Canadian resource guides for individuals and families affected by primary immunodeficiency
Abstract
A diagnosis of immunodeficiency can be challenging for families as they navigate the emotional impact of this diagnosis, as well as the potential financial burden of treatment. For rare diseases such as primary immunodeficiency (PI), patients are often required to take a proactive role in managing their own care and may be engaged with health care providers who have minimal experience with PI disease. These providers may also have limited access to information on the resources available for this population. A review of the information available showed that a paucity of information existed for these families who were looking for appropriate resources related to their diagnosis. The PI Social Work Network was established in 2011 by Immunodeficiency Canada to develop a network of social workers across Canada who work with patients diagnosed with PI. This network has had a focus on support programs, education, and research. Resource guides were created by the network to support families by providing information on both provincial as well as national resources available. While these lists are not exhaustive, there is an attempt to keep them as up to date as possible. If additional psychosocial support would be beneficial or a family requires support accessing resources, they should be directed to their local hospital social worker, or they may contact Wendy Shama, MSW, RSW, at Immunodeficiency Canada.
Statement of novelty: National and provincial resources guides have been created for families and individuals affected by primary immunodeficiency.
National resources
Financial resources
Canada child benefit (CCB)
This is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The CCB might include the child disability benefit and any related provincial and territorial programs. The Canada Revenue Agency uses information from your income tax and benefit return to calculate how much your CCB payments will be. To get the CCB, you have to file your return every year, even if you did not have income during the year. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they also have to file a return every year.
Child disability benefit
If approved for the disability tax credit, you are automatically assessed for this benefit. You do not need to apply. This benefit is based on family income, is tax-free, and paid monthly for low to moderate income families caring for a child under the age of 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in mental or physical functions.
Disability tax credit (DTC)
The DTC is known as the “disability amount” on your income tax return. The DTC is a non-refundable credit that reduces the amount of income tax that a person with a disability, or their supporting person, might otherwise have to pay. The DTC is also used to determine eligibility for the Child Disability Benefit, an amount available under the Canada Child Tax Benefit for a child under 18 with a disability. To claim the DTC, a person must file a completed Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, signed by a qualified person. Forms are available at CRA offices, or by calling 1-800-959-2221; Forms can also be downloaded from the CRA Website.
Employment Insurance (EI) caregiving benefits and leave
Through EI, you could receive financial assistance of up to 55% of your earnings, to a maximum of $562 a week to provide care or support to a critically ill or injured person or someone needing end-of-life care. As a caregiver, you don’t have to be related to or live with the person you care for or support, but they must consider you to be like family.
There are 2 different types of Benefits:
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Family Caregiver Benefits for Children
Time off is needed to care for an ill child. Maximum weeks payable up to 35 weeks.
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Compassionate Care Benefits
End-of-life care is defined as providing care or support to a person who has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks. Maximum weeks payable up to 26 weeks.
Prerequisites:
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Your regular weekly earnings from work have decreased by more than 40% for at least 1 week because you need to take time away from work to provide care or support to the person. You accumulated 600 insured hours of work in the 52 weeks before the start of your claim, or since the start of your last claim, whichever is shorter.
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Medical Certificate from Physician is needed.
Caregiving credit
This is a tax credit that can be applied for when filing your current year tax return. The child must have a medical or physical infirmity and as a result of that infirmity is, and is likely to be for a long continued period of indefinite duration, dependent on others for significantly more assistance in attending to the child’s personal needs and care when compared to children of the same age.
Medical expenses tax credit
This applies to individuals who have significant medical expenses for themselves or their dependents. This is an income tax credit which is claimed when filing your current year tax return.
Programs and services
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada
Each Big Brother/Big Sister agency provides direct service to children by matching adults and children in quality mentoring relationships. Agency staff members are experts at screening volunteers and matching them with a child having similar interests.
Easter Seals Canada
Since 1922, Easter Seals has been leading the way to opportunities for Canadians with disabilities. Easter Seals operates as a network of provincially licensed members that deliver programs and services to Canadians with physical disabilities in their community.
Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF)
This is a national non-profit health organization dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of primary immune deficiency diseases through research and education. IDF is governed by a Board of Trustees, has an active Medical Advisory Committee comprised of prominent clinical immunologists, a nationwide volunteer support network, and a dedicated professional staff.
Jeffrey Modell Foundation—Friends of John for Life Kids Wish Fund
Friends of John for Life Kids Wish Fund is a special “set aside” fund by the Jeffrey Modell Foundation. The fund is designed simply to bring joy and happiness to the lives of kids with immune deficiencies. The fund sponsors tickets for sporting events, concerts, the theatre, days at the zoo, the circus and more. These funds are not for research, doctors, or administration.
Jordan’s Principle
Jordan’s Principle helps First Nations children living in Canada to access products, services, and supports that they need. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social, and educational needs
Make-A-Wish Canada
Children’s Wish/Make A Wish have merged as Make-A-Wish Canada. Their mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Their goal is to ensure that all experiences create lifelong memories for the wish child and believe that each wish experience should be as unique and special as the child who wished for it.
Children may only have ONE wish either through Make-A-Wish Canada or Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Medic Alert Foundation of Canada
Canada Medic Alert Foundation offers free medic alert bracelets to children across Canada. No Child Without includes a free medical identification bracelet and electronic health record with 24/7 access so that critical health information is quickly available during a medical emergency. MedicAlert memberships are for students (from age 4 to their 14th birthday) in select schools. (www.nochildwithout.ca), Membership Assistance Program ensures that any person with potentially life-threatening medical conditions can have access to services offered by MedicAlert, regardless of his/her ability to pay.
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
This is a federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare “orphan” diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service.
Primary Immunodeficiency Resource Center
This website is designed to be a central resource on primary immunodeficiency. Its goal is to allow researchers, scientists, physicians, government, industry, patients and their families to be able to access this information quickly, efficiently, and seamlessly.
Shine Through the Rain Foundation
This foundation helps families who have a child with a life-threatening illness.
The Rainy Day Fund provides emergency payments directly to the utility companies and landlords, as well as grocery gift cards & hospital transportation and parking costs. Shine Through The Rain also reviews special requests for consideration above and beyond the scope of services already covered.
Songs of Love
Songs of Love is a non-profit organization that provides personalized songs for children and young adults with a life threatening or chronic illness.
Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada
Starlight Children’s Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a world of difference for seriously ill children and their families. Starlight offers an array of in-hospital, out-patient, school, and home-based programs and services that help to brighten the lives of children and families facing serious illnesses.
Children may only have ONE wish either through Make-A-Wish Canada, or Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Transportation
Air Canada Kids Horizon Program
This program provides free flights for children and a caregiver traveling anywhere in Canada for clinic appointments. Please contact your local children’s hospital for availability. Families are responsible for taxes and fees.
Hope Air
Hope Air (formerly Mission Air) is a national Canadian charity that arranges free air transportation for Canadians that need to travel to non-emergency medical care outside of their home communities and cannot afford the flight costs. To make a flight request or for more information call the bilingual staff Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM EST or visit them at their website.
WIGS
A Child’s Voice—Angel Hair for Kids
Angel Hair for Kids provides wigs for eligible children who have hair loss due to chemotherapy, radiation, burns, or alopecia. This is a program through A Child’s Voice Foundation.
Wigs for Kids
This is a non-profit organization that provides hair replacement systems for eligible children 18 years or younger who have hair loss as a result of chemotherapy, alopecia, radiation treatments, burns, or other medical circumstances.
Immunodeficiency Canada
Emergency financial assistance
The Alastair Fund provides funding to families dealing with financial strain due to illness from a primary immunodeficiency. It is available to families with a child registered as a patient at: Alberta’s Children’s Hospital, British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital, Montreal’s Children’s Hospital, and Toronto Hospital for Sick Children. Families can access financial assistance for transportation, overnight stays, food, parking, and other critical needs. Families should talk to the Hospital Social Work Department to access this fund.
Publications
Immunodeficiency Canada strives to provide information that is relevant and up to date. Some materials are available in both English and French. Many materials are downloadable or print copies may be requested. Resources Guide for individuals and families affected by primary immunodeficiency include:
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What is primary immunodeficiency?
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10 Warning Signs
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Newsletters (current and past issues)
Social media
Individuals are invited to join others affected by primary immunodeficiency and stay up to date through social media. Look for Immunodeficiency Canada on Facebook, LinkedIn, and the YouTube Channel.
Social events
Immunodeficiency Canada sponsors and hosts events for families, adults, teens, and children to help break the isolation many individuals and families feel and build networks of mutual support. Kids’ picnics have been held in Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary organized in partnership through local health care facilities. In the Greater Toronto Area, meet and greet evenings for adults and fun-filled events for teens are organized each year.
Provincial resources—Alberta
Accommodation
Ronald McDonald House of Southern Alberta
111 West Campus Place NW Calgary, Alberta T3B 2R6 Phone: 403-240-3000
Dental
Recipients of Income Supports, Alberta Child Health Benefit, or the Alberta Adult Health Benefit may receive coverage for extraordinary dental work. Their dentist needs to provide information to the applicable program which will then send a claim through the ADSC via a Health Benefits Exception request.
Financial resources
Alberta Aids to Daily Living Program (A.A.D.L.)
This provides funding for some medical supplies and equipment and is available to all residents of Alberta. The cost share is A.A.D.L. 75% and the family 25%.
Edmonton: 780-427-0731, or toll free in Alberta: 310-0000, then 780-427-0731.
Alberta Adult Health Benefit/Alberta Child Health Benefit programs
Alberta Adult Health Benefit/Alberta Child Health Benefit programs are designed to assist families meet daily needs. Qualifying families may receive support for items such as prescription drugs, eye glasses, and diabetic supplies.
Edmonton: 780-427-6848 or 1-877-469-5437 (toll free province wide).
Alberta Works Housing and Utility support
Alberta Works Housing and Utility support offers Albertans access to emergency accommodation, transportation, and meals when criteria are met.
Edmonton: 780-644-5135 (available 24 hr/day, 7 days/wk). Across Alberta: 1-866-644-5135
Community Key
Community Key helps families with children that are seriously-ill or critically-injured that spend a lot of time in hospital. They help with up to 2 months of mortgage support (or up to $2000).
Eye See…Eye Learn Program
This program was initiated by the Alberta Association of Optometrists. Children in Kindergarten are eligible to receive free glasses and frames. 1-855-424-ESEL (3735)
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
The FSCD program uses a family-centered approach to provide parents with funding to access a range of supports and services that strengthen their ability to promote their child’s healthy growth and development. In addition, FSCD assists with some of the extraordinary costs of raising a child with a disability. Services are available to eligible children with disabilities and their families until the child turns 18 years old.
Hope for Kids (Mountain View country)
Hope 4 MVC Kids is a charity that provides families with children with a medical diagnosis who live in Mountain View County assistance with expenses including meals, transportation, medical equipment, accommodation, and various bills.
Request for a health benefit exception
Parents/guardians, who receive the Alberta Adult or Child Health Benefit and have a child that has been prescribed a medication that is not listed on the Health and Wellness Drug Benefit List, should refer to instructions pertaining to submitting a “Request for Drugs and Nutritional Products” form. Parents/guardians and the prescribing physician are required to complete forms that are sent for review by the Health Benefit Review Committee. Requests for Prescribed infant formula and special diet items may also be considered for funding using these forms.
Programs and services
Calgary Immigrant Aid Society
“Established in 1977 as the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society, for the past 30 years we have helped over 250 000 immigrants settle into their new life and home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. As one of Calgary’s most comprehensive immigrant serving agencies, our focus is on the individual and families first, providing a sense of community and connection”.
9107 Ave SW,
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3N8
Phone: 403-265-1120
Children’s Link Society
Children’s Link Society is a family-centered, community-based, central access point of information for families of children with special needs in Calgary and Area. The Children’s Link Society provides drop-in and phone support in walking through steps of transition.
Suite 245, 720—28th Street N.E, Calgary, Alberta T2A 6R3
Phone: 403-230-9158
Jamie’s Preschool
Jamie’s Preschool provides a safer haven for immune-compromised children and their siblings. The program aims at keeping children who are immune-compromised, healthy, active, and engaged.
Unit 1, 3303 Capitol Hill Cres. NW Calgary, Alberta T2M 2R2
Phone: 403-808-2296
Pace Kids
Pace Kids is a family-focused program and strives to offer excellence in the treatment of children with special needs, emphasizing an intra-disciplinary direct treatment approach. This program is funded by Family Support for Children with Disability (FSCD).
#112 5211 MacLeod Trail S, Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J3
Phone: 403-234-7876
British Columbia
Accommodation
Ronald McDonald House British Columbia
4567 Heather Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 0C9
Phone: 604-736-2957
Fax: 604-736-5974
Easter Seals House
Easter Seals House in Vancouver provides a low-cost place to stay for more than 100 parents and children every night. For more information:
3981 Oak St
Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 4H5
Phone: 604-736-3475
Reservations only: 1-800-818-3666
Financial resources
BC Family Residence Program
This is a program through The Ministry of Health providing accommodation assistance to enable families to stay together when their child requires medical care at BC Children’s Hospital or Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children. Enhanced travel assistance is also provided through improved ground transportation for children and air transportation for patients of all ages.
BC PharmaCare
BC PharmaCare helps BC residents with the cost of eligible prescription drugs and certain medical supplies. It provides access to drug therapy through several drug plans. The largest is the income based Fair PharmaCare plan which is passed on your family’s net income. It is available to single people or to families. Your coverage is updated on January 1 of every year based on your current income information.
Friends of Children
Friends of Children is a registered charity providing free and confidential service to Northern BC and East Kootenay families travelling to access medical treatments for their children. Their goal is to relieve emotional and financial strain by assisting with the fuel, accommodation and meal costs associated with these appointments, surgeries, and consultations. They may also be able to assist with therapies and specialized equipment related to a child’s medical condition.
Variety, Children’s Charity
This provides grants for equipment, medical/therapeutic supplies, specialized therapy, dental/orthodontic treatment, and bursaries for tuition/tutoring/summer camp. They also provide emergency grants to assist with funding to access medical care, supplies, accommodation, transportation, prescriptions, ambulance bills, formula, and breast pumps. The child must be under 19 years, be a BC resident for a minimum of 3 months, have a qualified special need (medical, physical, developmental, cognitive, social, psychiatric, emotional), and be in financial need.
Manitoba
Accommodation
Ronald McDonald House Manitoba
566 Bannatyne Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 0G7
Phone: 204-774-4777
Will’s Place
Will’s Place are maintained 2 bedroom fully furnished apartments for families with children undergoing bone marrow transplant. Referral needed by the bone marrow transplant team.
Financial resources
Children’s Hospital Research Foundation
Children’s Hospital Research Foundation is a registered charity that helps with the purchase of equipment, support programs and fund medical research.
Daniel Lee Dorward Compassionate Fund for SickKids
This is a charity of last resort, designed to help families cope with the day-to-day and extraordinary costs of having a child who has a chronic and (or) life-threatening illness. Social Workers at Winnipeg Children’s Hospital refer families after all other resources have been exhausted. Assistance from this fund reduces some of the financial stress associate with having a seriously ill child.
Employment and Income Assistance
Employment and Income Assistance provides financial help to Manitobans who have no other way to support themselves or their families. For people who are able to work, EIA will help them go back to work by providing supports to employment.
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and North Western Ontario
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and North Western Ontario supports, promotes and fosters programs for the benefit of both children and adults that are in need of assistance that live in the communities throughout Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. They assist with 3 areas; (i) non-medical costs as set forth by Foundation guidelines which would include modest accommodations, meal allowance and necessary ground transportation and for medication cost over and above those not covered by the present health care system, (ii) non-medical costs for treatment not available in the province, and (iii) costs to purchase specialized equipment for the physically challenged.
Pharmacare
Pharmacare is a drug benefit program for eligible Manitobans, regardless of disease or age, whose income is seriously affected by high prescription drug costs. Pharmacare coverage is based on both your total family income and the amount you pay for eligible prescription drugs. The total family income is adjusted to include a spouse and the number of dependents, if applicable. Each year you are required to pay a portion of the cost of your eligible prescription drugs. This amount is your annual Pharmacare deductible. Pharmacare sets your deductible based on your adjusted family income.
Variety Manitoba
Variety Manitoba provides special needs program funding for children from newborn to their 18th birthday who are residents of Manitoba. The Special Need qualifies in the category of medical, physical, developmental, cognitive, social, and emotional as recognized by a designated professional and (or) where the family is unable to financially afford the item, service, or therapy required.
Westman Dreams for Kids
Westman Dreams for Kids is a non-profit, local registered organization dedicated to helping kids in the Westman area who are affected by a serious illness.
New Brunswick
Financial resources
East Coast Fund
East Coast Fund is accessed by a social worker at SickKids Hospital for families from the East Coast undergoing bone marrow transplant in Toronto. It can assist with expenses related to travel and stay in Toronto. Connect with a SickKids social worker for application to this fund.
Family Supports for Children with Disabilities
Family Supports for Children with Disabilities provides social work support and financial resources to families to assist with the care and support required to meet the special developmental needs of their child with disability.
Fuel the Care
Fuel the Care provides a fuel gift cards to parents who must frequently travel to provide their children with urgent medical care. This program is for families in Atlantic Canada and New England.
The New Brunswick Drug Plan
The New Brunswick Drug Plan is a prescription drug plan that provides drug coverage for uninsured New Brunswick residents who have an active Medicare card. Any New Brunswick resident who has questions about the New Brunswick Drug Plan may call the information line toll free at 1-855-540-7325, email [email protected] and may view the list of eligible drugs covered by the New Brunswick Drug Plan by visiting the New Brunswick Drug Plans Formulary.
The New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program
The New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program provides prescription drug benefits to eligible residents of New Brunswick. Information on the eligible beneficiary groups is outlined at:
Moncton Lion’s Sick Kids Fund
Moncton Lion’s Sick Kids Fund can provide assistance with Travel (for medically referred travel out of town), Prescription Drug Assistance, Medical Equipment, and other support. Children qualify for assistance up until their 19th birthday.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Accommodation
Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland & Labrador
P.O. Box 28091
St. John’s, Newfoundland A1B 1X0
Phone: 709-738-0000
Financial resources
East Coast Fund
East Coast Fund is accessed by a social worker at SickKids Hospital for families from the East Coast undergoing bone marrow transplant in Toronto. It can assist with expenses related to travel and stay in Toronto. Connect with a SickKids social worker for application to this fund.
Fuel the Care
Fuel the Care provides a fuel gift cards to parents who must frequently travel to provide their children with urgent medical care. This program is for families in Atlantic Canada and New England.
Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program
Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program provides assistance in the purchase of pharmaceuticals, and some related medical supplies to residents who qualify for benefit coverage. The focus of the program is that residents of the province should not be denied access to health care because of financial need.
Special Assistance Program
Special Assistance Program—Medical equipment and supplies provides basic medical supplies and equipment to assist with activities of daily living for individuals living in the community who meet the eligibility criteria for the program. Benefits of the program include: medical supplies (such as dressings, catheters and incontinent supplies), oxygen and related equipment and supplies, Orthotics such as braces and burn garments, and Equipment such as wheelchairs, commodes or walkers.
Special Child Welfare Allowance Program
Special Child Welfare Allowance Program provides assistance with the cost of services/supports to families with a child (under the age of 18 years) who has a physical or intellectual disability living at home. The assistance is designed to enable families to purchase items and (or) services which are necessary due to the child’s disability. The amount of monthly assistance for each family is determined through financial need.
Transportation
The Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP)
MTAP Program provides financial assistance to beneficiaries of the Medical Care Plan (MCP) who incur substantial out-of-pocket travel costs to access specialized insured medical services which are not available in their immediate area of residence and (or) within the Province. Claimable expenses include airfare, accommodations purchased from a registered accommodations provider, such as a hostel, hotel, motel and (or) registered apartment, scheduled busing services, and taxis when used in conjunction with commercial air travel.
Nova Scotia
Accommodation
Ronald McDonald House Atlantic Canada
1133 Tower Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y7
Phone: 902-429-4044
Halifax Haven
5897 Inglis Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 1K7
Canada
Phone: 902-421-1650
A non-profit organization through the Mennonite Church that provides accommodation for patients while they undergo treatment in Halifax. Shared guest home. Donation of $40 per day, if possible. A continental breakfast is provided on-site.
Military Families may be able to access emergency accommodation support through the Military Family Resource Centre.
Financial resources
Fuel the Care
Fuel the Care provides a fuel gift card to assist with a portion of fuel cost to eligible family members who must frequently travel more than 100 km from home to provide their child with urgent medical care and who are not receiving other funding for transportation. This program is for families in Atlantic Canada. It can be accessed through the IWK Health Centre Social Work Department; however, it is subject to availability.
Local Service Clubs
Local Service Clubs also provide support including local chapters of Lion’s, Elk’s and Kinsmen Clubs. Contact your local service club through websites, telephone book, or personal contacts.
Out-of-Province Travel & Accommodation Assistance
Out-of-Province Travel & Accommodation Assistance provides funds to individuals who are approved to travel out of province for insured medical care that is not available in Nova Scotia. The policy provides a maximum of $1000 in travel assistance (round trip) and $125 per night up to $1500 per month in accommodation assistance. This provides assistance for short term stays. If a longer term stay is anticipated, patients are encouraged to seek longer term accommodations, such as apartment rental.
Pharmacare options for Nova Scotia
Income assistance (IA)
For families that collect IA, the cost of approved medications is a $5 “co-pay”. If there are more than 3 medications per child, the co-pay can be waived by IA. Over-the-counter medications (like Tylenol or Advil) may be covered with a letter from your doctor (submitted to IA) stating the reason this medication is needed, dosage required, how long it is needed, and the monthly cost.
Family Pharmacare
All Nova Scotia families are eligible for this program as well as single adults over age 18. The Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program is a provincial drug insurance plan designed to help Nova Scotians with the cost of their prescription drugs. The Program offers protection against drug costs for families who have no drug coverage or if the cost of the prescription drugs becomes a financial burden to them.
This coverage can be paired with private health insurance (eg. Blue Cross, Great West Life) when co-payment amounts are high or when pre-existing conditions aren’t covered.
Low income Pharmacare for children and youth
Children under 18 whose parents collect the NS portion of the Child Tax Benefit (usually requires income less than $25 000 year) are eligible for this program.
All approved medications cost $5. For more information, call: 1-866-424-1269
Direct family support for children
This program is for children with severe intellectual or physical disabilities.
All medications and over-the-counter drugs can be covered for children in the program with a letter from your doctor.
Condition-specific and palliative care/end of life coverage
Certain health conditions have specific coverage available to families. Coverage may be available for palliative care and end of life symptom management or for patients with unique health conditions.
Ontario
Accommodation
Ronald McDonald House Toronto
240 McCaul St.
Toronto, Ontario M5T 1L1
Phone: 416-977-0458
Dental services
Children in Need of Dental Program (CINOT)
CINOT is a program through the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and provides dental coverage for children from birth to Grade 8 or their 14th birthday.
For more information call the INFO line:
Phone: 1-866-532-3161
TTY: 1-800-387-5559
Hours of operation: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Healthy Smiles Ontario
This is a government-funded dental program that provides free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services for children and youth 17 years old and under from low-income households.
The program includes regular visits to a licensed dental provider and covers the costs of treatment including:Who is eligible:
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check-ups
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cleaning
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fillings (for a cavity)
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X-rays
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scaling
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tooth extraction
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urgent or emergency dental care (including treatment of a child’s toothache or tooth pain)
Children are automatically eligible for Healthy Smiles Ontario if they or their family receive:Children are eligible for the program if they:
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Ontario Works
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Temporary Care Assistance
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Ontario Disability Support Program
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Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
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Are 17 years of age and under
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live in Ontario
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are from low income families
Financial resources
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)
The ACSD program provides financial assistance to parents to help with the extraordinary cost related to their child’s severe disability. This program is for low to moderate income families. A qualifying family will receive no less than $25 per month to no more than $500 per month to assist with expenses related to illness. In addition, the child will receive drug and dental coverage.
Ministry of Children and Youth Services Client Services Unit
900 Bay Street, M1-57 Macdonald Block, Toronto, Ontario M7A 1R3
Toll Free: 1-866-821-7770
TTY: 1-800-387-5559
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
This program provides funding assistance towards equipment and supplies for people with long-term physical disabilities who need personalized assistive devices. The majority of receipts will receive 75% coverage, and those on Ontario Works or receiving Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities receive 100% coverage. Examples are medical supplies, mobility devices, prosthetics, orthotics, sensory devices, and diabetes supplies.
Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation
The Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation assists children who are seriously ill, are 21 years of age or under, and whose permanent residence is in Ontario. Family income impacts on assistance decisions. The Foundation will consider requests for assistance in the following areas as they are related to the child’s illness:
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Emergency financial relief
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Respite for a pre-determined period of time
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Developmental therapies (excluding Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment) Educational programs, materials, instruction
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Specially adapted computer equipment and software
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Medical treatments not covered by government health plans or insurance Recreation that promotes a child’s involvement in the community.
Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation
10800 Concession 5
Uxbridge, Ontario L9P 1R1
Phone: 905-852-1799
Easter Seals Incontinence Supplies Grant
The program is for children and youth between the ages of 3–18 years of age with a chronic disability resulting in irreversible incontinence lasting longer than 6 months. Some children under the age of 3 may be eligible for funding depending on their diagnosis. The application must be completed and signed by a medical physician licensed to practice in Ontario. The child must be a resident of Ontario and hold a valid Ontario health card.
For more information on the incontinence supplies grant contact:
Julianna Phen
Easter Seals Ontario
One Concorde Gate, Suite 700
Toronto, Ontario M3C 3N6
Phone: 1-800-668-6252 ext 314
Special Services at Home (SSAH)
This program helps families who are caring for a child with a developmental or physical disability, as well as adults with a developmental disability. It helps families pay for special services in the home or outside the family home as long as the child is not receiving support from a residential program.
Ministry of Children and Youth Services Client Services Unit
900 Bay Street, M1-57 Macdonald Block Toronto,
Ontario M7A 1R3
Toll Free: 1-866-821-7770
TTY: 1-800-387-5559
Trillium Drug Program (TDP)
The Trillium Drug Program (TDP) is for people who spend approximately 3%–4% or more of their after-tax household income on prescription-drug costs. The incomes of TDP household members under age 25 would still be factored into the household deductible calculation. However, any medications funded through OHIP+ (for children and youth that do not have coverage through a private plan) do not contribute towards the household’s TDP deductible, as they are not considered out-of-pocket expenses.
For more information:
P.O. Box 337, Station D
Etobicoke, Ontario M9A 4X3
Phone: 416-642-3038
Fax: 416-642-3034
Toll-Free: 1-800-575-5386
Email: [email protected]
Programs and services
Child Development Institute
Child Development Institute offers a wide range of programs and services for children aged 0–12 and their families. In some programs they are able to remain connected with children up to age 18. In all programs the commitment is to strengthen families and promote healthy child development.
For all general inquiries, please contact the main office at:
Child Development Institute
197 Euclid Ave.
Toronto, Ontario M6J 2J8
Phone: 416-603-1827
Fax: 416-603-6655
Email: [email protected]
Ontario Early Years Centres
Ontario Early Years Centres are places where parents and caregivers can: take part with their children in a range of programs and activities, get answers to questions, get information about programs and services that are available for young children, talk to early years professionals, as well as other parents and caregivers in the community. If you have a question about your child’s development, or want to know how to get information or services for children up to the age of 6, please call or visit your Ontario Early Years Centre in your community.
For a complete list of locations, call the INFO line:
Toll-free: 1-866-821-7770
TTY: 1-800-387-5559
Ontario Early Years
Respites services
Enhanced Respite Care
This is a grant to help families caring for a medically fragile child who depends on a technological device, and (or) requires care all day and night, including frequent or time-consuming caregiver intervention and monitoring on a 24 hour basis. Eligibility is determined by the local Community Care Access Center (CCAC).
Transportation
Accessible Parking Permit
This permit entitles a vehicle to be parked in a designated “accessible parking” space.
An accessible parking permit will be issued to an individual if one of the following eligibility criteria apply:
•
Cannot walk without assistance of another person or a brace, cane, crutch, a lower limb prosthetic device or similar assistive device or who requires the assistance of a wheelchair.
•
Suffers from lung disease to such an extent that forced expiratory volume in 1 second is <1 L.
•
Portable oxygen is a medical necessity.
•
Cardiovascular disease impairment classified as Class III or Class IV to standards accepted by the American Heart Association or Class III or IV according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Standard.
•
Severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, musculoskeletal or orthopaedic condition.
•
Visual acuity is 20/200 or poorer in the better eye with or without corrective lenses or whose greatest diameter of the field of vision in both eyes is 20° or less.
•
Condition(s) or functional impairment that severely limits his or her mobility.
OHIP+
OHIP+ makes more than 4400 drug products free for anyone age 24 years or younger who is not covered by a private plan. Anyone 24 years and under who has OHIP coverage and is not covered by a private plan is covered by OHIP+. You do not have to enroll or register to access OHIP+ coverage.
OHIP+ coverage will stop on your 25th birthday or if you become covered by a private plan, but you may qualify for other financial help with prescription drug costs.
If you have coverage through a private plan, but your household still has significant out-of-pocket costs, you can apply for additional financial support through the Trillium Drug Program. The Trillium Drug Program is available to all OHIP-insured Ontarians who have high prescription drug costs compared to their household income.
Exceptional Access Program
The Exceptional Access Program (EAP) provides patients access to drugs not listed on the ODB Formulary, or where no listed alternative is available. In this case, you can get help paying for it when you qualify for the Exceptional Access Program. Children and youth with no private plan and an approved EAP request are fully covered for the cost of their medications under OHIP+.
If you have immediate questions or concerns regarding the EAP please contact [email protected].
Northern Travel Grant
Travel grants are funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to help defray the transportation costs for eligible residents of Northern Ontario who must travel long distances within Ontario or to Manitoba to receive medically needed insured specialty services that are not available locally.
For more information, contact Ministry INFO line:
1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)
TTY: 1-800-387-5559
To download a copy of the application visit:
Prince Edward Island
Financial resources
East Coast Fund
East Coast Fund is accessed by a social worker at SickKids Hospital for families from the East Coast undergoing bone marrow transplant in Toronto. It can assist with expenses related to travel and stay in Toronto. Connect with a SickKids social worker for application to this fund.
The Catastrophic Drug Program
The Catastrophic Drug Program provides assistance to Islanders whose eligible prescription drug costs are affecting their household’s ability to maintain life essentials. Through this new program Islanders will have their annual out-of-pocket drug costs for eligible prescription medications capped at an amount not exceeding a set percentage of their household income, referred to as “household cap”.
Family Health Benefit Drug Program
Family Health Benefit Drug Program covers approved prescription medications for children under 18 and dependent students who are still registered as a full-time student and under the age of 25. Coverage is dependent on income level and number of dependents.
Financial Assistance Drug Program
In Prince Edward Island, eligible Islanders and families with a valid PEI Health Card can get help to pay for prescription drugs. There are several drug programs that can save you money. You may qualify based on your age, health condition and (or) income.
High Cost Drug Program
High Cost Drug Program provides assistance to Islanders for the purchase of approved high cost drugs. All medications have specific medical criteria that must be met before coverage will be approved.
AccessAbility Supports
The Disability Support Program has expanded and is now called AccessAbility Supports. New supports offer more and better assistance to Islanders living with disabilities. Support is provided in the following 5 areas; Personal Support, Housing Support, Community Support, Caregiver Support, and Financial Support.
Transportation
The Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP)
The MTAP provides financial assistance to beneficiaries of the Medical Care Plan (MCP) who incur substantial out-of-pocket travel costs to access specialized insured medical services which are not available in their immediate area of residence and (or) within the Province. Claimable expenses include airfare, accommodations purchased from a registered accommodations provider, such as a hostel, hotel, motel and (or) registered apartment, scheduled busing services, and taxis when used in conjunction with commercial air travel.
Quebec
Accommodation
Ronald McDonald House Montreal
5800 Hudson Road
Montreal, Quebec H3S 2G5
Phone: 514-731-2871
Financial resources
Medication Plan
For families that do not have private drug coverage, this public provides free medication for children under the age of 18 years.
Sun Youth/Jeunesse au Soleil
4251 Saint-Urbain, Montreal
Quebec, Canada H2W 1V6
Supplement of the handicapped child
This provides financial assistance for families to help with the care and education of a handicapped child. The handicap must significantly limit the child in carrying out daily activities for a period expected to last for at least 1 year. It provides non-taxable $185 a month, for all children who meet the eligibility criteria.
APIQ—Association des Patients Immunodéficients du Québec
APIQ is a non-profit organization comprised of patients with immunodeficiencies and patients with hereditary angioedema, their families, and health professionals concerned with these diseases. Their mission is to contribute to improving the health and quality of life for people with immune deficiencies.
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank and acknowledge Social Workers from the PI Social Work Network that contributed to their respective Provincial Guides; Susan Ng, MSW, RSW, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Laurie Weir, MSW, RSW, BC Children’s Hospital, Cindy Falconer, BA, BSW, Winnipeg Health Science Center, Jacklynn Pidduck, MSW, RSW, IWK Health Centre, Linda Blanchette, MSW, Social Worker, Montreal Children’s Hospital, Geneviève Rabouin, BSW, Social Worker, Sainte-Justine’s Hospital & Suzanne Laplante, BSW, Social Worker, Sainte-Justine’s Hospital.
Content statement
The descriptions of the programs and resources within this document are provided directly from the websites/links cited.
Disclaimer
Information in the pages of the Canadian resource guides for individuals and families affected by primary immunodeficiency are of a general nature, are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be relied on by readers as advice in any particular matter. The information is believed to be accurate and complete, but the Immunodeficiency Canada cannot guarantee that it will remain accurate or complete or that it will be current at all times. Immunodeficiency Canada is not responsible for direct, indirect, special or consequential damages, howsoever caused, arising out of the use of this Resource for individuals and families affected by primary immunodeficiency.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
LymphoSign Journal
Volume 8 • Number 1 • March 2021
Pages: 19 - 33
History
Received: 23 February 2021
Accepted: 24 February 2021
Accepted manuscript online: 25 February 2021
Copyright
© 2021.
Authors
Funding Information
This resource guide is compiled by Immunodeficiency Canada with generous support from Grifols and Takeda.
Metrics & Citations
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Citations
Cite As
WendyShama. 2021. Canadian resource guides for individuals and families affected by primary immunodeficiency. LymphoSign Journal.
8(1): 19-33. https://doi.org/10.14785/lymphosign-2021-0015
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