Personal Alert Assistance Program
The Personal Alert Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low income seniors who live alone, receive publicly funded home care services, have experienced recent falls, and use a cane, walker or wheelchair. The program provides up to $480/year to reimburse approved seniors for the purchase of a personal alert assistance service.
Eligibility Checklist
The applicant must:
- Be 65 years or older;
- Be a Nova Scotia resident with valid health card number;
- Live alone;
- Have a net annual income of $22,003 or less;
- Have a history of recent falls;
- Use a cane, wheelchair or walker
- Have a requirement for home care service that will extend beyond 90 days
- Be willing to sign an agreement which defines terms and conditions for receiving the program.
Questions and Answers
How do I know what my net income is?
Your net income is the income identified on line 236 of the Federal Income Tax Return or in the Notice of Assessment provided by Canada Revenue Agency. Continuing Care staff will work with you determine your net income.
How do I choose a personal alert provider?
There are many companies that provide a personal alert service, including those listed in the Department of Seniors’ Programs for Positive Aging.
How do I get reimbursed for the expenses?
You can submit your receipts for reimbursement monthly, quarterly or annually to your District Health Authority.
How do I apply for the program?
Apply by calling Continuing Care, toll-free, at 1-800-225-7225.
Will I have to report this funding as income on my income tax return?
You should not have to report this funding as income on your income tax return because it is less than $500/year. Since everyone’s situation is different, please contact Canada Revenue Agency by calling 1-800-959-8281 to confirm.
Personal Alert Assistance Program Policy
- Read the Personal Alert Assistance Program Policy (PDF)
Crown copyright 2011, Province of Nova Scotia, all rights reserved.
Page last updated 2013-04-29.