Caregivers Support Canada — Quick Reference
Verified 2026-10-07 against official sources, linked throughout. Not legal or tax advice.
🔎 Caring is unpaid work most people never claim. You can often claim federal income support, a tax credit, and a tax credit for medical costs — at the same time.
EI Caregiving Benefits — Canada-wide
Three benefits; all pay 55% of earnings, max $729/week (2026).
| Benefit | Max weeks | For |
|---|---|---|
| Family caregiver benefit for children | 35 | Critically ill/injured child under 18 |
| Family caregiver benefit for adults | 15 | Critically ill/injured person 18+ |
| Compassionate care benefit | 26 | Person needing end-of-life care |
- You do not need to be related or live with the person — just “like family” + medical certificate.
- Weeks can be shared by multiple caregivers.
- Apply: My Service Canada Account. Appeal: reconsideration within 30 days (form INS5210) → EI Benefits Appeal Tribunal (BOA) (since Apr 1 2026).
- EI caregiving — Canada.ca
Canada Caregiver Credit — federal tax credit
- Non-refundable credit up to $8,601 (2025 tax year) on line 30425 for an infirm spouse/partner or eligible dependant 18+.
- Reduced as the dependant’s income rises; indexed annually.
- Canada caregiver credit — Canada.ca
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) — federal
- Claim eligible medical expenses on line 33099 (you, spouse, kids <18) or 33199 (dependants).
- Deduct the lesser of 3% of net income or $2,834 (2025) before the credit.
- Includes attendant care, facility/respite care, prescriptions, devices. Private insurance premiums not eligible.
- METC (lines 33099/33199) — Canada.ca
Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO)
- Free helpline 1-833-416-2273 (live chat too). Counselling (SCALE), peer support, e-learning, toolkits, financial-support resources.
- No income test, no cost, confidential.
- ontariocaregiver.ca
Full plain-language walkthrough: Caregiver Benefits guide. Worksheet + sample letter: Caregiver Benefits Application template.