Canadian Government Grants & Tax Credits for Aging in Place

Most families don't discover these programs until after they've paid out of pocket for grab bars, a stair lift, or a walk-in shower. This guide brings the major Canadian federal and provincial programs together in one place so you can plan before you renovate.

**Always confirm details with the program directly before you spend.** Eligibility thresholds, percentages, and caps change year to year. Where possible we've linked the official Government of Canada or provincial page in **Sources** at the bottom.

Federal programs — available everywhere in Canada

Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)

A non-refundable federal tax credit for renovations that make a home safer or more accessible for a senior (65+) or a person eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.

• Up to $20,000 in qualifying expenses per year, per eligible person
• Credit is worth 15% of eligible expenses (so up to $3,000 back at tax time)
• Claimed on Schedule 12 of the T1 return
• Qualifying work: grab bars, walk-in tubs, wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, lowered counters, widened doorways, non-slip flooring, lever handles

The HATC can be claimed by the senior, their spouse, or a supporting family member who lives with them.

Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC)

A refundable federal credit (introduced in 2023) for creating a self-contained secondary unit so a senior or adult with a disability can live with family.

• 15% of up to $50,000 in eligible expenses → up to $7,500 back
• The unit must have its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area
• One claim per qualifying renovation

Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)

Many accessibility purchases also qualify as medical expenses on the federal return — including stair lifts, hospital beds, walk-in tubs prescribed by a physician, and modifications a person with a severe and prolonged impairment requires.

You can often stack the METC with the HATC for the same renovation. Talk to an accountant — the rules around which expense goes on which line matter.

Veterans Independence Program (VIP)

For eligible veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada will fund home adaptations, grounds maintenance, and personal care so the veteran can stay at home. Apply through VAC; a case manager assesses needs.

Ontario

Seniors' Home Safety Tax Credit *(check current status)*

Ontario's refundable Seniors' Home Safety Tax Credit covered 25% of up to $10,000 in eligible expenses for 2021 and 2022 tax years (max $2,500 back). It was not extended into 2024, but a similar credit may return — check ontario.ca before assuming it's available.

Ontario Renovates

A municipally administered forgivable loan program (funded by the province and federal government through the Canada–Ontario Community Housing Initiative) for low-income homeowners. Typical assistance: up to $15,000 forgivable loan for accessibility modifications. Apply through your municipality or service manager.

March of Dimes Home and Vehicle Modification Program

Province-funded program delivered by March of Dimes Canada. Provides up to $15,000 in lifetime funding for home modifications and up to $15,000 for vehicle modifications for Ontarians with substantial physical disabilities.

British Columbia

Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI)

BC Housing's flagship program for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Provides up to $20,000 in forgivable assistance toward accessibility modifications — ramps, grab bars, walk-in showers, lever handles. Income tested. Apply through BC Housing.

BC Seniors' Home Renovation Tax Credit

A refundable provincial credit for seniors 65+ or families living with a senior. 10% of up to $10,000 in qualifying renovation expenses → up to $1,000 back per year, claimable on the BC income tax return.

Property Tax Deferment for Seniors (BC)

Not a grant, but useful for cash flow: BC homeowners 55+ can defer property taxes at a low interest rate, freeing up cash for renovations.

Other provinces — quick reference

• Alberta — Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP): up to $7,500/year, lifetime cap $15,000, for low-income Albertans with mobility disabilities.
• Quebec — Programme d'adaptation de domicile (PAD), administered by Société d'habitation du Québec: up to $33,000 for owner-occupied homes; income tested.
• Manitoba — Manitoba Housing Renovation Program: forgivable loans up to $35,000 for accessibility.
• Saskatchewan — Saskatchewan Home Renovation Tax Credit and Seniors Home Renovation Tax Credit (check current year for status).
• Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador — All offer some version of a seniors' accessibility grant or forgivable loan through their housing corporations.

What we recommend telling your parent

1. File the HATC every year there's eligible work — most families miss this one entirely.
2. Get a quote in writing before applying for forgivable loans. Most programs reimburse after work is complete, but a few require pre-approval.
3. Stack credits intentionally. A $4,000 walk-in shower often qualifies for HATC and METC. An accountant who works with seniors pays for themselves here.
4. Hire a contractor who has done accessibility work before. Some programs require receipts in a specific format or proof the work meets a standard.

When you're ready to find that contractor in [Toronto](/city/toronto/home-modifications) or [Vancouver](/city/vancouver/home-modifications), our directory is curated — no paid placements.