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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
