Financial help and coverage for living with mood and anxiety disorders in Canada
Urgent support
These services offer confidential support by phone or text. They are not benefit programs, but they can help in a crisis.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. Crisis lines are for support and referral, not emergency medical dispatch.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Free, confidential support by call or text when you are thinking about suicide or in emotional distress.
What eligibility generally depends on: Available to anyone in Canada who needs immediate emotional support, especially during mood or anxiety crises.
When this may not fit and what to prepare
- What could make it unsuitable
- Not for medical emergencies or dispatch. Call 911 if safety is immediately at risk.
- What to prepare
- You can reach 988 from any phone. No account or referral is required.
Last verified 2026-08-31
Talk Suicide Canada
Trained responders provide crisis support and referral options by phone, 24 hours a day.
What eligibility generally depends on: For anyone in Canada experiencing suicidal thoughts or supporting someone who is.
When this may not fit and what to prepare
- What could make it unsuitable
- Not a replacement for ongoing mental health treatment or emergency services.
- What to prepare
- Find a private place to talk. Interpreters may be available on request.
Last verified 2026-08-31
Mood and anxiety disorders can affect sleep, concentration, relationships, and your ability to work. This page points to income, treatment-cost, and caregiver pathways. If you are in crisis, see the urgent support section first.
Programs generally assess functional impact, treatment needs, and income, not the diagnosis name alone.
What do you need help with today?
Choose the situation that fits best. You do not need to know program names to start.
Where do you live?
Some pathways are Canada-wide. Others depend on your province or territory. Federal programs still apply no matter which location you select.
Start here
These are the best next steps for your selected situation. Most people review two to four pathways, not every program on the page.
Choose what you need help with to see ranked pathways below.
Context and background notes
In 2023-2024, about 16% of Canadians aged 1 and older had at least one healthcare contact for a mood or anxiety disorder. This statistic is for context only and does not affect benefit eligibility.
The Disability Tax Credit looks at time spent on life-sustaining therapy and functional impact, not the condition name alone. MyEligible does not decide whether your routine qualifies.
Prepare before you apply
Before you apply or reach out for help
You do not need a complete file to start. These steps help you explain your situation to employers, insurers, or program staff.
- Write down how symptoms affect work, self-care, or daily tasks on typical days.
- List current treatments, appointments, and any time off you have already taken.
- Ask your care team what documentation employers or insurers usually request.
- Keep contact information for your manager, HR, or benefits administrator handy.
- If money is urgent this month, note rent, food, and medication due dates.
Official sources
- CRA: Disability Tax Credit
- Service Canada: EI sickness benefits
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Accessible Canada
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: disability insurance
- Service Canada: CPP disability benefit
- Canada Revenue Agency: Registered Disability Savings Plan
- Government of Canada: Canada Disability Benefit
- Service Canada: EI regular benefits
Official sources on this page last verified 2026-08-31.
This is not an eligibility test