Who qualifies

To qualify, you must:

  • be an Ontario resident
  • have a valid Ontario health card
  • have a disability requiring a ventilator and/or related equipment for 6 months or longer
  • meet the specific medical eligibility criteria for the type of equipment you need

Who does not qualify

You do not qualify if:

  • you already qualify for, or are receiving, financial support from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for ventilator equipment and supplies
  • you are a Group “A” veteran and already qualify for, or are receiving, financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada for ventilator equipment and supplies
  • you reside in a long-term care home or are an inpatient of an acute or chronic care hospital

What is covered

If you qualify, the Assistive Devices Program’s (ADP) Ventilator Equipment Pool can loan you new or recycled life support equipment at no cost. This equipment includes:

  • home ventilators
  • bi-level positive airway pressure systems with backup rates
  • mechanical in-exsufflation devices (for example, cough assist devices)
  • oxygen saturation monitors (for individuals aged 18 or younger only)

If you qualify, the ADP can also provide you with funding to help you buy the supplies you will need to operate your life support equipment.

How much is covered

All equipment provided by the Ventilator Equipment Pool is loaned to you free of charge.

For ventilator supplies, you can apply to receive an annual grant. This grant will provide you with $420 per year ($105 every 3 months), which you can use to help pay for your ventilator supplies. You must pay any supply costs over this amount.

If you are receiving financial assistance from any of the programs listed below, you will be provided with $560 per year ($140 every 3 months) to help pay for your ventilator supplies:

How to apply

You must be examined by a doctor, who will evaluate your medical condition, identify the equipment you need, and confirm whether you are eligible for assistance from the ADP.

Your doctor will help you to complete the application form and the application form addendum. Your doctor will then submit your application forms to the ADP’s Ventilator Equipment Pool for processing.

What happens next

Your application form will be reviewed by the Ventilator Equipment Pool.

If your application is denied, the Ventilator Equipment Pool will let your doctor know. Your doctor can help you with next steps, including appealing the decision.

If your application is approved

If your application is approved, the Ventilator Equipment Pool will contact you to arrange for the delivery of your ventilator and/or related equipment.

In addition, if receiving a ventilator, you will receive your first grant payment within 30 days of the date your application was approved. You can use these funds to purchase supplies from a retailer of your choice.

How to renew

You have to renew with the ADP every 2 years to continue receiving financial assistance for your ventilator supplies. We will send you a renewal form near the 2-year anniversary date of your original application. Complete and return the form to us as soon as possible, by:

  • Email: adp@ontario.ca
  • Fax: 416-327-8192
  • Mail: Assistive Devices Program
    7th Floor, 5700 Yonge Street  
    Toronto, Ontario M2M 4K5

Once you no longer require the ventilator and/or related equipment, please return these items to the Ventilator Equipment Pool.

Receiving payments

You can have payments directly deposited into your bank account. Fill out and submit this form to us to set up direct deposit.

Otherwise, payments will be made by cheque mailed to you. Payment by direct deposit is faster, more secure, and less likely to be delayed by factors outside of ADP’s control.