KING — As the 2024 tax deadline approaches, the government is reminding Ontarians of the Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit, introduced in the 2022 tax year, to help seniors aged 70 and older with eligible medical expenses, including expenses that support aging at home.
For those who are eligible the Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit provides up to 25% of claimable medical expenses up to $6,000, for a maximum credit of $1,500. This amount can vary based on family income.
This personal income tax credit is refundable, supporting low-to-moderate income senior families even if they do not owe any personal income tax.
“Ontario’s seniors worked hard, made many sacrifices, and helped build our province, so we owe them every opportunity to live their lives with dignity,” said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan. “While Ontario builds more long-term-care homes and the newly approved York University Medical School in Vaughan, we are also taking action to help seniors live at home longer and safer by continuing the Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit."
“Our government understands that most seniors want to be able to age in place and stay in their communities for as long as possible,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “The Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit helps support senior families to live safely and independently in their homes while keeping costs down.”
Eligible medical expenses are the same as those claimed for the Ontario Medical Expense Tax Credit and can include wheelchairs and electric scooters; dental, vision and hearing care and oxygen and assisted breathing devices.
Ontario is committed to meeting the unique needs, circumstances and range of supports that seniors may require to age in place by providing public drug programs, home and community support services and support for assistive devices.
The credit fills a gap by supporting eligible senior families who cannot fully benefit from the existing non-refundable medical expense tax credits.
QUICK FACTS
The first opportunity for claiming the credit was when individuals filed their 2022 returns in 2023.
The credit provided an estimated $115 million in support to about 200,000 low-to-moderate-income senior families in 2022, or about $550 on average.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) delivers the credit.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES