We were so thankful to have Todd Smith, MPP for our riding, as a guest on one of our webinars last week. Minister Smith joined us to help celebrate Seniors’ Month in Ontario. MPP Smith discussed the Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit.

This tax credit is a refundable personal income credit to help low- to moderate-income seniors with eligible medical expenses, including expenses that support aging at home or one’s place of residence.

For example, a house, an apartment, a retirement home or any other establishment providing residence and care for people with special needs.

The credit provides up to 25 per cent of claimable medical expenses up to $6,000, for a maximum credit of $1,500. This amount is reduced by 5 per cent of family net income over $35,000 and fully phased out by at most $65,000. The credit can be claimed in addition to the non‐refundable federal and Ontario medical expense tax credits for the same eligible expenses. Certain expenses may also be eligible for the temporary Ontario Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit for 2021 and 2022 tax year.

You’re eligible to claim the credit if you: turned 70 or older in the year, or have a spouse or common‐law partner who turned 70 or older in the year and are resident in Ontario at the end of the tax year. You can be eligible regardless of the type of dwelling you live in. Seniors may require a range of supports to meet their unique needs and circumstances.

Eligible medical expenses are the same as those claimed for the Ontario Medical Expense Tax Credit, which can include: attendant care (certification required); care of a provincially authorized medical practitioner; dental, vision and hearing care; walking aids; wheelchairs and electric scooters; bathroom aids (for example, grab bars, grips, rails); diapers and disposable briefs; hospital beds; oxygen and assisted breathing devices; renovation or construction that improves a person’s mobility, access or functioning within the home because of severe and prolonged impairment.

You can claim the credit on Form ON479 – Ontario Credits included in your personal Income Tax and Benefit Return tax package, starting with the 2022 tax year.

Remember Community Care has trained volunteers who will do Income Tax for free for seniors with a moderate income.

Call 613-476-7493 for more information.

-Debbie MacDonald Moynes