Community supports, healthcare & recreation

If you are already a participant in a community or social service agency program, if you are an individual or family with a low-income or a family member with a disability, you may qualify for the Ottawa Hand in Hand recreation and culture fee support program.

Only residents of the City of Ottawa may apply for the Ottawa Hand in Hand subsidy, on their own behalf or for a dependent wishing to participate in programs or activities offered by the Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department (RCFS). For additional information on Ottawa Hand in Hand, the City of Ottawa’s fee assistance program, residents are invited to visit their local recreation or culture facility or any City Client Service Centre.

Please note: applicants will be asked to provide proof of identity, residency and of financial need and should be prepared to provide copies of formal documentation.

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• Evidence of being in receipt of Ontario Works
• Evidence of being in receipt of a Child Care Subsidy
• Evidence of being in receipt of Essential Health and Social Supports
• Evidence of being in receipt of Ontario Disability Support Pension (ODSP)
• Evidence of being in receipt of Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD/MCSS)
• Evidence of being in receipt of a Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Means test using the Low Income Cut-Off
  • T451E Notice of Assessment or,
  • Child Tax Benefit Form
• Special circumstances may also be considered (details to be provided in the application form).
• Residents of all ages are eligible.
• Residents are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the program registration period.
• Each qualifying individual, or member of a family, is eligible for an annual amount of fee support ($185 per person).
• Applicants are encouraged to pay a minimum of 25 per cent of the program cost.
• A parent or guardian can transfer all, or a portion of their Ottawa Hand in Hand fee support entitlement to a child or children in their household.

How to apply

1. If you receive Ontario Works, ask your case worker to complete the application for you.
2. Complete the application form or, pick one up at most staffed recreation facilities or at a Client Service Centre.
3. Bring the completed application form to your local recreation or cultural facility.

A supervisor will review the application for approval. Applications can only be approved at a recreation or cultural facility.

What is Homebound Services?

A free service offering monthly delivery of Ottawa Public Library (OPL) materials directly to your door.

Who is eligible?

Ottawa residents who are unable to visit the Library regularly due to age, illness or disability. A minimum commitment of three months is required to sign up for the service.

Where does the Library deliver?

Individual homes, retirement residences, and long-term care facilities within the City of Ottawa.

What can be borrowed?

• Books
• Large print books
• Audiobooks
• Music CDs
• DVDs
• Magazines
• eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more
• DAISY audiobooks for customers with print disabilities

Customers can request their own material, or staff can select materials based on each customer’s interests.

For more information or to register, please contact Homebound Services at 613-580-2944, or email Homebound@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca

For more information on the Ottawa Public Library's Accessible Services, please visit biblioottawalibrary.ca