The Council on Aging of Ottawa

coa@coaottawa.ca | (613) 789-3577
coa@coaottawa.ca | (613) 789-3577
Smart Aging banner showing a group of older adults learning
An elderly couple in front of their house

Aging in Place with
Home Modifications

Participants will explore what’s involved (practically, emotionally, and financially) in considering whether they can or should stay in their current home and which home modifications might ease their lives now and allow them to stay in their homes longer.

Resources

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults
https://coaottawa.ca/housing-options-in-ottawa/

Healthy Aging 101: Practical Technologies That Can Enable Ageing In Place
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=OjSWwXenBnQ

Reverse Mortgages
https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/mortgages/reverse-mortgages.html
Normally an option of last resort in special circumstances – review carefully with your financial advisor/family.

Certified Accessible Home Contractors
Consider seeking a contractor who has an accessibility certification

Possible Financial Supports

Home Accessibility Tax Credit Canada-Wide – A federal, non-refundable tax credit for modifications that make a home more accessible for people who are disabled or over 65 years old.  It only applies to modifications that will become permanent features of the home and will allow the person to move more freely within the home while reducing the risk of injury.  Tax reduction of up to $1,500.

Seniors Home Safety Tax Credit  Ontario only – A temporary, refundable personal income tax credit that can help you make your home safer and more accessible. The credit is worth 25% of up to $10,000 in eligible expenses per year for a senior’s principal residence in Ontario.  Expenses must be paid or payable in 2021 and 2022. The maximum credit is $2,500 per year.

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Canada-Wide –

The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. An individual may claim the disability amount once they are eligible for the DTC.

March of Dimes

Funded by the government of Ontario, the Home and Vehicle Modification® Program helps people living in Ontario pay for crucial renovations and retrofits. This includes anything from widening doorways for a wheelchair to modifying a van so someone who uses an assistive device can drive it.

Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)

Canada-Wide – You may have an eligible renovation that also qualifies as a medical expense. If so, you can claim both the federal Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) and the home accessibility tax credit (HATC). While these costs to renovate a home to accommodate the use of a wheelchair may qualify as medical expenses, types of expenses related to other impairments may also qualify. In all cases, keep receipts and any related documents to support your claim.

Home Efficiency Rebate Ontario only (Enbridge Gas) – Get up to $5,000 to improve your home’s energy efficiency.  The Home Efficiency Rebate can help lower your energy costs and make it more comfortable year-round. Get up to $5,000 in rebates for insulation, air sealing, new windows/doors, water heaters, boilers, furnaces and home energy assessments.

Article: The Best Tax Benefits, Rebates and Grants You Can Get for Renovating in Canada, by Province. 

Save On Energy Home Assistance Program  Ontario only –

GST/HST New Housing Rebate  Canada-Wide – With the GST/HST New Housing Rebate, substantial modifications to your home can earn you rebates.

Veterans Affairs Home Adaptation Policy $5,000 for home adaptations for veterans

Note: – you can TRIPLE DIP on some of these!

For Renters

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