Who qualifies

To qualify, you must:

  • be an Ontario resident
  • have a valid Ontario health card

We do not consider your income.

Qualifying for custom orthotic braces

In addition to the above, you must have a physical disability requiring a custom orthotic brace for six months or longer.

Qualifying for compression garments

In addition to the above, you must have primary or secondary lymphedema, or hypertrophic (raised, burn-related) scarring. (Pumps are funded for primary lymphedema only.)

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 the same garment, pump or brace
  • you are a Group “A” veteran and already qualify for or are receiving financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada for the same garment, pump or brace

Garments and pumps

Through the Assistive Devices Program, we help cover the cost of:

  • orthoses (e.g. face masks) for hypertrophic, or raised, scars resulting from burns
  • compression garments for hypertrophic scars
  • compression garments and sleeves for chronic lymphedema (excess fluid collects in tissues causing swelling)
  • extremity pumps for treating primary lymphedema by aiding blood flow

You may also hear these garments and pumps referred to as pressure modification devices.

Replacing garments

If you qualify, and your application is approved, you will receive replacement garments for two years, as needed:

  • hypertrophic scar compression garments up to a maximum of five sets of two outfits in a 12-month period
    • outfits cover several sections of the body
    • two outfits provided, one for wash and one for wear
  • lymphedema compression garments replaced up to a maximum of three sets of two outfits each in a 12-month period
    • outfits cover several sections of the body
    • two outfits provided, one for wash and one for wear

You must reapply – and get re-examined –after that two-year period.

We do not cover costs to replace a lost or damaged garment or pump.

Replacing pumps

You can apply to replace a pump if:

  • your medical condition and/or functional ability has changed and the equipment no longer meets your needs
  • the equipment is worn out, no longer covered by warranty and cannot be repaired at reasonable cost

We do not cover costs for repairs resulting from neglect or misuse.

What is not covered

The ADP does not cover garments and pumps used for:

  • pre and post-operative use, or any use lasting less than six months
  • acute physical conditions
  • venous insufficiency (blood clots, varicose veins) or thrombolembosis (blood clot in the vein)

It also does not cover certain related treatment methods, such as:

  • pressure inserts, silastic elastomer and dressings for hypertrophic scar management or vascular conditions)
  • elasticized wraps and bandages
  • hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Amount covered

If you qualify, and your application is approved, we will cover 75% of the cost. You pay 25% of the cost.

Find a vendor and apply for garments and pumps

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the ADP office is only accepting new applications for funding assistance via email and fax. Learn more about submitting an application.

Follow these five steps to apply for a garment or pump:

  1. Get examined by a doctor or specialist in one of the following areas:
    • cardiovascular surgery
    • vascular surgery
    • orthopaedic surgery
    • radiation oncology
    • medical oncology
    • internal medicine
    • paediatrics
    • physiatry
    • plastic surgery
    • general surgery

    A general practitioner in oncology, gynecologic oncologist, wound care specialist or a dermatologist with applicable experience may also assess you.

    The examination will confirm that you need a garment or pump and determine what type you need. Your doctor will then refer you to an authorizer (e.g. occupational therapist, physiotherapist).

  2. Meet with the authorizer who will determine what garments or pump are best suited for your condition.
  3. Find a vendor registered with the ADP using the table below. The vendor is the business that will sell you the garment or pump. Your doctor or specialist can help you choose one.
  1. Fill out the application form with the help of your vendor.
  2. Submit the completed application form to the address below:

    Assistive Devices Program
    5700 Yonge Street, 7th Floor
    Toronto, Ontario M2M 4K5

Find out what happens after you apply.

Custom orthotic braces

Through the Assistive Devices Program, we help cover the cost of:

  • standing frames
  • arm, leg and spinal braces
  • reciprocating gait orthoses
    • hip-to-foot brace systems that support and condition muscles and joints used to walk

Replacing custom orthotic braces

You can apply to replace an orthotic stander or brace only when:

  • your medical condition and/or functional ability has changed and the equipment no longer meets your needs
  • the equipment is worn out, no longer covered by warranty and requires repairs that cannot be done at reasonable cost

We do not cover costs for repairs resulting from neglect or misuse.

Types of orthotics not covered

The ADP does not cover manufactured orthotic standers and braces. It only covers equipment fitted to you and made for your particular needs.

We also do not cover:

  • foot orthotics, or inserts for shoes
  • orthotic shoes and modifications to shoes
  • braces worn temporarily
    • at night, to rest a specific part of your body or for less than six months
  • braces worn for one activity (e.g. work, school or sports)
  • braces worn for acute conditions (e.g. arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, pre- and post- surgery)

Amount covered

If you qualify, and your application is approved, we will cover 75% of the cost for a custom orthotic brace.

You pay 25% of the cost.

Find a vendor and apply for a custom orthotic brace

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the ADP office is only accepting new applications for funding assistance via email and fax. Learn more about submitting an application.

Follow these five steps to apply for a custom orthotic brace:

  1. Get examined by your family doctor or a physician specializing in one of the following areas:
    • geriatrics
    • general surgery
    • medical oncology
    • neurosurgery
    • neurology
    • orthopedic surgery
    • pediatrics
    • plastic surgery
    • physiatry
    • radiation oncology
    • rheumatology

    The examination will confirm that you need a device and determine what type you need.

  2. Fill out the application form with the help of the doctor or specialist.
  3. Find a vendor using the table below. The vendor is the business that will sell you the orthotic stander or brace. The vendor must be registered with the ADP.
  1. Meet with the vendor to decide how the custom orthotic brace will be made to meet your specific needs and how much it will cost.
  2. Mail the completed form to:

    Assistive Devices Program
    5700 Yonge Street, 7th Floor
    Toronto, Ontario M2M 4K5

After you apply

We aim to review your application for a custom orthotic brace, compression garment or lymphedema pump within eight weeks of receiving it.

If you order or buy the compression garment(s), lymphedema pump or custom orthotic brace(s) before we have completed our review, and your application is denied, you are responsible for the full cost.

If your application is denied, you will receive a letter from us telling you the reason and how you can follow up, including appealing our decision.

If your application is approved

If your application for a compression garment, lymphedema pump or custom orthotic brace is approved, we will notify your vendor by mail.

They will contact you to let you know of our decision and to arrange a time for delivery. Be sure to ask your vendor how much you will be responsible for.

When you receive the garment, pump or custom brace, you must pay your 25%. We pay the vendor the 75% separately.