Financial assistance from insurance benefits
Depending on what kind of private insurance you have, you may be eligible for financial support from your policy.
For more information about insurance, visit our page on types of insurance that may be able to help with recovery and rehabilitation costs
Financial assistance from work
Please note: depending on your employer and the circumstances surrounding your injury, you may not be eligible or entitled to financial assistance from an employer.
Employee healthcare benefits and disability benefits
Depending on your workplace, you may have access to healthcare plans that you have either been paying into or have been provided by your company. Coverage through company healthcare plans vary so you will need to check with your employer and look at your policy. Healthcare plans commonly cover services such as prescriptions and some therapies.
If your employer pays for disability insurance, you may have partial salary coverage if you can’t work because of your brain injury. You will need to speak with your employer about what coverage there may be and how to make a claim.
Canada workers benefit
The Canada workers benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit for eligible low-income individuals/families in the workforce. Part of the CWB is a disability supplement for those with an approved Disability Tax Credit certificate .
Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit
This program is designed for First Nations and Inuit individuals to provide coverage for health benefits that are not covered through social programs, private insurance plans, and provincial/territorial health insurance.
Health services covered under the Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit program include:
- Vision care
- Dental care
- Mental health counselling
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
- Medical transportation
You are eligible for this benefit if you are a resident of Canada and if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You are a First Nations person who is registered under the Indian Act
- You are an Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization
A child may also be eligible if they are less than 18 months old and their parent is a registered First Nations person or a recognized Inuk .
- Benefits and services under the Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit program
- How to make a claim under the Non-Insured Health benefits for First Nations and Inuit program
Renovation funding
If your home needs renovations in order to accommodate your changed abilities, there are some renovation grants available. Please note you may not be eligible for certain programs.
Excise gasoline tax refund
The Government of Canada offers a partial refund of the federal excise tax on gasoline you buy if you are not able to safely use public transportation due to a permanent mobility impairment.
- The PDF (view only) form and the PDF fillable/saveable form for the Application for Refund of Federal Excise Tax on Gasoline
- Order an alternate format (digital audio, electronic text, Braille, and large print) of the form XE8 Application for Refund of Federal Excise Tax on Gasoline
Education funding for persons with disabilities
Education comes with its own set of challenges when coping with a brain injury, including finances. The Government of Canada offers a few different programs to help students of any age with their education.
- Grants for students with permanent disabilities – this program provides financial assistance for students with a permanent disability enrolled at a designated post-secondary school.
- Grant for services and equipment – this is a grant for students with permanent disabilities and goes towards tuition, textbooks and accommodation fees.
- Canada student loans program – severe permanent disability benefit
Child disability benefit
The child disability benefit is a tax-free monthly payment made to families with a child under 18 who has a severe and prolonged mental or physical impairment.
For more information on available sources of financial assistance, use this federal and provincial/territorial Benefits Finder.
Resources
- Government of Canada disability benefits overview
- A breakdown of federal and provincial/territorial disability benefits from the Government of Canada
- A presentation on financial cost recovery strategies for families impacted by Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): Identifying accessible financial supports for ABI affected families
Ordering forms from the Government of Canada
The Government of Canada offers alternate formats of its forms and publications for people with disabilities. These formats include digital audio (MP3), electronic text, Braille, and large print. To fulfill your order, you will need to know the form or publication number, title, and revision year.
