Special Supports

Special Supports Program

The Special Supports Program provides a wide range of health related benefits to City residents living independently in the community to improve their quality of life, health, wellness, safety and self-sufficiency.

Please note Special Supports Program does not fund equipment, devices or services that have already been ordered or purchased. Do not order or purchase equipment prior to receiving funding approval.

Special Supports

Application Information

Who can apply

How to apply

Items that may be approved

Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients

Discuss your needs with your case manager. if you have any questions about the type of benefits that may be covered. A note from your doctor or registered health professional may be required. Request your benefits online at:
Special Supports benefits online application

Low income families, individuals or seniors who:

Are 18 years of age and older
Are a City of Hamilton resident
Do not receive Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Have a total family income below the current Statistics Canada Low-Income Measurement (LIM) for your family size

Special Supports benefits online application

Family Size	Income (after taxes)
1	$26,570
2	$37,576
3	$46,021
4	$53,140
5	$59,412
6	$65,083
7	$70,298
8	$75,151
9	$79,710
10	$84,022

The following individuals are not eligible for Special Supports Funding:

Sponsored immigrants
Those who have refugee status and covered under other programs
Those who are self-employed
Those who reside in homes for special care, hospital or in a chronic or long-term care facilities

Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients

OW/ODSP recipients who have an email address can request the needed items online at specialsupportsbenefits.hamilton.ca

Applying online lets you check the status of your request and get updates quickly and easily.

OW / ODSP recipients who do not have an email can apply by phone at 905-546-2590 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

Low income families or individuals

Low Income residents who have an email address can request the needed items online at specialsupportsbenefits.hamilton.ca

Applying online lets you check the status of your request and get updates quickly and easily.

The following supporting documents will be required to complete your application:

ID for every person in your household
Last year’s Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency, or a CRA Proof of Income Statement, for every adult family member
A letter of assessment from a healthcare professional

Low Income residents who do not have an email can apply using the paper application by completing the Request for Special Supports Benefits Funding application form(PDF, 466.66 KB).

A friend, family member or advocate working with the applicant may assist in the application process.
If applying with the paper application, the application must be signed and dated.
Applicants can also apply by phone at 905-546-2590 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

Mail or drop off your completed application with supporting documents to:

Special Supports Program
Ontario Works Mountain Office
1550 Upper James Street, Unit 14 A
Hamilton, Ontario L9B 2L6

Office Hours: 8:30 to 4:30 pm
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 905-546-2590
Fax: 905-546-2476

This section is currently under construction, please contact Special Supports at 905-546-2590 if you have any inquiries.

Date modified

September 11, 2023