, the surviving spouse or common-law partner of the deceased, the next-of-kin of the deceased.
Individuals who are eligible for this benefit may also be eligible for the Surviving Child's Benefit or the Survivor's Pension which both offer monthly payments to children, spouses, and common-law partners of deceased CPP contributors.
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly benefit, the amount determined by how ong the person receiving the benefit has lived in Canada. It is considered taxable income.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a supplement added monthly to Old Age Security for those with limited or no income. It must be re-applied for annually, and is not payable outside Canada beyond a period of 6 months regardless of how long the person lived in Canada.
Allowance is a monthly allowance for spouses 60-64 years old of Old Age Security pensioners receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement. It is based on the combined income of the couple.
Allowance for the Survivor is a monthly allowance for widowed spouses 60-64 years of age, who have not remarried or entered a common-law relationship. It is based on limited or no income.
A monthly, taxable benefit that replaces a portion of the applicant's income upon retirement. Those who qualify for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) will receive the retirement pension for the rest of their life.
Individuals aged 60 to 69 can continue to work while receiving CPP. CPP contributions will then go toward post-retirement benefits (PRB) which will increase income upon retirement.
Visit Website
One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services includes:
All Canadians
- apprenticeship grants
- benefits finder
- job bank
- labour market information
- passport application
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) application
Employers and organizations
- funding programs
- hiring foreign workers
- human resource management
- Record of Employment (ROE)
Families and children
- Canada Child Benefit
- Canada Pension Plan children's benefits
- Canada Pension Plan death benefit
- Canada Pension Plan survivor's pension
- Employment Insurance family supplement
- Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefits
- Employment Insurance special benefits for parents of critically ill children
Labour and workplace information
- labour standards
- occupational health and safety
- wage earner protection program
- workplace equity
Newcomers to Canada
- foreign credentials referral
People with disabilities
- Canada Pension Plan disability benefits
- opportunities fund for people with disabilities
Seniors
- Allowance program
- Allowance for the Survivor program
- Canada Pension Plan retirement pension
- Canadian government annuities
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- international benefits
- Old Age Security (OAS)
Veterans
- Veterans Affairs Canada
Workers
- Canadian forces recruitment awareness
- Employment Insurance regular benefits
- Employment Insurance sickness benefits
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recruitment awareness
Youth and Students
- Canada Pension Plan Disability (18-25 years of age)
- Canada Pension Plan Survivors (18-25 years of age)
- Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)
- career focus
- job search assistance
- Skills Link
Office: 1-800-206-7218
Social Insurance Numbers : 1-866-274-6627
Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security : 1-800-277-9914
Visit Website
Service Request Form
Request a phone call about one or more of the following programs:
- Employment Insurance
- Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security/Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Social Insurance Number
- Veterans Affairs Canada Services
- Ukraine immigration measures: Financial assistance
Book an appointment at a Service Canada Centre for one of the following services:
- Biometrics Collections
- Passport Services
Student/youth employment services available May-August through Service Canada Centres for Youth -- see separate entry
A one-time, lump-sum payment to the estate on behalf of a deceased Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributor.
If an estate exists the executor should apply for the benefit within 60 days of the date of death. If no estate exists or if the executor does not apply, payment may be made to: the person or institution responsible for paying funeral expenses, the surviving spouse or common-law partner of the deceased, the next-of-kin of the deceased.
Individuals who are eligible for this benefit may also be eligible for the Surviving Child's Benefit or the Survivor's Pension which both offer monthly payments to children, spouses, and common-law partners of deceased CPP contributors.
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly benefit, the amount determined by how ong the person receiving the benefit has lived in Canada. It is considered taxable income.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a supplement added monthly to Old Age Security for those with limited or no income. It must be re-applied for annually, and is not payable outside Canada beyond a period of 6 months regardless of how long the person lived in Canada.
Allowance is a monthly allowance for spouses 60-64 years old of Old Age Security pensioners receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement. It is based on the combined income of the couple.
Allowance for the Survivor is a monthly allowance for widowed spouses 60-64 years of age, who have not remarried or entered a common-law relationship. It is based on limited or no income.
