Ontario Long-Term Care Rates for 2026: What You Need to Know

If you or a loved one lives in a long-term care home in Ontario, accommodation rates are expected to increase again on July 1, 2026.

The Ministry of Long-Term Care adjusts long-term care accommodation rates each year to reflect inflation and rising accommodation costs. While the 2026 rates have not yet been announced, families can expect an update before the new rates take effect on July 1.

In this guide, we’ll explain how long-term care rates work in Ontario, what families can expect in 2026, and how the Long-Term Care Rate Reduction Program can help residents who have limited income.

Note: This article will be updated as soon as the Ministry of Long-Term Care releases the official 2026 rates.

When Do Long-Term Care Rates Change in Ontario?

Long-term care accommodation rates are updated annually on July 1.

The Ministry of Long-Term Care sets maximum accommodation charges for:

• Basic accommodation
• Semi-private accommodation
• Private accommodation
• Short-stay (respite) stays

These rates are standardized across Ontario, meaning every long-term care home follows the same maximum accommodation charges, regardless of whether the home is for-profit, non-profit, or municipal.

Residents receive the same nursing and personal care regardless of room type. The accommodation charge covers room and board rather than medical care.

What Will Ontario Long-Term Care Rates Be in 2026?

The Ministry has not yet released the official accommodation rates for July 1, 2026.

Historically, annual increases are tied to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), subject to a maximum annual increase of 2.5%. In 2025, accommodation rates increased by 2.4%.

Current Long-Term Care Rates (Effective July 1, 2025)

Accommodation Type	Daily Rate	Monthly Rate
Basic	$68.56	$2,085.37
Semi-Private*	$77.97 – $82.66	$2,371.59 – $2,514.24
Private*	$89.70 – $97.95	$2,728.38 – $2,979.32
Short-Stay	$44.38/day	N/A

*Rates vary depending on the age and classification of the bed.

2026 Long-Term Care Rates (Effective July 1, 2026)

UPDATE COMING SOON

The Ministry of Long-Term Care typically announces new rates shortly before July 1. We will update this article as soon as the official rates become available.

Why Do Long-Term Care Rates Increase?

Long-term care accommodation rates are adjusted annually to help offset inflation and rising operating costs.

Accommodation fees contribute toward:

• Meals and snacks
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Building maintenance
• Administration and accommodation costs

The provincial government continues to fund nursing care, personal support, recreation programs, therapies, and other regulated services separately.

What Is the Long-Term Care Rate Reduction Program?

One of the most misunderstood aspects of long-term care in Ontario is that many residents qualify for financial assistance.

The Long-Term Care Rate Reduction Program helps low-income residents reduce the cost of basic accommodation. The subsidy is available only for residents living in basic accommodation and certain redesignated semi-private rooms. Private and standard semi-private accommodation are not eligible.

Importantly, your assets are not considered when calculating eligibility. The program focuses on income rather than savings or property ownership. A home that you own is not counted as income for the purposes of the rate reduction calculation.

Who Qualifies for a Rate Reduction?

There is no single income cutoff because eligibility depends on several factors, including:

• Annual income
• Dependants living in the community
• Eligible deductions and exclusions

According to the Ministry of Long-Term Care, a resident with no dependants or special deductions would likely qualify for some level of assistance if their annual income is approximately $26,812 or less based on the 2025 accommodation rates.

Most people who receive a rate reduction still contribute a portion of their accommodation costs. The amount of assistance varies based on individual circumstances.

Do You Need to Reapply Every Year?

Yes.

The Long-Term Care Rate Reduction Program runs from July 1 to June 30 each year.

Residents who receive a rate reduction must reapply annually. If you do not reapply, your long-term care home may begin charging the full basic accommodation rate. Applications are submitted through the long-term care home.

How Do You Apply for the Rate Reduction Program?

The process is straightforward:

1. Tell your long-term care home that you would like to apply.
2. Complete the required application forms.
3. Provide supporting income documentation.
4. Submit the application to your long-term care home.

Staff at the home can help residents and families complete the application process.

For questions about the program, families can contact their long-term care home administrator or email:

[email protected]

Key Takeaways

• Ontario long-term care accommodation rates are expected to increase on July 1, 2026.
• The official 2026 rates have not yet been announced.
• Long-term care rates are standardized across Ontario.
• All residents receive the same level of care regardless of room type.
• Financial assistance is available through the Long-Term Care Rate Reduction Program.
• Residents receiving a rate reduction must reapply each year.
• Elderado will update this article as soon as the 2026 rates are released.

Looking for Long-Term Care in Ontario?

Elderado helps families navigate and compare long-term care homes in Ontario.

elderado.ca/search

You can search by location, compare homes, explore photos and amenities, and learn more about the long-term care application process.

Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating a crisis, having the right information can make the process easier.