Reimbursements

Provincial Government
Federal Government

Financial assistance/reimbursements:

There are several different areas of financial reimbursement and/or tax credits for installing assistive devices in vehicles. The sources of that assistance are the Province of Ontario, vehicle manufacturers, and the Federal Government. The level of assistance provided varies from each source, and the value of the assistance is explained below:

The Provincial Government

The Home and Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP) provides financial assistance to Ontario residents with disabilities who require modifications to a home or vehicle. Funded by the Ontario government and delivered by Ontario March of Dimes, the program helps people enjoy greater mobility and independence by providing up to $15,000 towards these modification costs

The Federal Government

The Federal Government has recently offered some assistance for those that require a modified van. In their publication, information concerning persons with disabilities, under the section detailing allowable medical expenses, it states that:

"Under proposed changes, you can also claim ... 20% of the cost of a van that has been adapted (or is adapted within 6 months of when you acquire it) to be able to transport an individual who uses a wheelchair, to limit of $5,000.00."

Basically, when you purchase and modify a van, you can, according to this publication, add that 20% to your health expenses. Health expenses fall under the non-refundable tax credits, which are multiplied by 17% and your taxes payable are reduced by that amount. If you are not required to pay tax throughout the year, then this tax credit will not work to your advantage. The maximum return one can expect through this program would be a reduction of $850.00 to your tax owing.

Federal Government has also recently announced that GST paid on the portion of a vehicle that pertains to a conversion for a disabled person will be reimbursed. All of the assistive devices that are installed at Sparrow Hawk are zero-rated for GST, or not taxable. This may be of assistance if you have modifications completed at a non-specialized facility, and they charge you GST in err.