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
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
| Family Size | Income Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $28,863 |
| 2 | $40.818 |
| 3 | $49,992 |
| 4 | $57,726 |
| 5 | $64,540 |
| 6 | $70,700 |
| 7 | $76,364 |
| 8 | $81,637 |
| 9 | $86,589 |
| 10 | $91,273 |
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
Clients in receipt of Ontario Works may be eligible for the items listed below. A prescription or note from a doctor or medical professional will be required when you apply.
- Adult Day Program
- Air Conditioner (applications accepted June 01 – September 30 only)
- Assessment Fees
- Wheeled mobility devices
- Low vision
- Bath and Toilet Aids
- Bath / shower chairs
- Bath transfer bench
- Bath transfer board
- Handheld Shower Kit
- Grab Bars
- Commodes
- Raised Toilet Seats
- Superpole
- Versa frame
- Bed & Furniture Accessories
- Allergy Covers
- Bed rails
- Furniture Risers
- Seat Lumbar Supports
- Mattress overlays
- Superpole
- Orthopaedic pillows
- Breast Pumps
- Compression Stockings
- Dentures
- Dentures
- Denture repairs and additions
- Dental
- Dental services are available without application by presenting your OW Eligibility Card to your dentist
- Diabetic Supplies
- Emergency Response System
- Telephone Service for Victims of Domestic Violence
- Eye Glasses
- Eyeglasses and eyeglass repairs
- Glucometers
- Hearing Aids
- Hearing aids
- Batteries
- Repairs
- Hospital Beds
- Hospital Beds and Mattresses
- Hospital Bed Repairs
- Incontinence Supplies
- Infant / Child Care
- Car Seats and Boosters
- Crib / Mattress
- Layettes and Baby Supplies are available but do not require an application. OW clients should discuss with their case worker
- Mastectomy Items
- Mastectomy Bras
- Medical Devices
- Aero chamber
- Audio visual alert system
- BIPAP Apnea Monitor Repairs
- Blood pressure monitor
- CPAP Machine Supplies and Repairs
- Pulse Oximeter
- SAD Lights
- TENS Machine and Supplieso Medicalert bracelet
- Medical Supplies
- Braces, Splints, Supports
- Colostomy Supplies
- Ileostomy Supplies
- Urostomy Supplies
- Medical Travel
- Taxi to/from medical appointments
- Senior bus pass for medical travel
- Overnight medical travel
- Mobility Aids
- Canes
- Crutches
- Standard Walkers (no wheels only)
- Wheelchairs & Wheeled Walker Rentals
- Mobility Aid Batteries
- Mobility Aid Repairs
- Orthopaedic Custom Footwear (for person with severe foot deformity)
- Orthotics
- Prosthesis
- Artificial Eyes
- Mastectomy bras
- Prosthesis Limb (ADP top up only)
- Prosthesis Limb Supplies
- Prosthesis Repairs
- Respiratory Supplies & Equipment Repairs
- Respiratory Supplies
- Repairs to CPAP Machine
- Repairs to Apnea Monitors
- Vaporizers (not cannabis vaporizers)
- Wigs
Clients of the Ontario Disability Support Program may be eligible for the items listed below by contacting their ODSP case worker directly.
- AlertMaster (visual alert for hearing impaired)
- Assessment Fees for Wheeled Mobility Device
- Bath and Toilet Aids
- Bath / shower chairs
- Bath transfer bench
- Bath transfer board
- Handheld Shower Kit
- Commodes
- Raised Toilet Seats
- Superpole
- Versa frame
- Ostomy Supplies
- Dental
- Dental Services for dependants of ODSP Clients
- ODSP clients can use their health card to get dental service from their dentist
- Diabetic Supplies
- Eye Glasses
- Eyeglasses
- Eyeglass repairsrosthesis Limbs and Supplies
ODSP Clients may be eligible for the items listed below by applying to the Special Support Program. A prescription or note from a doctor or medical professional will be required when you apply.
- Adult Day Program
- Air Conditioner
- Bed & Furniture Accessories
- Allergy Covers
- Mattress overlays
- Dental
- Dentures and repairs/additions
- Dental Services for ODSP Dependant Adults only (age 18 years and over)
- Emergency Response System
- Eye Glasses
- Eyeglasses and eyeglass repairs for ODSP Dependant Adults only (age 18 years and over)
- ODSP Clients should apply through their ODSP case worker
- Hearing Aids dependent adults only – not the primary
- Hearing aids, Batteries and Repairs for ODSP Dependant Adults only (age 18 years and over)
- Hospital Beds:
- Hospital Beds and Mattress
- Hospital Bed Repairs
- Infant / Child Care
- Breast Pumps
- Car Seats and Boosters
- Crib / Mattress
- Layettes and Baby Supplies
- Mastectomy Items
- Mastectomy Bras
- Medical Devices
- Aero chamber
- BIPAP Apnea Monitor Repairs
- Pulse Oximeter
- SAD Lights
- Mobility Aids
- Scooters – ADP top up only
- Walkers - ADP top up only
- Wheelchairs - ADP top up only
- Orthopaedic Custom Footwear (for person with severe foot deformity)
- Orthotics
- Prosthesis
- Breast Prosthesis
- Mastectomy bras
- Prosthesis repairs (limbs)
- Respiratory Supplies & Equipment Repairs
- Respiratory Supplies
- Repairs to CPAP Machine
- Repairs to Apnea Monitor
- Vaporizers (not Cannabis vaporizers)
- Wigs
Hamilton low income residents may be eligible to receive medical benefits under this program if their household income falls below the Statistics Canada Low Income Measure. (See Who May Qualify for more details).
A prescription or note from a doctor or medical professional will be required when you apply.
- Adult Day Program
- Air Conditioner - temporary benefit available until Sept. 30, 2024 only
- Bath and Toilet Aids
- Bath / shower chairs
- Bath transfer bench
- Bath transfer board
- Handheld Shower Kit
- Grab Bars
- Commodes
- Raised Toilet Seats
- Superpole
- Versa frame
- Bed & Furniture Accessories
- Allergy Covers
- Bed rails
- Furniture Risers
- Lower Back Lumbar Supports
- Mattress overlays
- Superpole
- Compression Stockings
- Dentures
- Dentures
- Denture repairs and additions
- Dental
- Dental Services for persons under age 65. (Residents over age 65 and over can apply to the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program at 905-546-2424 ext. 3789)
- Diabetic Supplies
- Emergency Response System
- Eye Glasses
- Eyeglasses
- Eyeglass repairs
- Incontinence Supplies
- Mastectomy Bras
- Medical Devices
- Aero chamber
- Audio visual alert system
- Blood pressure monitor
- Pulse Oximeter
- SAD Lights
- TENS Machine and Supplies
- Medical Supplies
- Braces, Splints, Supports
- Catheters
- Condoms
- Drainage bags
- Dressings (bandages, gauze, tapes)
- Medical Travel
- Taxi to/from medical appointments
- Senior bus pass for medical travel
- Overnight medical travel
- Medical travel meals
- Mobility Aids
- Canes
- Crutches
- Standard Walker (no wheels)
- Wheelchair and wheeled walkers temporary rental
- Mobility aids repairs
- Surgical Supplies
- Prothesis Repair and Supplies
- Wigs
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 Low Income Application for Special Supports Funding(PDF, 453.49 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
Date modified