At Home Caregiver Benefit

The At Home Caregiver Benefit recognizes the important role of primary caregivers and provides financial support to people living at home with ongoing care needs and who are at high likelihood of admission to a long-term care home.

A primary caregiver may be a family member, friend, or neighbour who is providing significant, ongoing, unpaid help to another person. The primary caregiver does not have to live with the person receiving care to be eligible for this benefit. The help provided could include helping with housework, managing finances, shopping, transportation, personal care, preparing meals, or other assistance.

If both the person receiving care and the primary caregiver are eligible for the program, the person receiving care will receive between $250 to $1,500 per month, depending on their household income.

Who is eligible?

The person receiving care must:

• Be assessed by Home Care as having high ongoing care and support needs and who are at high likelihood of admission to a long term care home. This is determined by a validated assessment that is used in other provinces; 
• Be a resident of Prince Edward Island with a valid health card or have applied for a PEI Health Card; 
• Be 65 years of age or older; (Individuals under 65 years of age, who meet clinical eligibility as determined by a Home Care assessment may also be eligible and will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.) 
• Have an up-to-date Canada Revenue Agency tax assessment;
• Be eligible to receive Home Care services; 
• Not be a current resident of community care, long-term care, or any other residential facility; and
• Agree to the terms and conditions of the At Home Caregiver Benefit. 

The primary caregiver must:

• Be 18 years of age or older; 
• Be the predominant provider or coordinator of the ongoing care of the care recipient;
• Not paid to provide care to the care recipient;
• Be a resident of Prince Edward Island with a valid health card or have applied for a health card; and  
• Be a permanent resident of Canada.

What is the process to apply for the benefit?

1. Call the Department of Health and Wellness at 1-800-371-8245 for more information and to be connected to your local Home Care office.
2. Home Care will check your file to see if you have had an assessment completed within the past year. If you have not been assessed within the past year and it’s appropriate, an assessment will be scheduled.
   • If the assessment confirms that you are eligible for the program, with your consent Home Care will submit your information to the Department of Social Development and Seniors on your behalf. You will then need to follow up with the department about your application. 
3. Financial Check and Enrollment:
   • Call the Department of Social Development and Seniors to speak with a representative to set up an intake appointment with a Supports Coordinator to complete your application. 
   • At your intake appointment the Supports Coordinator will:
     • Explain the program
     • Enroll you in the program.
     • Determine your monthly benefit based on your household income. (Remember to have your latest Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment on hand. This will be used to calculate your monthly benefit amount.)

This meeting finalizes your application and completes any necessary paperwork for program enrollment.

Once enrolled, the Department of Social Development and Seniors will issue your monthly payment electronically or by cheque (after the first month).

Who can I contact for more information?

For general information, call the Department of Health and Wellness: 902-367-3893
Toll Free: 1-800-371-8245
Email: caregiverbenefit@gov.pe.ca