13 Government Programs To Know

To Help Manage Aging

Many programs, resources, tax credits and services exist in Canada and in Quebec. Facts and options are ever changing and despite their variety, finding out about what’s available and how to access them is anything but obvious.

We scan, come across and regularly update this list. Register (email) to receive updates or bookmark this page and come back regularly to keep informed.

Tax Credit for Home-Support Services for Seniors

Crédit d’impôt pour le maintien à domicile des aîné

  • Who it’s for: Quebec residents aged 70 or older
  • How it works: Refundable tax credit for expenses related to home care services
  • Amount: Up to $6,600/year per person
  • Eligible expenses include:Housekeeping, meal preparation, laundryPersonal care (bathing, grooming), nursing services
  • Remote monitoring
  • Automatic reduction for higher incomes over $65,135/year (2025 threshold)
  • How to apply: Claimed in your annual tax return (Revenu Québec), or you can apply for advance payments during the year.

Revenu Quebec Info Page

Shelter Allowance Program (Allocation-logement)

Offered by: Revenu Québec & Société d’habitation du Québec

  • Who it’s for: Seniors aged 50+, individuals, or couples with low income
  • Amount: Up to $170/month
  • Eligibility criteria: Low income (under a certain threshold), Spending too much of income on rent or home ownership costs
  • Can be combined with other tax credits

Apply Here

Revenu Québec Medical Expense Tax Credit

  • Who it’s for: All Quebec residents, including caregivers and seniors
  • Eligible expenses include: Home nursing, personal care, specialized equipment, certain renovations (like installing a walk-in tub or stairlift)
  • Non-refundable, reduces your taxes owed
  • Can be claimed by a caregiver for a dependent senior

Medical Expenses List

Federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

Offered by: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

  • Who it’s for: People with a severe and prolonged disability
  • Amount: Up to $1,300 federal + $1,200 Quebec in non-refundable credits
  • Must be certified by a doctor (e.g., dementia, mobility issues)
  • Can be transferred to a caregiver if the senior has no taxable income

DTC info

Federal Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC)

  • Who it’s for: People supporting a spouse or dependent with a physical or mental disability
  • Amount: Up to $7,999 (2025) in non-refundable credits
  • Can be claimed for elderly parents even if they don’t live with you

Canada Caregiver Credit

Home Adaptation Program (PAD) – Quebec

Programme d’adaptation de domicile (PAD)

Offered by: Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ)

  • Who it’s for: Seniors with a permanent disability or loss of mobility
  • What it covers: Grants to adapt a home (e.g., ramps, widened doors, grab bars)
  • Amount: Up to $16,000+ depending on work and needs

PAD program info

GST/HST Credit (Federal)

Offered by: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

  • Who it’s for: Low-income individuals and seniors
  • Automatic if you file your taxes
  • Paid quarterly

Advance Payments of the Home-Support Tax Credit

Offered by: Revenu Québec

  • Optional: Receive monthly payments instead of waiting for a tax return
  • Useful for private residence for seniors (RPA) or home care
  • Apply online or with form TPZ-1029.MD.7

Advance payments info

Tax Credit for Respite of Caregivers (Quebec)

Crédit d’impôt pour le répit à l’intention des proches aidants

Offered by: Revenu Québec

  • Who it’s for: Caregivers paying for respite services (e.g., home help, adult day programs)
  • Amount: Up to $1,250 per year
  • Requires proof of expenses

Details here

Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) & Old Age Security (OAS)

Not tax credits, but key sources of income for seniors:

  • QPP: Based on your contributions during working years
  • OAS: Monthly payment from the federal government (starts at 65)
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): Additional income for low-income senior

Other Regional/Municipal Programs

Not tax credits, but key sources of income for seniors:

  • Reduced property taxes for seniors
  • Free or reduced public transportation
  • Community programs (meals on wheels, transport assistance)

Check your local CLSC or municipal services office for regional aid

Public Coverage (RAMQ – Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec)

Home Care Services via the CLSC (public system)

Provided by the CIUSSS/CISSS network through local CLSCs (Centre local de services communautaires)

Covered services include:

  • Nursing care (e.g., dressing wounds, injections)
  • Personal hygiene assistance (bathing, grooming)
  • Help with medication
  • Occupational therapy / Physiotherapy (some services)
  • Social work and psychosocial support
  • Palliative care at home

Who qualifies:

  • People with chronic illness, loss of autonomy, post-hospitalization, or disability
  • Services are based on an individual assessment by a CLSC nurse or caseworker

Cost:

  • Free, but services may be limited or have wait times
  • Not meant for 24/7 care or extensive personal care

Your local CLSC or CIUSSS/CISSS to apply