Home Accessibility Tax Credit and the Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit
Two different credits help pay for staying at home: a federal credit for renovations, and an Ontario credit for medical and care expenses. Both are claimed on the tax return, so keep every receipt.
By ParentCare Ontario Editorial, published by Otonabee Marketing. Facts checked October 28, 2026. General information, not tax, legal or medical advice.
| Home Accessibility Tax Credit (federal) | Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit (Ontario) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pays for | Renovations that make a home safer or easier to get around | Eligible medical expenses, such as attendant care, wheelchairs, hospital beds, dental, vision and hearing care |
| Who qualifies | 65 or older, or eligible for the Disability Tax Credit; some supporting family members can claim | Age 70+ |
| How much | Lowest federal rate (14.5% for 2025) on up to $20,000 of costs a year, about about $2,900 (2025) at most | 25% of up to $6,000 of expenses: up to $1,500 |
| Income limit | None | Reduced by 5% of family net income over $35,000 (ends at $65,000) |
| Refundable? | No: it only reduces tax owed | Yes: paid even if no tax is owed |
| Where to claim | Federal return, line 31285 | Ontario part of the tax return |
What counts as a home accessibility expense
Work that lets the person get into the home, move around it or do daily tasks more safely: for example grab bars, ramps, stair lifts, walk-in showers and wider doors. Routine repairs, maintenance, household appliances and work done by a family member who isn't a registered contractor generally don't count.
Good to know
- Some costs may count for both the Home Accessibility Tax Credit and the medical expense tax credit. Ask a tax professional before claiming both.
- Ontario's earlier Seniors' Home Safety Tax Credit covered only 2021 and 2022 expenses; it has ended.
- Applying for funding first (March of Dimes, Ontario Renovates) can lower what you pay; the tax credits then apply to what's left.
Facts checked October 28, 2026. We take every amount from the official source and recheck each January and July. Always confirm with the program before you apply.