Income Assistance

I had my one-on-one consultation with Wellspring’s Money Matters yesterday morning (thanks Ilene!) and was provided with even more information … at least I know I’m on the right track with CPP Disability and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) … whether I’m eligible or not is still an unknown.

I found the following page this morning as I’m sure I’m not the only one that finds all this information quite disconnected from each other: the Breast Cancer Network has a list of most of the places in Canada that offer financial assistance.

At least one (1) link that’s missing is the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation’s site: they offer a maximum of $1,000 up to four (4) times a year. Eligibility is quite stringent I’m told. This money is not a loan — it is emergency funding.

Ontario Works (previously Welfare) is also missing: OW has emergency funding and food available for those who earn less than $572 per month. Even if you are not eligible for OW, they allow anyone a “once in a lifetime” financial benefit. See “Definition of Assets” under Ontario Works Act.

Food Banks

Contact the Ontario Association of Food Banks for eligibility requirements in your area.

For a list of phone numbers in the Toronto area, see Social Planning Toronto’s web site for a listing of Food Banks.

I’m sure this information is still incomplete and if you are aware of any benefits or subsidies available for cancer patients not listed here, please let me and my readers know.

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