The Ontario Ministry of Health has announced that the Ontario Hepatitis C Assistance Plan (OHCAP) will be winding down after nearly 30 years of providing equitable access to hepatitis C compensation. According to the Ministry, “the program has achieved its goal with strong uptake for nearly 30 years” and is now being responsibly closed as applications have steadily declined.
Individuals who may be eligible for compensation are strongly encouraged to review the timelines and application requirements as soon as possible. The Ministry notes that all applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026, and that processing “may take over 12 months, depending on the availability of hospital and transfusion records.”
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)
- Estimated Program Closure: August 31, 2027
Eligibility & Application Requirements
To be considered, applicants must submit:
- A completed and signed Applicant Form and Physician Form
- A copy of a positive HCV public health laboratory result
Applications can be submitted by email (fastest) or by mail. Compensation is issued as a one‑time lump sum of $25,000, is not taxable, and does not affect eligibility for programs such as social assistance or the Trillium Drug Benefit.
Additional Resources
We will be sharing:
- The official Ministry notification letter
- The accompanying Q&A document
- Links to all required application forms
These materials will help members understand eligibility, documentation requirements, and next steps.
If you believe you or someone you support may qualify, we encourage you to review the documents carefully and begin the application process early to avoid delays.
