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Source verified July 23, 2026
Extended health benefit
Extended health coverage for eligible Ontario recipients
Latest source updateLast Update: October 7, 2026Latest change: The eligibility rules for the extended health benefit were revised, including updated exclusions for people not authorized to remain in Canada and people subject to removal orders.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 7, 2026
Latest change: The eligibility rules for the extended health benefit were revised, including updated exclusions for people not authorized to remain in Canada and people subject to removal orders.
Extended health benefit eligibility updated
The policy directive and regulation for the extended health benefit now reflect revised eligibility exclusions for people not authorized to remain in Canada or only temporarily authorized to stay, with updated exceptions for refugee protection claims and permanent-resident applications. The regulation also revises the removal-order exception so it now refers to humanitarian and compassionate permanent-resident applications. The policy guidance’s example calculations were updated as well, changing the illustrated excess-income thresholds used for the benefit.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
ODSP recipients whose income exceeds budgetary requirements if their eligible health costs are higher than the amount by which their income exceeds the budgetary requirements.
See full eligibility
Overview
Supports Ontario recipients who need extended health coverage when income exceeds budgetary requirements. It can cover prescription drugs, dental and vision care, hearing services, mobility aid repairs, and related health costs.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Other Health Services
- Social Services
- Income Support and Maintenance
- Housing
- Employment and Training
- Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Documents Needed
- Ontario health card
- Prescription from an approved health professional
- Receipts or written estimates for health costs
- Consent to disclose and verify information
- Supporting medical documentation, if requested
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- ODSP recipients whose income exceeds budgetary requirements if their eligible health costs are higher than the amount by which their income exceeds the budgetary requirements.
- People who on May 31, 1998 were receiving EHB under s. 15(4) of Family Benefits General Regulation and whose CPP or QPP disability benefits cause income to exceed budgetary requirements.
- People whose excess income results from a loss of income or loss of support payment under the 1986-1990 Hepatitis C Settlement Agreement and who were in receipt of social assistance on April 1, 1999.
- Recipients who exit ODSP due to income from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Better Jobs Ontario program.
Who is not eligible
- New cases cannot be granted under the Family Benefits General Regulation category for people who were receiving EHB on May 31, 1998.
- Recipients cannot access both EHB and the THB.
Eligible expenses
- Prescribed drugs covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Plan and listed in the Drug Benefit Formulary
- Dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- Mandatory Special Necessities including diabetic supplies, surgical supplies and dressings, incontinence supplies and medical transportation costs
- The consumer co-payment for the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) and the cost of an assessment required to determine eligibility for an assistive device provided under ADP
- Periodic eye exams and the cost of batteries and necessary repairs for mobility devices
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs already covered by another government program or private plan
- Employment and training start-up benefits
- Up-front child care costs
- Drug coverage during the second six-month EEHB period
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
How to apply
- Step 1: Confirm eligibility
- Check that the recipient fits one of the eligible categories.
- Confirm that income and health-cost conditions are met.
- Step 2: Prepare supporting information
- Gather the Ontario health card and prescription.
- Prepare receipts or written estimates for eligible health costs.
- Provide any requested consent or medical information.
- Step 3: Submit through the caseworker or local office
- Provide the supporting documents to the caseworker or local office.
- Use the monthly drug card process if no OHIP coverage is available.
- Step 4: Receive decision and benefits
- The ministry or program office reviews the file and decides on eligibility.
- If approved, benefits are issued through the applicable program process.
Processing and Agreement
- Eligibility is reviewed after submission.
- Health costs and supporting documents are verified.
- The recipient is notified of the decision.
- Ongoing eligibility is reviewed monthly.
Additional information
- Recipients must report changes in circumstances.
- Cases are reviewed monthly.
- Recipients may need to use a monthly drug card if they do not have OHIP coverage.
- Health costs must be verified before payment.
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- 9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costsEmployment and child care support
- Discretionary benefit for low-cost energy-conservation measuresSupport for low-cost home energy-saving measures
Frequently Asked Questions about the Extended health benefit Program
What is the Extended health benefit?
Supports Ontario recipients who need extended health coverage when income exceeds budgetary requirements. It can cover prescription drugs, dental and vision care, hearing services, mobility aid repairs, and related health costs.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Extended health benefit program?
To be eligible for the Extended health benefit program, you must:
Eligible ODSP/Ontario Works recipient
Income exceeds budgetary requirements
Otherwise eligible for income support
Who can I contact for more information about the Extended health benefit?
You can contact Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Where is the Extended health benefit available?
The Extended health benefit program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Extended health benefit a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Extended health benefit is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Extended health benefit?
Extended health benefit is funded by Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development