Discretionary Health Benefits
Niagara Region provides financial help to support necessary health and safety needs.
Eligibility
Niagara residents receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program benefits.
Assistive Devices Program
The Assistive Devices Program must be used first for all eligible items. If you're receiving Ontario Works, you may qualify to receive the remaining balance.
For more information, contact the Assistive Devices Program at 1-800-268-6021.
Services and items
Health-related services and items include:
- AeroChambers
- Air conditioners
- Beds due to a move
- Blood pressure monitors
- Breast pumps
- Cleaning costs to prevent eviction due to hoarding
- Contact lenses for adults
- CPAP supplies
- Cribs
- Electric hospital beds for persons confined to a bed to prevent bedsores
- Electrical muscle stimulation devices
- Fridges
- Glasses for adults
- Hearing aids
- Home safety items, such as grab bars, bath transfer benches, toilet and shower commodes
- Medical marijuana vaporizer
- Orthotics
- Pressure relief mattresses for persons confined to bed to prevent bedsores
- Prosthetic appliances
- Replacement of household items and personal effects in emergency situations due to fire or flood
- Stoves
- TENS machine
- Utility disconnections
Application process
Applications for financial assistance must be approved by Niagara Region before purchasing an item or service.
What you will need to apply
To complete the application, you will need:
- One estimate outlining the cost for each item or service requested
- Medical verification (letter) to support requests for medical necessities
After applying, a staff member will contact you to review your application.
Apply online for benefits
The Discretionary Benefits Portal is a fast, easy and secure way to apply online for funeral benefits. You can apply anytime, anywhere and on any device.
To register, you must have a valid email address. Once registered, you can:
- Track the status of all your current and past applications
- Upload documents needed for your application
- Get automatic email updates on your application status
- See details about missing information or eligibility decisions
- Apply for multiple items in one application
Other ways to apply
If you can't apply online, there's other ways you can apply.
- Call 905-641-9960 ext. 6072
- Fax your application to 905-984-8760
- Mail your application to the Ontario Works Discretionary Benefit Team at 234 Bunting Rd., St. Catharines, L2R 6Z4
If you're receiving Ontario Works benefits, contact your casemanager directly to request health benefits.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
