Helping Seniors Live Comfortably at Home—With Tax Relief
Ontario’s Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit supports seniors aged 70 or older (or their spouse/common-law partner) with eligible medical and care expenses, enabling them to stay in their own homes longer.
Why It Matters
- Refundable: Even if you owe no income tax.
- You get 25% back on eligible expenses, up to $6,000, for a maximum refund of $1,500.
- Designed for low- and moderate-income seniors, it phases out gradually as family net income rises from $35,000 to $65,000
Who Qualifies?
- Seniors who turned 70 or older in the tax year, or whose spouse/common-law partner did
- Must be residents of Ontario at year-end
- Must incur eligible medical or care expenses that also qualify under the federal medical expense tax credit (METC).
What Expenses Are Eligible?
Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:
- Attendant or home care (certification required)
- Medical equipment: wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, oxygen, hearing aids, vision devices, dental care
- Modifications: grab bars, ramps to improve accessibility.
- Other medical expenses eligible under CRA’s METC regulations.
Real-Life Scenario: Burlington Couple Helps 72-Year-Old Dad
Situation: A Burlington couple’s father (aged 72) needed a hospital bed and home nursing care.
Expense total: $5,000
Tax credit: 25% of $5,000 = $1,250 (subject to income phase-out)
Result: A helpful refundable credit that eased monthly care costs.
FAQ
Q: Can I claim both this and the federal METC?
A: Yes. This Ontario credit is in addition to the federal METC for the same qualifying expenses
Q: How does the income phase‑out work?
A: You start losing 5¢ for every dollar over $35,000 up to $65,000 total family net income .
Q: Is it truly refundable?
A: Yes. Even if you owe nothing in taxes, you’ll still receive the full credit amount you qualify for.
Conclusion
If you or a senior loved one turned 70 or older in the tax year and incur medical or home-care expenses, this credit can offer meaningful financial relief. Check receipts, monitor family income levels, and include the credit on your Ontario tax return to help aging at home.
Resources
- Ontario.ca main page – eligibility & how to claim