There are a number of government subsidy programs available to people living in Durham. These programs aim to help people who can't afford the full cost of certain programs.

Child Care Fee Subsidy Program
The Child Care Fee Subsidy Program helps you pay for licensed child care.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program
The Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program is for children aged 4 to 18. Once approved, the program helps pay for your child's seasonal recreation activities. It offers up to $150 per child.
Canada Child Benefit
The Canada Child Benefit program is a tax-free monthly payment made to all families in Canada. 
Municipal Recreation Programs

Every municipality in Durham participates in the Advancing Access to Recreation Program. This program helps families on low incomes access recreation programs and facilities. Eligibility is based on financial need. See the list below for the recreation and culture departments for each municipality in Durham: 

Ajax

Brock

Clarington

Oshawa

Pickering

Scugog

Uxbridge

Whitby
Employment Insurance (EI)

You are only eligible for Canadian Employment Insurance (EI) if you have worked for a specified time in Canada.

EI helps unemployed residents with short-term income help. 

EI is available if you:

  • Have lost your job through no fault of your own
  • Are looking for work
  • Are sick
  • Are providing care for babies or young children
  • Are providing care for a seriously ill family member
You should apply for EI as soon as you stop working.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) helps post-secondary students pay for their education through loans and grants. 
Public pensions for seniors

If you are a senior in Canada, you can get financial help through public pension programs.

Programs include:
Food banks
See our page on food banks for more information. 

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