Obtaining a Special Benefit for an Eye Exam, Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses as a Social Assistance Program Recipient

You may be eligible to receive reimbursement for certain expenses relating to an eye exam or the purchase or replacement of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

To obtain a free eye exam, you must have been receiving social assistance for at least 12 consecutive months, including any transition between the following programs:

• Social Assistance Program
• Social Solidarity Program
• Aim for Employment Program
• Basic Income Program

When you are eligible for the special benefit, the word “YES” appears in the “Message” box on your claim slip. If it does not, the date on which you will be eligible to receive this service free of charge is indicated.

You may receive a free eye exam every 24 months (2 years).

You must present your claim slip at the optometrist’s office.

Access your claim slip online

To be eligible for the special benefit for the purchase or replacement of eyeglasses or contact lenses, you must be receiving benefits under one of the following programs:

• Social Assistance Program for at least 6 consecutive months
• Social Solidarity Program (regardless of how long)
• Aim for Employment Program for at least 6 consecutive months
• Basic Income Program (regardless of how long)

Obtaining the authorization form

Before purchasing eyeglasses or contact lenses, you will need a form completed by an officer from one of the following:

• A Services Québec office
• The Centre de communication avec la clientèle

This form authorizes the purchase or replacement of eyeglasses or contact lenses under certain conditions.

Reimbursement of expenses

Expenses for the purchase or replacement of eyeglasses or contact lenses are paid directly to the optometrist or optician by the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale. Payment may be made directly to the recipient if the purchase was made online.

If the total cost of the eyeglasses or contact lenses exceeds the amount that can be reimbursed to you, you must pay the difference to the professional requesting payment.

To find out these amounts, you can ask the professional for assistance.

Eyeglasses or contact lenses for children under 18

For children under 18 years of age, you must apply through the See Better to Succeed assistance program on the website of the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). It is possible to receive a reimbursement of $300 for the purchase of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité Sociale may, under certain conditions, reimburse the excess cost of the eyeglasses or contact lenses.