Local guide · checked at source on 9 October 2026

Help for seniors in Durham Region: where to start, getting around, and trusted local businesses.

Living in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington or elsewhere in Durham Region, or helping a parent who does? Here is where to start for care at home, getting around, programs and money help, and the CASL partner businesses who work in Durham.

See local partnersFind help near you

General information. Programs, fares and fees change, so the linked page is always the final word.

Where to start

  • Help at home or long-term care: Ontario Health atHome, 1-833-515-1234, arranges publicly funded home care and every long-term care application. Read home care in Ontario.
  • Community and social services: dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Ontario, which helps you find community and social services near you.
  • Government benefits: our free Benefits Finder shows which federal and Ontario programs are worth checking.

Getting around

On Durham Region Transit, riders 65 and over pay $2.53 a trip with a PRESTO card set to the senior fare type, against $3.84 for an adult, $55.30 for a senior monthly pass, or $3.55 cash, since 1 July 2026. Tapping a debit or credit card charges the adult fare of $4.85, so use PRESTO or exact cash. Read DRT’s fares.

DRT Specialized Services gives door-to-door rides to people whose disability stops them using scheduled service for all or part of a trip. Apply first; once registered, book at 1-866-247-0055, or 311 within the Region. Read about Specialized Services.

More: transportation for seniors, including the free accessible parking permit and renewing a licence at 80.

Programs and activities

The Region of Durham’s Community Resource Guide for Seniors and Older Adults lists programs and services across the region, and its Age-Friendly Durham map shows seniors’ services and programs near you. Read the Region’s page.

Help with money

Ontario’s Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant helps homeowners 64 and over with low to moderate income, and is claimed on your tax return; our benefits checklist explains it.

Your town or city’s tax office can tell you about any local property tax help for low income seniors.

For changes that help you stay at home, read grants and tax credits for home changes.

CASL partners who serve Durham Region

These businesses name Durham Region among the places they work, on their own CASL page. Each is a partner in our network with an offer or a standard of service for members; see the page for details. Many more partners serve the whole GTA: see every partner and offer. To see two that do the kind of help you need, use Find help.

Legal & planning

Real estate

Moving & downsizing

Technology help

  • Geek SquareComputer repair & technology help · 10% off repair and support

Pets, food & everyday

Care & health at home

Home repairs & trades

Common questions

What is the DRT senior fare?
Riders 65 and over pay $2.53 a trip with a PRESTO card set to the senior fare type, $55.30 for a senior monthly pass, or $3.55 cash, since 1 July 2026.
Is there door-to-door transit in Durham Region?
DRT Specialized Services gives door-to-door rides to people whose disability stops them using scheduled service. Apply first, then book at 1-866-247-0055.
Who do seniors in Durham Region call for home care?
Ontario Health atHome, at 1-833-515-1234, arranges publicly funded home care and long-term care applications.
Does CASL have partners in Durham Region?
Yes. Businesses in chimney & dryer vent cleaning, chimney cleaning & repair, computer repair & technology help and more name Durham Region among the places they work, and many others serve the whole GTA. They are listed on this page. Joining CASL is free.

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