Funding & tax credits for wheelchair ramps in Canada.
A ramp is an investment, and you shouldn't pay more of it than you have to. Several federal and provincial programs help cover home accessibility work. Here's the plain-language version — what exists, who it's generally for, and where to confirm the details.
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
A federal non-refundable tax credit for accessibility renovations — ramps included — for seniors and people eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. It currently covers 15% of up to $20,000 in eligible expenses per year. Claimed on your income tax return; keep your invoices.
- Confirm current rules and eligibility with the CRA
Medical Expense Tax Credit
In some situations, ramp costs can qualify as an eligible medical expense on your return — typically where the work is tied to a person's mobility limitation. The rules are specific, so this one is worth a conversation with your accountant or the CRA.
- Often paired with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), which also unlocks other supports
Programme d'adaptation de domicile (PAD)
Quebec's home adaptation program, run through the SHQ, helps cover adaptations — including access ramps — for people with disabilities. It's application-based and typically involves an occupational therapist's assessment. We've worked alongside PAD projects for years and can tell you what to expect.
- Confirm current intake status and criteria with the SHQ or your municipality
Provincial home modification programs
Most provinces run some form of home accessibility funding — Ontario's Home & Vehicle Modification Program (administered by March of Dimes Canada) is a well-known example, and Atlantic provinces have their own adaptation programs. Names, budgets, and intake windows change, so check your province's current offering.
- Search your province + "home adaptation program" or ask us where to start
Veterans Affairs Canada
Eligible veterans may have home adaptation support available through Veterans Affairs Canada programs. If you or the person the ramp is for served, it's absolutely worth a call to VAC before paying out of pocket.
- Contact VAC directly to confirm eligibility and covered items
Accident & injury coverage
If the need for a ramp follows a workplace accident or a vehicle accident, provincial insurers and workers' compensation boards sometimes cover home adaptations as part of a claim. Your case worker will know; make sure the question gets asked.
- Ask your claim or case manager whether home adaptation is covered
Honest note: these programs change — amounts, criteria, even whether intake is open this year. Treat this page as your map, not your application. Confirm the current rules with the administering body, and if you're not sure where to start, call us: after 15+ years of ramp projects we've seen most of these programs in action, and pointing you to the right one costs you nothing.