Everything you need to know about navigating Ontario's Home and Vehicle Modification Program to secure funding for your stairlift.
Getting a stairlift can dramatically change your quality of life, but the upfront cost is a barrier for many households. If you are struggling with stairs but worried about the expense, the March of Dimes Canada Home and Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP) is designed to help.
Funded by the Ontario government, the HVMP provides financial grants to help cover the cost of basic and essential accessibility upgrades. At Belco Stairlifts, our team routinely guides clients across the GTA, Hamilton, and other surrounding areas through this exact process.
Because we manage our own inventory and perform every installation and service call in-house — never outsourcing to third-party technicians — we can provide the highly detailed quotes the program requires and ensure a seamless installation once you are approved.
Here is everything you need to know about the HVMP's eligibility rules, application process, and funding realities.
The core intention of the HVMP is to keep Ontarians safe in their homes, prevent hospitalization or institutionalization, and reduce life safety risks. It provides up to a $15,000 lifetime maximum for home modifications.
However, the program has strict limitations you should be aware of before applying:
Basic and Essential Only: The program funds the most cost-effective solution required to remove a physical barrier. It will not cover cosmetic upgrades, premium upholstery, or non-essential features.
No DIY Installations: The HVMP will not fund "self-install" stairlifts. You must use a registered supplier such as Belco Stairlifts, who provides professional installation.
No Retroactive Funding: The program will not reimburse you for a stairlift that has already been purchased or installed. You must wait for official approval before proceeding.
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet three primary criteria:
You must be a permanent resident of Ontario.
You must have a permanent, ongoing, or recurring disability that impedes mobility and substantially restricts your activities of daily living.
Eligibility is based on your household size and after-tax net income.
The HVMP uses a sliding scale based on your household's after-tax net income to determine if you qualify for full funding, partial funding, or no funding:
| Household Size | Fully Eligible (No Contribution) | Partial Contribution Required (10%–60% out of pocket) | Not Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Adult | $38,000 or less | $38,001 – $54,000 | Over $54,000 |
| 2 Adults | $54,000 or less | $54,001 – $65,000 | Over $65,000 |
| 3 Adults | $65,000 or less | $65,001 – $71,000 | Over $71,000 |
Get a free, HVMP-compliant quote from Belco Stairlifts today.
Applying requires coordination between you, a medical professional, and your chosen stairlift vendor. Because you cannot purchase the equipment before applying, following these steps in order is critical.
Consult a Medical Professional: An Occupational Therapist (OT) must assess your mobility needs. They will provide either a formal Letter of Assessment or complete the official MODC Verification of Disability Form. You can find publicly funded OT services through Ontario Health atHome at 1-833-515-1234 or visit ontariohealthathome.ca.
Obtain a Vendor Quote: You need a detailed price quote from a registered medical vendor. Belco Stairlifts provides free, comprehensive quotes that meet all HVMP invoicing requirements, including a clear breakdown of the device and all prescribed options.
Gather Required Documents: Compile your proof of income, proof of home ownership, and the OT assessment. Ensure all financial documents are from the most current tax year.
Submit the Application: Send the completed application package to March of Dimes Canada. Their intake team will review it within 5 business days to confirm no documents are missing.
Wait for the Decision: You or your designated contact person will receive communication regarding the final outcome of your application, typically within 30 days of submitting a complete package.
Incomplete applications will not be processed. Before submitting, verify that your package includes:
Signed Application Form: Completed by the applicant or their active Power of Attorney.
Proof of Income: A Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency for the most current tax year. Note: if you own your home, you must provide the NOA for every homeowner listed on the property tax bill.
Medical Documentation: The OT Letter of Assessment OR the MODC Verification of Disability Form.
Price Quote: One detailed quote from your vendor.
Proof of Home Ownership or Landlord Consent: A current Property Tax Bill (if you own the home) or written permission from your landlord (if you rent).
Pre-Photos and Measurements: These are required for custom or curved stairlifts. If you are applying for a standard straight stairlift, photos are not required.
It is important to set realistic expectations: meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
The HVMP receives applications year-round, and approvals depend heavily on the provincial budget available at any given time. Applications are not processed on a simple first-come, first-served basis. Instead, they are prioritized based on the applicant's assessed level of need and urgency — such as eliminating a severe life safety risk or preventing imminent institutionalization.
Because funding is competitive and timelines can fluctuate, ensuring your application is 100% complete and accurate on the first try is the best way to avoid delays.
Belco Stairlifts provides free, detailed, in-home assessments tailored specifically for March of Dimes Canada grant applications.