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Financial assistance in your region

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People living with hepatitis C may have difficulty working if their illness becomes severe or the side effects of treatment become difficult. Different programs are available to help cover costs of living for people in these situations. Income assistance (also referred to as financial or social assistance) is for people who need help paying for basic necessities, such as food, shelter, clothing and health care. Applicants may want to discuss their health status with their case worker so they can get the most financial and social support possible.

 
Programs in Nova Scotia

Income Assistance (IA)

The Department of Community Services provides Income Assistance (IA) to people who need help paying for basic necessities, such as food, clothing, rent or mortgage payments, utilities (heat and electricity) and taxes. The amount of money a person can receive each month depends on factors such as annual income, family size and level of need. People who receive IA are also entitled to prescription drug coverage through the Nova Scotia Pharmacare program.

People who are very ill and not able to work may be able to receive additional benefits, such as an enhanced shelter allowance or financial assistance for transportation to medial appointments. People can contact their local Community Services Office to apply for IA or can call 1-877-424-1177 for more information. 

Employment Support Services (ESS)

A person receiving IA can also get help with job training or finding employment through the Employment Support Services (ESS) program. ESS may be of interest to Nova Scotians living with hepatitis C who cannot work full time but would like help finding part-time or volunteer positions. IA case workers or staff at local Community Services Offices can help individuals access ESS.

If a person disagrees with a decision related to their application for income assistance, they can file an appeal to have their case reviewed. People can either speak with their case worker or visit the appeals web page for more information on this process. Having the assistance of a community advocate can usually help with this process.

Services for Persons with Disabilities (SPD)

The Department of Community Services offers programs and resources for people living with disabilities or severe medical conditions. The sometimes-disabling symptoms of chronic hepatitis C may or may not be considered a disability that is eligible for benefits. The Services for Persons with Disabilities (SPD) program provides financial and non-financial assistance. For example, people who receive SPD supports may be provided with an enhanced shelter allowance, employment supports and assistance with medical costs. Individuals wanting to access these supports must provide medical documentation about their health condition to apply for SPD.

 
Programs in Canada

Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

CPP is normally for people who have retired from working, but if a person has a medical disability, he or she may be able to receive monthly pensions before turning 65 from CPP Disability. A person must have worked in the past and paid CPP contributions (this is a standard deduction on most paychecks). The application must be accompanied by a detailed medical assessment confirming the medical condition. Often a person must appeal a negative decision for CPP disability before the application is approved.

Employment Insurance (EI)

EI is a program for people who have stopped working because they were laid off, had a baby or are too sick to work. Eligibility is based on the number of hours a person has worked, whether they have been on EI before, and what the unemployment rate is. It is usually a shorter-term program but can help while people are waiting for other programs, such as disability pensions. EI Regular Benefits can last almost a year while EI Sick Benefits generally last about 15 weeks. The amount of money a person can receive is based on a percentage of their income from their most recent job.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Many employers have employee benefits that can provide short-term disability benefits or a disability pension. Some may even have EAPs that provide counselling and financial planning. The person should enquire through the personnel or HR department. All such enquiries are kept confidential but the employee will have to disclose some personal medical information.

Published 2010.