# Disability Credit Canada | Disability Tax Credit and CPP Disability Services > At Disability Credit Canada, we understand how important disability credits and benefits are to Canadian families as so many of you face insurmountable financial difficulties due to unfortunate circumstances. We’ve worked with thousands of Canadians suffering from mental and physical disabilities and we understand how impactful your conditions & impairments can be on you and your family. Our staff’s experience with medical assessments and case formulations coupled with our in-depth understanding of the Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability process gives us a unique advantage. More so, each and every member of our team brings compassion, dedication, and empathy that is needed to make the complex process easy and attainable. Disability Credit Canada will help you get the most out of your Disability Tax Credit, CPP Disability, and Long term disability application whether you are applying for your child, your spouse or yourself. With over 90% success rate we can safely say, If we can’t get you approved, no one can! > Disability Credit Canada is dedicated to helping Canadians receive the most out of their disability tax credit, Child Disability Tax credit & CPP Disability Benefits. We help you fill out the disability tax credit form and go through the application process in the most convenient way possible. Disability Credit Canada can help you get the most out of your Disability Tax Credit application whether you applying for disability tax credit for your child, your spouse or yourself. We are committed to keep life going on for you and your loved ones. --- ## Pages - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Depression](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/depression/): Depression may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit when its effects significantly restrict daily functioning over a prolonged period. Eligibility... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Diabetes (Life Sustaining Therapy)](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/diabetes/): Living with diabetes often involves far more than managing blood sugar levels. For many Canadians, treatment requires continuous, time-intensive medical... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility Criteria for Bipolar Disorder in Canada](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/bipolar-disorder/): Bipolar disorder can qualify for the Disability Tax Credit when its symptoms cause severe and prolonged restrictions in daily functioning.... - [Gravity - Disability Tax Credit Calculator](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/gravity-disability-tax-credit-calculator/): Calculating Your Disability Tax Credit Benefits The purpose of the Disability Tax Credit calculator is to simplify the process of... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Canadians with Spinal Stenosis](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/spinal-stenosis/): Table of Contents Disability Tax Credit for Spinal Stenosis Spinal stenosis can turn ordinary days into a grind. Pain flares.... - [Privacy Policy](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/privacy-policy/): Disability Credit Canada Inc. is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information of our clients, prospective... - [Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Tax Credit Information](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/newfoundland-disability-tax-credit/): Table of Contents It’s estimated that a staggering 20% of the Newfoundland and Labrador population, over 100,000 residents, live with... - [Alberta Disability Tax Credit Calculation, Eligibility and Application](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/alberta-disability-tax-credit/): Table of Contents If you or a family member is among the nearly 400,000 disabled individuals residing in Alberta, chances... - [Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit Calculation, Eligibility and Application](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/saskatchewan-disability-tax-credit/): Table of Contents Navigating the financial challenges of disability can feel overwhelming. When you’re unable to work due to a... - [Quebec Disability Tax Credit](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/quebec-disability-tax-credit/): Coping with a physical or mental disability can present significant challenges. It may result in an inability to work, or... - [New Brunswick Disability Tax Credit Calculation, Eligibility and Application](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/new-brunswick-disability-tax-credit/): Table of Contents Having a medical disability can result in extremely costly medical bills and other expenses. If you are... - [British Columbia Disability Tax Credit Calculation, Eligibility and Application](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/bc-disability-tax-credit/): Table of Contents With over 20% of British Columbians aged 15 to 64 living with a disability, it’s evident that... - [Ontario Disability Tax Credit Calculation, Eligibility and Application](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/ontario-disability-tax-credit/): Table of Contents Recent findings from the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD) revealed that 27% of Canadians aged 15... - [Nova Scotia Disability Tax Credit Calculation, Eligibility and Application](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/nova-scotia-disability-tax-credit/): Table of Contents Living with a medical disability can be costly, but fortunately, the province of Nova Scotia offers services... - [Manitoba Disability Tax Credit Calculation, Eligibility and Application](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/manitoba-disability-tax-credit/): Table of Contents In Manitoba, as in other Canadian provinces, various programs exist to provide tax credits and benefits to... - [The Ultimate CPP Disability Guide](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/ultimate-cpp-disability-guide/): The CPP Disability Benefit, part of the Canada Pension Plan, provides financial assistance to Canadians unable to work due to... - [Testimonials](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/client-testimonials/): Client Testimonials We’ve Helped countless Canadian Families & Individuals and We’re Proud Of the Lives We’ve Helped Change. 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How to Fight LTD Denial](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/denied-long-term-disability-claim-how-to-appeal-ltd-denial/): Table of Contents In Ontario, most legitimate long-term disability (LTD) claims are rejected by insurance companies. In fact, industry statistics... - [Long-Term Disability Claims & Appeals: What You Need To Know](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/long-term-disability-claims-appeals/): Table of Contents If you are a Canadian resident living in Ontario who has an insurance plan through your employer... - [Qualifying Medical Conditions for Long Term Disability (LTD) Benefits](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/qualifying-medical-conditions-for-long-term-disability-benefits/): Table of Contents The prevalence of disability has increased with age, rising from 13% for those aged 15 to 24... - [WSIB Claims and Appeals: What You Need to Know](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/wsib-claims-and-appeals/): Table of Contents If you are a Canadian resident living in Ontario and have been injured on the job or... - [CPP Disability Guide for Stroke Survivors. Eligibility, How to Apply & Denial Process](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-stroke/): Table of Contents CPP Disability for Stroke Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in Canada and the third... - [CPP Disability Guide for Chronic Back Pain, Ruptured Disc, & Spinal Pain](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-chronic-back-pain/): Table of Contents CPP Disability For Chronic Pain Back pain is among the most common chronic conditions in Canada, with... - [CPP Disability Guide: Chronic Pain, MS, Parkinson’s & Nerve Damage](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-for-nerve-pain/): Table of Contents CPP Disability for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s & Nerve Damage According to recent surveys, about 1 out... - [Disability Tax Credit Guide for Diabetes](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-for-people-with-diabetes/): Table of Contents Over the last few decades, diabetes has been on the rise in Canada and is now one... - [Test](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/test/): Thank you for requesting a free assessment. In order for us to serve you better please answer the following questions:... - [A Parents' Guide To ADHD & The Disability Tax Credit](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/a-parents-guide-to-adhd-the-disability-tax-credit/): Table of Contents ADHD: An Overview Do you have, or know someone who has, ADHD? Given its commonality, you very... - [ADHD Test & Self-Assessment](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/adhd-quiz/): ADHD Test & Self-Assessment ADHD is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed in Canada. Disability Credit Canada has worked with national experts... - [Canadian Disabilities Blog](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/blog/): Canadian Disabilities Blog News, Guides & Information About Disabilities in Canada, Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits Find Out... - [How To Write a CPP Disability Request For Reconsideration](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/cpp-disability-request-for-reconsideration-sample/): If your CPP Disability application has been denied by Service Canada, you have the option to appeal and ask them... - [CPP Disability Denial and Appeal Overview](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/appeal-a-cpp-disability-denial/): CPP Disability Denial Overview Service Canada does not formally release the number of CPP Disability claims they process annually but... - [Reasons CPP Disability Applications Are Denied](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/reasons-cpp-disability-are-denied/): Table of Contents Why My CPP Disability Application Denied Before starting your CPP Disability appeal process, it is crucial that... - [CPP Disability Appeal: Social Security Tribunal - General Division](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/cpp-disability-appeal-social-security-tribunal-general-division/): Table of Contents How to Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal – General Division If your CPP Disability application reconsideration... - [CPP Disability Appeal: Social Security Tribunal – Appeal Division](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/cpp-disability-appeal-social-security-tribunal-appeal-division/): Table of Contents Social Security Tribunal – Appeal Division If applying for CPP Disability benefits fails and your appeal is... - [How To Write a CPP Disability Appeal Letter](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/cpp-disability-appeal-letter/): Table of Contents If your CPP Disability application has been denied, don’t give up just yet, as you can appeal... - [CPP Disability Request For Reconsideration](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/cpp-disability-request-for-reconsideration/): Table of Contents CPP Disability Request For Reconsideration – Overview The Reconsideration request is the first step in the CPP... - [Sadie: Ehlers Donlos Syndrome](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/case-studies/sadie-ehlerse-donlos-syndrome/): Sadie, a 4-year-old suffering from Ehlers-Donlos Syndrome Sadie is a 4-year-old girl from Sudbury On. suffering from Ehlers-Donlos Syndrome which... - [Nancy: Diabetes, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia & COPD](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/case-studies/nancy-diabetes-arthritis-fibromyalgia-copd/): Nancy K. , 67 suffering diabetes and arthritis Nancy K. is a 67 years old woman from Windsor, NS suffering... - [Austin: ADHD & DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder)](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/case-studies/austin-adhd-dcd/): Austin is a 6-year- Diagnosed with ADHD & DCD Austin is a 6-year-old boy from Plum Coulee, MB. Diagnosed with... - [Connie: Accumulative Physical & Mental Impairments](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/case-studies/connie-accumulative-physical-mental-impairments/): Connie, 66 years old diagnosed with several mental and Physical impairments Connie is a 66 years old retired nurse from... - [Marcus: ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Depression & Anxiety](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/case-studies/marcus-adhd-depression-anxiety/): Marcus, 13 year old diagnosed with severe Learning disabilities Marcus is a 13 year old boy from Etobicoke, ON diagnosed... - [Practical Guide to Understanding the Canadian Disability Tax Credit](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/practical-guide-understanding-the-canadian-disability-tax-credit/): The Government of Canada, in an effort to better serve its disabled citizens, offers a variety of tax initiatives designed... - [Disability Tax Credit Guide for Canadians Suffering from Fibromyalgia](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-guide-canadians-suffering-fibromyalgia/): Table of Contents The Disability Tax Credit or DTC is a fairness measure enacted in 1988 as a way to... - [Infographic Disability in Canada](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/infographic/): Download ADHD And Your Child Infographic learn more Download 2017 ADHD Infographic learn more Download A Complete Profile of Disabilities... - [ADHD and your child](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/infographic/adhd-and-your-child/): Disability Credit Canada mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then... - [A Complete Profile of Disabilities in Canada](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/infographic/complete-profile-disabilities-canada/): Disabilities in Canada Did you know, around 13. 7% of Canadians are currently living with a disability? 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Painful sores... - [8 Reasons to Choose Disability Credit Canada](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/8-reasons-choose-disability-credit-canada/): Top reasons why Disability Credit Canada is THE company you should choose: There are a lot of services out there... - [CPP Disability Child Benefits](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-child-benefits/): Our mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their... - [CPP Disability Benefits Application](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-benefits-application/): Today, you can make that change. Check this CPP Disability Benefits Application guide and start gaining back what you lost.... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Tendinitis](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/tendinitis/): A tendon is a connective tissue that attaches the end of the muscle to the bone. Tendinitis occurs when the... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Canadians Suffering of Osteoarthritis](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/osteoarthritis/): Disability Tax Credit for Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (also called OA, degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis) is the most common form of... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Canadians Suffering of Gout](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/gout/): In Canada alone, gout, or “gouty arthritis,” afflicts an estimated 1. 5 million people. It is caused by the buildup... - [Disability Tax Credit for Fibromyalgia](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/fibromyalgia/): Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread pain and accompanied by a rash of secondary indicators. It is sometimes linked... - [Disability Tax Credit for Chronic Pain](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/chronic-pain/): The Canadian Government have devised income support schemes like CPP Disability benefits and Disability tax Credits to help people suffering... - [Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/registered-disability-savings-plan/): Registered Disability Savings Plan, commonly known as RDSP is a great savings plan for individuals who are disabled and qualify... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Canadians Suffering of Parkinson’s Disease](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/parkinsons-disease/): Nearly 100,000 Canadians suffer from Parkinson’s disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that can rob a person of the... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Canadians Suffering of Sensory Processing Disorder](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/sensory-processing-disorder/): Sensory integration disorder, which is also known as sensory processing disorder or SPD, is a condition in which the brain... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Speech Disability](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/speech-disability/): The term “speech disability” is a very broad term, applying to numerous diseases and illnesses and involving numerous symptoms. From... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Canadians with Spinal Cord Injury](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/): According to studies, there are more than 1,500 Canadians that suffer a spinal cord injury per year. A spinal cord... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Chronic Fatigue](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/): Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue with little explanation. Doctors do not know what causes it,... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Canadians Suffering of Crohn’s Disease](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/crohns-disease/): Crohn’s Disease: Diagnosis and Management It is estimated that approximately 200,000 Canadians are currently diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Those afflicted... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Deaf Canadians](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/deafness/): Deafness in Canada: Diagnosis and Management According to statistics, there are more than one million adults across Canada reported to... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Canadians with Down Syndrome](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/down-syndrome/): One in eight hundred overall births result in a baby being born with Down syndrome. The most common risk factor... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Canadians with Dyslexia](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/dyslexia/): Disability Credit Canada mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit, Long Term Disability Benefits & CPP... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Epileptic Canadians](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/epilepsy/): Chances are that you have seen something—a movie, video game, or amusement park ride—that has an epilepsy warning attached to... - [Disability Tax Credit For High Functioning Autism](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/high-functioning-autism/): Autism is what we might call a “hot-button issue” presently. 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More than 2. 3 million people... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Canadians with Muscular Dystrophy](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/muscular-dystrophy/): Muscular dystrophy (MD) is the name given to a group of muscle diseases that weaken the voluntary muscles. MD can... - [Disability Tax Credit for Celiac](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/celiac-disease/): Celiac disease (sometimes Coeliac) is a specific condition that damages the lining of the small intestine preventing the proper absorption... - [Disability Tax Credit for Cerebral Palsy](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/cerebral-palsy/): Cerebral Palsy (also known as CP) is an umbrella term used for a group of medical disorders that involve the... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Blind Canadians](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/blindness/): Blindness denotes the condition of a total loss of vision with the inability to distinguish light from darkness in both... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Arthritis And Walking Impairments](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/arthritis/): Arthritis is commonly thought of as a singular disorder, though the term is an umbrella description used to encompass over... - [Disability Tax Credit for Asperger Syndrome](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/asperger-syndrome/): Asperger syndrome is a form of autism that affects patients neurologically and behaviorally, and may need special care depending on... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Autism](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/autism/): Autism is a neurological and behavioral condition that begins to affect patients as early as three years old. In Canada,... - [Disability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADD](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/adhd-add/): ADD and ADHD: Personal and Sociological Effects and Treatment Options ADD/ADHD is a condition affecting both children and adults; with... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Alzheimer’s Disease Sufferers](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/alzheimers-disease/): Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis and Management In their hearts, rest assured, they will always remember how you always made sure they... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility for Amputees](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/amputation/): Today, there is an estimated 200,000 Canadians that are amputees. With a number that high, it’s important to understand how... - [Disability Tax Credit for ALS](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als/): Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive disease affecting various nerve cells of... - [Disability Tax Credit for Anorexia](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/anorexia/): Anorexia is a severe eating disorder in which a person experiences an intense fear of weight gain and obsessive concern... - [Disability Tax Credit for Anxiety Disorders](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/anxiety-disorders/): A normal reaction to threatening, stressful, or frightening events is an increased feeling of anxiety. However, when this feeling is... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligible Conditions Information](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/): Table of Contents Now that you have an idea what a Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is, it would be prudent... - [Disability Tax Credit Eligibility Information](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligibility/): Finding out Knowing who qualifies for a disability tax credit is a tricky business. At Disability Credit Canada, we can... - [Disability Tax Credit Application Process](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-application/): For you and your loved ones, no more waiting – start your Disability Tax Credit Application today. The Disability Tax... - [Child Disability Tax Benefits](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/child-disability-benefit/): The government of Canada is dedicated to giving children of all ages premiere childcare. The Child Disability Benefit helps them... - [The Canada Pension Plan](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-canada-pension-plan/): Persons with Canadian residency who are employed and 18 years and older automatically pay a portion of their earnings into... - [The Ontario Disability Act](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-ontario-disability-act/): Disability Credit Canada mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then... - [The Ontario Disability Support Program Act](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-ontario-disability-support-program-act/): The Canadian federal government have devised income support schemes like CPP Disability benefits and Disability tax Credits to help people... - [Canadian Disability Benefits](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/canadian-disability-benefits/): Disability Benefits in Canada Living with a disability reshapes daily life in ways that rarely announce themselves loudly. Income drops... --- ## Posts - [Announcing the 2022 Winner of the DCCI Scholarship for Canadian Students with Disabilities](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/announcing-the-2022-winner-of-the-dcci-scholarship-for-canadian-students-with-disabilities/): Disability Credit Canada knows that education is a critical step in opening up the doors of opportunity. Yet, for the... - [Announcing the 2021 DCCI Scholarship Recipient](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/announcing-the-2021-winner-of-dcci-scholarship-for-canadian-students-with-disabilities/): Disability Credit Canada, knows that education is a critical step in opening the doors of opportunity. Yet for the millions... - [Meet the 2020 DCCI Scholarship Winner](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/announcing-the-2020-winner-of-dcci-scholarship-for-canadian-students-with-disabilities/): Disability Credit Canada knows that education is a critical step in opening the doors of opportunity. Yet for the millions... - [Winter Mobility Made Easy: Why a Scooter Could Help](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/daymak-mobility-scooters/): The colder weather and the growing desire for maintaining social distance are key factors on the minds of those looking... - [A Conversation on Mental Health Positivity with You Are Collective](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/discussion-with-founders-of-you-are-collective/): You know mental health is important- just as important as physical well being. That said, many of us still struggle... - [Three Strategies to Help Students with Learning Disabilities By Heather Desjardins](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/strategies-to-help-students-with-learning-disabilities/): The Open Door is an organization focused on providing successful strategies and learning support for students with learning disabilities. We... - [Interview with Donna Wheatcroft About Mental Reframing Techniques](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/interview-the-virtues-project/): At Disability Credit Canada, we strive to do more than simply advocate for people to access the Disability Tax Credits... - [How To Treat ADHD The Non-Pharmaceutical Approach By John Stevenson](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/non-pharmaceutical-approach-to-treating-adhd/): Non-Medication ADHD Treatment Options At Disability Credit Canada we make it one of our missions to advocate for our community... - [Exploring the Benefits of Physical Activity with Dr. Leigh Vanderloo](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/speaking-with-dr-leigh-vanderloo-of-participaction-on-the-benefits-of-physical-activity/): You know you should exercise. You know it’s good for your health and wellness. But do you know the hard... - [Ann-Marie Discusses S.W.I.M and Resources for Single Mothers](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/interview-with-ann-marie-founder-director-of-single-women-in-motherhood/): Disability does not discriminate. It can affect people regardless of age, sex, race, family structure or socioeconomic status. The financial... - [Chelsea King (Bodie) Discusses Mental Health Expertise](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/special-interview-with-chelsea-king-certified-mental-health-professional/): Coping with ADD/ADHD ADD/ADHD is one of the most common disorders affecting children worldwide. It is also frequently under-diagnosed and... - [Poor Sleep Makes My ADHD Worse (And Vice-Versa)](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/poor-sleep-makes-my-adhd-worse-and-vice-versa/): By Rick Green, CM, OOnt, BSc. ADHD Is Not One-Size-Fits-All A psychologist who specializes in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder once... - [Getting Chores Done With Your ADHD Kid: A How-to Guide](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/getting-chores-done-with-your-adhd-kid-a-how-to-guide/): One of the most important lessons a parent needs to impart to their children is the importance of housework. Learning... - [5 Amazing New Developments in Diabetes Treatments](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/5-new-developments-in-diabetes-treatments/): Diabetes: A Global Epidemic In 2014, the World Health Organization reported 422 million people are suffering from diabetes. With over... - [Dealing with the Stresses of Raising Your Child with ASD](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/stress-and-the-autism-parent/): For any family dealing with a child or family members living with a disability, stress is an inevitable occurrence in... - [Disability Employment Awareness Month: Advocacy and Technology for an Inclusive Workplace](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-employment-awareness-month-advocacy-and-technology-for-an-inclusive-workplace/): What is DEAM? October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) for several Canadian provinces. 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Times... - [Disability Tax Credit Application Process For Anxiety Sufferers](https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-application-process-anxiety-sufferers/): Tax Credit Application For Anxiety Sufferers There are a great number of problems and challenges that would qualify a person... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2026-01-26 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/depression/ Depression may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit when its effects significantly restrict daily functioning over a prolonged period. Eligibility depends on how symptoms impair essential mental or physical functions, not on a diagnosis alone. This guide explains how depression fits within CRA eligibility rules, what medical evidence matters, what applicants can expect during review, and how Disability Credit Canada supports individuals and families throughout the process. What Is the Disability Tax Credit and What Does It Provide The Disability Tax Credit is a federal non-refundable tax credit designed to reduce income tax payable for individuals with prolonged impairments. Approval may result in: Ongoing annual tax relief Retroactive tax refunds for up to ten years Access to additional federal programs linked to DTC eligibility These programs include the Child Disability Benefit, the Registered Disability Savings Plan, and the upcoming Canada Disability Benefit. For many families, DTC approval leads to substantial long-term financial relief. How Depression Can Qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. CRA does not approve applications based on a depression diagnosis alone. Eligibility depends on how symptoms restrict everyday functioning in a marked or cumulative way. Depression may qualify when it significantly limits mental functions required for daily life, such as: Sustaining focus, concentration, or memory Regulating emotions or stress responses Initiating tasks or completing routines independently Planning, problem solving, or decision making Managing social interaction or workplace demands In many cases, multiple moderate limitations combine into a cumulative restriction that meets CRA criteria. These impairments must exist most of the time and be expected to last at least twelve months. CRA Eligibility Criteria for Mental Health Conditions CRA evaluates Disability Tax Credit applications using functional criteria rather than clinical descriptions. Reviewers assess whether the applicant experiences: Marked restriction in mental functions, meaning tasks take significantly longer than average or cannot be completed independently Cumulative effects of multiple functional limitations Prolonged impairment lasting at least one year Ongoing restriction despite appropriate treatment Academic performance, IQ scores, or treatment compliance do not determine eligibility. The review focuses on real-world functioning across daily environments. Medical Documentation Required for a Depression DTC Application Eligibility depends on strong medical documentation submitted through Form T2201. Supporting information must clearly explain functional impact rather than symptom lists or diagnostic history. Effective documentation typically includes: A completed T2201 by a qualified medical professional Clear descriptions of how depression affects daily activities Examples of slowed task completion, inability to initiate tasks, or need for supervision Evidence showing impairments persist despite treatment efforts Applications lacking functional detail are among the most common reasons for denial. What to Expect During the CRA Review Process After submission, CRA may request additional information, including mental function questionnaires or clarification forms. Review timelines vary. Some applications are resolved within weeks, while others take several months, depending on their complexity and follow-up requirements. CRA reviews focus on functional limitations rather than the severity of the diagnosis. Families should expect questions centered on daily life impact rather than medical labels Financial Benefits of Disability Tax Credit Approval for Depression Approved applicants may receive: Annual income tax reduction going forward Retroactive lump sum refunds covering up to ten prior tax years Eligibility for disability related federal benefits and savings programs For families supporting a child or dependent, linked benefits may significantly reduce long-term financial strain. Common Reasons Depression DTC Applications Are Denied Many Disability Tax Credit for Depression denials result from documentation issues rather than ineligibility. Common problems include: Forms focused on diagnosis instead of functional restriction Insufficient examples of daily limitations Missing explanation of cumulative effects Incomplete or inconsistent medical responses Most denied claims can be corrected through proper clarification and resubmission. How Disability Credit Canada Helps With Depression DTC Claims Disability Credit Canada specializes in presenting mental health impairments within CRA eligibility criteria. Our team focuses on accuracy, clarity, and compliance, helping applicants avoid common pitfalls that often lead to delays or denials. Support includes: Identifying eligibility pathways based on functional impact Guiding healthcare providers on CRA-specific language Reviewing applications for accuracy and completeness Managing CRA follow-ups and reassessments No win no fee representation We also offer free assessments and work on a no-win, no-fee basis. Applicants can submit a short form to receive a free evaluation and speak directly with a specialist who understands how CRA evaluates mental health conditions. --- - Published: 2026-01-26 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/diabetes/ Living with diabetes often involves far more than managing blood sugar levels. For many Canadians, treatment requires continuous, time-intensive medical therapy that significantly interferes with daily life. When diabetes treatment meets specific federal criteria, it may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. This page explains how diabetes can qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, how the Canada Revenue Agency evaluates eligibility, what documentation is most important, and how Disability Credit Canada supports applicants throughout the review process. What the Disability Tax Credit Is The Disability Tax Credit is a federal non-refundable tax credit designed to reduce income tax for individuals living with prolonged impairments. Approval can also unlock access to additional programs and financial support. Eligible applicants may receive: Annual income tax relief Retroactive tax refunds, often covering up to ten previous years Access to related programs such as the Child Disability Benefit, Registered Disability Savings Plan, and the upcoming Canada Disability Benefit Approval depends on functional impact, not diagnosis alone. Why Diabetes Can Qualify for the Disability Tax Credit Diabetes may qualify under life-sustaining therapy when treatment: Must be administered at least three times per week Requires an average of fourteen hours or more per week It is essential to sustain life Demands constant monitoring, calculation, adjustment, and response For many individuals using insulin therapy, daily life involves blood glucose testing, dose calculations, injections or pump management, hypoglycemia prevention, emergency planning, and nighttime monitoring. These ongoing demands can significantly restrict personal time, independence, and daily functioning. CRA evaluates how treatment affects everyday activities rather than focusing on diagnosis labels such as Type 1 or Type 2. How CRA Evaluates Eligibility CRA assesses eligibility using functional criteria defined in federal legislation. For diabetes, the review commonly focuses on: Life-Sustaining Therapy Whether therapy requires extensive time, precision, and medical oversight to prevent life-threatening consequences. Markedly Restricted or Cumulative Effects Whether treatment obligations and symptoms together create substantial restrictions when compared with those of someone without the impairment. Prolonged Impairment Whether limitations have lasted, or are expected to last, for at least twelve months. CRA does not assess intelligence, academic performance, or general disease severity. Review centers on functional impact within daily living. Documentation and Medical Details Required Successful applications rely on how treatment demands are documented, not simply confirming diagnosis. Key documentation includes: Form T2201 completed by a qualified medical practitioner Detailed explanation of insulin therapy routines Time spent weekly on glucose monitoring, dose calculations, injections, or pump adjustments Description of night-time monitoring and emergency management Explanation of risks if therapy stops or errors occur Vague or diagnosis-focused forms often result in denial. Specific, functional descriptions greatly improve outcomes. What to Expect During CRA Review CRA may request additional information after submission. This can include: Follow-up questionnaires Requests for clarification from healthcare providers Additional details regarding treatment hours or daily restrictions Timelines vary. Reviews commonly take several months, especially when retroactive claims are involved. Throughout the review, CRA focuses on functioning and therapy demands rather than disease education. Financial Benefits of Approval Approval can result in meaningful financial relief for individuals and families managing diabetes. Potential benefits include: Reduced income tax each year moving forward Lump-sum retroactive refunds reaching tens of thousands of dollars in some cases Access to child-related benefits when applicable Eligibility for long-term savings programs and upcoming federal supports These benefits exist to offset ongoing costs and limitations tied to medical care. Common Reasons Diabetes Applications Are Denied Denials often occur due to documentation issues rather than ineligibility. Frequent problems include: Forms focused only on diagnosis Missing explanation of weekly treatment hours Lack of detail about monitoring and decision-making demands Failure to describe the cumulative impact of therapy Incomplete or inconsistent medical reporting Most denials are preventable with proper framing. How Disability Credit Canada Can Help Disability Credit Canada specializes in aligning medical conditions with CRA eligibility criteria. Support includes: Assessing whether diabetes treatment meets life-sustaining therapy requirements Guiding healthcare providers on how CRA evaluates functional impact Ensuring Form T2201 reflects daily realities rather than medical theory Managing CRA follow-ups and review correspondence Providing no-win no-fee representation Our role focuses on clarity, accuracy, and advocacy so applicants are assessed fairly. Free Eligibility Assessment Diabetes treatment can qualify for the Disability Tax Credit even when past applications were denied. Eligibility depends on how therapy affects daily living and how documentation presents those effects. A free assessment can help determine whether a claim meets CRA criteria and how to proceed with confidence. --- - Published: 2026-01-26 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/bipolar-disorder/ Bipolar disorder can qualify for the Disability Tax Credit when its symptoms cause severe and prolonged restrictions in daily functioning. Eligibility depends on how the condition affects mental functions required for everyday life, not on the diagnosis name alone. What the Disability Tax Credit Covers and How It Works The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a federal, non-refundable tax credit designed to reduce income tax for Canadians living with long-term impairments. Approval can result in: Reduced annual income tax Retroactive refunds for up to ten years Access to additional federal programs, including the Child Disability Benefit, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and the upcoming Canada Disability Benefit The DTC often serves as a gateway benefit, unlocking long-term financial relief beyond the credit itself. How Bipolar Disorder Can Meet CRA Disability Tax Credit Requirements Bipolar disorder may qualify when symptoms markedly restrict mental functions necessary for daily living, even with treatment. CRA does not assess eligibility based on labels such as Bipolar I or Bipolar II. Instead, they evaluate how symptoms affect functional abilities over time. Common functional impacts considered include: Severe mood instability affecting judgment and decision-making Impaired emotional regulation interfering with personal safety or relationships Difficulty with focus, planning, memory, or task completion Inability to manage daily routines without ongoing support Recurrent episodes that disrupt consistent functioning Eligibility often applies when impairments are present most of the time and expected to last at least 12 months. How the CRA Assesses Disability Tax Credit Applications for Mental Health Conditions CRA focuses on functioning, not intelligence, academic performance, or employment history. Applications are assessed under criteria such as: Markedly restricted mental functions Cumulative effects of multiple moderate limitations Prolonged impairments despite therapy or medication Impact on adaptive functioning and daily independence For mental health conditions, CRA evaluates whether basic life activities require substantially more time, supervision, or support than for someone without impairment. Medical Documentation Requirements for Bipolar Disorder DTC Applications Eligibility relies heavily on how Form T2201 is completed. Supporting documentation should clearly explain: How symptoms restrict mental functioning Frequency and duration of impairments Functional limitations during both stable and episodic periods Ongoing treatment history and response Medical professionals may include psychiatrists, psychologists, or physicians with expertise in long-term functioning. Reports should emphasize daily impact, not diagnostic criteria. What to Expect During the CRA Review and Assessment Process CRA frequently issues follow-up questionnaires for mental health applications. These requests focus on: Real-world functioning Support needs Day-to-day limitations Consistency of impairment Reviews often take several months. CRA may reassess eligibility periodically, particularly for individuals with mental health conditions. Financial Benefits Available After Disability Tax Credit Approval Approved applicants may receive: Annual income tax reduction Retroactive refunds reaching tens of thousands of dollars RDSP access with government grants and bonds Child Disability Benefit payments for eligible families Eligibility for future federal disability programs Many families underestimate the long-term financial value of DTC approval. Common Reasons Bipolar Disorder DTC Applications Are Denied Applications are frequently denied when: Forms focus on diagnosis instead of functional impact Symptoms are described vaguely or inconsistently Cumulative effects are not documented Episodic impairments are minimized Follow-up requests are incomplete or missed Most denials are procedural, not medical. How Disability Credit Canada Supports Bipolar Disorder DTC Applications Disability Credit Canada specializes in presenting bipolar disorder within CRA’s Disability Tax Credit eligibility framework. Our team focuses on accuracy, clarity, and compliance, helping applicants avoid common pitfalls that often lead to delays or denials. Support includes: Translating symptoms into CRA-recognized functional language Coordinating with healthcare professionals Managing CRA follow-ups and review requests Strengthening applications before submission We also offer free assessments and work on a no-win, no-fee basis. Applicants can submit a short form to receive a free assessment and speak directly with a specialist who understands how CRA evaluates mental health conditions. Furthermore helping disabled Canadians obtain CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. --- - Published: 2025-12-25 - Modified: 2025-12-29 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/gravity-disability-tax-credit-calculator/ Calculating Your Disability Tax Credit Benefits The purpose of the Disability Tax Credit calculator is to simplify the process of figuring out how much money you would get from the CRA if you were found to qualify for the credit. 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(null! =n&&n! =o. tag||null! =t&&t! =o. priority)}),gform. hooks=e)}}); DP - Calculator New What Province Do You Live In? Choose the province you reside inAlbertaBritish ColumbiaManitobaNew BrunswickNewfoundlandNorthwest TerritoriesNova ScotiaNunavutOntarioPrince Edward IslandQuebecSaskatchewanYukonWhen Did Your Impairments Start? Choose the year the impairment started2014 or earlier201520162017201820192020202120222023Which Condition Best Describe Your Impairments? Choose one impairmentWalkingDressingMental FunctionsBowel FunctionsLife Sustaining TherapyHearingVisionWhat Year Were You Born? Choose the year the disabled person was born201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990 OR EARLIER gform. initializeOnLoaded( function {gformInitSpinner( 29, 'https://disabilitycreditcanada. com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner. svg', false );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_29'). on('load',function{var contents = jQuery(this). contents. find('*'). html;var is_postback = contents. indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(! is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this). contents. find('#gform_wrapper_29');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this). contents. find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_29'). length > 0;var is_redirect = contents. indexOf('gformRedirect{') >= 0;var is_form = form_content. length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html'). css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body'). css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_29'). html(form_content. html);if(form_content. hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_29'). addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_29'). removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function { /* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome */ }, 50 );if(window) {gformInitDatepicker;}if(window) {gformInitPriceFields;}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_29'). val;gformInitSpinner( 29, 'https://disabilitycreditcanada. com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner. svg', false );jQuery(document). trigger('gform_page_loaded', );window = false;}else if(! is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this). contents. find('. 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Federal and provincial rules set the Base Amount and the Supplement Amount, which are subject to annual adjustments. Additionally, the basic and supplementary amounts vary per province. Our calculator has been updated for February 2024. The Disability Tax Credit is calculated in two ways: Adult Disability Tax Credit Calculation: If an adult qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit, only the Base Amount will be provided by federal and provincial sources. Child Disability Tax Credit Calculation: The Disability Tax Credit qualified individual will get both the Base Amount and the Supplemental Amount if, after the tax year, he or she is under the age of 18. Click on your province below to see specific base and supplement tables for the past 10 years in our provincial guides. Alberta Disability Tax Credit Application British Columbia Disability Tax Credit Application Ontario Disability Tax Credit Application Nova Scotia Disability Tax Credit Application Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit Application Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Tax Credit Application Quebec Disability Tax Credit Application Manitoba Disability Tax Credit Application New Brunswick Disability Tax Credit Application Please be aware that the Disability Tax Credit calculator provided below is only intended to provide you with an estimate of the amount you may receive if you are determined to be eligible for the DTC. Moreover, every Disability Tax Credit application is unique, and a variety of variables, including province specific base and supplement amount, and income, may have an impact on the overall return amount. If you have any questions regarding Disability Tax Credit , please feel free to get in touch through our Toll Free number. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability benefits like disability tax credits, Long Term Disability Benefits, and CPP Disability Benefits. Check our other Resources Disability Tax Credit for Arthritis Sufferers Disability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADD Disability Tax Credit for Anxiety Disorders Request a Free Assessment --- - Published: 2025-12-22 - Modified: 2026-01-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/spinal-stenosis/ Table of Contents Disability Tax Credit for Spinal StenosisSpinal stenosis can turn ordinary days into a grind. Pain flares. Legs fail early. Standing in line feels like a marathon. Many people live through this quietly, assuming nothing can help beyond treatment. Canada’s Disability Tax Credit, often called DTC, may help when spinal stenosis causes severe, long-term limitations in daily function. Eligibility hinges on what your body can or cannot do, not on diagnosis alone. CRA repeats this point across its guidance. This guide explains how spinal stenosis fits DTC rules, which categories matter most, and how to build a clean application. What spinal stenosis means in real lifeSpinal stenosis happens when the spaces inside the spine narrow and squeeze nerves. That pressure can trigger nerve pain, numbness, or weakness. Lumbar stenosis affects the lower back and legs. Cervical stenosis hits the neck, shoulders, arms, and sometimes balance. A classic pattern shows up with lumbar cases. Walking or standing brings leg pain, heaviness, tingling, or buckling. Sitting down or leaning forward often eases symptoms. Clinicians call this neurogenic claudication. Not everyone gets every symptom. Some people struggle mainly with pain. Others face weakness, numbness, or bladder trouble. Severity varies day by day, yet the overall impact can stay severe for years. Common symptoms and functional limitsSymptoms matter because they create restrictions that the CRA measures. With spinal stenosis, typical issues include:Back or neck pain that spikes during activity. Leg or arm pain that follows nerve paths. Numbness, pins-and-needles sensations, or loss of feeling. Muscle weakness, foot drag, or sudden leg “give-outs. ”Poor balance or higher fall risk. Reduced walking distance and need for frequent breaks. In some cases, bladder or bowel urgency, retention, or incontinence. For DTC, “how far, how long, how often” matters. A person who can walk fifty meters, stop, sit, then repeat all day may face a serious restriction, even if they technically still walk. How CRA decides DTC eligibilityCRA looks for a severe and prolonged impairment. “Prolonged” means lasting, or expected to last, at least 12 months. There are three main paths:Marked restriction in one basic activity of daily living. Significant limitations in two or more activities that add up to a marked restriction, called the cumulative effect. Life-sustaining therapy. This route rarely applies to spinal stenosis, so the focus stays on the first two. CRA also stresses this test: limits must remain despite appropriate treatment, medication, or aids. A medical practitioner completes Form T2201, describing functional limits in CRA language. DTC categories spinal stenosis often affectsWalkingThis category shows up most often for spinal stenosis claims. CRA considers someone markedly restricted in walking when they cannot walk, or walking takes an inordinate amount of time, even with therapy or devices. “Inordinate time” usually means taking at least three times longer than a person of similar age without impairment. Spinal stenosis can meet this standard when a person:Walks very slowly due to pain or weakness. Needs repeated rests after short distances. Depends on a cane, walker, or wheelchair outside the home. Cannot sustain walking for errands, work, or basic community mobility. Neurogenic claudication patterns help evidence this. Pain that predictably hits after standing or short walking, then eases with sitting, fits lumbar stenosis well. Eliminating, bowel or bladder functionsIn some cases of spinal stenosis, nerves controlling bladder or bowel function are compressed. CRA treats serious eliminating conditions as eligible when managing these functions takes inordinate time or needs major assistance almost all of the time. Examples that may support eligibility:Daily urinary or fecal incontinence requires ongoing help. Urgent accidents despite aids or medication. Retention requiring catheter use or supervised routines. Dressing or feedingThese categories appear less often, yet can matter. Severe pain, leg weakness, or balance issues may make bending, standing long enough, or lifting arms difficult. CRA focuses on time and safety. Mental functions necessary for everyday lifeChronic pain, sleep loss, or medication side effects can affect memory, judgment, or focus. This category applies only when impacts stay severe and prolonged. Keep evidence tight if you include it. Cumulative effect and spinal stenosisMany people with spinal stenosis do not meet a marked restriction in one category, yet still live with heavy combined limits. CRA allows approval under the cumulative effect when:Significant limitations exist in two or more categories. Those limits occur together at least 90 percent of the time. Combined impact equals one marked restriction. A common stenosis mix: serious walking limitation plus meaningful eliminating trouble, or plus dressing limits linked to pain and balance. Put all relevant categories on record. Don’t assume walking alone must carry a claim. Medical evidence that strengthens a claimImaging helps confirm the diagnosis. MRI or CT reports showing stenosis add background. Still, CRA weighs function more than scans. Useful evidence often includes:Specialist notes describing walking distance, speed, and rest frequency. Physiotherapy charts tracking gait, endurance, and falls risk. Pain clinic or neurology reports tying nerve compression to limits. Mobility aid prescriptions, plus notes on remaining limits even with aids. Logs of daily function, such as how long a grocery trip takes with breaks. Match evidence with T2201 wording. If forms say “difficulty walking” without detail, CRA may deny due to vagueness. Treatment does not block eligibilityPeople often worry about this. “I tried physio. ” “I had injections. ” “Surgery helped a bit. ” None of that cancels eligibility. CRA asks whether severe limits remain after appropriate care. If pain, weakness, or walking limits persist long-term, DTC may still apply. Typical stenosis treatments include anti-inflammatory meds, nerve pain meds, physiotherapy, braces, steroid injections, or decompression surgery. Results vary. A partial improvement still leaves many with major day-to-day restrictions. How to apply for DTC with spinal stenosisStart Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate. Gather medical records first. Ask a qualified practitioner, often a doctor or nurse practitioner, to complete functional sections. Provide clear examples of limits. Submit the form through the CRA online portal or by mail. CRA reviews. They may request more details. If approved, you can claim credit for the current year and request adjustments for past years, often up to ten, when restrictions existed. Common mistakes spinal stenosis applicants should avoidFocusing on diagnosis only. CRA wants functional impact. Ignoring flare patterns. If “good days” exist, still describe the average week honestly. Leaving out measurable details. Distance, time, break frequency, and safety risks matter. Assuming cane or walker use equals approval. CRA considers what you can do with aids. Forgetting secondary categories that support the cumulative effect. If CRA denies your applicationDenials happen often. It does not mean you lack a real impairment. Next steps may include:Submit additional medical clarification focused on CRA criteria. Requesting a review or filing a formal objection within CRA timelines. Many successful files hinge on stronger functional detail, not on new diagnoses. How Disability Credit Canada can helpSpinal stenosis files can feel tricky because symptoms fluctuate and walking limits look “invisible” on paper. Disability Credit Canada helps by:Reviewing eligibility based on CRA rules. Organizing medical evidence around daily function. Guiding practitioners on the language CRA recognizes. Managing submission and follow-ups. CRA alone decides approvals. Our role stays focused on building a clear, well-supported application. If you want a free assessment, reach out anytime. --- - Published: 2025-10-06 - Modified: 2026-01-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/privacy-policy/ Disability Credit Canada Inc. is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information of our clients, prospective clients, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and disclose personal information gathered through our website, disabilitycreditcanada. com (the "Site"), and in the course of providing our disability advocacy and claim services. Last Updated: October 6, 20251. Important DisclaimerThis Privacy Policy is provided for informational purposes only. While Disability Credit Canada Inc strives to adhere to all applicable privacy laws and professional standards, this policy is not a contract and doesn't constitute a legally binding guarantee of security beyond the reasonable measures we implement. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time. 2. What is Personal Information? "Personal information" means information about an identifiable individual. This includes, but isn't limited to, your name, contact details (address, phone number, email), date of birth, financial records, and medical or health information related to your long-term disability claim. 3. Information We CollectWe collect information directly from you, and through automated means when you visit our Site. A. Information You Provide DirectlyThis information is necessary to assess your case and communicate with you. It's collected when you fill out a contact form, request a free consultation, or engage with our online chat:Contact Information: Name, phone number, and email address. Case Details: Information related to your disability claim, including your insurance company, policy number (if provided), employment status, type of disability, and the date your benefits were denied or cut off. B. 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Retention: We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law (e. g. , professional rules require retention of client files for specific periods). Information collected for a free consultation that doesn't result in a formal engagement is securely destroyed after a defined period. 8. Your Rights and Access to InformationAs a Canadian resident, you have the right to:Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you. Correction: Request that any incomplete or inaccurate information be corrected. Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information at any time, subject to legal and contractual restrictions. Withdrawing consent may affect our ability to offer or continue our services to you. To exercise any of these rights, please contact the Privacy Officer listed below. 9. Links to External WebsitesThe Site contains links to external websites that are not operated by Disability Credit Canada Inc. We have no control over the content and practices of these sites and accept no responsibility or liability for their respective privacy policies. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external site you visit. 10. Contacting the Privacy OfficerIf you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is managed, please contact our Privacy Officer:Disability Credit Canada Inc. Email : info@disabilitycreditcanada. comPhone Number : 1-844-800-6020 --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2026-01-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/newfoundland-disability-tax-credit/ Table of Contents It's estimated that a staggering 20% of the Newfoundland and Labrador population, over 100,000 residents, live with an impairment of some kind. If you or a family member are among them, we're here to assist by shedding light on the Disability Tax Credit program and how it operates, particularly in the context of Newfoundland and Labrador. In essence, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable federal tax credit designed to reduce the tax burden for disabled individuals. Its purpose is to alleviate the various costs associated with living with an impairment, such as treatments, medication, special education programs, and other additional expenses. We've developed a specific Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Tax Credit guide to provide insight into the DTC program and assist Newfoundland and Labrador residents with impairments in navigating the application process. Updated and revised in February 2025, this Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Tax Credit guide reflects changes to the Disability Tax Credit application form, refund amounts, and any other questions you may have. Specifically curated for Newfoundlanders, this guide aims to comprehensively address all aspects of how the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can help alleviate the financial strain of living with disabilities. While this guide covers essential information for Newfoundland and Labrador applicants, for a deeper understanding of the tax refund process, we offer detailed insights in our comprehensive Disability Tax Credit guide. PLEASE NOTE: This guide has been written based on our extensive knowledge and years of industry experience to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness in educating and informing our fellow Canadians. However, this should not be used as a substitute for official documentation provided by the CRA on the DTC. Therefore, we request that you use it wisely! Disability Tax Credit for Newfoundland and Labrador? The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that the Canadian Government and Canada Revenue Agency created to alleviate the financial burden for those with disabilities by reducing the amount of income tax they pay. If the person found eligible is under 18 at the end of the year, DTC will also provide extra credit/refund (supplement). To be considered eligible for DTC, you must demonstrate difficulty performing activities of daily living like walking, feeding yourself, hearing, speaking, or other debilitating conditions that affect day-to-day living. The amount received from the tax credit comes from both Federal and Provincial sources. The Federal amount is the same across the country, but the Provincial amount differs from Province to Province. After being found eligible for DTC, many other federal, provincial, or territorial programs such as RDSP, Canada Worker’s Benefit, and the Child Disability Benefit are available to you. A later section will illustrate how to calculate the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial disability amount given to those accepted for the Disability Tax Credit. What is the Child Disability Tax Credit and the Child Disability Benefit? The Child Disability Tax Credit is the same as a regular adult Disability Tax Credit – both the eligibility criteria and application process are identical. The main difference between an adult DTC and a child DTC happens at the refund calculation stage as it is done AFTER the person is found eligible. If an adult is found eligible for the DTC, they will get a refund based on the amount of federal taxes paid. If a child (under 18) is found eligible for the DTC, their supporters (parents or guardians) may receive two different refunds: Refund on federal taxes paid: If the supporter of the impaired child has paid into taxes, they will receive the same credits/refunds as an adult claimant would. Child Disability Benefits: Regardless of whether the supporter has paid taxes, they will receive the Child Disability Benefits to assist in caring for the impaired child. The Child Disability Benefit (CBD) directly helps Canadians raise their children with impairments, meaning you can still receive CDB even if you have no taxable income for the year. It is a supplemental benefit added to Canada Child Benefit’s base if the disabled individual is below 18 years of age. To learn more about the Child Disability Tax Credit check out our in-depth guide. Who is Eligible for Disability Tax Credit? Many Canadians are unaware of their Disability Tax Credit eligibility as they believe that they are only available to those who are severely disabled. To qualify for Disability Tax Credit, you must prove that your mental, neurological, or physical impairment is severe enough to cause a significant impact on your daily life and prevent them from supporting you and your family. The Three Main Impairment Categories that Determine the DTC Eligibility There are three main categories, all with numerous associated conditions, that are used to determine eligibility for DTC, those being: Physical Impairments Mental Illness and Psychological Impairments Neurological impairments Even if you are diagnosed with one of the following impairments, you are not automatically eligible for DTC. Eligibility is based on the severity of your impairment and its effects on your ‘activities of daily living. ’ Activities of daily living or ADLs refer to the basic self-care activities done daily and are fundamental in caring for oneself and maintaining independence. To be considered eligible for DTC, your impairment or disability must seriously affect the consistency and brevity of one or more of your ADLs’ performance. “Markedly Restricted” as it Pertains or to Eligibility for DTC Cannot perform or take an inordinate amount of time (three times longer than an abled person of the same age) one or more activities of daily living, even after medication, treatment, or technological aid. Restrictions caused by the impairment must be present 90% of the time or more – or if a combination of two or more moderate restrictions like walking or dressing cumulatively adds up to 90% of the time, it would also be considered markedly restricted. Life-Sustaining Therapy as a Disability Tax Credit Eligibility Marker Another term often used when determining DTC eligibility is life-sustaining therapy. The term life-sustaining therapy in the context of DTC eligibility refers to someone spending 14 hours or more each week on life-sustaining treatments, such as insulin therapy, chest physiotherapy (helps with breathing), and kidney dialysis (blood filter). To learn more, read our Disability Tax Credit Eligibility article. What are the Benefits of the Disability Tax Credit? The DTC can offer substantial financial help to individuals and families in Newfoundland and Labrador, but also, if found eligible for the DTC, one can tap into other programs. The direct financial benefits for an adult resident can be around $1,500~$2,000 per year, and the child’s parents can receive as much as $4,000 per year in credits and refunds. You may also qualify for additional programs and services, such as: Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Canada Disability Savings Bond Canada Disability Savings Grant How much disability tax credit will I get in Newfoundland and Labrador? If you’re trying to figure out how much you’ll be receiving, our Disability Tax Credit Calculator is available here to further understand and estimate your refunds. You can also stand to make upwards of $20,000 as an adult and up to $40,000 if under 18 through a retroactive refund. The CRA will examine your DTC application to see how long you have been diagnosed or experiencing symptoms of the qualifying disabilities; they can then approve you for the DTC for up to the past ten years. If you or your supporter have been paying federal taxes during those years, you will receive a lump sum payment as a refund for the years you were found eligible. Calculating how much you can make through the retroactive payment is simple – you take how much you stand to earn each year through DTC and multiply that by how many years of retroactive payment you have been approved for. To calculate your DTC refund, you should first understand what the Disability Tax Credit consists of. The Federal and Provincial amounts consist of a ‘Base Amount’ and, if applicable, a ‘Supplemental Amount. ’ The Supplemental Amount is provided to eligible individuals who are under 18 years of age at the end of the tax year. We’ll further explain these components below: We have provided the amounts and examples of what you could save due to DTC’s tax break. Federal Base amount and Supplement amount table for last 10 Years Year Federal Base Amount Federal Supplement amount 2013 $7,697 $4,490 2014 $7,766 $4,530 2015 $7,899 $4,607 2016 $8,001 $4,667 2017 $8,113 $4,733 2018 $8,235 $4,804 2019 $8,416 $4,909 2020 $8,576 $5,003 2021 $8,662 $5,053 2022 $8,870 $5,174 2023 $9,428 $5,500 2024 $9,428 $5,500 2025 $10,138 $5,914 Newfoundland and Labrador Base and Supplement Amount Table for Last 10 Years Year Provincial Base Amount Provincial Supplement amount 2013 $5,703 $2,684 2014 $5,788 $2,724 2015 $5,915 $2,784 2016 $5,939 $2,795 2017 $6,058 $2,851 2018 $6,240 $2,936 2019 $6,352 $2,989 2020 $6,409 $3,016 2021 $6,435 $3,028 2022 $6,615 $3,113 2023 $7,005 $3,297 2024 $7,299 $3,435 The DTC is comprised of a “Base Amount” and, where applicable, a “Supplemental Amount,” both of which come from federal and provincial sources: The federal DTC portion is 15% of the disability amount for that tax year. According to the CRA’s Indexation Chart, the “Base Amount” maximum for 2025 is $10,138, and the supplemental amount for children with disabilities is a maximum of $5,914 The provincial DTC portion is approx. 10% (percentage varies from province to province) of the disability amount for that tax year. If the eligible person is an adult, they will receive the federal and provincial “Base Amount” ONLY. For example: Newfoundland and Labrador DTC Calculations for Adult The federal disability amount for 2025 is $10,138, and 15% of that is $1,520. 7. The provincial disability amount in Newfoundland for 2024 is $7,299, and 8. 7% of that is $635. Therefore, a DTC-eligible adult in Newfoundland would have received $1,520. 7 + $635 = $2,155. 7 Newfoundland and Labrador DTC Calculations for Child If the person eligible for DTC is under the age of 18 at the end of the tax year, they will be eligible for the “Base Amount” as well as the “Supplemental Amount. ” The federal supplemental disability amount for 2025 is $5,914, and 15% of that is $887. 1. The provincial supplemental disability amount for 2024 is $3,435, and 8. 7% of that is $298. 8. Therefore, an eligible minor in Newfoundland and Labrador would receive $2,155. 7 (Base) + $1,185. 9 (Supplement) = $3,341. 65 total. How to Complete Your Disability Tax Credit Application It is important to note that Applying for Disability Tax Credit is free, it can be done by any Canadian as many times as they want. All you need to do is download the Disability Tax Credit Form (T2201), print it out, take it to your doctor to certify (the medical practitioner usually charges anywhere from $50 to $150), and once certified, send it to the CRA. The DTC application process as described above is straightforward and can be done in a few short steps. However, applying and qualifying are two different things. Applying is easy and simple, qualifying is not so easy and a large percentage of applicants do get denied for a multitude of reasons. In general, there are three main routes you can follow when applying for the DTC: Completing the Disability Tax Credit Application Independently Download the T2201 Form from the CRA’s website Print and take it to your healthcare practitioner to fill out and sign. Send the signed T2201 by mail to the CRA’s processing center. Applying alone is cost-effective but may limit knowledge and reduce maximum returns. Completing the Disability Tax Credit Application with an Accountant or Bookkeeper You can also enlist others to assist you in completing your Disability Tax Credit application, such as an accountant or a bookkeeper, both of whom will be reasonably familiar with the tax credit and will charge very little. Both the benefits and drawbacks that come with applying independently are also prevalent when applying with the help of an accountant or bookkeeper, meaning minimal fees at the expense of limited knowledge. Completing the Disability Tax Credit Application with a DTC Representative DTC firms handle each step of the process, have extensive knowledge, and work on a NO WIN, NO FEE basis – meaning they are incentivized to get you the most out of a DTC refund as possible. As mentioned previously, applying to DTC is easy, but being approved can be very difficult. You need to carefully and thoroughly build a case that portrays your condition and the impairments that come with it, so hiring a team with extensive knowledge like a DTC firm is the best way to ensure your application is approved. To learn more about each option for applying to DTC, check our Disability Tax Credit Application Process guide. Common Reasons for DTC Denial Not all cases are straightforward. A majority of DTC applicants will fall into a “gray area” where they may have qualifying impairments, but they are not enough to make them eligible for the program. Because of this, a majority of DTC applications are denied. There are numerous reasons one could be denied for DTC, some much more clear-cut than others. Here are some of the most common reasons for denial when filling out your DTC form to give you a good idea of what to avoid when filling out your DTC form. Missing or incomplete information on the T2201 form. Lack of knowledge of DTC. Inconsistent medical diagnosis. Impairment didn’t qualify. Duration of impairment too short Cumulative effects of impairment not included. Lack of supporting medical documents to prove severity. To learn more about the various reasons for DTC denial check out our comprehensive Disability Tax Credit Resource guide. What are Other Disability Programs Available for Newfoundland and Labrador? On top of the Disability Tax Credit, many other disability programs are designed to help disabled and impaired Newfoundland and Labrador inhabitants. Some examples of some of the disability programs available are: The Coalition of Persons with Disabilities – Newfoundland and Labrador The Newfoundland & Labrador Association for Community Living (NLACL) is a not-for-profit organization that works with and on behalf of persons with intellectual disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador, creating initiatives to help individuals with intellectual disabilities as well as their families and communities. Programs Funded through the Department of Health and Community Services offer numerous benefits and programs to help disabled Newfoundland and Labrador inhabitants find assistance. In Conclusion At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in supporting disabled Canadians in Newfoundland and Labrador through programs like the Disability Tax Credit, designed to alleviate financial burdens while they remain active in the workforce. Applying for this credit is completely free, with no consequences for multiple applications. Our team has helped thousands of Canadians qualify for and maximize benefits from the Disability Tax Credit, CPP Disability Benefits, and Long Term Disability Benefits. We’ve crafted this guide to inform Newfoundlanders about the Disability Tax Credit, providing essential information on how it assists working individuals with disabilities and their families. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team offers free assessments and operates on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, ensuring we only receive payment if you do. This approach incentivizes us to secure the maximum refund for you. Discover which tax savings you’re eligible for today by applying for the Disability Tax Credit in Newfoundland and Labrador. Call us at 1-844-800-6020 for assistance with your application. For more information, check out our other resources on Disability Tax Credit. Discover which tax savings you're eligible for today. Call 1-844-800-6020 for assistance. Check our other resources on Disability Tax Credit. --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/alberta-disability-tax-credit/ Table of Contents If you or a family member is among the nearly 400,000 disabled individuals residing in Alberta, chances are you've stumbled upon this guide in search of insights into the Disability Tax Credit. Updated and revised in February 2025, the following Alberta Disability Tax Credit guide reflects changes to the Disability Tax Credit application form, refund amounts, and any other queries you may have. Specifically curated for Alberta residents, this guide aims to comprehensively address all aspects of how the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can help alleviate the financial strain of living with disabilities. Disability Tax Credit For Alberta The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit created by the Canadian Government and Canada Revenue Agency to assist those with disabilities who work and pay federal income tax. It was created to alleviate the additional costs of disabilities by reducing the amount they must pay on their taxes. The Disability Tax Credit is available to those who: Have extreme difficulty performing activities of daily living. Have contributed to federal taxes during the year they are applying. The Disability Tax Credit is also available to families with disabled children under 18 through the Child Disability Tax Credit and the Child Disability Benefits. To learn more about the Child Disability Tax Credit, check out our in-depth guide. Essentially, the Disability Tax Credit serves as a federal benefit designed to reduce yearly income tax obligations and may even offer retroactive payments if you or a family member has endured a severe condition for an extended period. While this guide covers essential information for Alberta applicants, for a deeper understanding of the tax refund process, we offer detailed insights in our comprehensive Disability Tax Credit guide. If found eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you can receive a substantial refund from the government. There are 2 types of refunds you can receive: Adult Disability Tax Credit: A 10-year retroactive, one-time lump sum amount of up to $27,350 An annual refund of up to $2,000 Child Disability Tax Credit: A 10-year retroactive, one-time lump sum amount of up to $40,000 An annual refund of up to $4,000 We believe it is worth your while to read and learn about the Disability Tax Credit. Throughout this article, we will cover: How much a person in Alberta can receive from the Disability Tax Credit Eligibility criteria for the Disability Tax Credit Other disability benefits or programs available in Alberta This guide covers the Disability Tax Credit, and specifically what those living in Alberta need to know when applying. However, if you would like a deep dive into the tax refund, check out our comprehensive Disability Tax Credit guide. PLEASE NOTE: This guide has been written based on our extensive knowledge and years of industry experience to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness in educating and informing our fellow Canadians. However, this should not be used as a substitute for official documentation provided by the CRA on the DTC. Therefore, we request that you use it wisely! Who is Eligible for the Disability Tax Credit? Now that you are aware of what the Disability Tax Credit is, you are probably wondering: “Am I eligible? ” There is no easy answer as the CRA considers many things when determining if an individual is eligible for a tax refund. Many believe that they’re eligible simply because they were diagnosed with an impairment – this, however, is not the case. Having been diagnosed with an impairment is not enough to qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, you must prove to the CRA that your impairment is severe enough to cause a significant impact on the activities of your daily life. How to Determine the Disability Tax Credit Eligibility? Determining if you are eligible for the DTC comes down to a few different factors. First, you must find out if your condition is within the eligibility criteria. Second, you must find out whether your condition is severe enough to qualify. To determine if you qualify for the DTC, see if your condition falls under the following criteria: The three main categories that are used to determine eligibility for DTC are: Physical Impairments Mental Illness and Psychological Impairments Neurological impairments It is imperative to note that just because your condition is considered eligible for DTC, it does not mean that you will receive the tax refund. Eligibility is based on how severe your impairment is and its effects on your activities of daily living. To be considered eligible for DTC, your impairment must also fall under one of the following: Markedly Restricted You are unable to perform the activity, or it takes at least three times longer than someone of similar age without the impairment, even with the use of appropriate therapy, medication, and devices. This restriction is present all or almost all of the time, generally at least 90%. Furthermore, the restriction has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Life-Sustaining Therapy If you spend 14 hours each week or more on life-sustaining therapies to support vital functions such as dialysis, insulin therapy, oxygen therapy, and chest physiotherapy, and require these therapies at least 2 times per week, you may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) under life-sustaining therapy. To learn more, read our Disability Tax Credit Eligibility article. What are the Benefits of Disability Tax Credit? While the DTC does offer you and your family financial benefits through retroactive payments and annual refunds, it also opens the door for many other programs. For an eligible adult, financial benefits can be around $1,500-$2,000 per year, and a child’s caregiver can receive as much as $4,000 per year in credits and refunds. If found eligible for the DTC, you may also be eligible for additional programs and services, such as: Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Canada Disability Savings Bond Canada Disability Savings Grant How much disability tax credit will I get in Alberta? Now that you understand eligibility and believe you may be eligible for the tax refund, you are most likely curious about how much you can receive. This section will break down how the DTC is calculated; however, if you would like an estimation right away, we created a Disability Tax Credit Calculator where you can quickly and very accurately estimate your expected refunds. The DTC refund amount consists of a Federal amount and a Provincial amount. The Federal amount is the same across Canada, and the Provincial amount changes from Province to Province. The Federal and Provincial amounts consist of a 'Base Amount' and, if applicable, a 'Supplemental Amount. ' The Supplemental Amount is provided to eligible individuals who are under 18 years of age at the end of the tax year. We'll further explain these components below: Base Amount: The Federal base amount is around 15% of the base amount ($10,138 as of 2024), equating to about $1,520. 7. The Provincial base amount is around 10% of the disability amount for that tax year ($16,882 as of 2024), equating to about $1,688. 2. Supplemental Amount: The Federal supplemental portion is 15% of the base amount ($5,914 as of 2025), equating to about $887. 1. The Provincial supplemental portion is around 10% of the disability amount for that tax year ($12,669 as of 2024), equating to about $1,266. 9. Therefore, the base amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is around $3,208. 9, and the supplemental amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is approximately $2,154. Based on the calculation example above, an adult in Alberta would receive approximately $3,208. 9 for the year 2025. When combining the "Base Amount" and "Supplemental Amount," an eligible individual under 18 in Alberta would receive $5,362. 9 in Disability Tax Credits for the 2024 tax year. Here are the Federal and Provincial base and supplemental amounts for the past 10 years: Federal Base amount and Supplement amount table for last 10 Years Year Federal Base Amount Federal Supplement amount 2013 $7,697 $4,490 2014 $7,766 $4,530 2015 $7,899 $4,607 2016 $8,001 $4,667 2017 $8,113 $4,733 2018 $8,235 $4,804 2019 $8,416 $4,909 2020 $8,576 $5,003 2021 $8,662 $5,053 2022 $8,870 $5,174 2023 $9,428 $5,500 2024 $9,872 $5,758 2025 $10,138 $5,914 Alberta Provincial Base and Supplement amount table for the last 10 Years Year Provincial Base Amount Provincial Supplement amount 2013 $13,571 $10,184 2014 $13,720 $10,296 2015 $14,050 $10,545 2016 $14,232 $10,680 2017 $14,417 $10,819 2018 $14,590 $10,949 2019 $14,940 $11,212 2020 $14,940 $11,212 2021 $14,940 $11,212 2022 $15,284 $11,470 2023 $16,201 $12,158 2024 $16,882 $12,669 How to Apply for the Disability Tax Credit Now that you're aware of the potential earnings from the DTC, let's delve into the application process. The good news is that applying for the DTC is simple, straightforward, and completely free. Anyone can apply, and there are no drawbacks or penalties for making multiple attempts. However, securing approval for your DTC application requires more than just submitting it and hoping for the best. You'll need to construct a strong case, providing comprehensive information about your condition and how it adversely affects your life. Various application methods yield different outcomes, so it's essential to review your options and determine which suits you best. Applying for the Disability Tax Credit Independently To apply for the DTC, all you must do is take the following steps: Download the T2201 Form from the CRA’s website Print the T2201 and take it to your healthcare practitioner to fill out and sign. Send the signed T2201 by mail to the CRA’s processing center. While applying for the DTC independently is the most cost-effective method, it does not give you the best chance for approval. Drawbacks to applying independently include a lack of eligibility knowledge and a need to know how to maximize your applicable credits and benefits. Because of this, it is best to enlist the help of a specialized DTC firm like Disability Credit Canada, as we have a thorough understanding of the DTC application process, eligibility requirements, and more. Common Reasons for Denial of the Disability Tax Credit Before applying it is essential to note that a large percentage of applicants get denied so it is important to understand some of the common reasons people are denied for the DTC if you want to avoid making the same mistakes. As previously mentioned, applying for the DTC is a simple process, but being approved is not. The application process for severe or more visible impairments is rather simple, but the process becomes much more challenging for less visible or hard-to-diagnose impairments. Throughout our many years of dealing with DTC cases, we have come across many different reasons applications are denied. Some are straightforward, while others can be complex. Here are some of the more common reasons: Missing or incomplete information on the T2201 form Lack of knowledge of DTC eligibility criteria Inconsistent medical diagnosis Impairment didn’t qualify Duration of impairment too short Cumulative effects of impairment not included Lack of supporting medical documents to prove the severity of your condition Other Disability Programs Offered in Alberta On top of Disability Tax Credit, many other disability programs are available to eligible inhabitants of Alberta. Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) helps Albertans with long-term disability benefits or chronic/terminal illnesses pay for essential medical equipment and supplies. Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) provides financial and health benefits for eligible Albertans with a permanent medical condition that prevents them from earning a living. Post-Secondary Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities supplies funding and grants available for students with permanent disabilities. In Conclusion We've crafted this guide to inform Albertans about the Disability Tax Credit and how it aids disabled Canadians who are still in the workforce by offering financial assistance to cover expenses related to their impairments. Applying for the credit is completely free, and there are no consequences for applying multiple times. Disability Credit Canada has assisted thousands of Canadians in qualifying for and maximizing the benefits of the Disability Tax Credit. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team is committed to ensuring the successful completion of every application we handle. We provide free assessments and operate on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, meaning we only receive payment if you do, giving us the incentive to secure the maximum refund for you! For the best chance of approval for the Disability Tax Credit, call us today at 1-844-800-6020. Call us today for help with your disability tax credit in Alberta --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2026-01-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/saskatchewan-disability-tax-credit/ Table of Contents Navigating the financial challenges of disability can feel overwhelming. When you're unable to work due to a disability, the looming stack of bills can seem overwhelming, with relief feeling perpetually out of reach. The costs of living are compounded by the additional expenses associated with disability, intensifying the strain. Various disabilities can render individuals unable to work, amplifying the financial burden. Recognizing these challenges, the government extends support to Saskatchewan residents through the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) program. This specific Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit guide, updated and revised in February 2025, serves as a resource to shed light on the DTC program and assist Saskatchewan residents with impairments in navigating the application process. Tailored for Saskatchewanians, this guide aims to comprehensively address all aspects of how the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can alleviate the financial strain of living with disabilities. Throughout these pages, we delve into program details, application procedures, eligibility criteria, and other pertinent information specifically tailored to those residing in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit designed to significantly reduce the amount of income tax that disabled individuals have to pay. This credit may also apply to individuals who are financially caring for someone with a disability. For a deeper understanding of the tax refund process and additional insights, we offer comprehensive guidance in our detailed Disability Tax Credit guide. PLEASE NOTE: This guide has been written based on our extensive knowledge and years of industry experience to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness in educating and informing our fellow Canadians. However, this should not be used as a substitute for official documentation provided by the CRA on the DTC. Therefore, we request that you use it wisely! The Disability Tax Credit For SaskatchewanThe Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable federal tax credit created by the Canadian Government and Canada Revenue Agency to assist those with impairments who still work and pay taxes by providing them with a refund on the Federal income tax they pay. The Disability Tax Credit was created in 1988 when disabilities and mental illnesses became more recognized. The creation of DTC came about when the definition of a disability became broader and started covering numerous physical handicaps and mental illnesses instead of just those who use wheelchairs or are blind. Eligibility for the Saskatchewan Disability Tax CreditAn individual must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit. There are three basic conditions an individual must have to qualify for this credit. An individual must have a severe impairment in a physical state. They may also have a severe impairment in their mental state. This impairment must be expected to last continuously for a duration that exceeds 12 months. A licensed doctor or qualified practitioner must attest to any individual’s impairment. This professional will be required to complete a section of the Disability Tax Credit Certificate, detailing the prolonged impairment and how it affects day-to-day activities. Some of these day-to-day activities may include, but are not limited to, walking, hearing, speaking, eating, dressing, using the bathroom, and seeing. If you have a severe impairment in any of these categories there is a good chance you may qualify for the Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit. If you are looking to apply on behalf of your child, please read our child disability benefits guide. There are numerous amount of mental impairments that an individual may have that will also qualify them for the Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit. Among these may include, but are not limited to:AutismAnxiety/PanicSchizophreniaManic DepressionADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)If you believe you qualify for the Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit; you may obtain Form T2201 given by the Canadian Revenue Agency. Once the first section of this form is filled out, you may bring it to your licensed doctor to complete the second section of the form. When the form is filled out in its entirety; you may submit it to the Canadian Revenue Agency for review. They will contact you regarding the approval or denial of your tax credit; and any benefits that may go along with that. Benefits of the Saskatchewan Disability Tax CreditThe benefits of the Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit vary according to each individual’s situation. There are deciding factors such as income, number of years in the workforce, and previously filed tax amounts. This tax credit can save applicants anywhere from $1,600 up to $40,000! When an individual qualifies for the Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit, they may also qualify for other benefits. Registered Disability Savings Plan: This is designed to help provide and protect individuals with future financial security. Contributions are matched by the government and are not tax-deductible. Savings Bonds: If your income is low and you make contributions to the Registered Disability Savings Plan; you may qualify for Canadian Disability Savings Bonds, which can accumulate up to a maximum of $20,000. Savings Grants: This grant will allow individuals an amount of up to $3,500 a year; which may not exceed $70,000 in a lifetime. It will match contributions to the Registered Disability Act by up to 300%. The Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit is a generous way of helping out those with severe impairments. It can be very difficult to pay your bills and perform day-to-day activities when you are disabled. If you feel you qualify for any or all of these benefits; your first step is to apply for the Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit. How much disability tax credit will I get in SaskatchewanIn the following section, we will explain how the DTC is calculated; however, to save you time, we created a Disability Tax Credit Calculator where you can easily and very accurately estimate your expected refunds. To understand how the DTC refund is calculated, you need to understand a few “basic” terms:The DTC refund amount consists of two amounts: Federal amount and Provincial amount. The Federal amount is the same across Canada. The Provincial amount changes from Province to Province. The Federal and Provincial amounts consist of a 'Base Amount' and, if applicable, a 'Supplemental Amount. ' The Supplemental Amount is provided to eligible individuals who are under 18 years of age at the end of the tax year. Base Amount:The Federal base amount is around 15% of the base amount ($10,138 as of 2024), equating to about $1,520. 7. The Provincial base amount is around 10. 5% of the disability amount for that tax year ($10,894 as of 2024), equating to about $1,143. 87. Therefore, the base amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is around $2,664. 57. Supplemental Amount:The Federal supplemental portion is 15% of the base amount ($5,914 as of 2025), equating to about $887. 1. The Provincial supplemental portion is around 10. 5% of the disability amount for that tax year ($10,894 as of 2024), equating to about $1,143. 87. Therefore, the supplemental amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is around $2,030. 97. Based on the calculation example above, an adult in Saskatchewan would receive approximately $2,664. 57 for the year 2024. When combining the "Base Amount" and "Supplemental Amount," an eligible individual under 18 in Saskatchewan would receive $4,695. 54 in Disability Tax Credits for the 2024 tax year. Federal Base amount and Supplement amount table for last 10 YearsYear Federal Base Amount Federal Supplement amount2013$7,697$4,4902014$7,766$4,5302015$7,899$4,6072016$8,001$4,6672017$8,113$4,7332018$8,235$4,8042019$8,416$4,9092020$8,576$5,0032021$8,662$5,0532022$8,870$5,1742023$9,428$5,5002024$9,872$5,7582025$10,138$5,914Saskatchewan Provincial Base and Supplement amount table for the last 10 YearsYear Provincial Base Amount Provincial Supplement amount2013$8,979$8,9792014$9,060$9,0602015$9,214$9,2142016$9,334$9,3342017$9,464$9,4642018$9,464$9,4642019$9,464$9,4642020$9,496$9,4962021$9,559$9,5592022$9,789$9,7892023$10,405$10,4052024$10,894$10,894What is The Eligibility Criteria for Disability Tax CreditBefore discussing DTC eligibility criteria, we must dispel a significant misunderstanding:When the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) evaluates your DTC application, they’re most interested in the way your impairments affect your “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL). They want to know the various ways your everyday activities are affected by your condition. While they are interested in your diagnosis, as you must have an eligible impairment to be qualified, they will be more focused on the effects your impairment has on your “ADL. ”There are three main categories that the majority of conditions that are eligible for DTC fall under, including:Physical impairmentsMental illness and psychological impairmentsNeurological impairmentsTo be found eligible, your condition must be considered markedly restricted, meaning you cannot perform or take an inordinate amount of time to complete two or more activities of daily living (ADL). You may also be eligible if the restrictions caused by your condition affect you 90% of the time, OR a combination of two or more moderate restrictions of ADLS adds up to 90%. Finally, if you spend 14 hours a week or more on life-sustaining therapy, such as insulin therapy, physiotherapy, or dialysis, you may also be eligible. Life-sustaining therapy makes one eligible for DTC due to the substantial amount of money and time they must spend tending to their condition, leading to many additional fees for treatments and medical devices. Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Apply for DTCOver the years, the CRA has simplified the Disability Tax Credit application process to serve Canadians as initially intended. However, even after streamlining the application process, many applicants are still denied for a myriad of reasons. It is important to note that just because applying for the DTC is easy, getting your DTC application approved is difficult. Some disabilities are “visible” and “obvious” – these applications get approved pretty quickly. However, some disabilities, especially “invisible” mental disabilities, are much harder to prove. Most applicants will be denied, so getting approved for impairments that sit in a ‘grey area’ can be very difficult and require a lot of evidence gathering to help legitimize your claim. In essence, the Disability Tax Credit application process is simple and straightforward:Download the T2201 Form from the CRA’s website. Print the T2201 and take it to your healthcare practitioner to fill out and sign. Send the signed T2201 by mail to a CRA’s processing centre or even online. Wait about 1-3 months to hear back from the CRA if you were approved or not. To fill out the T2201 form, you will need to be certified by a medical practitioner; however, not just any medical practitioner has the authority to do so. The CRA may also send a questionnaire to the medical practitioner who signed your form to clarify your impairments and the information submitted. Some of the medical practitioners that can fill out the T2001 form are:Medical doctors can fill out the entirety of part B of the T2001 form. Nurse practitioners can fill out the entirety of part B of the T2001 form. Specialized doctors can fill out the section that best applies to their field, such as an optometrist filling out the vision impairment section, etc. Here is a full list of medical practitioners authorized to fill out form T2201. Applying independently can be a quick and cost-effective process, but for more complex cases or cases that have been denied, you may want to seek out the help of a specialized DTC firm, like Disability Credit Canada. Common Reasons for DTC DenialAs mentioned above, applying for DTC is easy, but being approved is not a simple task. If you have a severe impairment, the application process can be straightforward, but if your disability is less visible or hard to diagnose, the process becomes much more challenging. Throughout our many years of experience, we have seen many reasons applications are denied. Some reasons are simple and straightforward, while others can be complex. Some of the more common reasons for your application’s denial include:Missing or incomplete information on the T2201 formLack of knowledge of DTC eligibility criteriaInconsistent medical diagnosisImpairment didn’t qualifyDuration of impairment too shortCumulative effects of impairment not included. Lack of supporting medical documents to prove the severity of your condition. If your application is denied, you still have some options, such as:Appeal the CRA’s decision by raising a formal objection. Submit a new T2201 form with further information about your impairments. Use a different medical practitioner with more knowledge about DTC eligibility criteria. Call/write the CRA for further clarification regarding your application. What are Other Disability Programs Available for Saskatchewan? The Disability Tax Credit is a federal program and it’s important to know that if you were found eligible for the DTC it will not affect other Federal or Provincial programs. If you’re in Saskatchewan and living with an impairment, there are other programs created to assist you. It is advantageous to learn about your options to get the assistance you or someone you are caring for need. Some of the other disability programs available to Saskatchewan are:The Saskatchewan Home Repair Program - Adaptation for Independence provides financial assistance to homeowners or rental property owners with low incomes to make a home more accessible for a person with a housing-related disability. The Employability Assistance for Persons with Disabilities (EAPD) program provides funding for a broad range of supports that help Saskatchewan residents with a disability prepare for and make successful transitions into the workforce. The Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) is an income support program for individuals with significant and enduring disabilities. It provides long-term income support, enhances access to services, and promotes community participation. SAID prioritizes daily living and disability-related needs, offering additional benefits tailored to individual circumstances. Payment tiers include living income, disability income, and shelter, with no set maximum monthly benefit. In ConclusionAt Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim CPP Disability Benefits, Disability Tax Credit, and Long Term Disability Benefits. We've crafted this guide to inform Saskatchewanians about the Disability Tax Credit and how it aids disabled Canadians who are still in the workforce by offering financial assistance to cover expenses related to their impairments. Applying for the credit is completely free, and there are no consequences for applying multiple times. Disability Credit Canada has assisted thousands of Canadians in qualifying for and maximizing the benefits of the Disability Tax Credit. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team is committed to ensuring the successful completion of every application we handle. We provide free assessments and operate on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, meaning we only receive payment if you do, giving us the incentive to secure the maximum refund for you! For the best chance of approval for the Disability Tax Credit, call us today at 1-844-800-6020. Check our other Resources for more information on Disability Tax Credit. Disability Tax Credit for Arthritis SufferersDisability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADDDisability Tax Credit for Anxiety DisordersCall us now for help with your Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit. --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2026-01-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/quebec-disability-tax-credit/ Coping with a physical or mental disability can present significant challenges. It may result in an inability to work, or the capacity to work may be limited to part-time hours. As living costs continue to escalate, the financial strain can become overwhelming. Recognizing these challenges, the Canadian government has implemented measures to assist citizens in provinces like Quebec. Updated and revised in February 2025, the following Quebec Disability Tax Credit guide reflects changes to the Disability Tax Credit application form, refund amounts, and any other queries you may have. Specifically curated for Quebec residents, this guide aims to comprehensively address all aspects of how the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can help alleviate the financial strain of living with disabilities. Individuals facing severe impairments may qualify for the Quebec Disability Tax Credit. This non-refundable tax credit aims to alleviate the income tax burden for individuals with disabilities. Participation in other programs, such as the Canada Disability Child Benefit, does not disqualify individuals or minors from eligibility for the Quebec Disability Tax Credit. From covering expenses such as treatments, medications, and specialized education to providing the most up-to-date information on eligibility criteria and application processes, consider this your go-to resource. PLEASE NOTE: This guide has been written based on our extensive knowledge and years of industry experience to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness in educating and informing our fellow Canadians. However, this should not be used as a substitute for official documentation provided by the CRA on the DTC. Therefore, we request that you use it wisely! Who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit in Quebec? To be eligible for the Quebec Disability Tax Credit, the disabled citizen or their caregiver must have previously paid taxes. Several impairments may qualify an individual for this tax credit. Several types of these impairments are:Hearing ImpairmentSpeech ImpairmentMobility ImpairmentVisual ImpairmentPhysiological ImpairmentCognitive ImpairmentChronic IllnessNumerous physical and mental disabilities restrict a person from performing basic activities in their day-to-day lives. Three basic conditions qualify you for the Quebec Disability Tax Credit. The individual must have a severe impairment; mental or physical. This impairment may not be temporary. It must be a severely prolonged impairment that will last greater than 12 months. A licensed doctor or qualified practitioner must have a professional opinion stating that an individual is severely impaired. They must detail the restrictions in performing day-to-day activities and sign off on the lower section of Tax Form T2201. Payment for a Severe and Prolonged Impairment in Mental or Physical FunctionsTo claim a deduction reducing your income tax payable, you must have been 18 or older in 2026 and have experienced a severe and prolonged impairment in mental or physical functions. This impairment must be certified by one of the following professionals: a physician, specialized nurse practitioner, optometrist, audiologist, speech therapist (speech-language pathologist), occupational therapist, psychologist, or physiotherapist. Your impairment is deemed severe and prolonged if both of the following criteria are met:It has lasted (or is expected to last) for at least 12 consecutive months. You are unable to perform a basic activity of daily living without it taking an inordinate amount of time. These activities include seeing, speaking, hearing, walking, eliminating, feeding or dressing yourself, or functioning in everyday life due to lacking necessary mental functions. For individuals with chronic illnesses, your ability to accomplish basic daily activities may also be limited if you undergo therapy prescribed by a physician or specialized nurse practitioner at least twice a week. This therapy must be essential to maintaining one of your vital functions and requires at least 14 hours per week, including time for travel, medical appointments, and post-treatment recovery. Since 2021, treatment for type 1 diabetes has been considered essential therapy. If your health has improved since your last certificate regarding your impairment was filed, it's crucial to inform the authorities. It's important to note that you cannot claim this deduction if fees paid for your full-time residence in a nursing home are included in the calculation of a tax credit for medical expenses on your or another person's return. However, there are exceptions if specific conditions are met:The nursing home receipt shows an amount specifically relating to remuneration paid to a full-time attendant. The amount included in medical expenses is $10,000 or less. Only the portion of the residence fees specifically relating to the remuneration of the attendant is included in the medical expenses. The same restrictions apply for remuneration paid to a full-time attendant unless the amount claimed as remuneration to the attendant is $10,000 or less. Additional Quebec Tax Benefits for Those who qualify for the Disability Tax CreditThere are certain tax benefits for an individual who qualifies for the Quebec Disability Tax Credit. However, others may also qualify for some of these benefits. Not only will the individual receive benefits, but a spouse, parent, or caregiver may receive partial benefits as well. They may receive benefits such as a refundable tax credit for medical expenses that were paid. They may also be able to deduct medical services that were out of the area and the medical expenses themselves. In Quebec, if you, your spouse, or your minor qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, you qualify for other tax benefits if you meet certain criteria. This benefit is a Refundable Tax Credit for Medical Expenses. This refundable tax credit may be applied if you meet the following requirements:You must be a resident of Canada for the entire tax year. You must be a resident of Quebec on the last day of the tax year. You must be 18 years of age or older by the last day of the tax year. Prolonged medical expenses were paid for 12 or more months, consecutively. The expenses must have been for the person with the disability. Income must be over $3,470 for the calendar year. Family income may not exceed $53,340 for the calendar year. If you meet these eligibility requirements; you qualify for this medical expense refundable tax credit. This is another great credit to help families with the monetary burdens of living with a disability or caring for a loved one with a severe disability. Those who qualify for the Quebec Disability Tax Credit are encouraged to take advantage of the other programs that the Canadian Revenue Agency has to offer. In addition to the Refundable Tax Credit for Medical Expenses; there are other beneficial programs offered such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, Canadian Disability Savings Bonds, and Canadian Disability Savings Grants. They all lessen the monetary burdens in life and help you or your loved one to focus on your daily activities. Criteria for Claiming Childcare Expense Tax CreditTo qualify for the refundable tax credit for childcare expenses this year, you must meet these conditions:You must have been a resident of Québec on December 31, or if you resided in Canada but outside Québec on December 31, you must have conducted business in Québec during the year. Childcare expenses must have been incurred for an eligible child while you or your spouse on December 31 were:Engaged in office or employment dutiesActively conducting businessPracticing a professionConducting research under a grantActively seeking employmentAttending secondary school or taking courses at a qualifying educational institution, either in-person or remotelyReceiving benefits under the Québec parental insurance plan (QPIP) or related benefits under the Employment Insurance plan. You or your spouse on December 31 must have paid the expenses for the year, and the child must have resided with you (or with your spouse) when the expenses were incurred. Childcare services must have been provided in Canada by a Canadian resident, and you must have paid the expenses only during periods when you were a Canadian resident during the year unless you were temporarily residing outside Canada. The child must have been 16 or under at some point in the year. Or, the child must have had a mental or physical impairment and been your or your spouse's dependent, regardless of their age. An eligible child can be your or your spouse's child, or a child who was your or your spouse's dependent, with income for the year not exceeding $12,638. In ConclusionAt Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in assisting disabled Canadians in accessing CPP Disability Benefits, Disability Tax Credit, and Long Term Disability Benefits. This guide is tailored to inform Quebec residents about the Disability Tax Credit and how it supports disabled individuals who remain in the workforce by providing financial aid to cover expenses related to their impairments. Applying for the credit is completely free, and there are no consequences for submitting multiple applications. Disability Credit Canada has aided numerous Canadians in qualifying for and maximizing the benefits of the Disability Tax Credit. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team is committed to ensuring the successful completion of every application we handle. We offer free assessments and operate on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, meaning we only receive payment if you do, providing us with the motivation to secure the maximum refund for you! For the best chance of approval for the Disability Tax Credit, contact us today at 1-844-800-6020. Explore our other resources for further information on Disability Tax Credit. For help with Quebec disability tax credit call us now! --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2026-01-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/new-brunswick-disability-tax-credit/ Table of Contents Having a medical disability can result in extremely costly medical bills and other expenses. If you are unable to work due to your disability, your situation might be even more dire. Fortunately, the Canadian government offers financial assistance and other benefits to help individuals in such circumstances. This much-needed assistance could be the lifeline for getting you through the toughest times. Our updated and revised February 2025 New Brunswick Disability Tax Credit guide reflects changes to the Disability Tax Credit application form, refund amounts, and any other inquiries you may have. Specifically curated for New Brunswick residents, this guide aims to comprehensively address all aspects of how the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can alleviate the financial strain of living with disabilities. However, you may not be aware that any government benefits you receive are considered income, and you are required to pay taxes on them. For a disabled person out of work, this can pose a significant struggle. Fortunately, upon approval, individuals may also qualify for a retroactive payment, which comes as a lump sum of up to $20,000 for adults and up to $40,000 for those under 18. This retroactive payment can cover up to 10 years if it's demonstrated that the impairment has been present and federal taxes have been paid during those years. PLEASE NOTE: This guide has been written based on our extensive knowledge and years of industry experience to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness in educating and informing our fellow Canadians. However, this should not be used as a substitute for official documentation provided by the CRA on the DTC. Therefore, we request that you use it wisely! The Disability Tax Credit For New Brunswick The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable federal tax credit created by the Canadian Government and Canada Revenue Agency to assist those with impairments who still work and pay taxes by providing them with a refund on the Federal income tax they pay. The Disability Tax Credit was created in 1988 when disabilities and mental illnesses became more recognized. The creation of DTC came about when the definition of a disability became broader and started covering numerous physical handicaps and mental illnesses instead of just those who use wheelchairs or are blind. What are the Benefits of the New Brunswick Disability Tax Credit? Tax credits are very valuable to receive because they directly reduce the amount of taxes you have to pay each year. You can lessen the expenses directly related to your disability with the non-refundable New Brunswick Disability Tax Credit. With the disability tax credit, you can receive credit for numerous expenses, including: Attendance Care Services Childcare Assistance Education Costs or Tutoring Services Hearing or Vision Assistance Devices Job Coaching Working Income Tax Benefits The disability tax credit is not just limited to the disabled person. You can also receive credits for expenses incurred by: Spouses Minor Children (Please read our child disability tax credit guide) Disabled Dependents Caregivers Common Law Partners You may also receive disability bonds and grants, and you’ll have the option to pay into the Registered Disability Savings plan. With this savings plan, your contribution will be partly matched by the government. These related programs can significantly increase the amount of assistance you receive from the government. Are You Eligible for this Tax Credit? You are eligible for a disability tax credit if you have severe and prolonged physical or mental impairments that have an impact on your daily activities. Your impairment must have lasted, or be expected to last at least 12 consecutive months. You must have a qualified practitioner certify that you have a severe and prolonged disability. You are also considered eligible if you need regular Life-Sustaining Therapy. Below are some common medical disabilities that are covered: Anxiety Disorders Asperger’s Syndrome/Autism Attention Deficit Disorder Epilepsy Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Manic Depression Type 1 and 2 Diabetes In addition, to receive any kind of tax credits from the Canadian government you, your spouse, or your caregiver must have paid a certain minimum amount of taxes. You may still be eligible even if you currently don’t receive any taxable income. Markedly Restricted You are unable to perform the activity, or it takes at least three times longer than someone of similar age without the impairment, even with the use of appropriate therapy, medication, and devices. This restriction is present all or almost all of the time, generally at least 90%. Furthermore, the restriction has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Life-Sustaining Therapy If you spend 14 hours each week or more on life-sustaining therapies to support vital functions such as dialysis, insulin therapy, oxygen therapy, and chest physiotherapy, and require these therapies at least 2 times per week, you may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) under life-sustaining therapy. How much disability tax credit will I get in New Brunswick In the following section, we will explain how the DTC is calculated; however, to save you time, we created a Disability Tax Credit Calculator where you can easily and very accurately estimate your expected refunds. To understand how the DTC refund is calculated, you need to understand a few “basic” terms: The DTC refund amount consists of two amounts: Federal amount and Provincial amount. The Federal amount is the same across Canada. The Provincial amount changes from Province to Province. The Federal and Provincial amounts consist of a 'Base Amount' and, if applicable, a 'Supplemental Amount. ' The Supplemental Amount is provided to eligible individuals who are under 18 years of age at the end of the tax year. Base Amount: The Federal base amount is around 15% of the base amount ($10,138 as of 2024), equating to about $1,520. 7. The Provincial base amount is around 9. 68% of the disability amount for that tax year ($9,747 as of 2024), equating to about $943. 5. Supplemental Amount: The Federal supplemental portion is 15% of the base amount ($5,914 as of 2025), equating to about $887. 1. The Provincial supplemental portion is around 9. 68% of the disability amount for that tax year ($5,686 as of 2024), equating to about $550. 4. Therefore, the base amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is around $2,464. 2, and the supplemental amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is approximately $1,437. 5. Based on the calculation example above, an adult in New Brunswick would receive approximately $2,464. 2 for the year 2024. When combining the "Base Amount" and "Supplemental Amount," an eligible individual under 18 in New Brunswick would receive $3,901. 7 in Disability Tax Credits for the 2024 tax year. Federal Base Amount and Supplement Amount Table (Last 10 Years) Year Federal Base Amount Federal Supplement Amount 2013 $7,697 $4,490 2014 $7,766 $4,530 2015 $7,899 $4,607 2016 $8,001 $4,667 2017 $8,113 $4,733 2018 $8,235 $4,804 2019 $8,416 $4,909 2020 $8,576 $5,003 2021 $8,662 $5,053 2022 $8,870 $5,174 2023 $9,428 $5,500 2024 $9,872 $5,758 2025 $10,138 $5,914 New Brunswick Provincial Base and Supplement Amount Table (Last 10 Years) Year Provincial Base Amount Provincial Supplement Amount 2013 $7,600 $4,434 2014 $7,668 $4,473 2015 $7,799 $4,549 2016 $7,900 $4,609 2017 $8,011 $4,673 2018 $8,131 $4,743 2019 $8,310 $4,848 2020 $8,468 $4,940 2021 $8,552 $4,989 2022 $8,757 $5,109 2023 $9,309 $5,431 2024 $9,747 $5,686 Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Apply for DTC Over the years, the CRA has simplified the Disability Tax Credit application process to serve Canadians as initially intended. However, even after streamlining the application process, many applicants are still denied for a myriad of reasons. It is important to note that just because applying for the DTC is easy, getting your DTC application approved is difficult. Some disabilities are “visible” and “obvious” – these applications get approved pretty quickly. However, some disabilities, especially “invisible” mental disabilities, are much harder to prove. Most applicants will be denied, so getting approved for impairments that sit in a ‘grey area’ can be very difficult and require a lot of evidence gathering to help legitimize your claim. In essence, the Disability Tax Credit application process is straightforward: Download the T2201 Form from the CRA’s website. Print the T2201 and take it to your healthcare practitioner to fill out and sign. Send the signed T2201 by mail to a CRA’s processing center or even online. Wait about 1-3 months to hear back from the CRA if you were approved or not. To fill out the T2201 form, you will need to be certified by a medical practitioner; however, not just any medical practitioner has the authority to do so. The CRA may also send a questionnaire to the medical practitioner who signed your form to clarify your impairments and the information submitted. Some of the medical practitioners that can fill out the T2201 form are: Medical doctors can fill out the entirety of part B of the T2201 form. Nurse practitioners can fill out the entirety of part B of the T2201 form. Specialized doctors can fill out the section that best applies to their field, such as an optometrist filling out the vision impairment section, etc. Here is a full list of medical practitioners authorized to fill out form T2201. Applying independently can be a quick and cost-effective process, but for more complex cases or cases that have been denied, you may want to seek out the help of a specialized DTC firm, like Disability Credit Canada. Common Reasons for DTC Denial As mentioned above, applying for DTC is easy, but being approved is not a simple task. If you have a severe impairment, the application process can be straightforward, but if your disability is less visible or hard to diagnose, the process becomes much more challenging. Throughout our many years of experience, we have seen many reasons applications are denied. Some reasons are simple, while others can be complex. Some of the more common reasons for your application’s denial include: Missing or incomplete information on the T2201 form Lack of knowledge of DTC eligibility criteria Inconsistent medical diagnosis Impairment didn’t qualify Duration of impairment too short Cumulative effects of impairment not included Lack of supporting medical documents to prove the severity of your condition If your application is denied, you still have some options, such as: Appeal the CRA’s decision by raising a formal objection. Submit a new T2201 form with further information about your impairments. Use a different medical practitioner with more knowledge about DTC eligibility criteria. Call/write the CRA for further clarification regarding your application. What are Other Disability Programs Available for New Brunswick? The Disability Tax Credit is a federal program and it’s important to know that if you were found eligible for the DTC it will not affect other Federal or Provincial programs. If you’re in New Brunswick and living with an impairment, there are other programs created to assist you. It is advantageous to learn about your options to get the assistance you or someone you are caring for needs. Some of the other disability programs available to New Brunswicker residents are: The Disability Support Program offers personalized and flexible disability supports to individuals with disabilities through the development of personalized support plans. This includes independent facilitation and the use of person-centered approaches for planning and designing disability supports. The Housing Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Program provides financial aid for homeowners and landlords. Homeowners with a total household income at or below the applicable Housing Income Limit can receive assistance for accessibility modifications. Landlords undertaking accessibility work on rental properties or rooming houses intended for tenants with disabilities may also qualify for financial aid. Don’t Dismiss Your Disability Tax Credit! There's no penalty for applying for the New Brunswick Disability Tax Credit. Speak to an expert for specific information and questions. Explore savings bonds and grants; you could miss out on $40,000 yearly! Disability Credit Canada assists in claiming Canadian disability benefits like CPP, Tax Credit, and Long Term Disability. Our 2024 updated guide informs New Brunswicker residents about the Disability Tax Credit, aiding those in the workforce with financial assistance for impairments. Applying for the credit is free, with no consequences for multiple attempts. We've helped thousands qualify and maximize benefits. With free assessments and NO WIN – NO FEE service, we're motivated to secure your maximum refund! Call us at 1-844-800-6020 for the best chance of approval. Explore our resources for more on Disability Tax Credit. Apply for the New Brunswick Disability Tax Credit with us today. --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/bc-disability-tax-credit/ Table of Contents With over 20% of British Columbians aged 15 to 64 living with a disability, it's evident that a significant portion of the province's population faces the added expenses associated with impairments. Fortunately, the Canadian provincial government offers programs like the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to ensure that those coping with the various costs of living with a disability, such as medication or treatments, receive support. This guide, updated and revised in February 2025, is tailored for almost 600,000 British Columbians living with a disability. It aims to provide comprehensive information about the DTC and how to navigate the application process, as well as how to handle appeals and obtain the tax refund you are owed. This updated guide covers new eligibility criteria, potential benefits, updated amounts and methods for calculating DTC amounts, and other specific disability benefits and programs available in British Columbia. In essence, the Disability Tax Credit is a federal tax credit designed to reduce the federal income tax burden for Canadians with disabilities. It serves as the Canadian government's initiative to assist disabled Canadians and their families in managing the diverse expenses associated with impairments or disabilities. There are two different refunds one can receive from the Disability Tax Credit: An annual refund of up to $2,000 per year for eligible adults or up to $4,000 for those caring for a child with a disability. A retroactive refund of up to $20,000 for adults and up to $40,000 for those caring for a child with a disability, paid in a one-time lump sum if found eligible for years before being qualified for the DTC. This guide was made specifically for those in British Columbia applying for the DTC, but to learn more, we suggest that you read our comprehensive Disability Tax Credit guide as it goes into all aspects of the DTC in depth. PLEASE NOTE: This guide has been written based on our extensive knowledge and years of industry experience to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness in educating and informing our fellow Canadians. However, this should not be used as a substitute for official documentation provided by the CRA on the DTC. Therefore, we request that you use it wisely! Defining Disability Tax Credit? The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable Federal tax credit created by the Canada Revenue Agency for individuals with severe or prolonged mental or physical impairments. The DTC reduces the amount an eligible person must put into income tax to help with any costs that come with their impairments. To be eligible for the DTC, you must have a severe impairment and have paid Federal taxes for the year you are applying for the tax refund. Also, being eligible for the DTC is the only way to qualify for the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RSDP). This savings plan helps disabled Canadians save for long-term financial security. The Child Disability Tax Credit & Child Disability Benefit Explained The Child Disability Tax Credit is the same as the adult DTC – sharing both eligibility criteria and the application process. The only difference is that the Child DTC’s refund is calculated after the person is found eligible rather than before. If found eligible for the DTC as an adult, you will get a refund based on the amount of federal taxes paid. If a child (under 18) is found eligible for the DTC, their caregivers may receive two different refunds: A Federal tax refund if the impaired child’s supporter has paid into Federal income taxes. The Child Disability Benefit (CDB), a tax-free monthly payment that does not require any contributions to Federal taxes. To learn more about the Child Disability Tax Credit, check out our in-depth guide. Are you Eligible for Disability Tax Credit? The majority of all the DTC-eligible conditions fall under three categories: physical impairments, mental illness / psychological impairments, and neurological impairments. It is important to note that you are not automatically qualified for the DTC just because you have been diagnosed with a certain condition. Instead, the CRA looks at how your condition affects your “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL). To determine if someone’s condition is eligible for the DTC, the CRA will see if it falls under one of the three following criteria: Markedly Restricted You are unable to perform the activity, or it takes at least three times longer than someone of similar age without the impairment, even with the use of appropriate therapy, medication, and devices. This restriction is present all or almost all of the time, generally at least 90%. Furthermore, the restriction has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Life-Sustaining Therapy If you spend 14 hours each week or more on life-sustaining therapies to support vital functions such as dialysis, insulin therapy, oxygen therapy, and chest physiotherapy, and require these therapies at least 2 times per week, you may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) under life-sustaining therapy. To learn more, read our Disability Tax Credit Eligibility article. How much disability tax credit will I get in British Columbia The following section breaks down how the DTC refund is calculated using up-to-date British Columbia refund numbers, but if you’re not an accountant or your math skills are not great, you can head to our Disability Tax Credit Calculator, which can quickly and accurately estimate your expected refunds. To calculate your DTC refund, you should first understand what the Disability Tax Credit consists of. The Federal and Provincial amounts consist of a 'Base Amount' and, if applicable, a 'Supplemental Amount. ' The Supplemental Amount is provided to eligible individuals who are under 18 years of age at the end of the tax year. We'll further explain these components below: Base Amount: The Federal base amount is around 15% of the base amount ($10,138 as of 2024), equating to about $1,520. 7. The Provincial base amount is around 5. 6% of the disability amount for that tax year ($9,435 as of 2024), equating to about $528. 36. Supplemental Amount: The Federal supplemental portion is 15% of the base amount ($5,914 as of 2025), equating to about $887. 1. The Provincial supplemental portion is around 5. 6% of the disability amount for that tax year ($5,505 as of 2024), equating to about $308. 28. Therefore, the base amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is around $2,049. 06, and the supplemental amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is approximately $1,195. 38. Based on the calculation example above, an adult in British Columbia would receive approximately $2,049. 06 for the year 2024. When combining the "Base Amount" and "Supplemental Amount," an eligible individual under 18 in British Columbia would receive $3,244. 44 in Disability Tax Credits for the 2024 tax year. While the Federal amounts are the same across the country, the Provincial amounts change for each Province. Here are some examples of what you could receive if you’re eligible: Federal Base Amount and Supplement Amount Table for Last 10 Years Year Federal Base Amount Federal Supplement Amount 2013 $7,697 $4,490 2014 $7,766 $4,530 2015 $7,899 $4,607 2016 $8,001 $4,667 2017 $8,113 $4,733 2018 $8,235 $4,804 2019 $8,416 $4,909 2020 $8,576 $5,003 2021 $8,662 $5,053 2022 $8,870 $5,174 2023 $9,428 $5,500 2024 $9,872 $5,758 2025 $10,138 $5,914 British Columbia Provincial Base and Supplement Amount Table for Last 10 Years Year Provincial Base Amount Provincial Supplement amount 2013 $7,394 $4,314 2014 $7,402 $4,318 2015 $7,454 $4,349 2016 $7,521 $4,388 2017 $7,656 $4,467 2018 $7,809 $4,556 2019 $8,012 $4,674 2020 $8,212 $4,791 2021 $8,303 $4,844 2022 $8,477 $4,946 2023 $8,986 $5,242 2024 $9,435 $5,505 How do I Apply for the DTC? One of the main complaints Canadians have had with the DTC is the complexity of the application process, but we are happy to report that the CRA has listened to Canadians and greatly simplified the application process. However, even though the application process is considerably straightforward, it isn’t easy to get your DTC application approved. Through the years, we’ve found that many applicants and their medical practitioners do not fill out the T2201 correctly, overlook important information, and therefore get denied. While more severe impairments are easy to diagnose and be approved for, less visible conditions will be harder to prove and, in turn, much more challenging to be considered eligible. A large percentage of applicants will be denied, so it is essential to acquire a lot of evidence to legitimize your claim. Applying for the DTC can be broken down into three steps: Download the T2201 Form from the CRA’s website. Print the T2201 and take it to your healthcare practitioner to fill out and sign. Send the signed T2201 by mail to the CRA’s processing center. It is advantageous for you to fill out the T2201 form as accurately and thoroughly as possible – this is crucial for your DTC application’s success, and you have to wait anywhere from 1 month to over a year to hear back from the CRA regarding your DTC application. Common Reasons for Your DTC Application to be Denied For those with severe, noticeable impairments, approval should be no problem; however, for conditions that fall in a “grey area” and are less visible, being approved is not a simple task. Being denied also makes the process much more difficult as you then must “re-explained” and elaborate further on your condition, seeking our new medical practitioners and undergoing more tests in the process. Throughout our many years of experience, we have seen many reasons applications are denied. Some reasons are simple, while others can be complex. Missing or incomplete information on the T2201 form Lack of knowledge of the DTC Inconsistent medical diagnosis Impairment didn’t qualify Duration of impairment too short Cumulative effects of impairment not included. Lack of supporting medical documents to prove the severity of your condition. What to do If Your Application is Denied It is important to note that just because your application was denied, it does not mean that you are unable to receive the tax refund. You can apply to the DTC as many times as necessary with zero consequences, so be sure to know your options if your application is denied. Some of the options available to you are: You can appeal the CRA’s decision by raising a formal objection. Submit a new T2201 form with new information about your impairments. Use a different medical practitioner with more knowledge about the DTC. Call/write the CRA for further clarification regarding your application. What are Other Disability Programs Available for British Columbia? If you are living in British Columbia and living with an impairment, there are many other programs created to assist with daily living, such as: Assistive Technology BC provides assistive technology resources to make learning environments usable. Community Living BC provides funds, support, and services to adults with developmental disabilities. Centre for Accessible Post-secondary Education Resources BC provides accessible materials to students and instructors who cannot use conventional print because of disabilities. WorkBC helps disabled British Columbians navigate the Province's labor market. In Conclusion The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is intended for disabled Canadians who are still able to work but require financial assistance to cover expenses related to their impairment. Applying for the DTC is free of charge, and you can submit multiple applications without any consequences. At Disability Credit Canada, we have assisted thousands of Canadians in maximizing their benefits from the Disability Tax Credit. Our expertise in tax refunds and eligibility criteria ensures a smooth application process. We assist you in gathering necessary information and connect you with appropriate medical practitioners to enhance your chances of approval. Apply today to find out if you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit in British Columbia. We provide complimentary assessments and operate on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, meaning we only receive payment if you do. This incentivizes us to ensure you receive the maximum refund possible. For your best chance of approval for the Disability Tax Credit, call us today at 1-844-800-6020. --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/ontario-disability-tax-credit/ Table of Contents Recent findings from the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD) revealed that 27% of Canadians aged 15 years and older, totaling 8. 0 million people, experienced limitations in their daily activities due to one or more disabilities. With such a significant portion of the population affected by disabilities, it's essential to understand the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and its potential benefits. To address this need, we've developed this specific Ontario Disability Tax Credit guide to provide insight into the DTC program and assist Ontario residents with impairments in navigating the application process. Updated and revised in February 2025, this Ontario Disability Tax Credit guide reflects changes to the Disability Tax Credit application form, refund amounts, and any other questions you may have. Specifically curated for Ontarians, this guide aims to comprehensively address all aspects of how the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can help alleviate the financial strain of living with disabilities. Throughout this guide, we delve into program details, application procedures, eligibility criteria, and other pertinent information tailored to those living in Ontario. You might wonder, "Is it worthwhile to apply for the Disability Tax Credit? " We firmly believe so. Eligible adults can receive approximately $2,000 per year, while caregivers of children under 18 with impairments can receive around $4,000 annually. Moreover, upon proving to the CRA that impairments have affected your life for an extended period, eligible applicants can undergo a reassessment of tax returns, potentially resulting in a lump sum retroactive payment of up to $20,000 for adults and $40,000 for children. For Ontarians seeking to apply for the DTC for themselves or on behalf of someone they care for, we provide comprehensive guidance on the application process specific to Canada's most populous province. While this guide covers essential information for Ontario applicants, for a deeper understanding of the tax refund process, we offer detailed insights in our comprehensive Disability Tax Credit guide. PLEASE NOTE: This guide has been written based on our extensive knowledge and years of industry experience to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness in educating and informing our fellow Canadians. However, this should not be used as a substitute for official documentation provided by the CRA on the DTC. Therefore, we request that you use it wisely! What is the DTC? The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable federal tax credit created by the Canadian Government and Canada Revenue Agency to assist those with impairments who still work and pay taxes by providing them with a refund on the Federal income tax they pay. The Disability Tax Credit was created in 1988 when disabilities and mental illnesses became more recognized. The creation of DTC came about when the definition of a disability became broader and started covering numerous physical handicaps and mental illnesses instead of just those who use wheelchairs or are blind. What are the Financial Benefits of the Disability Tax Credit? There are several financial benefits to the DTC, including:Retroactive one-time refund: If you can prove that your impairment has been present for the past few years and you have been working and paying taxes, you can stand to receive a retroactive payment for each year you’re found eligible for up to 10 years in a one-time lump sum. Adults: Each year you’re found eligible, you could receive about $2,000 per year, so if you get approved for the full 10-year retroactive refund, you stand to receive up to $20,000. Minors/Children: If you care for a child under 18, you could receive up to $4,000 per year, meaning a full 10-year retroactive refund could be as high as $40,000. Annual refund: If found eligible for DTC, you can claim a yearly DTC refund when doing your taxes. An eligible adult can receive around $1,500-$2,000 per year, and a child’s parent/caregiver can receive up to $4,000 per year in credits and refunds. RDSP: If found eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, the disabled person is automatically eligible (some restrictions apply) to open a registered disability savings plan (RDSP). The RDSP is a Canadian Government savings plan similar to the RESP that helps Canadians with disabilities save for long-term financial security. How much disability tax credit will I get in OntarioIn the following section, we will explain how the DTC is calculated; however, to save you time, we created a Disability Tax Credit Calculator where you can easily and very accurately estimate your expected refunds. To understand how the DTC refund is calculated, you need to understand a few “basic” terms:The DTC refund amount consists of two amounts: Federal amount and Provincial amount. The Federal amount is the same across Canada. The Provincial amount changes from Province to Province. The Federal and Provincial amounts consist of a 'Base Amount' and, if applicable, a 'Supplemental Amount. ' The Supplemental Amount is provided to eligible individuals who are under 18 years of age at the end of the tax year. We'll further explain these components below:Base Amount:The Federal base amount is around 15% of the base amount ($10,138 as of 2024), equating to about $1,520. 7. The Provincial base amount is around 5. 05% of the disability amount for that tax year ($10,017 as of 2024), equating to about $505. 9. Therefore, the base amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is around $2,026. 6Supplemental Amount:The Federal supplemental portion is 15% of the base amount ($5,914 as of 2025), equating to about $887. 1. The Provincial supplemental portion is around 5. 05% of the disability amount for that tax year ($5,843 as of 2024), equating to about $295. 1. Therefore, the supplemental amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is around $1,182. 2Based on the calculation example above, an adult in Ontario would receive approximately $2,026. 6 for the year 2024. When combining the "Base Amount" and "Supplemental Amount," an eligible individual under 18 in Nova Scotia would receive $3,208. 8 in Disability Tax Credits for the 2024 tax year. Federal Base amount and Supplement amount table for last 10 YearsYear Federal Base Amount Federal Supplement amount2013$7,697$4,4902014$7,766$4,5302015$7,899$4,6072016$8,001$4,6672017$8,113$4,7332018$8,235$4,8042019$8,416$4,9092020$8,576$5,0032021$8,662$5,0532022$8,870$5,1742023$9,428$5,5002024$9,872$5,7582025$10,138$5,914Ontario Provincial Base and Supplement amount table for last 10 YearsYear Provincial Base Amount Provincial Supplement amount2013$7,735$4,5112014$7,812$4,5572015$7,968$4,6482016$8,088$4,7172017$8,217$4,7932018$8,365$4,8792019$8,549$4,9872020$8,712$5,0812021$8,790$5,1272022$9,001$5,2502023$9,586$5,5912024$10,017$5,843What is The Eligibility Criteria for Disability Tax CreditBefore discussing DTC eligibility criteria, we must dispel a significant misunderstanding:When the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) evaluates your DTC application, they’re most interested in the way your impairments affect your “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL). They want to know the various ways your everyday activities are affected by your condition. While they are interested in your diagnosis, as you must have an eligible impairment to be qualified, they will be more focused on the effects your impairment has on your “ADL. ”There are three main categories that the majority of conditions that are eligible for DTC fall under, including:Physical impairmentsMental illness and psychological impairmentsNeurological impairmentsTo be found eligible, your condition must be considered markedly restricted, meaning you cannot perform or take an inordinate amount of time to complete two or more activities of daily living (ADL). You may also be eligible if the restrictions caused by your condition affect you 90% of the time, OR a combination of two or more moderate restrictions of ADLS adds up to 90%. Finally, if you spend 14 hours a week or more on life-sustaining therapy, such as insulin therapy, physiotherapy, or dialysis, you may also be eligible. Life-sustaining therapy makes one eligible for DTC due to the substantial amount of money and time they must spend tending to their condition, leading to many additional fees for treatments and medical devices. To learn more, visit our Disability Tax Credit Eligibility article. Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Apply for DTCOver the years, the CRA has simplified the Disability Tax Credit application process to serve Canadians as initially intended. However, even after streamlining the application process, many applicants are still denied for a myriad of reasons. It is important to note that just because applying for the DTC is easy, getting your DTC application approved is difficult. Some disabilities are “visible” and “obvious” – these applications get approved pretty quickly. However, some disabilities, especially “invisible” mental disabilities, are much harder to prove. Most applicants will be denied, so getting approved for impairments that sit in a ‘grey area’ can be very difficult and require a lot of evidence gathering to help legitimize your claim. In essence, the Disability Tax Credit application process is straightforward:Download the T2201 Form from the CRA’s website. Print the T2201 and take it to your healthcare practitioner to fill out and sign. Send the signed T2201 by mail to a CRA’s processing centre or even online. Wait about 1-3 months to hear back from the CRA if you were approved or not. To fill out the T2201 form, you will need to be certified by a medical practitioner; however, not just any medical practitioner has the authority to do so. The CRA may also send a questionnaire to the medical practitioner who signed your form to clarify your impairments and the information submitted. Some of the medical practitioners that can fill out the T2001 form are:Medical doctors can fill out the entirety of part B of the T2001 form. Nurse practitioners can fill out the entirety of part B of the T2001 form. Specialized doctors can fill out the section that best applies to their field, such as an optometrist filling out the vision impairment section, etc. Here is a full list of medical practitioners authorized to fill out form T2201. Applying independently can be a quick and cost-effective process, but for more complex cases or cases that have been denied, you may want to seek out the help of a specialized DTC firm, like Disability Credit Canada. Common Reasons for DTC DenialAs mentioned above, applying for DTC is easy, but being approved is not a simple task. If you have a severe impairment, the application process can be straightforward, but if your disability is less visible or hard to diagnose, the process becomes much more challenging. Throughout our many years of experience, we have seen many reasons applications are denied. Some reasons are simple, while others can be complex. Some of the more common reasons for your application’s denial include:Missing or incomplete information on the T2201 formLack of knowledge of DTC eligibility criteriaInconsistent medical diagnosisImpairment didn’t qualifyDuration of impairment too shortCumulative effects of impairment not included. Lack of supporting medical documents to prove the severity of your condition. If your application is denied, you should:Appeal the CRA’s decision by raising a formal objection. Submit a new T2201 form with further information about your impairments. Use a different medical practitioner with more knowledge about DTC eligibility criteria. Call/write the CRA for further clarification regarding your application. The Child Disability Tax Credit & Child Disability Benefit ExplainedThe Disability Tax Credit application process, eligibility criteria, and other aspects are identical whether you’re an adult or a child. However, the main difference between the two is that the Child DTC refund is calculated after you’re found eligible rather than before. The child’s caregiver applying MUST pay federal taxes, as that is where the DTC refund comes from. Therefore, if you or your claimant don’t pay any Federal taxes, you can not receive a DTC refund. An eligible child may receive one or both of the following refunds:Federal Tax Refund – If the impaired child’s supporter has paid into Federal income taxes, they will receive the same amount an adult claimant would. Child Disability Benefits – If the supporter has not paid Federal income tax, they will only receive the Child Disability Benefits to care for the impaired child. More importantly, Parents or guardians of an eligible child don’t have to pay federal taxes to receive a refund. To learn more about the Child Disability Tax Credit, check out our in-depth guide. Other Disability Programs Available in OntarioThe Disability Tax Credit is a federal program and it’s important to know that if you were found eligible for the DTC it will not affect other Federal or Provincial programs. If you’re in Ontario and living with an impairment, there are other programs created to assist you. It is advantageous to learn about your options to get the assistance you or someone you are caring for need. Some of the other disability programs available to Ontarians are:Ontario Disability Support Program (OSDP) was created to help disabled Ontarians with basic needs and shelter, providing up to $1308 a month. OSDP can also provide additional support if you need transportation to medical appointments or have other immediate family members. Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities provides financial help to parents caring for a child under 18 years old with a severe disability. Assistive Devices Program helps pay for special equipment and supplies for those with a long-term physical disability. Home and Vehicle Modification Program provides money to help with the cost of making a home or vehicle more accessible for those with a disability that restricts mobility. The Disability Tax Credit helps disabled individuals who want to continue to work by providing additional support to help with the additional expenses created by their impairment. There is no cost associated with applying, and you can apply as many times as needed – so apply today and discover if you qualify for Disability Tax Credit in Ontario. Call us today for help with your disability tax credit in Ontario. After being found eligible for DTC, you may also be eligible for additional programs and services, such as:Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)Canada Disability Savings BondCanada Disability Savings GrantA retroactive refund can be upwards of $20,000 for an adult and up to $40,000 if the person found eligible is under 18. To be found eligible for previous years, the DTC will examine how long you have been diagnosed or how long you have experienced symptoms for the qualifying disabilities. Ontario Disability Support Program Dental Care supplies dental services like oral exams, x-rays, fillings, and extractions. Ontario Drug Benefit Program can cover the cost of your prescription. Trillium Drug Program If you have high prescription drug costs and a low household income, you may be able to pay $2 or less for every prescription. ConclusionApplying for the Disability Tax Credit is free and there are no penalties for applying. It’s important to explore your eligibility, as doing so may provide significant financial relief. For Ontarians, the DTC can provide thousands of dollars per year and potentially a lump sum retroactive refund if eligibility criteria are met. Disability Credit Canada assists in claiming Canadian disability benefits such as CPP, Tax Credit, and Long Term Disability. Our 2025 updated guide informs Ontario residents about the Disability Tax Credit, aiding those in the workforce with financial assistance for impairments. We offer free assessments and operate on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, meaning we only receive payment if you do. This gives us the incentive to secure the maximum refund for you, ensuring that you receive the full financial support you are entitled to. For the best chance of approval for the Disability Tax Credit, we encourage you to call us today at 1-844-800-6020. Additionally, be sure to check our other Resources for more comprehensive information on the Disability Tax Credit and how it can benefit you or your loved ones. Disability Tax Credit for Arthritis SufferersDisability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADDDisability Tax Credit for Anxiety DisordersWe can help you receive the most out of your Disability Tax Credit. Call us today! --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2026-01-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/nova-scotia-disability-tax-credit/ Table of Contents Living with a medical disability can be costly, but fortunately, the province of Nova Scotia offers services and programs to ease the monetary burden on the disabled. Disability tax credits, available for both adults and children, provide a non-refundable credit to taxpayers with disabilities, reducing their income tax obligations. Additionally, we've developed a specific Nova Scotia Disability Tax Credit guide to provide insight into the DTC program and assist Nova Scotia residents with impairments in navigating the application process. Updated and revised in February 2025, this Nova Scotia Disability Tax Credit guide reflects changes to the Disability Tax Credit application form, refund amounts, and any other questions you may have. Specifically curated for Nova Scotians, this guide aims to comprehensively address all aspects of how the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can help alleviate the financial strain of living with disabilities. For Nova Scotians seeking to apply for the DTC for themselves or on behalf of someone they care for, we provide comprehensive guidance on the application process specific to the province. PLEASE NOTE: This guide has been written based on our extensive knowledge and years of industry experience to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness in educating and informing our fellow Canadians. However, this should not be used as a substitute for official documentation provided by the CRA on the DTC. Therefore, we request that you use it wisely! The Disability Tax Credit For Nova Scotia The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable federal tax credit created by the Canadian Government and Canada Revenue Agency to assist those with impairments who still work and pay taxes by providing them with a refund on the Federal income tax they pay. The Disability Tax Credit was created in 1988 when disabilities and mental illnesses became more recognized. The creation of DTC came about when the definition of a disability became broader and started covering numerous physical handicaps and mental illnesses instead of just those who use wheelchairs or are blind. Who is Eligible for Disability Tax Credit? There are a few conditions that need to be met before you can qualify for tax credits, to be eligible to receive any refunds in the form of tax credits: You have severe impairment in mental or physical functions. Your impairment is prolonged; it has lasted or is expected to last for 12 consecutive months. A certified practitioner declares that your impairment meets the above conditions. Live in the province of Nova Scotia. Be a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian Citizen. Have paid taxes in the past, or have a spouse or primary caregiver that has paid taxes in the past. Children who are under 18 years of age, who are eligible for the disability tax credit, may also qualify for the Child Disability Benefit, which is an amount available under the Canada Child Tax Benefit. Applicants who work from their homes may also qualify for the Working Income Tax Benefit disability supplement. How much disability tax credit will I get in Nova Scotia In the following section, we will explain how the DTC is calculated; however, to save you time, we created a Disability Tax Credit Calculator where you can easily and very accurately estimate your expected refunds. To understand how the DTC refund is calculated, you need to understand a few “basic” terms: The DTC refund amount consists of two amounts: Federal amount and Provincial amount. The Federal amount is the same across Canada. The Provincial amount changes from Province to Province. The Federal and Provincial amounts consist of a 'Base Amount' and, if applicable, a 'Supplemental Amount. ' The Supplemental Amount is provided to eligible individuals who are under 18 years of age at the end of the tax year. Base Amount: The Federal base amount is around 15% of the base amount ($10,138 as of 2024), equating to about $1,520. 7. The Provincial base amount is around 8. 79% of the disability amount for that tax year ($7,341 as of 2024), equating to about $645. 3. Therefore, the base amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is around $2,166. Supplemental Amount: The Federal supplemental portion is 15% of the base amount ($5,914 as of 2025), equating to about $887. 1. The Provincial supplemental portion is around 8. 79% of the disability amount for that tax year ($3,449 as of 2024), equating to about $303. 16. Therefore, the supplemental amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is around $1,190. 26. Based on the calculation example above, an adult in Nova Scotia would receive approximately $2,166 for the year 2024. When combining the "Base Amount" and "Supplemental Amount," an eligible individual under 18 in Nova Scotia would receive $3,356. 26 in Disability Tax Credits for the 2024 tax year. Federal Base amount and Supplement amount table for last 10 Years Year Federal Base Amount Federal Supplement amount 2013 $7,697 $4,490 2014 $7,766 $4,530 2015 $7,899 $4,607 2016 $8,001 $4,667 2017 $8,113 $4,733 2018 $8,235 $4,804 2019 $8,416 $4,909 2020 $8,576 $5,003 2021 $8,662 $5,053 2022 $8,870 $5,174 2023 $9,428 $5,500 2024 $9,872 $5,758 2025 $10,138 $5,914 Nova Scotia Provincial Base and Supplement amount table for the last 10 Years Year Provincial Base Amount Provincial Supplement amount 2013 $7,341 $3,449 2014 $7,341 $3,449 2015 $7,341 $3,449 2016 $7,341 $3,449 2017 $7,341 $3,449 2018 $7,341 $3,449 2019 $7,341 $3,449 2020 $7,341 $3,449 2021 $7,341 $3,449 2022 $7,341 $3,449 2023 $7,341 $3,449 2024 $7,341 $3,449 Caregiver Tax Credit In Nova Scotia if you live in a house or dwelling where you support a dependent with a disability you may be able to claim a maximum amount of $4,402 for each dependent so long as the following stipulations are met: The dependent must be your spouse, common-law partner, child, niece, nephew, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, parent, grandparent, or grandchild. You and your dependent must live in the province of Nova Scotia. You and your dependent must be Canadian Citizens or permanent residents. The dependent must be 19 years of age or older. The dependent must have a net income of $30,797 or less if single, or a total net household income of $45,797 or less, if married or common-law. Have been assessed by a Nova Scotia Health Authority care coordinator as having a high level of impairment of disability requiring significant care over time. If you support a dependent with another person, then you can split the claim amount for that dependent, although, the total of the two claims cannot be more than the maximum amount permitted for that dependent. Additionally, a dependent can transfer their credit to you if one of the following situations applies: You claimed an amount for your dependent or could have done so. The dependent must be your spouse, common-law partner, child, niece, nephew, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, parent, grandparent, or grandchild, and you claimed an amount for that dependent. The dependent had been 18 years old or older in 2012. The dependent has no income. Nova Scotia offers a great deal of money to those that it deems disabled, so if you think you qualify then be sure to do so as there is no cost to applying. The money provided by disability tax credits is enough to ensure that persons with disabilities and those who may need to support them can live comfortable, normal lives without needing to worry about the burden that their disability puts on their earning power. Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Apply for DTC Over the years, the CRA has simplified the Disability Tax Credit application process to serve Canadians as initially intended. However, even after streamlining the application process, many applicants are still denied for a myriad of reasons. It is important to note that just because applying for the DTC is easy, getting your DTC application approved is difficult. Some disabilities are “visible” and “obvious” – these applications get approved pretty quickly. However, some disabilities, especially “invisible” mental disabilities, are much harder to prove. Most applicants will be denied, so getting approved for impairments that sit in a ‘grey area’ can be very difficult and require a lot of evidence gathering to help legitimize your claim. In essence, the Disability Tax Credit application process is simple: Download the T2201 Form from the CRA’s website. Print the T2201 and take it to your healthcare practitioner to fill out and sign. Send the signed T2201 by mail to a CRA’s processing center or even online. Wait about 1-3 months to hear back from the CRA if you were approved or not. To fill out the T2201 form, you will need to be certified by a medical practitioner; however, not just any medical practitioner has the authority to do so. The CRA may also send a questionnaire to the medical practitioner who signed your form to clarify your impairments and the information submitted. Medical doctors can fill out the entirety of part B of the T2201 form. Nurse practitioners can fill out the entirety of part B of the T2201 form. Specialized doctors can fill out the section that best applies to their field, such as an optometrist filling out the vision impairment section, etc. Here is a full list of medical practitioners authorized to fill out form T2201. Applying independently can be a quick and cost-effective process, but for more complex cases or cases that have been denied, you may want to seek out the help of a specialized DTC firm, like Disability Credit Canada. Common Reasons for DTC Denial As mentioned above, applying for DTC is easy, but being approved is not a simple task. If you have a severe impairment, the application process can be straightforward, but if your disability is less visible or hard to diagnose, the process becomes much more challenging. Throughout our many years of experience, we have seen many reasons applications are denied. Some reasons are simple, while others can be complex. Some of the more common reasons for your application’s denial include: Missing or incomplete information on the T2201 form Lack of knowledge of DTC eligibility criteria Inconsistent medical diagnosis Impairment didn’t qualify Duration of impairment too short Cumulative effects of impairment not included. Lack of supporting medical documents to prove the severity of your condition. If your application is denied, you still have some options, such as: Appeal the CRA’s decision by raising a formal objection. Submit a new T2201 form with further information about your impairments. Use a different medical practitioner with more knowledge about DTC eligibility criteria. Call/write the CRA for further clarification regarding your application. What are Other Disability Programs Available for Nova Scotia? The Disability Tax Credit is a federal program and it’s important to know that if you were found eligible for the DTC it will not affect other Federal or Provincial programs. If you’re in Nova Scotia and living with an impairment, there are other programs created to assist you. It is advantageous to learn about your options to get the assistance you or someone you are caring for need. Some of the other disability programs available to Nova Scotia residents are: The Disability Support Program (DSP) Policy provides support to individuals with intellectual/physical disabilities and/or long-term mental illness. The policy includes information on the program, financial eligibility, and basic and special needs. Direct Family Support for Children (DFSC) and Enhanced Family Support for Children (EFSC) provide funding to enable families to support their child with a disability at home. DFSC and EFSC provide funding for the purchase of respite services to assist with scheduled breaks for family caregivers. An enhanced funding component may be available for children and families who meet EFSC eligibility criteria. Flex provides individualized funding to participants living at home with their families or who live independently with support from their families or personal support networks. In Conclusion At Disability Credit Canada, we take immense pride in our mission to assist disabled Canadians in claiming their rightful benefits, including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits, Disability Tax Credit, and Long-Term Disability Benefits. We have crafted this comprehensive guide to inform Nova Scotia residents about the Disability Tax Credit and how it can provide vital financial support to those still actively participating in the workforce, helping to cover expenses related to their impairments. Applying for the Disability Tax Credit is a completely free process, and there are no consequences for applying multiple times. Disability Credit Canada has successfully guided thousands of Canadians in qualifying for and maximizing the benefits of this invaluable tax credit. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team is committed to ensuring the successful completion of every application we handle. We provide free assessments and operate on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, meaning we only receive payment if you do. This gives us the incentive to secure the maximum refund for you, ensuring that you receive the full financial support you are entitled to. For the best chance of approval for the Disability Tax Credit, we encourage you to call us today at 1-844-800-6020. Additionally, be sure to check our other Resources for more comprehensive information on the Disability Tax Credit and how it can benefit you or your loved ones. Disability Tax Credit for Arthritis Sufferers Disability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADD Disability Tax Credit for Anxiety Disorders We can help you receive the most out of your Disability Tax Credit. Call us today! --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2026-01-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/province-resources/manitoba-disability-tax-credit/ Table of Contents In Manitoba, as in other Canadian provinces, various programs exist to provide tax credits and benefits to individuals living with disabilities. These initiatives aim to alleviate the financial challenges associated with disabilities, ensuring that qualified individuals can maintain a standard of living comparable to that of the broader community. Updated and revised in February 2025, our Manitoba Disability Tax Credit guide reflects changes to the Disability Tax Credit application process, refund amounts, and any other pertinent information. Specifically tailored for Manitoba residents, this guide comprehensively addresses all aspects of how the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can alleviate the financial strain of living with disabilities. Disability Credit Canada is dedicated to assisting disabled Canadians in accessing programs like the Disability Tax Credit and CPP Disability Benefits. Our mission is to help individuals qualify for these vital benefits and maximize their tax refunds and credits. With our expertise, we aim to simplify the process and ensure that those in need receive the support they deserve. From covering expenses such as treatments, medications, and specialized education to providing the most up-to-date information on eligibility criteria and application processes, consider our guide your go-to resource for navigating the Disability Tax Credit in Manitoba. PLEASE NOTE: This guide has been written based on our extensive knowledge and years of industry experience to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness in educating and informing our fellow Canadians. However, this should not be used as a substitute for official documentation provided by the CRA on the DTC. Therefore, we request that you use it wisely! The Disability Tax Credit For Manitoba The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit created by the Canadian Government and Canada Revenue Agency to assist those with disabilities who work and pay federal income tax. It was created to alleviate the additional costs of disabilities by reducing the amount they must pay on their taxes. The Disability Tax Credit is available to those who: Have extreme difficulty performing activities of daily living. Have contributed to federal taxes during the year they are applying. The Disability Tax Credit is also available to families with disabled children under 18 through the Child Disability Tax Credit and the Child Disability Benefits. Who is Eligible for disability tax credit in Manitoba? In the province of Manitoba, you qualify for disability credits if: You have severe impairment in mental or physical functions. Your impairment is prolonged; it has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months. A certified practitioner declares that your impairment meets the above conditions In addition to the disability requirements applicants must also: Live in the province of Manitoba. Be a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian Citizen. Have paid taxes in the past, or have a spouse or primary caregiver that has paid taxes in the past. If you qualify, you are eligible to receive disability tax credits in the form of non-refundable tax credits that reduce federal and provincial income taxes up to $6,180. If you are eligible for the credit but cannot use all or part of it due to a lack of taxable income, then you can transfer the credit to a spouse, common-law partner, or another supporting person. Children who are under 18 years of age, who are eligible for the disability tax credit, may also qualify for the Child Disability Benefit, which is an amount available under the Canada Child Tax Benefit. Applicants who work from their homes may also qualify for the Working Income Tax Benefit disability supplement. How to Determine the Disability Tax Credit Eligibility? Determining if you are eligible for the DTC comes down to a few different factors. First, you must find out if your condition is within the eligibility criteria. Second, you must find out whether your condition is severe enough to qualify. To determine if you qualify for the DTC, see if your condition falls under the following criteria: The three main categories that are used to determine eligibility for DTC are: Physical Impairments Mental Illness and Psychological Impairments Neurological impairments It is imperative to note that just because your condition is considered eligible for DTC, it does not mean that you will receive the tax refund. Eligibility is based on how severe your impairment is and its effects on your activities of daily living. To be considered eligible for DTC, your impairment must also fall under one of the following: Markedly Restricted You are unable to perform the activity, or it takes at least three times longer than someone of similar age without the impairment, even with the use of appropriate therapy, medication, and devices. This restriction is present all or almost all of the time, generally at least 90%. Furthermore, the restriction has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Life-Sustaining Therapy If you spend 14 hours each week or more on life-sustaining therapies to support vital functions such as dialysis, insulin therapy, oxygen therapy, and chest physiotherapy, and require these therapies at least 2 times per week, you may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) under life-sustaining therapy. To learn more, read our Disability Tax Credit Eligibility article. Manitoba’s Primary Caregiver Tax Credit Manitobans who are the primary caregivers for people with disabilities may qualify for a tax credit. A caregiver is eligible for this credit if: They have been providing voluntary care to a person with a disability for longer than 3 months. The care recipient is living in a private home. The caregiver is the only person providing help to a recipient. Additionally, the caregiver must meet the care level equivalent to Home Care Level 2, which requires at least 3 of the 4 following categories: Supervising or assisting with routine activities including transportation, shopping, laundry, or meal preparation. Supervising or assisting with personal care including feeding, bathing, dressing, hygiene, grooming, mobility, toileting, or medication. Arranging for community access, system navigation, and support such as counseling, support groups, medical follow-ups, and recreational activities. Providing sustained, regular advice, emotional support, or decision-making. The maximum tax credit available to primary caregivers is $1,400 a year. The province of Manitoba offers many ways to ease the burden of living with a disability. There is no cost to applying so if you feel as though you may qualify there is no harm in applying. The money you save could make your life easier and allow you to live more comfortably. How much disability tax credit will I get in Manitoba? Now that you understand eligibility and believe you may be eligible for the tax refund, you are most likely curious about how much you can receive. This section will break down how the DTC is calculated; however, if you would like an estimation right away, we created a Disability Tax Credit Calculator where you can quickly and very accurately estimate your expected refunds. Here is a breakdown of how the DTC refund is calculated: The DTC refund amount consists of a Federal amount and a Provincial amount The Federal amount is the same across Canada, and the Provincial amount changes from Province to Province. The Federal and Provincial amounts consist of a 'Base Amount' and, if applicable, a 'Supplemental Amount. ' The Supplemental Amount is provided to eligible individuals who are under 18 years of age at the end of the tax year. We'll further explain these components below: Base Amount: The Federal base amount is around 15% of the base amount ($10,138 as of 2024), equating to about $1,520. 7. The Provincial base amount is around 10. 8% of the disability amount for that tax year ($6,180 as of 2024), equating to about $667. 44. Supplemental Amount: The Federal supplemental portion is 15% of the base amount ($5,914 as of 2025), equating to about $887. 1. The Provincial supplemental portion is around 10. 8% of the disability amount for that tax year ($3,605 as of 2024), equating to about $389. 34. Therefore, the base amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is around $2,188. 14 and the supplemental amount from both Federal and Provincial sources is approximately $1,276. 44. Based on the calculation example above, an adult in Manitoba would receive approximately $2,188. 14 for the year 2024. When combining the "Base Amount" and "Supplemental Amount," an eligible individual under 18 in Manitoba would receive $3,464. 58 in Disability Tax Credits for the 2024 tax year. Here are the Federal and Provincial base and supplemental amounts for the past 10 years: Federal Base amount and Supplement amount table for last 10 Years Year Federal Base Amount Federal Supplement Amount 2013 $7,697 $4,490 2014 $7,766 $4,530 2015 $7,899 $4,607 2016 $8,001 $4,667 2017 $8,113 $4,733 2018 $8,235 $4,804 2019 $8,416 $4,909 2020 $8,576 $5,003 2021 $8,662 $5,053 2022 $8,870 $5,174 2023 $9,428 $5,500 2024 $9,872 $5,758 2025 $10,138 $5,914 Manitoba Provincial Base and Supplement amount table for the last 10 Years Year Provincial Base Amount Provincial Supplement amount 2013 $6,180 $3,605 2014 $6,180 $3,605 2015 $6,180 $3,605 2016 $6,180 $3,605 2017 $6,180 $3,605 2018 $6,180 $3,605 2019 $6,180 $3,605 2020 $6,180 $3,605 2021 $6,180 $3,605 2022 $6,180 $3,605 2023 $6,180 $3,605 2024 $6,180 $3,605 How to Apply for the Disability Tax Credit So, now that you know how much you could earn from the DTC, let’s discuss how to apply. The good news is that applying for the DTC is easy, straightforward, and free. Anyone can apply and there is no drawback or penalty for multiple tries. HOWEVER, getting your DTC application approved will take more than simply applying for it and wishing for the best. You will have to build a strong case, providing as much information as possible about your condition and how it negatively impacts your life. There are different methods for applying, each providing different results, so review your options and determine which is best for you. Applying for the Disability Tax Credit Independently To apply for the DTC, all you must do is take the following steps: Download the T2201 Form from the CRA’s website Print the T2201 and take it to your healthcare practitioner to fill out and sign. Send the signed T2201 by mail to the CRA’s processing center. While applying for the DTC independently is the most cost-effective method, it does not give you the best chance for approval. Drawbacks to applying independently include a lack of eligibility knowledge and a need to know how to maximize your applicable credits and benefits. Because of this, it is best to enlist the help of a specialized DTC firm like Disability Credit Canada, as we have a thorough understanding of the DTC application process, eligibility requirements, and more. Common Reasons for Denial of the Disability Tax Credit Before applying it is essential to note that a large percentage of applicants get denied so it is important to understand some of the common reasons people are denied for the DTC if you want to avoid making the same mistakes. As previously mentioned, applying for the DTC is a simple process, but being approved is not. The application process for severe or more visible impairments is rather simple, but the process becomes much more challenging for less visible or hard-to-diagnose impairments. Throughout our many years of dealing with DTC cases, we have come across many different reasons applications are denied. Some are straightforward, while others can be complex. Here are some of the more common reasons: Missing or incomplete information on the T2201 form Lack of knowledge of DTC eligibility criteria Inconsistent medical diagnosis Impairment didn’t qualify; Duration of impairment too short Cumulative effects of impairment not included Lack of supporting medical documents to prove the severity of your condition What are Other Disability Programs Available for Manitoba? The Disability Tax Credit is a federal program and it’s important to know that if you were found eligible for the DTC it will not affect other Federal or Provincial programs. If you’re in Manitoba and living with an impairment, there are other programs created to assist you. It is advantageous to learn about your options to get the assistance you or someone you are caring for need. Some of the other disability programs available to Manitobans are: Community Living disability Services (CLDS) aids qualified adults with intellectual disabilities residing in Manitoba to lead fulfilling lives within their local communities. CLDS provides a variety of services and assistance to both individuals and their families, including residential accommodations, day programs, support for those living at home with family, clinical services, and crisis intervention. The Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities (MPSD) program is an income support program for persons with severe and prolonged disabilities. MPSD provides enhanced financial and other benefits tailored to the unique needs of persons with disabilities. In Conclusion We've developed this guide to educate Manitobans about the Disability Tax Credit and its assistance for disabled Canadians in the workforce, covering expenses related to their impairments. Applying for the credit is free, and there are no repercussions for submitting multiple applications. We offer complimentary assessments and operate on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, meaning we only receive payment if you do, incentivizing us to secure the maximum refund for you! For the highest chance of approval for the Disability Tax Credit, contact us today at 1-844-800-6020. Call us today for help with your Disability Tax Credit. --- - Published: 2024-07-24 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/ultimate-cpp-disability-guide/ The CPP Disability Benefit, part of the Canada Pension Plan, provides financial assistance to Canadians unable to work due to significant medical impairments. In 2016, an audit by the Auditor General of Canada revealed that only about 40% of the 70,000 annual CPP Disability applicants were approved on their first application. Since then, Service Canada has simplified the forms and application process, but denial rates remain high compared to other countries. The reasons for denials are often unclear, leaving applicants unsure of how to improve their chances of approval. Some of the reasons CPP Disability applicants get denied may include: The impairment not being recognized as eligible by the CPP Disability requirements A lack of information in the application to prove eligibility A lack of knowledge about certain provisions that if applied to the application, may have given it eligibility. At Disability Credit Canada, we have extensive experience with CPP Disability cases and have identified that a significant hurdle for applicants is their lack of knowledge about the program. To address this, we created a comprehensive CPP Disability Benefit guide to provide you with the information needed to submit a successful application or proceed with an appeal if denied. Our guide is regularly updated to reflect the latest information for 2024, including the payment schedule, minimum and maximum CPP amounts, and more. Inside, you'll find: The eligibility requirements for CPP Disability Benefits A CPP Disability Benefits Application Kit breakdown The financial benefits of the CPP Disability program In-depth information on the CPP Disability reconsideration and appeals process Additional resources that expand on certain aspects of the CPP Disability application process. Disclaimer: This guide was created by Disability Credit Canada by drawing from years of experience with CPP Disability. We compiled it in an easy to understand way that is written with your best interests in mind. But this guide is by no means meant to replace official resources like Service Canada or provide actionable legal advice. Should you need further information, contact your local Service Canada Office. Table of Contents What is the CPP Disability Benefit? Who is Eligible for CPP Disability Benefits? Contribution Requirements for CPP Disability Age Requirements for CPP Disability Disability Requirements for CPP Disability What Conditions May Qualify for CPP Disability? List of Eligible Impairments for CPP Disability How Do I Apply for CPP Disability Benefits? ISP1151 - CPP Disability Application Form ISP2519 - CPP Disability Medical Report Form Provisions Available for Your CPP Disability Application Important Things to Remember When Filling Your Application How much is my CPP Disability Benefit in 2024? How to Calculate Your Monthly CPP Disability Benefit What is the Maximum Monthly CPP Disability Payment in 2024? What is the Contributor’s Child’s Benefit for CPP Disability? How do I receive my CPP Disability Benefit Payments? CPP monthly payment schedule 2024 How is my CPP Disability Retroactive Payment Calculated? What Happens If Your CPP Disability Application is Denied Why was Your CPP Disability Application Denied? CPP Disability Application Appeals Process How Do I Request for CPP Disability Reconsideration? Writing an Effective Reconsideration Letter What is the Appeals Process for CPP Disability in the Social Security Tribunal? General Division For CPP Disability Appeals Appeals Division For CPP Disability Appeals Request to Rescind or Amend Decision How the Social Security Tribunal Decides on Your Appeal Conclusion What is the CPP Disability Benefit? The CPP or Canada Pension Program is just one of the many social programs handled by the Canadian Government. It is a mandatory pension plan set up by the government to ensure that Canadian workers have financial returns at the time of their retirement. Most workers in Canada already provide contributions to the CPP, usually taken from their payroll. This money is then kept until they reach the age of 65 before it is given back to them monthly in the form of a pension. The CPP Disability Benefit is a program handled by Service Canada that provides financial assistance to previously active contributors to the Canada Pension Plan. It consists of a taxable monthly payment meant to assist an individual dealing with a severe disability that prevents them from returning to the workforce for extended periods of time. This payment is given to individuals who have left the workforce before the age of retirement due to their condition and ends when they reach the age of 65 to be replaced by the regular CPP retirement payments. Applying for the CPP disability benefit requires a number of conditions to be filled: contribution, age, and severe, prolonged impairment. These conditions must be met by the applicant in order for them to be eligible to receive CPP disability payments. There is also an appeals system set up for applicants who were unsuccessful in their initial submission and wish to try again. Who is Eligible for CPP Disability Benefits? To qualify for CPP Disability, you must meet three main criteria: age, contributions, and a severe, prolonged impairment. Specifically, you are eligible if you: 1. Contributed to the Canada Pension Plan 2. Are between 18-65 years old 3. Have a severe and prolonged condition preventing you from working Additionally, there's the concept of "Substantially Gainful Work. " This refers to a job paying equal to or more than the maximum annual CPP disability pension. For 2024, this amount is $19,339. 74 (pre-tax). If your earnings meet or exceed this amount, you likely won't qualify for disability benefits. Also, report any income over $6,800 (pre-tax) in 2024, as earnings between $6,800 and $19,339. 74 may indicate regular work capability and could affect your benefits. Below are the detailed CPP Disability eligibility requirements: Contribution Requirements for CPP Disability First things first, to be eligible to receive the CPP Disability Benefits you must have contributed to the Canada Pension Program. By law, working Canadians must pay into the Canada Pension Plan program. However, paying into the CPP does not automatically mean that one is eligible to receive the CPP Disability Benefits. To be eligible to receive the CPP Disability you must fall into one of the following groups: You must have been an active contributor to the CPP for at least 4 of the 6 years prior to your application. Alternatively, if you have been an active contributor to the CPP for 25 years or longer, your requirement is 3 out of the previous 6 years of your application. Please note: A late applicant provision is also available for you in case you do not satisfy the above requirements at the time of your CPP Disability application. The late applicant provision will let Service Canada judge your eligibility based on: Contributions you made before the date when you stopped working instead of the time you sent your late application. The fact that you were completely unable to work from that time until the present day. More information about the Late Applicant Provision can be found further in the guide under the section titled Provisions Available for Your CPP Disability Application. Age Requirements for CPP Disability The second requirement is that you must be between the ages of 18 and 65 in order to be eligible to receive CPP Disability Benefits. The CPP Disability Benefit is meant to support the impaired individuals during their working years and as it’s a part of the Canada Pension Plan it means that once you reach the age of 65, the payments for CPP Disability will stop and you will begin receiving the retirement pension instead. Disability Requirements for CPP Disability The most important eligibility requirement for the CPP Disability Benefit is the impairment itself. In order to be eligible to receive CPP Disability benefits, your impairment must be “prolonged and severe,” which means that: your condition prevents you from doing the work you were previously doing before its onset; it prevents you from further gainful employment in a field outside your original job; and recovery from the condition is either impossible or would take an indeterminate amount of time. What Conditions May Qualify for CPP Disability? A number of illnesses and medical issues may qualify a Canadian for CPP Disability Benefits. However, it is important to note that a diagnosis of medical problems does not immediately mean you are eligible to receive the CPP Disability Benefit. Service Canada decides on the eligibility of an application by taking into account how these impairments affect your daily life and your ability to return to previous employment or seek new positions. Below is a partial list of impairments that could qualify you for CPP Disability. In Disability Credit Canada’s experience, these are common conditions that can lead to approved applications. However, each case is different and this list is by no means comprehensive. Even if you do not find your impairment in this list, you may still be eligible to receive CPP Disability if it can be proved that you are adversely affected by your condition. List of Eligible Impairments for CPP Disability Mental/Psychological Impairments Alzheimer’s Disease Anxiety Bipolar Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder Dementia Depression Insomnia Huntington’s Disease Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Physical Impairments Angina Arthritis Back Injury Bowel Disorder Cancer Congestive Heart Failure Diabetes ( Type 1, Type 2, Diabetes Insipidus (DI) Elimination (Impairment in bowel or bladder functions) Emphysema Fibromyalgia (FM) High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Glaucoma Hip Replacement Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Incontinence Knee replacement Macular Degeneration Migraines Myocardial Infarction Obesity Osteoarthritis (OA) Hearing Loss Osteoporosis Parkinson’s Disease Retinopathy (diabetic, hypertensive, solar) Rheumatoid Arthritis Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Transient Ischemic Attack Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Walking Impairment Heart Disease It’s important to note once again that a diagnosis of any of these impairments is not an immediate cause for eligibility. Your eligibility is determined by the overall effect these impairments have on your everyday living activities like basic movement and hygiene tasks as well your ability to find proper, paying work. How Do I Apply for CPP Disability Benefits? Service Canada has streamlined the application process for CPP Disability by compiling all the previously separate required forms. Nowadays, only two forms are required to be filled in order to begin your application. These are: ISP1151 – CPP Disability Benefits Form ISP2519 – Medical Reporting Form The former of these forms you must fill for yourself, the latter must be filled out by your personal physician or other medical practitioner currently most familiar with your condition. Once these forms are finished, you can find your local Service Canada office to find out where you should submit your application to. You can find your local office by using Service Canada’s Office Locator. In the unfortunate event that your condition is terminal, you will need to complete the Terminal Illness Application Kit — which contains an Application form and an Attestation form to be completed by you/your representative and your attending physician respectively — instead and send it to the nearest Service Canada Centre. Processing of your application will be expedited and you will receive a decision on your disability application within 5 working days after the application is received. ISP1151 - CPP Disability Application Form Form 1151 is the Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits Application Form. It contains basic information about the program, as well as the application form itself . Each section contains important information your must fill out. Sections of the Application Form Section A contains your basic information such as your name, address, date of birth etc. Section B requires information on your CPP contributions. You need this because during your time working, they may be specific provision and dispensations that can affect the total benefit you can receive. Section C is where you detail the nature of your disabilities. You’ll need to provide details around your diagnosis, treatments, medications, and tests. There is also a part of this section that contains a self-assessment on how your disability affects your daily life. Section D is for information on your personal physicians/medical practitioners most familiar with your current condition. Section E contains information on your work history, which will help Service Canada assess your case in regards to your current ability to work. Section F is only important if you have been taking care of children below 18, or between 18 and 25 but studying full time, while suffering from the disability. This will affect the assessment for the disabled contributor’s child’s benefit. If you aren’t taking care of kids, you only need to fill out the first question then skip to the next section. Section G is for payment information. Section H is for the applicant to give consent to Service Canada for them to retrieve personal information regarding you or your disability. Section I is where you and your representatives will sign off on the application, certifying it to be as containing information that is as accurate as you can give. We have written a step-by-step guide for the CPP Disability Application process that you can use for your reference as well. ISP2519 - CPP Disability Medical Report Form Besides the main application form, you will also need to fill out Sections 1 and 2 of the Medical Reporting Form. This contains basic information about you, as well as you signing off to give consent to Service Canada and your medical practitioner to provide your personal medical information. Your personal medical practitioner will fill out this form. In which they will detail your medical history with them, as well as specifics on how your current condition affects your life by providing relevant medical documents. Provisions Available for Your CPP Disability Application In certain circumstances, some CPP provisions may apply to your CPP Disability Application. These provisions are as follows: Child Rearing Provision: If you stopped working to raise children under the age of 7 anytime in the past, provide this information by filling up Section B3 of the Application Form. This may affect the outcome of your assessment as it could make you eligible for CPP Disability since it’s possible that the years which you were raising your child will be disregarded in the eligibility decision. Late Applicant Provision: If you are just now applying for CPP Disability but have been unable to work for multiple years, you may contact the CPP Hotline or visit a Service Canada office and ask for a Late Applicant Provision if you meet the other eligibility conditions. This could make you eligible to receive disability benefits as long as: You met the requirements before you were first severely injured; and You haven’t been able to work in any capacity since. Incapacity Provision: If you were unable to apply for CPP Disability because you were mentally or physically incapacitated by your condition, you have within a year after you’ve regained capacity to contact the CPP and ask for an Incapacity Provision. Important Things to Remember When Filling Out Your Application When filing your application, there’s a number of things that you must remember to do. These are small things that can cause Service Canada to completely disregard parts or the entirety of your application if you don’t do it as well as possibly affect when you start receiving benefits. Make sure that your SIN is written on the top of every page of your application that requires it. That includes all the pages that require it on the Medical Report Form. If you need to provide documentation, make sure you send in Certified True Copies of these documents. The application form provides details on how to create these certified copies. You shouldn’t wait for your medical practitioner/s to complete the Medical Reporting Form before sending you application in. Waiting may affect your time-based eligibility. For more information and tips on how to create an effective application, you can consult our article on the CPP Disability Application process. How Much is My CPP Disability Benefit in 2024? In 2024, CPP Disability monthly payments range from $583. 32 to $1,606. 78, with the maximum set at $1,606. 78. The amount an individual receives is determined on a case-by-case basis, based on their total contributions to the CPP during their working years. Typically, someone who has contributed for 20 years will receive a larger payment than someone who has only contributed for a few years. Once approved, you can also expect a one-time retroactive payment for up to 12 months (11 months plus the month you apply), in addition to the monthly benefits. Almost everyone who qualifies for CPP disability also qualifies for a retroactive payment, though the amount can vary. The longer Service Canada takes to approve your claim, the larger the retroactive benefits they will owe you. How to Calculate Your Monthly CPP Disability Benefit Service Canada determines your monthly CPP disability payments based on two things: Your retirement benefit amount (this is your post-65 pension) The flat amount (the Canadian Government prescribes this amount annually) They calculate your monthly payment for the CPP Disability Benefit using this formula: (Retirement Benefit x 0. 75) + Flat Amount If you would like to estimate how much you could get for your CPP Disability Benefit monthly, you can ask for an estimation of your retirement benefit amount as well as your most recent Statement of Contributions to the CPP by either using your My Service Canada Account, or by contacting Service Canada by mail or through the phone so they can mail it to you. As for the flat rate, the Canadian Government announces this every year. You can find the flat amount here under the most recent quarterly report at the time you’ll be applying. For 2024, this amount is $583. 32. Example: Ayesha received information from Service Canada that her estimated CPP retirement benefit would be $957. 37; in 2024, the flat amount is $583. 32. With this information, we can calculate that: ($957. 37 x 0. 75) + $583. 32 = $1,301. 34 Therefore, Ayesha will be receiving an estimated $1,301. 34 every month as her CPP Disability Benefit. What is the Maximum Monthly CPP Disability Payment in 2024? The maximum monthly amount for new CPP Disability Benefit recipients in 2024 is $1,606. 78. With the CPP enhancement introduced in 2019, this amount increases incrementally each month. Starting in January 2024 at $1,606. 78, these disability benefit amounts are reviewed annually in January to adjust for changes in the cost of living. The maximums are calculated using the same formula for the Disability Benefit which is (Retirement Benefit x . 75) + Flat Amount. For the Retirement Benefit in this case, it is calculated using the formula: 25% of 1/12 of the average of the previous five year's maximum pensionable earnings (YMPE). The YMPE is released by Service Canada yearly, taking earnings data and a number of economic factors like the inflation rate into consideration. The following table contains the average and maximum payment amounts per month for a number of the Canada Pension Plan’s benefits for 2024. Note that even if your calculated CPP Disability payment goes over the maximum, you will only receive the maximum amount every month. Pension or Benefit Average amount for new beneficiaries (Jan 2024) Maximum payment amount (2024) Disability benefit $1,181. 38 $1,606. 78 Post-retirement disability benefit $583. 32 $583. 32 Survivor's pension – younger than 65 $523. 43 $739. 31 Survivor's pension – 65 and older $323. 05 $818. 76 Children of disabled CPP contributors $294. 12 $294. 12 Children of deceased CPP contributors $294. 12 $294. 12 Combined Contributions Combined survivor's and retirement pension (at age 65) $1,022. 93 $1,375. 41 Combined survivor's pension and disability benefit $1,301. 15 $1,613. 54 What is the Contributor’s Child’s Benefit for CPP Disability? In addition to the CPP Disability Benefit, you might also be eligible to receive a separate supplemental amount called the Contributor’s Child’s Benefit if you are raising a child under 18 (or taking care of a child between 18 and 25 years old but a full-time student) during your time with the disability. This amount is also prescribed by the Canadian Government annually. The Contributor’s Child’s Benefit is a separate amount that you can receive. This means that even if you are receiving the maximum CPP Disability benefit monthly, as long as you are eligible for the Contributor's Child’s Benefit, you will receive it. This amount will be given to you as a supplemental benefit if the child you are caring for is below 18. However, if you are taking care of someone who is between 18 and 25 and is a full-time student, this supplemental amount will be given to them directly instead. How do I receive my CPP Disability Benefit? If approved, your CPP Disability Benefit will usually be paid to you monthly. This payment will come to you in the form of a mailed check, or as a direct deposit to your bank account if you filled out Section G of the Application form. The monthly CPP Disability payments are usually deposited or sent out during the last week of each month. The Government of Canada also releases the monthly dates at the start of every year on their benefit payments calendar. CPP Disability Monthly Payment Schedule 2024 If you receive CPP disability benefits, 2024 payments will be made on the following dates. For those with direct deposit, payments will be deposited into your account on these dates. January 29, 2024 February 27, 2024 March 26, 2024 April 26, 2024 May 29, 2024 June 26, 2024 July 29, 2024 August 28, 2024 September 25, 2024 October 29, 2024 November 27, 2024 December 20, 2024 How is my CPP Disability Retroactive Payment Calculated? Service Canada will calculate your retroactive payment as follows: Up to 12 months before the date of initial application + number of months between initial application and approval date. Your monthly payments usually begin on the fourth month after your CPP Disability Benefit application. This is normally the time when initial applications are approved. If you had to appeal your application, the time between your application and your first monthly payment may be longer. The retroactive payment will cover the months between the time your application was received by Service Canada and when you receive the first monthly payment. Furthermore, Service Canada may determine you to be eligible for retroactive payments up to 12 months before the date of your initial application. Using Ayesha in our example above: Ayesha had to stop working due to her impairment. She initially applied for CPP Disability on March of 2019 after learning about it. Her application took a while to be approved so she only began to receive monthly payments in September 2019. Therefore, she will receive retroactive payments for the six months between March and September. By reviewing the information she provided in her application, Service Canada also determined her to be eligible for CPP Disability payment for 7 months before her initial application. This means that in total, Ayesha would be receiving 13 months of retroactive payments. What Happens If Your CPP Disability Application is Denied There is a fair chance that your initial appeal for CPP Disability assistance may be denied. In the 2016 audit by the Auditor General of Canada, it was found that 60% of 70,000 initial applications were denied. This can be for any number of reasons. However, Canadian citizens are allowed to appeal Service Canada’s decisions in a number of ways. In the following section, we will detail a number of reasons your application may have been rejected, as well as an overview of the appeals process to have these denials overturned. Why was my CPP Disability Application Denied? The following are some of the possible reasons your initial application was denied. These can include Service Canada not considering your condition as severe and prolonged, applying too late, not having enough information, or not having contributed to the CPP enough. Your Disability Is Not Considered “severe and prolonged” under CPP Regulations. Service Canada has specific definitions on what they consider “severe” and “prolonged. ” They define a person’s condition as: severe if they are “regularly incapable of pursuing any substantially gainful employment,” meaning that the person’s disability should be such that they are no longer able to work and earn enough money to pay for their living expenses. Meanwhile, prolonged means that the condition affecting the individual has an indeterminate recovery date. Your case has to satisfy both these definitions, otherwise Service Canada may deny your application. Late CPP Disability Application. One of the time requirements for the CPP Disability program is that you are an active contributor to the CPP for 4 out of the 6 previous years from the time of your application. Your application may be denied then if you submitted it long enough after your injury or disability that you no longer meet this time requirement. However, it is possible to get a provision and still get the benefit if this is your reason for getting denied. Refer to the previous section in this guide called Late Applicant Provision. Not having enough information on medical conditions and employability. It’s important in order to get CPP Disability benefits that you can prove to Service Canada that you are unable to work anymore. To do this, you’ll need to provide extensive medical evidence to prove your condition as severe and prolonged, as well as provide proof that this disability prevents you from getting proper employment. If you lack this information in your application, your application will likely be denied. Not enough financial contributions to CPP. Your application may have been denied simply because Service Canada doesn’t think you’ve made enough contributions to the CPP to be eligible. However, for certain extenuating circumstances, you may still be eligible for some CPP Disability payments. Some of these include: working abroad, taking care of children, and having suffered severe, debilitating impairment that prevented you from applying around the time you last contributed. You can learn further about these in Reasons CPP Disability Applications are Denied CPP Disability Application Appeals Process Service Canada provides you with ample opportunity to appeal a denied application. They have set-up a 3-step appeal system that goes through progressively higher levels. These levels are: An request for reconsideration, Social Security Tribunal - General Division, Social Security Tribunal - Appeals Division above that. These three steps each have their own requirements and procedures to follow. We’ll provide the details for each of these below: How Do I Request for CPP Disability Reconsideration? The first step of the appeals process for is the reconsideration process. Once you receive your denial letter for the application you sent, you’ll have 90 days to inform Service Canada that you are seeking reconsideration. You do this by mailing them a letter containing your intent to your regional Service Canada office. Writing an Effective Reconsideration Letter The letter of intent you’ll send is called a Reconsideration Letter. It should effectively inform Service Canada that you are seeking reconsideration. Remember to put the following information in the letter: Full Name SIN Address Phone Number We’ve created a sample letter for you to use as your reference as well. Once you’ve informed them of your intent to seek reconsideration, you can ask them to send you a copy of your application file. Do this by sending them an Info Source: Personal Information Request form by mail to Service Canada. You’ll receive your file in 5-6 weeks upon which, you can review the file and find out what your application is lacking. Once you figure out what was lacking, you can proceed with acquiring the proper documentation to round out your application. This can include medical reports and letters from your attending medical practitioners to prove the nature of your disability, as well as letters and reports from your former employers, friends and family that can help prove the effects that your disability has had in your life. Compile this new information, alongside your file and a reconsideration request letter that summarizes the information you have added and send all of these in to Service Canada for review. This will normally take a few months before they reach a decision. For more in-depth information on the reconsideration process you can read the CPP Disability Request For Reconsideration article. What is the Appeals Process for CPP Disability in the Social Security Tribunal? If your reconsideration request still results in a denied application, the next course of action is to move one step up and proceed to the Social Security Tribunal. The tribunal has two divisions that deal with CPP Disability appeals: the General Division and the Appeals Division. You will be appealing the rejected application with the General Division first. You only approach the Appeals Division if you were denied in the General Division and have concerns over how the appeal was handled. General Division For CPP Disability Appeals You begin your appeal with the General Division by filling out a Notice of Appeal Form and sending it with your CPP Reconsideration Denial Letter within 90 days of receiving the denial. Once you send these, you will receive an Acknowledgement Letter in 2-3 weeks. This letter informs you that the Tribunal will be receiving a copy of your file from Service Canada to review. You will also receive a copy of this file and a Notice of Readiness form about a month after you receive this Acknowledgement Letter. Putting Your Case Together You will have 365 days after the Tribunal receives your notice to put together any new information to help your case. The exact date will be detailed in the packet that comes with your file and the Notice of Readiness Form. You have until this date to complete your case and the form and send it back to the tribunal. Deliberation will begin once they have received this packet with the completed form. The type of decision making process the Tribunal uses differs with each case. Know however that this process takes a few months and you will receive a letter with the result. If the ensuing result is still a denial,... --- - Published: 2024-06-19 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/client-testimonials/ Client Testimonials We’ve Helped countless Canadian Families & Individuals and We’re Proud Of the Lives We’ve Helped Change. Read Their Stories Below Find Out if You QualifyFREE ASSESSMENT Canadians Helped 0 k+ in Secured Benefits $ 0 M+ Success Rate 0 % Unless We Win $ 0 We are extremely satisfied and happy for job well done. And very highly recommend them for anyone looking to apply for the disability tax credit. Tony and Mari, ON. Received $16,332. 3 u003cpu003eThe team at Disability Credit Canada are amazing and I would recommend them again and again. Thank you. u003c/pu003e Michelle. Received $10,754. 5 Disability Credit Canada is hands down the best. They never gave up even when I wanted to. Leya, AB. Received $23,970. 59 received Received $36,662 I am beyond thankful that services like this exist for people like me. Thank you to the moon and back, you have changed my life for the better. Kayla, BC. Received $23,791. 87 I am very thankful to both Ladies; the tax refund came at the right time. Christiane. Received $13,441 We are very pleased with Disability Credit Canada. Big thank you to the team at Disability credit Canada from the Richard family. Robin R, NB. Received $25,790 How Much Are You Eligible To Receive? You can use our Disability Tax Credit Calculator to find how much you can receive in retroactive credits and benefits if found eligible. CALCULATE Examples That Could Qualify Include: Arthritis Knee/Hip Replacement Multiple Sclerosis Fibromyalgia Osteoarthritis Spinal Stenosis Difficulty Dressing Below-Average Walking Ability Limited Mobility And Other Medical Conditions FREE ASSESSMENT Real Canadians Who Qualified We've helped thousands of Canadians qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, even if they were previously denied. We can help you too! Kristen. J ON - Arthritis $23,873 Rose. S AB- Diabetes $16,353 Jacqueline PEI - Spinal Stenosis $12,843 John. S ON - Fibromyalgia $6,987 Michael. F SK - Hip Replacement $20,973 Dave. M ON - ADHD $19,380 WE CAN HELP Reach out for a Free Assessment Today. Our Dedicated Agents Are Here to Help You Access the Disability Benefits You Deserve. 1-844-800-6020 info@DisabilityCreditCanada. com Request a Free Assessment "*" indicates required fields --- - Published: 2024-04-24 - Modified: 2026-03-09 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-calculator/ Disability Tax Credit Calculator To determine your possible returns, use our calculator for estimating retroactive disability tax credit payments for up to last 10 years. Learn how to get the most out of your benefits and get your money back. No-Win No-Fee! Estimate Potential RefundCalculate Now Canadians Helped 0 k+ in Secured Benefits $ 0 M+ Success Rate 0 % Unless We Win $ 0 Disability Tax Credit Calculator Calculate the Disability Tax Credits & Benefits you may be eligible for with our easy online tool How is the Disability Tax Credit calculated in Canada? The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is made up of federal and provincial amounts that are taken from Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA’s) yearly Indexation Chart. It has two parts: a base amount, which applies to all eligible individuals, and a supplemental amount, which only applies when the DTC is claimed for dependent children under 18. For adults, only the base amount applies. The CRA calculates the federal portion of the DTC by applying the 14. 5% tax rate to the approved disability amount. Provinces also add their own credits, which vary by region. For example, in Ontario 2026 (Filling for tax year 2024-25), The federal disability base amount for 2025 is $10,341, and 14. 5% of that is $1,499. 45. The provincial disability base amount in Ontario for 2025 is $10,341, and 5. 05% of that is $522. 22. Therefore in 2026, a DTC-eligible adult in Ontario would have received for Tax year (2024-2025): $1,499. 45 + $522. 22 = $2,021. 67. If the individual has little or no taxable income, unused credits can be carried forward or transferred to a supporting family member. For Canadians filling tax in 2026 for previous financial year 2024-25, The “Base Amount” maximum for 2025 is $10,341, according to the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA’s) Indexation Chart and The “Supplemental Amount” for children with disabilities is a maximum of $6,032 (2025). How does the Disability Tax Credit calculation work step by step? Federal Tax Filing in 2026 (for 2025 income): Step 1. Example Calculating the Federal Portion The CRA calculates the federal portion by multiplying the approved disability amount by the lowest federal tax rate (14. 5%). The federal disability amount is indexed annually. Federal disability amount: $10,341 14. 5% × 10,341= $1,499. 45 Step 2. Example Calculating the Provincial Portion Each province adds its own credit, usually around 5–10% of the disability amount, depending on the province. Ontario Provincial disability amount: $10,341 Ontario 2025 example: 5. 05% × $10,341 = $522. 22 Step 3. Adding up both the provincial and federal amount Once you have your Federal and Provincial Base amount calculated as shown above, you can add those two to get The Disability Tax Credit amount an adults will receive. How Much Is the Disability Tax Credit Refund for Adults When Filing Federal Taxes in 2026 (for 2025 Income)? As calculated in above example, An adult claimant in Ontario will receive (Base Amounts only): $1,499. 45 (federal) + $522. 22 (provincial) = 2,021. 67 How much is the Disability Tax Credit for children, When Filing Federal Taxes in 2026 (for 2025 Income)? Children under 18 also get supplemental amounts, below example will show how supplement amount is calculated. Ontario 2025 example: Federal supplemental amount: $6,032 → 14. 5% = $874. 64 Provincial supplemental amount: $6,032 → 5. 05% = $304. 62 Total Supplemental Amount: $874. 64 + $304. 62 = $1,179. 26 Therefore for in 2026, while filling for tax year 2024-25, a child in Ontario will receive Disability tax credit (Base + Supplemental): $1,986. 65 (Base) + $1,158. 77 (Supplemental) = $3,145. 42 Disability Tax Credit Calculation FAQs How is the Disability Tax Credit calculated for retroactive years? The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) determines the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) for retroactive years by assessing the tax returns for each qualifying year preceding the year that you are filling and can be dated back up to a maximum of 10 years, based on the approved date of disability. The CRA determines the non-refundable credit, which lowers the amount of tax due, and reimburses overpaid taxes in one lump sum. How is the Disability Tax Credit calculated if I have low income (Below taxable limit)? If you have low income or don’t owe taxes, the credit can’t create a refund immediately, but unused amounts can be carried forward or transferred to a supporting family member for future tax savings. What is the Disability Tax Credit amount for 2024-2025? The chart below was updated in March 2025 to ensure all Disability Tax Credit amounts and information are current and accurate. Year Maximum Base Amount Maximum Supplement For Persons Under 18 2025 $10,341 $6,032 2024 $10,138 $5,914 2023 $9,872 $5,758 2022 $9,428 $5,500 2021 $8,870 $5,174 2020 $8,662 $5,053 2019 $8,576 $5,003 2018 $8,416 $4,909 2017 $8,235 $4,804 2016 $8,113 $4,733 2015 $8,001 $4,667 2014 $7,899 $4,607 2013 $7,766 $4,530 2012 $7,546 $4,402 2011 $7,341 $4,282 2010 $7,239 $4,223 2009 $7,196 $4,198 Click on your province below to see specific base and supplement tables for the past 10 years in our provincial guides. Alberta Disability Tax Credit Application British Columbia Disability Tax Credit Application Ontario Disability Tax Credit Application Nova Scotia Disability Tax Credit Application Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit Application Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Tax Credit Application Quebec Disability Tax Credit Application Manitoba Disability Tax Credit Application New Brunswick Disability Tax Credit Application If you have any questions regarding Disability Tax Credit , please feel free to get in touch through our Toll Free number. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability benefits like disability tax credits, Long Term Disability Benefits, and CPP Disability Benefits. Check our other Resources Disability Tax Credit for Arthritis Sufferers Disability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADD Disability Tax Credit for Anxiety Disorders --- - Published: 2024-04-24 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/frequently-asked-questions/ Disability Tax Credit Commonly Questions This section aims to provide detailed answers to frequently asked questions about the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Consult the full Disability Tax Credit guide for a comprehensive look at the Disability Tax Credit Program as a whole, updated as of December 2025. Can I Receive the Disability Tax Credit If I Don't Pay Taxes? The DTC is a “refund” on federal income taxes paid but if you can not work due to your age (a minor or retired) or impairment you can have the “credits” go to your supporter as long as you can prove their support throughout the years in question. For example: a parent, spouse, adult son/daughter, etc. Can I Apply on Behalf Of A Family Member (Child, Spouse, Or Sibling)? Yes, you can apply on behalf of a dependent family member (child), a spouse, a sibling, or a parent as long as you can prove you’re supporting the disabled person. Do I Have to Wait To File My Taxes To Claim The Disability Tax Credit? No, you don’t have to wait. If you were found eligible for previous years, the CRA will re-assess your previous years automatically. Moving forward, when filing your taxes, you or your accountant must “remind” the CRA of your eligibility to receive the credits for that year. If you do not, you will not receive the credits and will have to ask the CRA for a “reassessment”. How Do I Claim The Disability Tax Credit If I Am Approved? After getting Approved You can claim these tax credits annually while filling out your yearly tax returns. For yourself, you can claim it under line 31600 of your tax return, In case you are claiming on behalf of a dependent you can claim it under line 31800 (Disability amount transferred from a dependent) of your tax return and if you are claiming it on behalf of your spouse or common-law partner, You have to claim it under line 32600 of the tax return. If a person was eligible for the Disability Tax Credit for previous years but did not claim the disability amount when they filed their tax return, they can request the CRA to reassess their adjustments for up to 10 years retroactively. How Do I Know If My Disability Tax Credits Have Been Claimed? You can always access your CRA account to check if you have claimed or been claiming Disability Tax Credit or your accountant can check that for you if you are not accessible to your CRA account. In your online CRA account check your past year's Income Tax Report for Line 316 (if you were claiming for yourself), Line 318 (if you were claiming for your dependant), or Line 326 (if you were claiming for your spouse or common-law partner). Does the Disability Tax Credit Expire? Yes, the DTC does expire, and most DTC applications are approved for a few years in the future, usually 4-6 years. If the CRA thinks your impairment and/or your situation may change and get better with time, they will approve you for those years and once the eligibility period expires you will need to re-apply again with a new DTC application. In some cases, the CRA may determine that the impairment and/or the disabled person's situation may not change therefore they will approve the DTC indefinitely. How Do I Claim the Disability Tax Credit Refunds For Previous Years? In part B of the t2201, your medical practitioner will tell the CRA of the years your impairment began. The DTC eligibility can go unlimited years in the past but the CRA can only reassess up to 10 years retroactively. If you were found eligible for previous years and are not sure if you received all credits you should submit an adjustment request for all previous years through your online access or mail a T1ADJ form to the CRA. Where Do I Send My Disability Tax Credit Certificate (Application)? Once your T-2201 is filled out and certified by your medical practitioner you can: Upload it online using your online access to the CRA using MY CRA Account Mail it to your local Tax office. How Is the Disability Tax Credit Paid? The Disability tax credit can be paid in a few ways: Adult retroactive payments: the CRA will reassess taxes paid during the period of eligibility and send you a one-time payment for all retroactive years. Child retroactive payments: In case of a child DTC the CRA will reassess taxes paid by the claimant (as in the point above) AND will calculate the “supplemental amount” for these years and pay it out to the parent receiving the Canada child Benefits as a “Child Disability Benefit” Annually: When filing your taxes you should claim the DTC and the amounts will be credited to you, offset the amount of taxes owed. How Long Does It Take to Get The Disability Tax Credit? Each DTC application is different and may have unforeseen issues or circumstances but on average a successful DTC will take 3-6 months. If a Doctor “Questionnaire” is required, the process may take an additional month or two. Who Can Claim the Disability Tax Credit? All Canadians and/or permanent residents can apply for the DTC. How Much Money Will I Receive If I Am Approved For The Disability Tax Credit? Calculating your Disability Tax Credit (DTC) refund can be a bit complex because it depends on factors like age, taxes paid, province, and approval duration. Here's a basic breakdown: Federal and Provincial Amounts: Your refund comes from two sources– the federal government (same across Canada) and your provincial government (varies by province). Base Amount: This is the starting point for your refund, made up of: Federal base amount: About 15% of $9,428 (as of 2023), roughly $1,414. 2. Provincial base amount (based on Ontario figures): About 10% of the disability amount for that tax year ($9,586), roughly $958. 6. Combined, this gives you about $2,372. 8. Supplemental Amount: This adds to your refund, with: Federal supplemental portion: About 15% of $5,500 (as of 2023), roughly $825. Provincial supplemental portion (based on Ontario figures): About 10% of the disability amount for that tax year ($5,591), roughly $559. 1. Together, this makes about $1,384. 1 in total. This gives you an idea of how much you might receive once approved for the DTC. (Some figures are for Ontario. Please refer to our Disability Related Province Resources for your province) Adults can expect to receive approx. $1,500-$2,000 per year, or if you get approved for the full 10-year retroactive refund, you stand to receive up to $20,000. A child can expect to receive approx. $3,000-$4,000 per year, meaning a full 10-year retroactive refund could be as high as $40,000. Can I Apply for The Disability Tax Credit On Behalf Of A Deceased Family Member? Yes, you can if your family member or dependent passed away in any of the last 10 years, DTC eligibility criteria remain the same for a deceased person. If the CRA approves your application, your legal representative or legal heir can claim the DTC on behalf of the deceased person’s final and/or past tax returns (up to ten years) Can I Re-Apply for The Disability Tax Credit If I Was Previously Denied? Yes. There is no limitation to the number of times a person can apply or re-apply for the DTC. Once denied you stand two options: you can either appeal the decision by writing to the CRA or you can start a new application from scratch. The CRA acknowledges that a lot of qualifying impairments are progressive and if someone does not qualify now doesn’t mean that their impairment can not progress and aggravate further affecting basic functions of daily living. However, applying again and again without demonstrating a significant change in your condition or providing new information is useless. Can I Still Be Eligible for The Disability Tax Credit If My Impairment Changed? Almost all approved DTC applications have a time limitation of 4-6 years in the future due to the CRA’s belief that impairments do change, medications may alleviate the effects on daily living activities, OR perhaps the impairments get worse. Therefore, when your eligibility expires you must start a new application from scratch. If I Receive The Disability Tax Credit, Will It Affect My Chances Of Getting Approved For Government Loans Such As OSAP or other provincial disability programs? No. The DTC is a federal tax credit, and it is not connected or influenced by other federal or provincial programs. It will not limit your eligibility for OSAP, ODSP, or AISH, etc. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim Long Term Disability Benefits, CPP Disability, and The Disability tax credit. Check our other Resources Disability Tax Credit Provincial Resources Disability Tax Credit for Arthritis Sufferers Disability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADD Disability Tax Credit for Anxiety Disorders --- - Published: 2024-04-23 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-form/ Table of Contents If you or a family member in Canada has a physical or mental impairment, you might be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. This could entitle you to receive retroactive tax credits of up to $40,000 from the Canadian government. To apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you must submit a certified Disability Tax Credit Certificate – T2201 to the CRA. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated its T2201 form to make filling out the form and application process as easy as possible. However, despite their best efforts many Canadians and their medical practitioners still have questions and issues understanding how to fill out the T2201 form properly and accurately. Disability Credit Canada has assisted numerous Canadians with their Disability Tax Credit (DTC) applications. We've crafted the following article with the latest insights, updated as of February 2024, to streamline and simplify the application process for your convenience. In this article, we will be walking you through the T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate Form, where we will cover the following topics:But before we dive into detail about the T2201 form, we’d like to start by explaining a few things about the Disability Tax Credit Certificate Form – T2201, that you need to know:What is the Disability Tax Credit Certificate/Form – T2201? As previously mentioned, the sole method for a Canadian citizen to apply for the Disability Tax Credit is by completing a Disability Tax Credit Certificate (T2201), which must be certified by a medical practitioner. Once a medical practitioner certifies the form by signing it, it is ready to be submitted to the CRA for further assessment. To complete the T2201 form, you must first fill out all personal details in the ‘individual’s section’ of the form, Part A (pages 1-2). Following this, you should ask a medical practitioner to fill out and complete Part B (pages 3-16). Here, they will provide detailed information on the impairments you or a family member are experiencing. Most importantly, your medical practitioner must explain in detail how the impairments you have affect your ability to perform activities of daily living. Where Do I Find the Disability Tax Credit Form? The Disability Tax Credit Certificate T2201 is available for download on the CRA’s website. On this page you will find two versions of the T2201 form:The first is a simple PDF version (t2201-21e. pdf), which can be printed and taken to your medical practitioner. The second is a fillable PDF version (t2201-fill-21e. pdf), which can be filled out and certified directly from your computer or your doctor’s. Once completed and certified by a medical practitioner, both versions can then be printed out and submitted to the CRA. Additionally, the CRA website offers a variety of alternate formats (digital audio, electronic text, Braille, and large print) for all their documents and content to ensure that persons with impairments have access to the information they need. Furthermore, The CRA has recently developed a new digital application for the disability tax credit, which medical practitioners can use to fill out their portion of the T2201 form (Part B). After that, it can be printed out and returned to the applicant for completion and submission. The new digital application can be found here. If at any point you require additional assistance you can also call the CRA @ 1-(800)-959-8281 for more information. How to Complete the Updated Disability Tax Credit Certificate – T2201The T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate is made up of two main parts:Part A – Individual’s Section: This application part of the form must be filled out by either the applicant or the claimant. Part B – Medical Practitioner’s Section: This certification part of the form must be filled out by the correct medical practitioner (medical doctor, nurse practitioner, optometrist, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist). Once completed and submitted, the information provided in your T2201 form will then be used by the CRA to determine your eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit. After which, they will advise you of their decision. NOTE: If approved, the CRA will notify you regarding the amount you have been approved to receive in the form of a retroactive tax credit for the Disability Tax Credit. Part A - Individual’s Section (pages 1-2):The ‘Individual’s section’ of the T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate, is all about providing the CRA with the personal information of the disabled person and/or the claimant. (To understand the difference between the applicant and claimant please read the following article). Part A is made up of 4 individual sections:Information about the person with the disability (applicant)Information about the person claiming the disability amount (claimant)Previous tax return adjustmentsIndividual’s authorization of informationSection 1:Under Section 1 it asks that you enter all relevant and/or required information about the person with the disability (name, address, social insurance number, & date of birth)Section 2:This section of the form is specific to questions about the claimant (the persons claiming the disability amount). Whether that person is a person with the disability who is claiming the disability amount OR a supporting family member is claiming the disability amount (the spouse or common-law partner of the person with the disability, or a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece of that person or their spouse or common-law partner). It’s important to note that in this case, the claimant can be both the applicant as well, but not necessarily so. Section 3:In this section, the CRA wants to know if to automatically reassess your previous tax returns (up to 10 years) if the application is successful and you are found eligible to receive the DTC. If you choose “YES” then they will reassess your returns and apply for the retroactive credits, then send you a one-time payment to reflect those credits. If you choose “NO” then once approved for the DTC you must contact the CRA and request the reassessment to be done. Section 4:In section 4, the CRA asks that you certify that all the information provided throughout the ‘Individual’s section’ of the form, is signed and dated. In addition to granting the CRA permission to access any additional personal information (medical records) required for determining your eligibility. Part B - Medical Practitioner’s Section (pages 3-16):The ‘Medical practitioner’s section’ of the T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate, must be filled out and completed (certified) by the correct medical practitioner. In this section, your medical practitioner will be asked to certify your medical impairment resulting from a condition and the effects of that impairment on your ability to perform basic necessities of life in several areas, such as:VisionSpeakingHearingWalkingEliminatingFeedingDressingMental functions (necessary for everyday life)The cumulative effect of significant limitationsLife-sustaining therapyEach of these selections listed above makes up one or more pages of Part B, depending on the amount of information that your medical practitioner must provide the CRA. NOTE: The CRA also asks that the correct practitioner initials be beside their designation (medical doctor, nurse practitioner, optometrist, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist), if the impairment category applies to you. In this case, having a regular medical doctor who can certify all these impairment sections for you will save you quite a bit of running around. Under each of the impairment categories listed above, your medical practitioner is required to answer a variety of in-depth questions on your medical history, in terms of your level of impairment, along with the severity and frequency, duration, and effects of your impairment on your activities of daily living. Mental Functions (pages 11-13):If relevant, your medical practitioner must respond to a series of detailed questions under the category of 'Mental functions necessary for everyday life'. These questions, not found elsewhere in Part B, are divided into topics such as Adaptive functioning, Memory, Judgment, problem-solving, and goal setting. For individuals with mental health disabilities to qualify for the DTC, the following conditions must be met:Their mental health disability significantly hampers their adaptive functioning, encompassing problem-solving, goal setting, judgment, and memory – Complete the "Mental Functions Necessary for Everyday Life" section. They are substantially limited overall by a combination of mental and one or more physical health disabilities (in vision, hearing, speaking, walking, eliminating, feeding, or dressing) – Complete the "Cumulative Effect of Significant Restrictions" section. Your medical practitioner will be asked to:List any medical conditions or diagnoses affecting the patient's mental functions, along with the year of diagnosis (if available). Indicate if the patient takes medication to manage their mental function impairment. Describe any devices or therapy the patient uses to manage their impairment. Assess if the patient has an impaired capacity to live independently. Describe the extent of the patient's impairment in various mental functions compared to someone without such impairment. Provide examples if the patient has limitations or takes excessive time to perform mental functions. Specify if the patient's impairment persists or is expected to last for at least 12 months. State whether the patient's impairment is likely to improve to the extent of no longer being impaired, along with the year of impairment onset. These inquiries help evaluate the extent and duration of the patient's mental function impairment for DTC eligibility. The cumulative effect of significant limitations (page 14):This section of the T2201 form is only applicable to those persons who experience limitations in more than one impairment category. As such this section should not be overlooked. If your limitations in one category do not quite meet the criteria to qualify you for the Disability Tax Credit under a single impairment category; you may still qualify for DTC if you experience significant limitations in two or more impairment categories. Now, if you are someone with a significant disability in any of these areas, your medical practitioner is obligated to select the appropriate categories for you, based on their earlier responses. These categories may also include therapy and the use of appropriate devices and medications. After this point, your medical practitioner will be asked to specify if the limitations selected, exist together, all, or substantially all of the time, as well as the equivalent of the cumulative effect of your limitations (refer to page 3), followed by the date. Life-sustaining therapy(page 15)This section of the T2201 form applies specifically to individuals who require therapy to support a vital life function. This therapy necessitates time away from their regular daily activities, whether self-administered or provided by someone else. The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with impairments by potentially reducing the amount of income tax owed. Eligibility Criteria Checklist:If you have Type 1 diabetes:Individuals with Type 1 diabetes qualify under the life-sustaining therapy category. Medical practitioners no longer need to provide therapy details for 2021 and later years. To be eligible, you must meet all four criteria below:Your therapy supports a vital function and may include:DialysisInsulin therapyOxygen therapyChest physiotherapyOther necessary therapiesYour therapy occurs at least twice per week. Your therapy requires an average of at least 14 hours per week, taking time away from everyday activities. Your impairment has lasted or is expected to last continuously for at least 12 months. If you're unsure about your eligibility, you can still apply. Your eligibility will be assessed based on the information provided by your medical practitioner. Certification – Mandatory (page 16):In conclusion in Part B of the T2201 Form, the CRA asks that the medical practitioner certify their claims about your medical impairment. For this, they must specify the years you have been their patient and all medical information that they have on file. Along with the type of medical practitioner for which they identify per the categories provided by the CRA. Followed by their signature, name, medical license, or registration number (optional), telephone number, date, and address. Where Can I Send My Disability Tax Credit T2201 Form? Please refer to page 16 of your T2201 form for instructions on how to submit your application. Once you have filled out your T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certification Form and have it certified by a medical practitioner, you can send it along with any accompanying proof, in the form of additional medical documentation in one of two ways:Upload it Online using your My CRA Account,Or send it by mail to your local tax centre. However, if you choose to seek out the assistance of Disability Credit Canada, our team will be sure to handle the application process for you by sending in your Disability Tax Credit application as your representative. NOTE: If you do not fill out your application correctly, the odds are that your DTC application will be denied by the CRA. Let the experts at Disability Credit Canada, simplify matters for you. How Long Does It Take to Process a Disability Tax Credit Application? Typically after submitting the T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate to the CRA, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months before the CRA notifies you about your eligibility/application status. Considering the above, it takes the CRA a while to process all the information, required to do two of the following:Approve your application: They must assess the information found in your application to determine if you are eligible to receive the Disability Tax CreditReassess your taxes: If your application does get approved and you indicated in part A that you want them to reassess your previous tax returns, that will take the CRA another month or two before you can receive the credits you are entitled to. NOTE: In some cases, the CRA may not be able to make a decision, in which case they will mail the medical practitioner who certified the form a “questionnaire” asking for additional information and/or clarification. What If My Disability Tax Credit Claim is Denied? If your Disability Tax Credit application is denied, the CRA will send you a formal letter notifying you of their decision and you are now left with several options:File a formal objection/appeal within 90 days. Fill out and resubmit the T2201 form, again to the CRA (you can apply for the DTC multiple times with no penalty or issue whatsoever). However, the CRA does not specify the reasons for their denial, so it is imperative to provide them with “new” information. Considering, that if you apply again but provide no “new” information, you will likely be denied once more. Contact the trained professionals at Disability Credit Canada, to further assist you in improving your application with the help of our experienced team of case builders. You can also read through our Disability Tax Credit Ultimate Resource Guide for further assistance with your application. NOTE: If your DTC application was denied by the CRA, reversing their decision can be challenging as you will be required to “explain” your impairments differently and possibly work with a different medical practitioner moving forward. SUMMARYIf you or a family member are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, living with a physical or mental impairment and are looking to apply for the Disability Tax Credit, let the experts at Disability Credit Canada, help you to get approved. This resource guide aims to make filling out the T2201 form and application process as easy as possible, with all the information you could ever need about how to properly go about completing and submitting the T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate Form to the CRA. Leaving no room for your application to be denied. Disability Credit Canada has helped thousands of Canadians with their DTC applications, CPP Disability Benefits, and Long Term Disability Benefit approvals and will continue to further assist anyone looking to apply today! --- - Published: 2022-06-06 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/denied-long-term-disability-claim-how-to-appeal-ltd-denial/ Table of Contents In Ontario, most legitimate long-term disability (LTD) claims are rejected by insurance companies. In fact, industry statistics show that around 60% of all long-term disability claims are denied each year. Most of the time, an LTD applicant will receive a letter from the insurance company informing him or her of their claim’s denial and inviting them to appeal the insurance company's decision. This is done in the hopes that the insurance company can handle matters directly with the applicant to avoid a lengthy legal battle. However, at this time, it's important to stop and learn more about your rights, before moving forward with the appeals process. Taking this time is often worth it since liaising with the insurance company without a lawyer can be tough. That's why you should consider hiring a representative to help you appeal the insurance company’s decision. The LTD appeals process can be complex and very difficult to handle if a person is not familiar with the denial process and the various steps one must take to maximize their position at the negotiation table. To that extent, the following guide will walk you through the appeals process in case your long-term disability claim is denied by your insurance company. PLEASE NOTE: This guide has been developed based on our years of experience and expertise to be as precise and complete as possible! This information, however, is solely intended to educate and enlighten Canadians; it is not intended to replace the Canada Revenue Agency's official documentation on the LTD. As a result, we suggest that you use it wisely! Common Reasons LTD Claims Are Denied As with any LTD claim, it is critical to submitting all favorable evidence in order to have the best chance of success. Especially when your LTD claim could be denied for a variety of reasons, including if you were unable to provide a physician's statement, if you didn't have a referral from a doctor, or if you were unable to provide an accurate diagnosis. Given that many insurance companies actively seek evidence or justifications to question or outright deny your claim, they will make you a significantly smaller offer than you deserve. However, if you have the correct documentation or evidence, your claim may still be successful. This is where having an experienced long-term disability lawyer on your side may help. That being stated, it is only by recognizing these factors that we may begin to increase your prospects of success for any future LTD claims. Despite the fact that each long-term disability claim is unique, insurers often have a set of conventional justifications for dismissing or terminating long-term disability claims. As such, some of the key reasons why LTD claims may be denied are as follows: Filing a claim or appeal late: LTD insurance policies often include a “Proof of Claim” or “Notice” clause, indicating a specific timeline under which an LTD benefits claim should be submitted to the insurance company, beginning from the point you first became disabled. As such, any claim that is filed late can be denied by the insurance company on the basis of these clauses. Thus, it's essential that you take note of any deadlines when filing and appealing your claim. Given that, most individual plans and all group plans controlled by ERISA allow you to appeal an initial refusal within 180 days. If you fail to exhaust your administrative appeals during the 180-day period, you will be unable to sue your insurer in federal court. Failure to communicate with the insurer: Most insurance companies have an obligation to continue to adjudicate a claim on an ongoing basis. As such, the insurance company will continue to communicate with you to obtain updated information and medical records even after your claim has been approved. This is to ascertain whether or not you continue to meet the tests for disability under your LTD policy. If the insurance company has attempted to communicate with you on multiple occasions and received no response on your behalf, this may give them cause to deny or terminate your benefits. Contractual exclusion clauses: One of the most common reasons for rejecting claims based on a contractual exclusion is the "pre-existing condition exclusion clause. " As such, if the insurance company determines that you saw a doctor or sought out treatment related to your disabling condition prior to your insurance taking effect (typically the one-year period after the effective date of coverage), the insurer may deny your claim based on the pre-existing condition exclusion. Insufficient medical evidence: "Insufficient Evidence to Support Disability" can occasionally signify that the insurance company disagrees with your doctors' assessments of your disability. As such, your application may have been sent to an internal medical consultant for assessment, and that consultant does not believe your medical condition is severe enough to meet the Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits eligibility criteria, resulting in the denial of your claim. Lack of “objective evidence” of disability: In cases where your condition cannot be verified through diagnostic imaging or “objective” tests of any kind, such as x-rays, MRI’s, blood tests, and so forth. The insurance company may then argue that your symptoms are self-reported and therefore cannot be assessed, thus resulting in the denial of your claim. Refusal to attend an independent medical assessment (IME): Many LTD insurance policies allow the insurer to have you assessed by a medical practitioner of their choosing for a medical or psychiatric evaluation. In which case, if the IME doctor determines that there is an absence of disability or acknowledges disability but indicates that accelerated recovery has occurred, it may result in the denial of your claim. Likewise, any refusal to attend an IME arranged by the insurance company will often be accompanied by the termination or denial of LTD benefits. Refusal to submit to reasonable medical treatment: Most LTD insurance policies require that you submit to medical treatment as a condition of receiving benefits. As such, if you refuse to submit to reasonable medical treatment, your LTD claim may be denied or terminated. Failure to participate in rehabilitation or return to work: As part of the LTD insurance policy, you are obligated to make reasonable efforts to rehabilitate. That is, if your benefits have been approved, your case manager may request the services of a rehabilitation consultant to formulate a rehabilitation program. If you are unable to participate in a rehabilitation program or return to work program for whatever reason, this could result in the termination of benefits. A change in the definition of what is considered "totally disabled": Usually, there are two definitions of disability for all LTD policies. For the first 24 months, a person must be disabled from performing the essential activities of his or her own occupation, according to the initial definition of impairment. After 24 months, the test is whether the person can execute the essential functions of any gainful activity for which he or she has the necessary education, training, and experience. The wording of these definitions depends on the plan or policy. That being said, it is common for insurance companies to terminate claims at the change of definition, given that they feel you are able to perform different occupations, if not your own. Credibility issues while assessing your claim: While assessing your claim, it is within the insurance company’s right to hire a private investigative company to conduct surveillance without your knowledge. This is done in an effort to gather evidence to dispute your disability by proving that you are capable of working. Considering that you appear to be engaging in tasks similar to work activities or are able to sustain certain positions or a routine. In which case, they may use this evidence to deny or terminate your claim. Credibility issues due to social media investigation: Even if an investigator is unable to capture you on film, social media detectives will frequently track you down on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok. Investigators may readily access your images, videos, and postings if you haven't adjusted your privacy settings. They watch you dance, sing, cook, and upload pictures of yourself having fun online. They occasionally witness you doing things that a disabled person should not be able to accomplish. The information uncovered by web investigators is occasionally used by insurance companies to reject disability claims. Ineligible medical conditions: Individual and group long-term disability insurance issued by employers may not cover all disabilities. Some only cover specific diseases that are outlined in a benefit schedule. Exclusions are frequently used to exclude coverage for situations that the insurer decides not to cover, such as war, self-inflicted injuries, and crime-related impairments. The insurer contests your medical condition or severity: Even if you have a disability, certain factors typically result in a claim denial or coverage limitation. Doctors frequently treat fibromyalgia and migraines based on subjective symptoms. Insurers have a tough time providing compensation for this and other "self-reported" ailments. When a physician cannot objectively confirm your condition, you must produce compelling, convincing proof that supports your claim and incapacity to work. Insurer Error: When a claim agent declines your claim, you must demand a thorough explanation. Insurance claim agents differ in their expertise and experience. They occasionally make crucial blunders since there are so many complex policy regulations and medical difficulties. Group insurers must also adhere to ERISA claim standards and individual policies in accordance with their government's Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act. The regulations often compel claim handlers to make decisions on claims within a specific time period. This frequently causes them to make mistakes or make judgments before they have all of the necessary facts. Listed above are just a few of the many common reasons why your LTD claim may be denied. However, if you have any difficulties confirming your eligibility for LTD benefits, the specialists at Disability Credit Canada are here to assist you in getting your claim approved. NOTE: You do not have to take a denial as the last word on your claim, contrary to popular belief. Rather, you have the option of hiring a disability lawyer to file an appeal on your behalf in order to secure LTD compensation. Appealing Long-Term Disability Denial in Ontario You will receive a letter from your insurance carrier suggesting a decision on your claim shortly after filing for LTD benefits. If your claim has been denied or terminated for any reason, do not assume that the insurance company is correct in its decision. There might be a number of reasons why their judgment is incorrect and should be contested. Most of the time, you will have two alternatives for contesting the insurance company's decision. These are as follows: The first option is to file an internal or external appeal with the insurance company. You can file an appeal up to three times, depending on the language of the policy. That being said, each appeal must be filed within 90 days of the ruling. It is crucial to note that appealing the judgment is not the best option unless your physician can give considerably different data to support your claim. NOTE: If your LTD application is denied, you should consider consulting an LTD lawyer or paralegal immediately. As there are strict deadlines for filing an LTD appeal, an experienced lawyer or paralegal can greatly increase your chances of having your claim approved. Additionally, they can further help you to better understand the terms and language used in your denial letter, which will play a significant role in making your appeal. The other alternative is to file a lawsuit against the insurance company for wrongful disability benefits denial. It is preferable to retain legal assistance in order to attain the best results. This will relieve you of any stress and allow you to concentrate on your rehabilitation. NOTE: Even if your claim is denied, it is critical that you continue to receive treatment and pursue the best treatment alternatives for your disease. This will provide your doctor(s) with the information they need to continue to establish your limitations as well as document any persisting problems that prevent you from returning to work. Furthermore, the LTD lawyers will be able to obtain the necessary supporting documentation to refute your claim’s denial. Summary Disability Credit Canada specializes in disability applications such as long-term disability (LTD) claims. We've helped hundreds of Canadians with their CPP-Disability and Disability Tax Credit applications. Allow us to assist you in obtaining long-term disability benefits today! Don’t wait to be denied by your insurance company. Rather, come prepared and get yourself approved the first time around. If you are interested in applying for LTD benefits or if your application for LTD benefits has been denied, please contact us for a free assessment of our services. If we can't, nobody else can help you get approved! --- - Published: 2022-05-25 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/long-term-disability-claims-appeals/ Table of Contents If you are a Canadian resident living in Ontario who has an insurance plan through your employer and has a permanent disability or a serious and long-lasting medical condition that prevents you from working, you may be eligible to receive financial assistance in the form of Long-Term Disability (LTD). It is important to note that Long Term Disability benefits are usually a part of a private insurance plan that an employee buys and pays into through his/her employer and it is not a government disability plan such as CPP Disability. In this article, we will be introducing you to the Long-Term Disability Insurance Benefits in an effort to help you gain a greater understanding of the following: What is Long-Term Disability in Ontario? Long-Term Disability (LTD) is a type of income replacement benefit that provides you with a percentage of your income if you are ill or injured and thus “totally disabled” for an extended period of time. It is also a legal term, often used in long-term disability insurance (LTDI) policies to dictate the eligibility for benefits under the policy. Most insurance policies state that you must have a medical condition that causes a long-term disability, which must be serious and long-lasting. Additionally, it should prevent you from performing the regular duties of your job or any type of work for at least 3 months. Respectively, you must be off work for 17 weeks or more for your situation to be considered a “long-term disability. " What is Long-Term Disability Insurance? Long-Term Disability Insurance (LDTI) is a common type of income protection. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance to covered plan members in the event that they are no longer able to go back to work for 3 months or longer. Whether due to an accident, illness, or injury that may result in a "long-term disability" as defined by the insurance policy. Depending on the nature of the disability, most long-term disability insurance plans will pay monthly benefits up to age 65. Making long-term disability insurance a smart investment for any healthy, employed individual, interested in securing their financial future. Long-term disability insurance can be sold either as part of a group insurance policy (“group benefit”) through your employer or separately. However, it’s important to note that, in these cases, many employers will either pay all of their employees' monthly premiums or require that they contribute to all or part of their LTD coverage. Alternatively, you can purchase a private (individual) long-term disability policy from an insurance broker. Such LDTI policies are often sold to self-employed professionals or business owners. Long-Term Disability Benefits Long-term disability benefits are a type of income replacement benefit. Under an insurance policy, long-term disability benefits are typically paid on a monthly basis, often with a maximum payment amount as outlined in the disability policy. Most long-term disability plans will replace 60% to 85% of your normal income. Consequently, in order to qualify, you must meet all employment and disability requirements. Some plans may provide disability benefits for up to two years if you’re unable to return to your previous place of employment. However, after two years, you might only continue to receive monthly benefits if you are deemed “totally disabled” and are thus permanently unable to return to work of any kind. Types of Long-Term Disability in Ontario There are several types of long-term disability benefits available in Ontario. Some are offered by the Provincial Government while others are offered by the Federal Government and private insurance companies (health or life insurance brokers). They are as follows: Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employer Group Plans, Private/Individual LTDI Policies) Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) Workers Compensation (WSIB) Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Each of these disability plans represents a different type of income replacement benefit. Therefore, they differ from one plan to the next with regards to their eligibility criteria and the type of benefits you can receive upon being covered by them, once approved. How Much Do Long-Term Disability Benefits Pay in Ontario? In Ontario, long-term disability insurance is an important form of financial protection that provides payments if you're incapable of working due to a covered accident, illness, or injury. On average, LDTI replaces between 60% and 85% of your base salary, up to a maximum amount (mentioned in your policy) for a specified time, usually until an individual is well enough to resume work or a specified coverage period (usually age 65) if you are: Temporarily unable to work, or “Totally disabled,” due to an injury or illness Additionally, you may also have offsets that might reduce your LTD benefits. Considering that, some LTDI policies include specific clauses regarding your maximum benefit amount. As such, if you receive payments from another source like CPP Disability Benefits or WSIB Benefits, then they may weigh your other sources of income or financial benefits, which could result in a reduction to your LTD benefits. If your LTD claim is approved, the insurance company will notify both you and your employer of the benefit payment start date and the approved amount for benefits. Your payments will begin from the date the 'elimination’ period ('waiting’ or 'qualifying’ period), is completed. The "elimination" period is unique to every insurance policy, though it often ranges from 4 months to 52 weeks. What is more, your monthly LTD benefits may see a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) each year due to inflation. This may increase your benefits by 1% to 3%, depending on several factors. NOTE: Your insurance provider may be able to help you calculate the offset amount based on your other benefits. What Medical Conditions Qualify for Long-Term Disability Benefits? Most illnesses or injuries qualify you for long-term disability in Ontario. Considering, that disability insurance claims aren’t based on a diagnosis. Rather, their approval is focused on the disability caused by your medical condition. However, it’s important to note that how a policy defines "disability" will determine how much, and even if, you are able to collect LTD benefits following an injury or illness. For instance, you can have a serious illness, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but not be considered "totally disabled," at least not right away. However, some insurance companies may cover you regardless of the severity or type of illness or injury that you may be suffering from. That is, if you have a disability that prevents you from performing all or at least most of the duties required by your current job. That being said, a diagnosis alone is not enough to grant approval of LTD benefits. Yet, insurance companies still require a solid diagnosis when making a claim. A solid diagnosis largely shapes your treatment plan, which is also required by insurance companies to approve a claim. It is important to note that your insurance company has to sign off on the designated treatment plan. If they disagree with your treatment plan, they can deny your claim or stop your payments. NOTE: Some policies may exclude the coverage of current injuries or illnesses that are covered under WSIB. Common Types of Disabilities Covered by LTDI In Ontario, each long-term disability insurance (LDTI) policy differs from one to the next. Considering that every insurance company has its own definition of what qualifies as a "disability," which will determine what, if any, benefits you might receive. That being said, some disability insurance policies will still pay out a monthly benefit as long as your injury or disability prevents you from working at your normal job. Regardless of whether or not you are still able to perform other types of work. Meanwhile, other policies will not pay benefits if you can work in another type of profession, even if you earn less money. Moreover, it’s important to note that certain illnesses are excluded from many disability insurance policies. In these cases, to be eligible for LTD benefits such as income replacement and medical treatment coverage, your medical condition or injury must meet the insurance policy's definition of "disability". Some illnesses and injuries that qualify as a "disability" under most insurance policies are as follows: Musculoskeletal Issues (Arthritis, Sciatica, Scoliosis, Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel, Spinal Stenosis, Back, Degenerative Disc, etc. ) Personal Injuries (accident, slip, fall, penetrating head injury, brain injury, trauma, fractured spinal injury) Chronic Pain (back pain, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, IBS, Nerve Pain, Sciatica) Mental Health and Psychological Illnesses (PTSD, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder) Cardiovascular Conditions (Hypertension, Chronic Heart Disease, Heart Attack, Stroke, Coronary Artery Disease) Neurological Disorders (Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Epilepsy) Respiratory Conditions (COPD, Chronic Lung Disease, Asthma) Cancer Diabetes NOTE: When deciding on an LTDI plan, it is our recommendation that you check with the provider or insurance agent to determine what constitutes a "disability" under that plan. How to Apply for Long-Term Disability in Ontario To file an LTD claim in Ontario, you must be covered under a Long-Term Disability Insurance plan through your employer or an independent insurance broker, followed by being off work for an extended time. There are seven key steps to applying for long-term disability, which are as follows: Determine the “waiting period” for your LTDI plan. Ensure that you have the support of your doctor. Inform your insurance company of your intent to apply. Fill out and complete the LTD application package. Submit the completed LTD application package and any supporting documentation to the insurer. Cooperate with any reasonable requests from your insurer. Wait for the insurance company’s decision on the status of your application. Step 1: Determine The “Waiting Period” For Your LTDI Plan The first step to applying for LTD is to determine the “waiting period” of your insurance policy. Provided that, you can start your application before the waiting period ends. This ensures that you will receive your benefits immediately after the "waiting period" has concluded and your application has been approved. The "waiting period" simply refers to the duration of time you must be off work for your disability to be considered “long-term. ” The 'waiting period’ for the majority of LTD plans ranges anywhere from 17–22 weeks. However, to determine the "waiting period" for your specific LTDI plan, please refer to your insurance policy or group benefits booklet. Step 2: Ensure That You Have the Support of Your Doctor After you have determined the "waiting period" of your insurance policy, it’s important to consult your doctor to ensure that you have their full support in applying for LTD benefits. Seeing as if your doctor disagrees with your decision to apply, it is likely that your application will be denied. Thus, a firm conversation with your doctor is needed to know for certain if they will recommend that you stay off work after the "waiting period" expires. If you manage to obtain the full support of your doctor or figure out an alternative, you can then begin moving forward with the application process. Step 3: Inform Your Insurance Company of Your Intent to Apply Once you have the approval of your doctor, next you'll need to notify your insurance company of your intent to apply. Considering exactly how to apply for LTD benefits varies from plan to plan. Thus, you will need to have a conversation with your insurer to determine the next steps for applying. Step 4: Fill Out & Complete the LTD Application Package After speaking with your insurance company and determining the next steps, you will need to obtain a copy of the LTD application package. Most application packages are available through your employer, Union Rep, HR Rep, Insurance Broker, or the insurer themselves. After that, you will be required to fill out and arrange for each form within the application package to be completed, in an effort to prove that you are “totally disabled” as is defined by your insurance policy. The application package includes 3 main forms. Those are as follows: Notice of Claim—Filled out by the Claimant Employer’s Report—Filled out by the Employer Medical Report—Filled out by the Appropriate Medical Practitioner Step 5: Submit the Completed LTD Application Package and Any Supporting Documentation to the Insurer You can submit your claim, along with any supporting documentation, to the insurance provider for approval once all application documents have been signed and completed by the proper party. Ideally, you should send your application, along with all supporting documentation, in one package. This package should include the following: Your application form was completed and signed An additional sheet is attached to the application form for any supporting documentation that wouldn’t fit on the form. The medical form was completed and signed. The employers’ form, was completed and signed. The cover letter NOTE: You might not always have the option to submit all documentation at once. Considering that some doctors and employers prefer to submit their forms (medical & employer’s forms) directly to the insurance company. However, in any case, we recommend that you submit your forms as soon as possible, to at least get the application process started. Step 6: Cooperate with Any Reasonable Requests from Your Insurer When qualifying for long-term disability, you should always have a cooperative approach. As such, any reasonable request, that is, what the court would determine as reasonable under the circumstances, should be met in good faith. The following are some of the common requests you might see upon submitting your application: To speak with the insurance company over the phone to answer any questions that they might have To provide the insurance company with copies of your medical records. To ask your doctor to provide the insurance company with more information. Step 7: Wait for the Insurance Company’s Decision on the Status of Your Application After you have gone through steps 1-6, as mentioned above, the final step in applying for LTD benefits is to wait for the insurance company’s decision regarding the status of your application. In this case, you may be informed by a representative over the phone, though usually, you will receive an email or letter in the mail indicating your application's status. This process usually takes anywhere from 30 to 60 days for the insurance company to make its decision. However, this can be extended if the employer or medical forms get delayed, or if you are delayed in filing the insurance company’s other requests for information. If your application is approved by the insurance company, it is important that you read over the approval letter carefully. Considering that, on occasion, an application may only be approved on a temporary or conditional basis. For instance, in cases where there is outstanding information required for submission before the deadline, as indicated in the approval letter. However, if your application is denied for whatever reason, it is within your right to ask them to reconsider your application for approval. This is accomplished by way of an appeal. At this stage in the application process, we recommend that you consult with us or another disability law firm before submitting your appeal. The right approach for an appeal is different for everyone, and as such, it needs to be done strategically to maximize your chances of success. Is It Hard to Get Approved for Long-Term Disability Insurance? Many LTD policies have two definitions that must be met to receive payments. The first step is to demonstrate that you are unable to perform the work you were performing prior to the beginning of your condition. This test later progresses to being unable to perform the duties of any comparable occupation. Unfortunately, filing an LTD claim can prove challenging for those looking to apply. Given that the odds of having your claim approved depend on a number of factors, those factors are as follows: How your insurance policy defines “disability” The type of disability insurance policy (group or individual) The type of disability you are suffering from, with regards to your ability to perform the regular duties of your job, The frequency in which you see your doctor The frequency with which you seek out treatment That being said, when applying for LTD, industry statistics suggest that while most claims are accepted, many legitimate claims are rejected. In fact, it can be estimated that 60% of LTD claims are denied per year. Considering that many insurance companies will actively find evidence or arguments to challenge or outright deny your claim if not, they will provide you with a much lower offer than what you deserve. Although, with the right documents or evidence, your claim can still be successful. However, this is where having an expert long-term disability lawyer on your side can be beneficial. NOTE: It's crucial to remember that, contrary to popular belief, you don't have to accept a denial as the final word on your claim. Rather, you have the right to enlist the assistance of a disability lawyer to file an appeal on your behalf to receive LTD benefits. Can I Apply for Long-Term Disability on My Own? Ultimately, when applying for LTD, whether you choose to apply on your own or with the help of a disability insurance lawyer is up to you. However, it is important to note that regardless of how you choose to apply, you should always be aware of your rights to maintain control over your claim. This is especially true when negotiating directly with the insurance company. Considering that insurance companies have years of experience in how to manage and settling losses, they are almost always working on behalf of their shareholders. As such, you may have a greater chance of getting your claim approved with the assistance of a disability lawyer. Because disability insurance lawyers often have the experience and knowledge required to offset that of the insurance companies, your chances of success are increased. NOTE: Because there are deadlines for bringing a claim against your disability insurance provider, you should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as your disability claim is refused. Do I Need a Lawyer or Paralegal If My LTD Claim Was Denied? If at any point, your LTD claim is denied by the insurance company, consulting a disability lawyer or paralegal to contest your LTD benefits denial is your best chance at advancing your claim. Considering that it takes extensive skill and experience to combat the evidence gathered by the insurance companies to dispute your disability. What is more, disability lawyers and paralegals have a network of medical specialists with whom they work closely and who understand how critical the diagnosis is to your case. Not to mention, a long-term disability lawyer takes the time to understand the specific circumstances of your case and gather the necessary evidence that proves your behavior, as well as how your ability to perform daily activities has been impacted since you became disabled. By hiring an LTD lawyer, you’re ensuring that your rights are protected and that you get a fair settlement from the insurance company. That being said, if you happen to seek outside assistance for your LTD claim, you are better off enlisting the help of an advocate or LTD firm (paralegal), such as Disability Credit Canada Inc, versus an LTD lawyer, as they work solely on a no-win, no-fee basis, with no additional fees. Whereas when enlisting the help of an LTD lawyer, there are a variety of extra fees you wouldn’t usually face when applying for LTD benefits. Most of these extra fees come from lawyers taking over a larger portion of the application and appeals process. Common Reasons LTD Claims Are Denied As is the case with every LTD claim, it is important to ensure all favorable evidence is presented for the claim to have an optimal chance of success. Especially when there are a variety of reasons why your LTD claim may be denied. That being said, it is only through understanding these reasons that we can begin to improve your chances of success for all future LTD claims. Despite the fact that each long-term disability claim is unique, insurers often have a set of conventional justifications for dismissing or terminating long-term disability claims. As such, some of the key reasons why LTD claims may be denied are as follows: Failure to file a claim on time Failure to communicate with the insurer Contractual exclusion clauses Insufficient medical evidence Lack of “objective evidence” of disability Refusal to attend an independent medical assessment (IME) Refusal to submit to reasonable medical treatment Failure to participate in rehabilitation or return to work A change in the definition of what is considered "totally disabled" Credibility issues while assessing your claim Listed above are just a few of the many common reasons why your Long Term Disability claim may be denied. However, if you have any difficulties confirming your eligibility for LTD benefits, the specialists at Disability Credit Canada are here to assist you in getting your claim approved. What to Do If the Insurance Company Denies Your LTD Claim Shortly after filing for LTD benefits, you’ll receive a letter from your insurance company indicating a decision on your claim. If your claim has been denied or terminated for any reason, do not assume that the insurance company is correct in its decision. There could be a variety of reasons why their decision is incorrect and can be challenged. Most often, you will have two options on how to go about fighting the insurance company's decision. Those are as follows: The first option is to file an internal or external appeal with the insurance company. The second option is to file a lawsuit against the insurance company for wrongful disability benefits denial. Summary Disability Credit Canada specializes in disability applications such as Long-Term Disability (LTD) claims. We've assisted hundreds of Canadians with the CPP disability and the Disability Tax Credit. Allow us to help you get approved for Long-Term Disability Benefits today! If you are interested in applying for LTD benefits or if your LTD application has been denied, please call us at @1-844-800-6020 for a free assessment of our services. If we can't assist you in getting approved, then nobody can! --- - Published: 2022-05-24 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/qualifying-medical-conditions-for-long-term-disability-benefits/ Table of Contents The prevalence of disability has increased with age, rising from 13% for those aged 15 to 24 years to 47% for those aged 75 and over. If you are a Canadian resident living in Ontario and have an insurance plan through your employer or an independent insurance broker, and you have a permanent disability or a serious and long-term medical condition that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Long-Term Disability benefits (LTD). Long-Term Disability (LTD) is a kind of income replacement benefit that pays you a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury for an extended period of time. It is worth emphasizing that long-term disability benefits are often part of a private insurance plan purchased and paid for by an employee via his or her employer, rather than a government disability plan such as CPP Disability. For this article, we will be introducing you to the qualifying medical conditions for Long-Term Disability (LTD) Benefits to help you gain a greater understanding of the following: What Medical Conditions Are Eligible for Long-Term Disability Benefits? In Ontario, most illnesses or injuries qualify you for long-term disability. Because disability insurance claims are not based on a diagnosis. Rather, their authorization is based on your medical condition's limitations. It's crucial to remember, however, that how a policy defines "disability" determines how much, and even if you may receive LTD payments after an injury or sickness. For example, you might have a major illness like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) but not be labeled "totally disabled" right away. Some insurance providers, however, may cover you regardless of the degree or type of illness or injury you are suffering from. That is if you have a disability that prohibits you from completing all or most of the obligations of your current employment. However, a diagnosis alone is not sufficient to approve LTD compensation. When filing a claim, insurance companies still require a thorough diagnostic. A firm diagnosis defines your treatment plan, which is also necessary for insurance companies to approve a claim. Thus, it is vital to remember that the specified treatment plan must be approved by your insurance carrier. Considering that, if they disagree with your treatment plan, they might reject your claim and cease paying you. NOTE: Some insurance may exclude coverage for current WSIB-covered injuries or illnesses. Common Types of Disabilities Covered by Long-Term Disability Insurance Each long-term disability insurance (LDTI) policy in Ontario differs from the next. Given that each insurance company has its own definition of what constitutes a "disability," this will influence what, if any, benefits you may be eligible for. Having said that, certain disability insurance plans will continue to pay you a monthly benefit as long as your accident or disability prohibits you from working at your regular employment. Whether or not you are still capable of performing other forms of job. Other policies, on the other hand, will not pay benefits if you can work in another field, even if you make less money. Furthermore, it is essential to understand that many disability insurance policies exclude particular conditions. In these circumstances, to be eligible for LTD benefits such as income replacement and medical treatment coverage, your medical condition or accident must fulfill the criteria of "disability" as defined by the insurance policy. The following are some conditions that qualify as "disability" under most insurance policies: Musculoskeletal Issues (Arthritis, Sciatica, Scoliosis, Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel, Spinal Stenosis, Back, Degenerative Disc, etc. ) Personal Injuries (accident, slip, fall, penetrating head injury, brain injury, trauma, fractured spinal injury) Chronic Pain (back pain, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, IBS, Nerve Pain, Sciatica) Mental Health and Psychological Illnesses (PTSD, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder) Cardiovascular Conditions (Hypertension, Chronic Heart Disease, Heart Attack, Stroke, Coronary Artery Disease) Neurological Disorders (Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Epilepsy) Respiratory Conditions (COPD, Chronic Lung Disease, Asthma) Cancer Diabetes NOTE: When selecting an LTDI plan, we recommend that you consult with the provider or insurance agent to understand what constitutes a "disability" under that plan. Musculoskeletal Issues (Arthritis, Sciatica, Scoliosis, Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel, Spinal Stenosis, Back, Degenerative Disc, etc. ) Medical conditions such as arthritis and musculoskeletal issues are a leading cause of long-term disability in North America. As they account for nearly one third of disability insurance claims. Musculoskeletal conditions often cause pain, stiffness, and a loss of mobility and dexterity, as well as physical and mental health issues, all of which can lead to long-term disability. Studies indicate that individuals with osteoarthritis have a high frequency of developing more than one disease or condition at a time. Such as hypertension, depression, and metabolic syndrome and its components in isolation. What is more, the negative effects of these serious medical conditions can affect your health and well-being for even longer, as you get older. Common symptoms often associated with long-term musculoskeletal conditions are pain, disability, poor general health, and even mortality. Thus, impeaching on one’s mental health. Musculoskeletal functionalities include supporting the body, protecting internal organs, and facilitating movement. When affected, long-term disability may cover some common musculoskeletal conditions, such as: Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Scoliosis Fibromyalgia Carpal Tunnel Spinal Stenosis Degenerative Disc Neck and Cervical Disorders Personal Injuries (Accident, Slip & Fall, Penetrating Head Injury, Brain Injury, Trauma, Fractured Spinal Injury) A personal injury can be debilitating and may hurt your financial well-being. With long-term disability insurance, you can help protect your finances, whether you are currently working full-time, part-time, or not at all. In Canada, if you have been in an accident resulting in a personal injury through no fault of your own, you are entitled to receive monetary compensation from disability benefits. In accordance with insurance policies, monetary compensation ('damages’) is intended to cover any medical costs, lost wages, emotional suffering, physical pain, mental anguish, diminished quality of life, loss of support and companionship, as well as disability accommodations for your home and vehicle that you might incur as a result of your injury. Canada offers two ways to seek compensation for a personal injury and other losses: a lawsuit or you can file a claim and negotiate a settlement. The personal injuries for which you can seek monetary compensation include: Dismemberment Significant scarring or disfigurement Bone fractures Significant limitation or loss of a body organ Serious injuries that require expensive surgery (herniated discs) The death of a loved one Some of the most common personal injury claims you can file in Ontario are as follows: Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Claims (car, truck, motorcycle, or bus) Pedestrian Accident Claims Slip & Fall Accident Claims Assault Claims Wrongful Death Claims Workplace Accident Claims Chronic Pain (Back Pain, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, IBS, Nerve Pain, Sciatica) Chronic pain conditions are defined as pain that persists much longer than is normally expected, often due to a variety of causes. What is more, chronic pain may affect a specific part of the body, particularly if it is the result of a previous injury. Otherwise, it may occur in various parts of the body, sometimes simultaneously. Statistics show that approximately 6 million Canadians suffer from chronic pain, which can often be a debilitating illness. Moreover, it can be recognized that people suffering from chronic pain have the lowest quality of life among long-term conditions. Additionally, people suffering from chronic pain may also experience additional physical and mental health issues, such as constant fatigue and reduced energy levels, often due to nonrestorative sleep. Ongoing fatigue and persistent pain can often lead to depression, which can further reduce a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living or regular work. In addition to depression, chronic pain sufferers may also experience heightened anxiety levels. If you have coverage under long-term disability insurance and suffer from chronic pain as a result of an injury or disability that is both serious and long-lasting, then you may qualify for LTD benefits in Ontario. Particularly, if your medical condition is disruptive to your life emotionally and physically, and it affects your ability to perform the duties of your job. Common disabling chronic pain conditions eligible for LTD benefits are as follows: Chronic Nerve Pain Chronic Back & Neck Pain (Nerve Damage, Arthritis, especially Osteoarthritis) Cancer Endometriosis in women Psychogenic Pain (also known as Psychosomatic Pain, caused by psychological issues and triggers) Fibromyalgia (a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, MS) Injuries sustained from an accident (MVA or falls) According to research performed by the Mayo Clinic, some of the most common forms of pain are as follows: Back & neck pain Headaches Joint pain Pain from nerve damage or injury Pain due to cancer or fibromyalgia Mental Health & Psychological Illnesses (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder) Suffering from a mental illness can often impact your ability to perform activities of daily living. Fortunately, most mental health and psychological illnesses can be managed so long as you are provided adequate treatment and support. For instance, long-term disability benefits, aid those who are suffering from mental health and psychological illnesses by covering a portion of their monthly salary. That is as long as their mental illness impedes their ability to perform the regular duties of their job for an extended period. Common mental health conditions covered under LTD are as follows: Mental Retardation Depression Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Bipolar Disorder Alcohol or Drug Disorders General Anxiety Disorders Over the years, mental health and psychological illnesses have become increasingly common within Canada. In fact, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association, close to 50% of the Canadian population will have suffered from some sort of mental illness by the time they're 40. What’s more, because mental health issues are often considered an invisible disabilities, employers often get suspicious when their employees seek out disabilities for conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. However, so long as your employer offers disability insurance coverage, under their policy, you are entitled to claim LTD benefits in the event that you are able to prove that you are disabled and unable to work. That being said, it is always a good idea to examine your disability insurance policy to determine whether other options are available to you. NOTE: Nearly every LTD policy has an outlined pre-existing condition clause, which can cause problems for mental health claims. Since insurance companies often take a more relaxed approach when determining whether or not a mental health disorder is a pre-existing condition. Cardiovascular Conditions (Hypertension, Chronic Heart Disease, Heart Attack, Stroke, Coronary Artery Disease) Cardiovascular conditions like heart disease, also known as ‘coronary artery disease (CAD) or ‘ischemic heart disease,’ are caused by fatty deposits, calcium deposits, inflammatory cells, or plaque buildup in the arteries. This creates a constriction in the bloodstream, which causes the heart to suffer from a lack of oxygen—a condition known as ischemia. But this can also lead to a wide range of other cardiovascular conditions, such as angina, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure, all of which have the potential to slow down or completely stop a patient’s heart. In recent years, heart disease has become a fairly common condition among the working class in Canada. In fact, according to the Heart Research Institute, approximately 29% of deaths in Canada are the result of heart disease. Moreover, in January 2017, the Government of Canada reported that about 2. 4 Canadians aged 24 years or older suffer from ischemic heart disease. What is more, a large percentage of patients who suffer from CAD often experience few if any symptoms, indicating a problem prior to a potentially life-threatening episode, such as a heart attack. While it is possible for anyone to develop CAD throughout their lifetime, your odds are significantly increased if you have a family history of CAD, smoking, hypertension, or diabetes. However, in rare situations where you begin to develop noticeable symptoms prior to a heart attack, the most common symptoms you might experience are as follows: Angina Chest, shoulder, back, jaw, or neck pain Shortness of breath Nausea Vomiting Fatigue Sweating Irregular heartbeat In Canada, there are two main sources of disability benefits for cardiovascular conditions, such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Long-Term Disability (LTD). However, claiming Canadian disability benefits for cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease can be difficult to prove legitimate. This is due to the unique and undetectable nature of the disability. However, in recognizing the unique nature of your condition, you will be able to choose the right approach for your claim. This includes finding a suitable doctor to properly diagnose your condition and, if necessary, a lawyer who is well-informed about CAD. The approval of all cardiovascular disability claims is based on the negative impact of the disease and its symptoms on your overall work performance. Specifically, with regards to how your condition makes it impossible for you to maintain optimal performance. As such, in order to claim disability benefits for heart disease, you must be able to prove that your symptoms are due to myocardial ischemia—a blockage of the coronary artery. Additionally, by tracing the root cause of your disease back to the workplace, you can further strengthen your chances of having your claim approved. It also becomes crucial to proving that the best treatment for heart disease sufferers is to avoid any activity that might trigger the symptoms of CAD to begin with. Some of the most common cardiovascular conditions, for which you might be eligible to claim LTD benefits are as follows: Chronic congestive heart failure (the heart's natural pump is compromised) Ischemic coronary heart disease (reduced blood flow to the heart) Symptomatic congenital heart disease (structural defects leading to malfunction, causing cyanosis—bluish skin from oxygen deprivation) Aneurysm of the aorta or other major heart branches (swelling due to weakness in the blood vessel wall) Chronic venous insufficiency (ineffective circulation of blood from the veins in the leg to the heart) Peripheral arterial disease (obstruction of large arteries to the extremities) Heart transplant (to remedy end-stage heart failure or severe coronary heart disease) NOTE: Ensure that you keep records of any and all medical tests run by your doctor, as well as records of any specialists that you were referred to and visited. Neurological Disorders (Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Epilepsy) Neurological disorders are conditions that affect the brain and the central nervous system, including the peripheral nervous system and spinal cord. The scope of these disorders is wide-ranging, with over 600 types of neurological disorders in existence. Symptoms of neurological disorders can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual’s condition. For instance, some neurological disorders are episodic in nature, meaning the sufferer will only experience symptoms periodically, such as seizures. Some neurological disorders can be managed by things like diet, medication, and physical therapy. However, many neurological conditions often result in large-scale changes to a sufferer's quality of life. That being said, you are qualified to receive LTD benefits if you have a neurological disorder that renders you "totally disabled" as that term is defined under your long-term disability policy. The important component in establishing a claim for long-term disability benefits connected to a neurological disorder is demonstrating how the condition affects your capacity to work. This can be a complicated procedure depending on the policy language. Seeing as different LTD policies may have different definitions of what qualifies as being "totally disabled," which is what you will be required to prove in order to receive benefits. Some examples of common neurological disorders that may qualify you for LTD benefits are as follows: Alzheimer’s Disease Huntington’s Disease Dementias Epilepsy among other Seizure Disorders Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Parkinson’s Disease and other Movement Disorders (Muscular Dystrophy) Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Cerebral Palsy Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Meningitis Severe Migraine Headaches Spinal Cord Injuries Moreover, the approval of your neurological disability claim is largely determined by the documentation of your symptoms. Because people with neurological illnesses are unable to see themselves during an episode, having someone who has experienced your symptoms document their own third-party observations about the extent and severity of your neurological events is critical. In this case, your doctor should be the one to record and report on your symptoms, though it is understood that this is not always possible. NOTE: You should maintain a journal of all of your symptoms, including the duration, severity, and overall effect on your activities of daily living. Respiratory Conditions (COPD, Chronic Lung Disease, Asthma) Chronic respiratory conditions are diseases of the airways and lungs that persist over a long period of time, significantly interfering with the breathing and proper lung functions of the sufferer. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, are currently some of the most common chronic respiratory conditions affecting Canadians. The symptoms of respiratory conditions may include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In fact, COPD patients' respiratory capacity is often diminished due to blocked airflow into and out of the lungs. Furthermore, it should be noted that as you become older, the severity and impact of chronic respiratory conditions on your health and well-being worsens. Moreover, if you have a respiratory ailment like asthma or COPD, it might affect your ability to work successfully in a variety of ways. For instance, if your profession requires physical activity, such as heavy lifting or prolonged standing, and you have trouble breathing or are constantly fatigued, you may not be able to perform these tasks, especially on a long-term basis. In such cases, you may qualify to receive LTD benefits. Those covered under a long-term disability plan are eligible for LTD benefits when their symptoms prevent them from performing optimally or returning to work. Additionally, if you are recovering from treatment for your ailment or your doctor recommends that your work environment would worsen your condition due to the severity of your symptoms, you may also be eligible for LTD benefits. However, long-term disability insurance companies demand you produce well-documented, objective medical evidence, such as pulmonary function tests, when filing an LTD claim for a chronic respiratory condition. This is to demonstrate the seriousness of your condition and its impact on your ability to perform basic activities of daily living. Furthermore, regular treatment from your healthcare provider and/or a suitable expert, such as a pulmonologist, is a crucial step in determining your eligibility. Some examples of common chronic respiratory conditions, that may qualify you for LTD benefits are as follows: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Cystic Fibrosis Asthma or Chronic Asthmatic Bronchitis Restrictive Lung Disease (“RLD”) Emphysema Summary At Disability Credit Canada, we specialize in assisting disabled Canadians with their disability claims and applications, such as long-term disability (LTD). To date, we have helped hundreds of Canadians apply for CPP disability and the Disability Tax Credit. Allow us to help you get approved for long-term disability benefits today! Our purpose is to help educate and inform Canadians about the many aspects of the LTD application and approval process. If you are interested in applying for LTD benefits or if your LTD application has been denied, please contact us at 1-844-800-6020 for a free consultation. If we can't, nobody else can help you to get approved! --- - Published: 2022-02-23 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/wsib-claims-and-appeals/ Table of Contents If you are a Canadian resident living in Ontario and have been injured on the job or developed a disease related to the work you have been doing, you may be eligible to receive compensation from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). About The Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario In Ontario, the workplace insurance system provides benefits and services to workers who have been injured at work or who have diseases related to work. This includes a range of rehabilitation services, loss of earnings benefits, health care coverage for workers, and financial support for retraining programs. Workplace insurance is a "no-fault" system with access to industry-specific information for employers. This means that employers share the responsibility for paying for an employee's injury if the cause cannot be determined. The benefits of this system are clear. Employers can get protection for work-related injuries while paying into an accident insurance fund. Meanwhile, workers in Ontario can receive workplace safety and insurance benefits, so long as they can prove that the injury or disease was work-related. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is an agency of the government of Ontario, in charge of managing the workplace safety and insurance system, in accordance with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, of 1997. Additionally, WSIB is entirely funded by employer premiums alongside the income earned from investments. It is the WSIB’s mandate to: Promote workplace health and safety Assist injured workers in returning to work, recovering, and re-entering the workforce Insurance provided compensation and other benefits to injured workers and their survivors The WSIB is completely governed by a board of directors, in charge of: Setting policies and processes for determining how the WSIB sets out to achieve its objectives. Carrying out the roles and responsibilities of the WSIB that are assigned under the legislation. Being accountable to the Government of Ontario, regarding the implementation of its mandate, through the Minister of Labor. The WSIB head office is located in Toronto and is supplemented by district and area offices throughout the province. Disability Credit Canada is here to help with WSIB claims and applications for Injured and affected employees in Ontario. Check out the following article which goes into detail about understanding WSIB Claims. Types of WSIB Claims There are two primary types of WSIB claims that can be made by workers in Ontario, who have been injured at work or who have occupational diseases, they are as follows: No Lost Time (11-02-01) Lost Time Claims (11-02-02) The purpose of these two primary types of claims is to highlight when a claim is a “no lost time” or “lost time” claim and the benefits and services a worker may be entitled to receive regarding the type of claim they’re applying for. No Lost Time (11-02-01) A “no lost time” claim can be classified as a work-related injury, which does not result in lost time from work, other than on the day that the accident occurred, where healthcare is still required. Any costs associated with the injury will then be paid out by the WSIB. The employer is responsible for reporting a claim within 7 business days, after learning of the injury, regardless of whether there has been no time lost from work or loss of earnings. NOTE: If any time after a “no lost time” claim is granted, the injury necessitates the worker to take time off work, the claim then becomes a “lost time” claim. Lost Time Claims (11-02-02) A “lost time” claim is classified as a work-related injury/disease, which results in lost time from work past the day of the accident, a loss of wages/earnings, or a permanent disability/impairment. When making a “lost time” claim the WSIB reviews the information provided on file to determine what benefits a worker may be entitled to receive. As such, clinical evidence on file must indicate that the inability to work is due to a work-related injury/disease. Without clinical authorization to be off work, wages loss benefits, or loss of earnings benefits will not be paid out. Although, once entitlement has been granted and the initial payment has been made the WSIB, takes on the responsibility for issuing wage loss benefits or loss of earning benefits, while monitoring treatment and recovery proceedings. Under the guidelines for this policy the WSIB will assess and monitor the following: Length of disability/impairment: Here they will weigh the health care information provided in the worker’s claim film to determine whether they have recovered from their work-related injury/disease. Total disability/impairment: If the worker is unable to perform their work duties, they will be provided with wage loss or earnings benefits from the WSIB. WSIB claims are typically monitored through progress reports and reviews. If the severity of an injury warrant, these reports and reviews can be very frequent to ensure the worker is progressing as expected. Return To Work (RTW): Here, the WSIB seeks information through clinical information, to determine whether a worker is fit to return to their pre-injury work or suitable and available work. RTW assessments/plans: If the workplace parties have difficulties coming to an agreement on how the worker can RTW, WSIB may conduct an RTW assessment for further insight into the matter. Types of Injuries/Diseases You Can File a WSIB Claim For In this section of the article, we will be covering the different types of injuries/diseases for which you can file a WSIB claim for. It is our hope that with this information you will have a clearer understanding of the various claim categories that are available to you through the WSIB. There are many kinds of work-related injuries/diseases that you can file a WSIB claim for. The different kinds of work-related injuries/diseases you can file a claim for are as follows: Accidents: An accident can be classified as an injury that occurs because of a single work-related incident. For example, if you fall and break a bone, injure/pull your back while lifting a heavy object, or get cut by a sharp object while on the job. Disablements: An injury that occurs gradually over time, because of the type of work you do and does not require a specific incident. For example, developing pain in your arms, shoulder, or back due to several hours or days of working on an assembly line. Psychological Conditions: A psychological condition that develops because of a recognized workplace accident/disease. For example, developing depression or anxiety, due to being injured and off work for an extended period. NOTE: It’s important to note that if you develop a psychological condition due to workplace stress, you should consult a qualified representative. As special rules apply under these conditions. Occupational Diseases: A work-related disease or illness caused by exposure to chemicals or other substances. For example, developing lung cancer because of exposure to asbestos found in the workplace. You can file an occupational disease claim if you have been diagnosed with a disease linked to your employment or if you were removed from all exposure to the substance to avoid contracting the disease. NOTE: It’s important to note that some diseases develop over time. In this case, you can still file a claim for occupational disease, regardless of if you still work at the same job linked to the disease. Hearing Loss: A loss of hearing, caused by exposure to loud noises while on the job, is referred to as noise-induced hearing loss. For example, developing partial hearing loss because of exposure to loud machinery. NOTE: It’s important to note that whether you experience full or partial loss of hearing you can file a WSIB claim for hearing loss. Survivors’ Benefit: If you are the spouse, child, or other dependent of a worker who has passed away from a work-related injury or occupational disease/illness you may be eligible to file a claim for the survivors’ benefits. This includes a lump sum payment and monthly benefits, with additional assistance for surviving spouses looking to re-enter the workforce. On top of that, funeral expenses, and counseling services for survivors, may also be covered. NOTE: The Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA) offers special assistance to the families of workers who died under traumatic work-related incidents, through the Fatalities and Immediate Response (FAIR) partnership. When to File a WSIB Claim To file a WSIB claim, you must be working at a job that is covered by workplace insurance. Additionally, to ensure you receive WSIB benefits for a work-related injury/disease a claim must be filed as soon as possible or no later than six months from the date of the accident or diagnosis. In cases of an occupational disease, the six-month period begins from the date it was first discovered that you have the disease and was confirmed to be work-related. Similarly, for cases of disablement, that grace period begins from the date it was first reported as a work-related injury or medical problem. NOTE: All claims can be reported to either an employer, a doctor (health care professional), or the WSIB. You should file a WSIB claim if any of these incidents apply to you: You are injured due to a work-related accident (For example, falling off a ladder, pulling out your back, getting cut by a sharp object, or getting pinned by a piece of machinery). You gradually develop a medical problem, believed to be work-related (For example, tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome caused by repetitive movements). You develop a disease or medical problem, believed to be work-related (For example, exposure to loud noise, chemicals, or dust). Reporting Rights & Responsibilities: Under the rights and responsibilities portion of this article, we will be touching upon the legal responsibilities of the worker to report his or her work-related injury or disease to the WSIB. According to this policy: You have 6 months from the date of injury or diagnosis to claim benefits, by filing a report to the WSIB. If you are unsure about a potential injury or occupational disease, always report it to the WSIB, even if you think you might not be covered. It is important to always report your workplace injury or disease even if: You're instructed by your supervisor or manager not to make a report, otherwise, you will lose your job. Your employer informs you that your injury or occupational disease will not be covered by WSIB. You're prompted by your employer to use sick days to recover from a work-related injury or disease, versus reporting it to the WSIB. If there are options for you to choose a healthcare practitioner. Extended Time Limit of a Claim: Under the extended time limit of a claim portion of this article, we will be clarifying how to file a claim with the WSIB, despite missing the six-month deadline. If you file a claim late, you may still file your claim, if you ask the WSIB for an extended time limit and explain why you missed the deadline. Given that, there are exceptional circumstances where the WSIB might grant extensions for filing a claim late, which will be outlined here. The WSIB can extend the deadline for filing a claim if: You’re in the process of waiting to hear back on whether you can sue someone instead of claiming WSIB benefits. Your physical or mental limitation prohibits you from filling out the Worker’s Report of Injury/Disease (Form 6), and thereby giving your healthcare practitioner permission to file a report on your behalf. A change in the laws may permit you to get benefits that you couldn’t get in the past. You filed your claim improperly. For instance, making a claim for benefits in another province by mistake. Your employer did not file an Employer's Report of Injury/Disease (Form 7) and put pressure on you to not file a Form 6. The WSIB can also extend the deadline for filing a claim if there are exceptional circumstances, such as: You or a relative having an accident or serious health issue. You had to leave the province due to an illness or death in the family. You were unaware of the deadlines or what would happen if you didn’t meet them. You had informed either your employer, a healthcare practitioner, or a co-worker of the accident (injury/disease) but weren’t aware that you had to also report it to the WSIB. NOTE: All the above are just a few examples of some of the reasons the WSIB might grant you an extension for filing a claim late. However, there are a variety of other reasons the WSIB might take into consideration as well. Although, you will still have to provide them with a good reason for why you didn’t file your claim on time. WSIB Eligibility Criteria If you’re a Canadian citizen living in Ontario, you may be eligible to receive WSIB benefits if one or more of the following applies: Your workplace/employer is covered under WSIB. You suffered a work-related injury or disease. You or your employer report your work-related injury or disease to the WSIB, and your claim is approved. You provide the WSIB with sufficient clinical and employment information needed to form a decision about your benefits. You consent to share information about your functional abilities with the WSIB and your employer. NOTE: The WSIB’s Functional Abilities Form (PDF) provides information about your physical condition in addition to your ability to work. This form is to be completed by a healthcare practitioner (doctor, physiotherapist) who is treating you. In this form, they will identify specifics about your ability to walk, stand, sit, lift, and perform other work-related tasks. The information provided in this form will then be used by the WSIB to help you plan your return to work. What Benefits Can Be Claimed Under WSIB Compensation The WSIB works on your behalf to provide you with the care and support you need to recover and safely return to work. This is accomplished by providing you with benefits, compensation, and return-to-work services on account of a work-related injury or disease. This portion of the article has all the information you need to know about the benefits and services offered by the WSIB. These include health care, income replacement, and return-to-work services. Additionally, if your claim is allowed (approved), you may be eligible to receive WSIB benefits, including benefits for lost pay, help to recover, return to work and more. Benefit for loss-of-earnings: This particular benefit offered by the WSIB can be classified as a “lost time” claim, which results in a loss of time from work past the day of the accident because of a work-related injury or disease/illness. If the WSIB allows your claim you may be entitled to receive loss-of-earnings and healthcare benefits. Meaning the WSIB will pay for your loss of wages. Although, while you receive said benefits you will also be required to participate in your recovery and return to work. Benefit for non-economic loss: A non-economic loss benefit compensates you based on the degree of your permanent disability resulting from a work-related injury or disease/illness. For this, you are eligible under section 46 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA). The WSIB pays you a non-economic loss benefit when you have an ongoing impairment after your work-related injury or disease has reached the maximum medical recovery date, where it is not expected to improve. According to the WSIA a “permanent impairment'' is defined as a physical or functional abnormality or loss (including disfigurement) resulting from an injury or psychological damage sustained from the abnormality or loss that continues to exist after you reach the point of maximum medical recovery. Health-care benefits: If you require assistance with your recovery, the WSIB can provide you with benefits for medical treatment, and hospitalization, including emergency care and surgery, medical devices and orthotics, equipment and supplies, prescription medications, and even reasonable travel and accommodation expenses associated with your occupational injury/disease. If your claim is allowed the WSIB will pay for all approved healthcare costs related to your claim, even if you have not missed time from work, or have your own insurance coverage. Benefit for loss-of-retirement income: This benefit applies to persons under the age of 65 on the date of your work-related injury or disease/illness who have also been receiving loss-of-earnings benefits (LOE) non-stop for 12 months. Under the policy for this benefit, the WSIB will set aside an amount equal to 5 percent of all subsequent LOE benefits to pay for a loss-of-retirement income (LRI) benefit. However, you will not receive this amount until the age of 65. Additionally, with the LRI benefits, you can make additional contributions yourself by having the WSIB deduct five percent from your payments each month. NOTE: If you happen to pass away before the age of 65, because of your injury, any dependents will receive the survivors’ benefits. Instead of the amount set aside by the WSIB and the investment income earned on that portion. Services for seriously injured people: If you have sustained a serious injury or impairment while on the job, WSIB can provide you with specialized services to aid in your recovery to improve your overall quality of life. Moreover, according to the WSIB, you’ve experienced a serious injury if your impairment is permanent and you receive a non-economic-loss benefit of 60 percent or more, or permanent and you receive permanent disability benefits totaling 100 percent or rather both. Survivors’ benefits: If you are the spouse, child, or other dependent of a worker who has died of a work-related injury or occupational disease/illness you may be eligible to file a claim for the survivors’ benefits. The WSIB provides four types of survivor benefits, being: survivor payments, funeral, and transportation costs, bereavement counseling, and support for spouses looking to rejoin the workforce. Benefit for future economic loss (FEL): For individuals who have been permanently injured after January 1, 1990, and before January 1, 1998, you may be eligible to receive the benefits for future economic loss provided by the WSIB. This benefit is based on 90% of the difference between a worker’s take-home pay prior to the work-related injury and their expected take-home pay after the date of the injury. Adjusted annually for inflation. Benefits for claims made before 1990: If you sustained a work-related injury or disease prior to January 2, 1990, you may be eligible to receive WSIB benefits. Additionally, if you have never fully recovered from a workplace injury or disease that happened before 1990, you may also qualify for permanent disability benefits. Although, the amount you may be eligible to receive depends on, how much you earned prior to your injury, the date of your injury or diagnosis, and lastly the level of your permanent disability. Why WSIB Denied My Claim As is the case with every WSIB claim, it is important to ensure all favorable evidence for the claim to have an optimal chance of success. Especially when there are a variety of reasons why a WSIB claim may be denied. Though it is through, understanding these reasons, that we can improve upon the success of future claims. Some of the key reasons why the WSIB claim may be denied are as follows: The worker is not injured enough: Often, injured workers’ claims for compensation are denied on the basis that they fall short of meeting the “permanent impairment” threshold, as is defined in the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Insufficient medical/clinical information: Other times WSIB claims are rejected solely on the basis that the worker making a claim due to a work-related injury or disease, fails to provide the WSIB with enough strong evidence to support their claims eligibility. Non-compliance with WSIB requirements: On the rare chance that a worker’s injury or disease meets the WSIB permanent disability standard, the claim can still be denied on the basis that it fails to meet the specific WSIB requirements. Such as the requirement for documenting and submitting a claim or a failure to adhere to prescribed medical protocols. The above are only a few examples of the many potential reasons why a WSIB claim may be denied. Although, if you are experiencing issues with establishing your entitlement to WSIB benefits, the experts at Disability Credit Canada are here to help. What To Do If WSIB Denies Your Claim Shortly after filing for WSIB benefits, you’ll receive a letter indicating to you a decision on your claim or the claim of your employee. If you disagree with their decision, the WSIB urges you to respond to the letter as soon as possible by reaching out to the decision-maker to discuss any concerns. In addition to explaining why you disagree with their decision, such as facts you feel were overlooked. From here you can prompt the decision-maker to reconsider the decision of your claim. NOTE: The person who signed the decision letter you received in the mail is the decision-maker. As such, they can assist you in starting and going through the objection process. In an effort to clear up any misunderstandings and avoid unnecessary objections. Workers and employers have a right to object to any decisions that are made by a decision-maker. However, if the decision-maker doesn’t change their decision, you can move forward with a formal appeal. From here your objection is then referred to the Appeals Branch (Appeals Service Division) of the WSIB. At this point, you will be asked to file an Intent to Object Form within the time limit to the WSIB. After which, the original decision-maker will review the completeness of the form and any new information that has been provided. If the original decision is confirmed the WSIB will send you an Appeals Readiness Form and a copy of your claim file. NOTE: Both the Intent to Object Form and Worker Instruction Sheet are available for download from the WSIB’s website, or through phoning the WSIB @ 1-800-387-0750. You can file an appeal to the WSIB if you are: An injured worker or an injured worker’s employer. The spouse, dependant, or estate of a deceased injured worker. Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ Is there a deadline for objecting to a WSIB decision? Yes. According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, of 1997, there are legislated time limits for filing a formal objection. This time limit can be found on your decision letter from the WSIB. Though officially speaking, you have 30 days to object to a WSIB decision about return-to-work transition issues, including re-employment decisions. Or, six months to object to any other type of WSIB decision. What if I miss the deadline for objecting to the WSIB decision? Loss-of-earning benefits normally start from the day after your work-related injury or disease is reported or diagnosed or once you begin to miss time from work and will continue until: Your injury or disease no longer affects your ability to return to work; or You're no longer lose pay; or The day you reach 65 years if you were less than 63 years old the day of your injury; or 2 years after the date of your injury, if you were 63 years old or older on the day of your injury. However, if your LOEs in ongoing, your benefits will be reviewed every year for 6 years. After this point, your claim will be reviewed and, in most cases, classified as permanent. Moreover, these benefits are typically paid out every two weeks. Can WSIB force me to go back to work? Yes. Going back to work after a work-related injury would be advised based on medical reports. Post a successful recovery if you feel medically fit or in a better state to at least hold and perform modified duties then as per WSIB guidelines you are obligated to get tested for functional abilities by a medical professional and submit the Functional Abilities Form for Early and Safe Return to Work (PDF) form to WSIB. It is the WSIB’s responsibility to assist you with return-to-work services and if needed, provide help to arrange suitable work. Even Your Employer is obligated to accommodate your return to work with the same or with modified duties. You should be aware of your process. If you choose not to cooperate, it could affect your benefits. Penalties for non-co-operation can include an initial non-co-operation penalty. If you receive this penalty, you will have your wage-loss benefits reduced by 50 percent. This penalty comes into effect 10 business days after the date of our written notice that is: If you are still not cooperating 14 calendar days after the initial non-co-operation penalty comes into effect, we can suspend all your wage-loss benefits. If you’re still not cooperating 14 calendar days after the initial non-co-operation penalty comes into effect, we can also cancel any return-to-work training assessments and/or plans. Can you refuse modified duty? No. You can't refuse modified duties, in fact, if you do not abide by the WSIB requirements, set in place, your claim is likely to be denied. Although you may disagree with their requirements if you wish to receive benefits you should try to listen to what they instruct you to do. Though, you are not required by law to perform duties that will slow down your mental or physical recovery time. In this case, it is recommended that you seek out medical evidence to show to your employer or WSIB to back up your refusal to perform modified duties. For this reason alone, you should always keep records of your attempts to cooperate. Can an employer refuse to create modified duty? Yes. Under the WSIB laws, an employer is not responsible nor liable for creating modified work for an employee. Can you collect CPP and WSIB? Yes. CPP-Disability and WSIB are two separate programs with different definitions to classify a disability. Therefore, you may be eligible to receive benefits from both, even in cases where the WSIB has decided that you are able to perform modified duties. Additionally, the CPP-D considers all associated health problems, while WSIB is more generally focused on work-related health problems. NOTE: It’s important to acknowledge that if you are receiving CPP-Disability benefits and want to apply for Work Transition (WT), the WSIB may not allow this to take place. As they may get the impression that you are not able to work. Moreover, if you are receiving the CPP-D benefit for a work-related injury only, the WSIB may reduce your Loss-Of-Earnings (LOE) or Future Economic Loss (FEL) benefits, by the whole amount of your CPP-D benefits. Can an employer appeal an employee's WSIB claim? Yes. All employers have a right to appeal an employee’s WSIB claim. In that, they have the same rights as the employee to disagree with the WSIB’s decision. Along with the right to retain a qualified representative to speak on their behalf. Your employer may wish to appeal your WSIB claim if: They do not agree with the WSIB’s decision; to grant you the right to receive WSIB services and benefits. They may wish to say something about your appeal. Lastly, they may not wish to pay into your WSIB benefits. Provided that, the money WSIB receives to cover your benefits is collected through premiums paid by the employer in Ontario. Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury in Ontario? No. If you are employed in Ontario and you have WSIB coverage, lawyers in Ontario cannot initiate litigious action against your employer on your behalf. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, of 1997, prevents liability for employers in and across the province. Although, this isn’t always the case when work-related injuries are caused by a third party’s negligence. For instance, someone not employed by your employer. Summary Disability Credit Canada specializes in disability applications such as the WSIB. We’ve helped thousands join the Disability program in Canada, and already have them approved for applications such as CPP-Disability and the Disability Tax Credit. Let us help you to get approved for the WSIB today! If you are looking to apply for the WSIB or perhaps your WSIB application was denied, give us a call today and get a free assessment: @1-844-800-6020 If we can’t help you, no one can! --- - Published: 2021-05-13 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-stroke/ Table of Contents CPP Disability for Stroke Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in Canada and the third leading cause of death. It is estimated that 40% of stroke survivors are left with moderate to severe impairment and about 10% are severely impaired and require long-term care. With over 60,000 strokes happening in Canada every year, strokes’ long-term effects on the Canadian population are significant. Even though strokes are more likely to occur in people 65 years or older, tens of thousands of Canadians under 65 years of age struggle with the effects of stroke and the impairments that follow. In Canada, if a stroke victim is under the age of 65, has been actively paying into the Canadian Pension Program during their working years, and he/she cannot rejoin the workforce due to impairments caused by a stroke (mental OR physical), they may be eligible to receive monthly CPP Disability payments until they reach retirement age. We created this article to highlight the CPP Disability program and what those suffering from the debilitating aftermath of a stroke need to know when applying for the benefit. Throughout this article, we will cover: What is CPP Disability? Is a stroke considered a disability? How do I apply for CPP Disability? Common reasons CPP Disability claims are denied In this article, we will discuss the CPP Disability program from a stroke survivor’s point of view but there is more to CPP Disability program than that. To learn more about the CPP Disability program, check out our comprehensive CPP Disability guide for an in-depth look. Is Stroke Considered A Disability? According to the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System, the number of Canadians who survived a stroke grew by 40% in recent years and it is estimated that there are more than 400,000 Canadians living with the impairments caused by a stroke. As the Canadian population grows and ages the number of stroke survivors is expected to rise dramatically in the coming years. With that being said, stroke by itself is not considered a disability by Canadian government organizations such as CRA and Service Canada but long-term effects of stroke can be life-altering and, in some cases, life-limiting so only when the impairments are severe and prolonged that the CRA and Service Canada may view the person as disabled. As seen in the chart below, the risk of having a stroke increases with age and the more severe impairments and death happen to older men and women but for the purpose of this guide we will focus on those under 65 that due to impairments caused by stroke may have stopped working. Source: Canada. ca While having a stroke is not considered a disability, the long-term impairments resulting from a stroke can be severe and debilitating. People experiencing these impairments could be affected to a disabling degree, therefore continuing in their jobs or even performing the necessary daily life tasks could be overwhelmingly challenging. Some of the impairments that can result from a stroke are: Around 90% of stroke victims suffer from a wide variety of mental, physical, psychological and emotional conditions. Up to 80% can suffer from Hemiparesis- weakness in one-half of the body. Between 40%-60% develop bladder and bowel complications after their stroke. Around 50% of stroke victims will be left so severely impaired they’ll be unable to rejoin the workforce. It may sound daunting, but these statistics reveal that while a stroke itself is not considered a disability under Service Canada, the disabling effects of stroke can certainly qualify a person for CPP Disability. What Disabilities Result From A Stroke? As previously mentioned, several disabling conditions can result from a stroke. As strokes directly affect the brain, stroke survivors may experience disabling impairments, ranging across physical, emotional, psychological, and mental spectrums. It is important to note that strokes can have long-term effects on the mental health of survivors. Whether the impact of mental health is the direct result of brain damage due to the stroke or the stroke’s impact on their quality of life, mental and emotional ramifications of stroke are very real. We have outlined many, but not all, of the possible complications. What are the Physical Effects of a Stroke? Paralysis Vision problems Hearing problems Speech problems Digestive and bowel issues Difficulty swallowing Difficulty gripping and holding objects What are the Mental And Cognitive Effects of a Stroke? Difficulty reading, writing or concentrating Difficulty with organizational processing and learning new things Problems with judgment Issues with object recognition or perception of distance Task performance (even without a corresponding physical impairment) Planning and problem solving What are the Effects a Stroke has on your Mental Health? Mood and personality changes Depression or Anxiety Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Irritability Disinhibition or Poor impulse control What is CPP Disability? The Canadian Pension Program Disability Benefit is a taxable monthly payment allotted to individuals who: Have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Are under the age of 65 Cannot work due to a severe disability. To be eligible for CPP Disability, you must be under the age of 65 and are unable to continue in the workforce due to a disabling condition. CPP Disability provides a lump sum retroactive payment (up to 18 months to compensate you for the months passed until your application was approved) as well as a fixed monthly payment until you reach the age of 65. It is important to note that you cannot receive the CPP Disability and your Canadian Pension allotment at the same time unless you receive benefits retroactively after you have turned 65. if you have just turned 65 and your disability started before 65, you may be able to apply for the CPP Disability and receive retroactive payments alongside your regular CPP benefit. CPP Disability Eligibility Criteria There is a wide range of conditions and impairments that can qualify a person for CPP Disability. The required qualifications for the CPP Disability must fall within three essential requirements: Age, CPP-contribution Requirements, and Length and Severity of conditions. The application must also provide proof of fulfillment of the criteria listed above to fully qualify for the CPP Disability. We will go through each of them below. Age Requirements For CPP Disability The Canadian Pension Program Disability Benefit helps people between the ages of 18 and 64 who have stopped working due to an impairment that keeps them from gainful employment. Once these individuals have turned 65, their CPP Disability turns into the standard CPP benefit. The claimant will not receive both the CPP Disability simultaneously as regular CPP benefit payments unless they are receiving their CPP Disability payments retroactively. CPP Contribution Requirements For CPP Disability To qualify for CPP Disability, you must have contributed to the Canada Pension Program. All working Canadians must pay into the CPP by law, but contributing to CPP does not automatically guarantee you will be eligible to receive the CPP Disability. To qualify you: Must have been an active contributor to CPP for at least 4-6 years before your application, OR; Have been an active contributor to CPP for 25 years or longer and have paid into the CPP for 3 of the previous 6 years before applying. Proving Your Condition is Severe or Prolonged As mentioned above, age and previous CPP contributions affect an individual's eligibility to receive CPP Disability, but they are not the only factors. The most important eligibility criteria for qualifying for CPP Disability are the way the impairment affects your ability to perform daily life activities. The individual's impairment is determined by two key factors: Severity of condition and Prolonged duration. “Prolonged” and “Severe” mean that your condition prevents you from doing the work you were previously doing before its onset and prevents you from further gainful employment in a field outside your original job. It also means the recovery from the condition is either impossible or would take an unknown amount of time. Service Canadas’ Definition of “Severe”: The Government of Canada defines “Severe” as meaning the individual has a mental or physical disability that regularly stops them from doing any type of substantially gainful work. Service Canadas’ Definition of Prolonged: The Government of Canada defines “Prolonged” as meaning that the individual’s condition is long-term and of indefinite duration or is likely to result in death. If you meet the above criteria, you could be eligible to receive the Canada Pension Program Disability Benefit. To learn more about CPP Disability eligibility, check out the “Who is Eligible for CPP Disability Benefits? ” in our CPP Disability guide. How Much Can You Receive from CPP Disability? The Canadian Government understands that stroke victims and their families may be facing undue financial burdens due to their circumstances. Advocacy exists to help sufferers get the support they need. However, the adjudication process for applicants to CPP Disability requires proof of their disabling conditions’ severity and longevity. Here is a quick look at what you can receive if you qualify to receive the CPP Disability: A one-time retroactive payment that increases the longer you have been out of work for up to 18 months. This is calculated by taking how much you receive from a monthly CPP Disability payment multiplied by the number of months you have been out of work. A monthly payment of up to $1,413. 66 (updated 2021), or more if you have children. For a more accurate look at how much you can receive from the CPP Disability monthly payment, check your Statement of Contributions to the CPP by using your My Service Canada Account, or contacting Service Canada by mail or phone. How Do I Apply For CPP Disability? Applying for CPP Disability is straightforward, although detailed. Resources like this article, and others on our site, are designed to provide tools to those navigating the application process. Service Canada now requires two documents to process a CPP Disability Application. These are the ISP1151-CPP Disability Benefits Form and the ISP2519-Medical Reporting Form. Both are found on the Government of Canada website. Once applying, it typically takes 120 days to get a response from the Canadian Government. ISP1151-CPP Disability Benefits Form: Must be filled by the claimant ISP2519-Medical Reporting Form: Must be filled out by a personal physician or other medical practitioners. There is an average wait time of around four months after applying for the CPP Disability Benefit. As your application is processed, a Service Canada member will call you, and you may be requested to provide additional information. For more information on what to expect after you have applied, visit the Government of Canada Page Canada Pension Program Disability Benefit- After you've applied, which outlines the post-application process. Our comprehensive guide to the Canadian Pension Program Disability Benefit includes a “How to complete your CPP Disability Benefits Application” section, which is highly beneficial and covers areas not addressed in this article. The article covers ways of calculating the amount you may be eligible to receive, comprehensive advice for completing your application, and what to do if your claim happens to be denied. Getting Approved for CPP Disability as a Stroke Survivor If your claim is denied, do not be discouraged. In 2016, out of the 70,000 applicants who applied for CPP Disability, 60% got rejected on their first application. While this may sound disappointing, there are ways to request reconsideration from the government. One of the most important steps to take would be to have your doctor supply sufficient evidence that explains in detail your symptoms and impairments and how they affect your ability to work. The claims made by your doctor on your CPP Disability application must be backed with medically acceptable clinical diagnostic techniques. The more your doctor elaborates on their claim that you are incapable of retaining gainful employment, the more likely a CPP Disability adjudicator will accept it. While a medical report is crucial, it is only the beginning step in building your CPP Disability case. You will need to collect as much medical evidence as you can surrounding your impairment, all of which should highlight the severity and prolonged nature of your impairment. Medical reports are often the cause for approval, but only in cases that make it very clear that your condition is severe and prolonged. If you have had your CPP claim denied, do not be discouraged. There may still be options available to you. We have categorized the most common reasons for denial below and provided some action items for reconsideration. Common Reasons CPP Disability Claims are Denied Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a claim to be denied, even when the applicant qualifies for disability. Around 60% of all CPP Disability applications are denied due to various reasons such as insufficient information or proof that the applicant’s condition is severe enough to prevent them from retaining gainful employment. If your application was denied and you’re seeking additional assistance through the appeal and denial process, contact Disability Credit Canada today. We will guide you through the appeal and denial process with our extensive knowledge and experience. Here are some of the most common reasons for denial: Denial Due To A Late Application Many claims are denied because the claimant is applying for assistance too late. One of the requirements for CPP- D is that the claimant must have been an active contributor to their CPP for 4 out of the last 6 years. If you have not paid into CPP for at least 4 of the previous 6 years, your claim may be denied. It is still possible to get a provision and qualify for the benefit if this is the reason your claim has been denied. You may be able to qualify with the Late Applicant Provision, which you can find more information about by visiting our free article on Reasons CPP Disability Applications Are Denied. Denial Due To Condition Being Deemed Neither Severe or Prolonged Your application may be denied if your condition is not considered “Severe” or “Prolonged”. If your claim is denied for this reason, but your life and livelihood are still severely affected by the disabilities caused by your stroke, you may be able to request an appeal. Denial Due To Lacking Information (Medical Or Otherwise) Your application must include all the required information to confirm your condition’s severity and longevity. In most cases, you will need to provide extensive medical records to support your disability claim. You may be able to appeal the decision on your application, call in to provide further details or resubmit at a later time with more comprehensive information. Sometimes even qualified individuals are denied their claims simply because there is not enough information in the application to support the seriousness of their impairment. Denial Due To Not Meeting The CPP Contribution Requirements Your application could be denied because you have not paid the minimum requirements for your CPP contributions. Some extenuating circumstances may still allow you to be eligible for some CPP Disability payments. You may still qualify if you did not meet contribution requirements because: You were a caregiver to children. You were working abroad. You suffered an impairment so disabling or severe that you were unable to apply during the required period. In these cases, you may still be eligible for CPP Disability Benefits. How Do I Appeal A CPP Disability Decision? As we stated above, it is not uncommon for your CPP Disability application to be denied. There are many ways to appeal the decision. If your application is rejected, you can appeal the outcome of your case. For more information, check out our article “How To Write A CPP Disability Appeal Letter. ” Other Available Benefits If you cannot work following a stroke or become the primary caregiver of a stroke victim, you may be eligible to receive several other benefits that provide financial assistance through your Federal and Provincial governments. The Government of Canada offers a Benefits Finder that you can quickly locate Provincial support in your area. You can also visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, a free resource of Provincial and Federal support options depending on your region. On a Federal level, you may be eligible for: Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit The Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit can provide short-term (15 weeks) financial assistance if you cannot work due to medical reasons. You may be able to receive up to 55% of your earnings up to a maximum of $573 a week. The Disability Tax Credit The Government of Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) have created the Disability Tax Credit to help Canadians with disabilities (and their families) have more significant financial support. The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit that the disabled person, or their family, may be eligible to receive, based on the federal taxes paid. There are several ways a person can qualify for the disability tax credit. To find out more about eligibility requirements, visit our free information page on the Disability Tax Credit Eligibility Information and Conditions. To be eligible, you must meet specific criteria regarding the nature of your conditions. However, with these criteria met, you or a loved one caring for a disabled person should receive the DTC. Please refer to our comprehensive article, The Disability Tax Credit Ultimate Resource Guide, for more information on the DTC. Conclusion The effects of a stroke can be devastating for Canadians and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered debilitating impairments due to a stroke, you may qualify for CPP Disability. CPP Disability can help keep you financially stable following a stroke and help you with additional expenses related to your impairments. The benefit also provides programs aimed at helping you rehabilitate and rejoin the workforce. If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, don’t take on the financial burden alone. There is assistance available that can help if gainful employment is no longer an option. At Disability Credit Canada, we have helped hundreds of Canadians with their Disability Benefit applications. Our extensive experience and knowledge of the CPP Disability program is second to none. Once we take on your case, we will leave no stone unturned to get your CPP Disability application approved. We offer free assessments and work on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, meaning we only get paid if you do and are incentivized to bring you the most out of your refund! Call Disability Credit Canada at 1 844-800-6020 for a free, no-obligation assessment today! --- - Published: 2021-05-04 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-chronic-back-pain/ Table of Contents CPP Disability For Chronic Pain Back pain is among the most common chronic conditions in Canada, with over a third of all Canadians who say their back pain limits their work and daily activities. In this article, we will focus on those Canadians who suffer from chronic back pain that is so debilitating they can no longer work and therefore require government assistance in the form of CPP Disability. Many conditions can lead to chronic back pain, like a ruptured disc, nerve damage, or scoliosis. While most back pain is as minor as a burning sensation within a specific area of the back, it can become as severe as preventing someone from walking and caring for themselves. When your chronic back pain, ruptured disk or spinal pain has become so severe and debilitating to a point where you are no longer able to remain in the workforce i. e. you can no longer work at all, you should be looking into the Canadian Pension Plan Disability Benefits (CPP Disability program) to provide you with financial assistance. Not many Canadians are aware of the CPP Disability program, but ALL Canadians pay into it when contributing to their Canadian Pension Plan on every paycheck. The CPP Disability program is part of the CPP, and its purpose is to provide financial help to Canadians who can no longer work due to an impairment. If your chronic back pain is severe enough and your medical practitioner has deemed you unfit for work, you should start the CPP disability application process today. We created this article to highlight the CPP Disability program and how it assists those with chronic back pain, spinal pain or ruptured disk. Throughout this article, we will cover: What chronic back pain is If your chronic back pain is eligible for CPP Disability How to apply for CPP Disability for chronic back pain What to do if your CPP Disability application is denied This article will try to explain the CPP Disability program through the lens of someone applying for chronic back pain. However, to learn more about the CPP Disability program, we suggest reading our comprehensive CPP Disability guide, which breaks down each step of the process in depth. DISCLAIMER: This guide is meant to provide general information about the CPP Disability program to those suffering from chronic back pain, but it is not meant to replace your physician or other official information. Please use it accordingly and always refer to your doctor or Service Canada for specific information. What is Chronic Back Pain? Chronic back pain is typically caused by the discs and vertebrae of the back deteriorating, which irritates the nerve roots in the spine. Early on, no symptoms will be present, but the pain will develop and spread to adjacent structures around the irritated or impaired nerves in time. Chronic back pain refers to any back pain that lasts three months or longer that does not improve with treatment. It can be as minor as occasional numbness in the limbs or as severe as complete debilitation due to not being able to walk or completely control their nervous system. Some of the things that can increase chronic back pain are age, obesity, bad posture, sitting or standing for too long, injury, improperly lifting heavy items or other activities that cause undue stress. Throughout this article, we are going to touch on two of the most common reasons for chronic back pain, those being: Ruptured Disc Spinal/Back Pain If you are experiencing chronic back pain but can still perform your usual activities and retain employment, this article will not apply to you. However, if the pain caused by your chronic back pain has become debilitating to the point that you can no longer function at work, you may be eligible for CPP Disability. What is CPP Disability In the following section, we will provide you with a basic overview of the CPP Disability program, but there is much more to it. If you want to dig deeper, you should check out our Ultimate CPP Disability Guide, as it provides a complete overview of the CPP Disability program and everything to do with it. CPP Disability is a program within the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) that assists those who can no longer work due to an impairment. In summation, the Canada Pension Plan is a retirement savings plan available to Canadians 65 or older who have contributed to it throughout their time in the workforce. The CPP Disability program is linked to CPP and was made for those under 65 who can no longer work due to a physical or mental impairment. It is essential to know that the most crucial factor behind the approval of your application comes down to the severity and prolonged nature of your impairment: Severity comes down to if your condition prevents you from retaining substantially gainful employment. Prolonged means that your condition has been present for a long, continued, or indefinite duration of time that prevents you from returning to work. How Much Can I Receive from CPP Disability? The amount received from CPP Disability is different for each individual as the benefit is based on the overall contribution you have made to the CPP throughout your working years. In most cases, the more you have contributed to CPP, the more you will receive on your monthly CPP Disability payment. Here is a quick look at what you can receive if you qualify to receive the CPP Disability: A one-time retroactive payment that increases the longer you have been out of work for up to 18 months. This is calculated by taking how much you receive from a monthly CPP Disability payment multiplied by the number of months you have been out of work. A monthly payment of up to $1,413. 66 (updated 2021), or more if you have children. To get an idea of how much you can receive for your CPP Disability monthly payment, check your Statement of Contributions to the CPP by either using your My Service Canada Account, or contacting Service Canada by mail or phone. Does Chronic Back Pain Qualify You for CPP Disability? Chronic back pain is linked to many debilitating conditions such as scoliosis, bulging, slipped or ruptured disc, osteoarthritis, and sciatica and is the leading cause of disability globally. Chronic back pain can range from mild to throbbing aches that can be recurring, constant, or can worsen after exercise or sitting/standing for too long. While having chronic back pain alone does not qualify you for CPP Disability, you may be eligible if the pain is considered severe or prolonged enough to prevent you from working. Some of the back pain conditions that qualify for disability are: Degenerative disc Bulging/slipped disc Lumbar radiculopathy Sacroiliac joint disease Sciatica Fractured spine Osteoarthritis Ankylosing spondylitis Spinal stenosis This section breaks down some of the most common back pain conditions that qualify for CPP Disability. Common Chronic Back Pain Conditions Many different conditions or situations can cause someone to experience chronic back pain. However, in this section, we will be focusing primarily on ones that could become debilitating enough to prevent you from working and seeking government help with things like CPP Disability. Spinal Pain Most spinal pain occurs in the lumbar and cervical region; it is also one of the most common reasons people leave the workforce. Typically, spinal pain is the result of lumbar muscle strains and sprains. Though temporary spinal/back pain may require you to take a few days off work, chronic spinal/back pain may cause you to leave your job entirely. In some situations, prolonged spinal pain, if not treated properly, can cause paralysis, so it is recommended that you seek out the proper treatment immediately. How is Spinal Pain Debilitating? Having chronic spinal/back pain can make many occupations much more difficult and painful. The spine is connected to your entire body, so spinal pain can be very debilitating and make tasks such as sitting, standing, and lifting objects painful to perform. Any job that requires you to sit or stand for prolonged periods can be detrimental to spinal/back pain, so you will have to be very selective about which jobs you take on. Ruptured Disc When the spinal column or vertebrae begins to tear, or the discs protrude, they can pinch nearby spinal nerves - when this happens, it is called a herniated, slipped, or ruptured disc. Ruptured discs can cause severe lower back pain and can even cause shooting pain to go down the back of your legs. While symptoms caused by a ruptured disc will alleviate or disappear within a month or so, surgery may be necessary if symptoms persist. How is Ruptured Disc Debilitating? A ruptured disc is a spinal/back condition considered a disability in Canada, especially if symptoms attached to it are severe or prolonged. A ruptured disc can cause severe pain, making even walking a painful task. If symptoms caused by a ruptured disc persist for more than a month, most if not all, jobs will be inaccessible as they require you to sit/stand for prolonged periods or perform repetitive labor. However, if symptoms caused by a ruptured disc subside, you can perform any job that doesn’t require strenuous labor. How Do I Get CPP Disability for My Chronic Back Pain Condition? When filing your claim, you must provide as much information regarding your chronic back pain as possible. A great way to gather information is to take all available tests to prove your claim’s legitimacy, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, which can pinpoint psoriatic-related symptoms. Being diagnosed with a condition that causes chronic back pain is not enough to have your CPP Disability application approved. You need to provide substantial proof that the symptoms you experience are severe or prolonged enough to make returning to work jeopardize your health. The most common reason people are denied CPP Disability for chronic back pain is not enough information about your condition’s severity or prolonged nature. When looking at your claim, adjudicators will look at your symptoms’ effect on your work, your prior treatment for your condition, and your willingness to continue to work. Receiving the correct treatment and therapy is another deciding factor to your claim’s approval, so seeking out all options is a must when building a strong case. Applying for CPP Disability for Chronic Back Pain Before starting the CPP Disability application process, you must first check if you fall within the basic criteria. To be considered eligible for CPP Disability, you must be: Between the ages of 18 and 65. Have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan in four of the last six years or, if you contributed to CPP for 25 years or more, three of the previous six years. Can prove that your physical or mental disability is considered severe or prolonged enough to prevent you from working. If you fall within these guidelines, you can go ahead with the application process. This section will touch on the CPP Disability application process; however, for everything you need to know about the process and the CPP Disability program, check out our comprehensive Canadian Pension Plan Disability guide. To apply for CPP Disability, Service Canada will need you first to fill out two forms, those being: ISP1151 – CPP Disability Form ISP2519 – Medical Reporting Form These forms require basic personal info and info regarding your CPP contributions, disability, medical practitioner, work history, and more, which you then must sign. The forms also provide consent to Service Canada to view your personal medical information. With these two forms, you should also include as much information as you can regarding your chronic back pain, from diagnosis, treatments, and medications used to treat it, your attempt to continue working, and more. Once you have finished the forms, go to your local Service Canada office to find out where to submit your application. Use Service Canada’s Office Locator to find the location closest to you. We have also written a step-by-step guide for the CPP Disability Application process that you can use for reference. What If I am Denied for CPP Disability for Chronic Back Pain It is important to note that around 60% of all new CPP Disability applications get denied and that there are limited opportunities to appeal Service Canada’s decision therefore it is imperative that you approach the appeal process carefully. In this section, we will briefly cover the denial and appeal process but if you were denied, we encourage you to check out our CPP Disability Denial and Appeal Overview article covering each step of the appeal process. The CPP Disability appeal process has three steps, those being: Case Reconsideration General Level Social Security Tribunal Appeals Level Social Security Tribunal Why Was My CPP Disability Application Denied? More often than not, denial is due to a lack of information about your condition, so you will need to rebuild your claim, covering anything you may have missed before appealing the decision. Throughout this section, we will cover some of the most common reasons CPP Disability applications are denied, so you know what to avoid when navigating the application process. Disability Not Considered Severe and Prolonged As discussed previously, Service Canada considers a condition severe if it prevents you from retaining substantially gainful employment and prolonged if your condition has an indeterminate recovery date. Your condition must meet both of these definitions for your application to be approved. Late CPP Disability Application One of the eligibility factors for CPP Disability is that you’ve contributed to CPP for 4 out of the 6 previous years from the time of your application. Your application could be denied if you submitted it long enough after your injury or disability that you no longer fall under this criteria. There is still a chance that you could be approved. To learn more, check out the Late Applicant Provision section in our CPP Disability Guide. Not Enough Info on Medical Conditions And Employability To be approved for CPP Disability, you must prove to Service Canada that you cannot work due to your condition. To prove this, you must provide extensive medical evidence highlighting your condition’s severity and prolonged nature and how it prevents you from retaining employment. Without substantial evidence proving this, your application will most likely be denied. Not Enough Contributions to CPP One of the three pillars that make up the eligibility criteria for CPP Disability is significant contributions to CPP. Because of this, you will be denied if Service Canada doesn’t think you’ve made enough contributions to the CPP. However, in some circumstances, you may still be eligible for some CPP Disability payments. You can learn further about these in our Reasons CPP Disability Applications are Denied guide. Credibility boosters are a great way to ensure the approval of your appeal, so in the following sections, we will cover different steps you can take to make your claim more credible. If you’ve been denied and seek additional assistance through the appeal and denial process, contact Disability Credit Canada today. We will guide you through the appeal and denial process with our extensive knowledge and experience. Increase Credibility on Your CPP Disability Chronic Back Pain Application While the best way to ensure your application’s approval is through extensive evidence about your condition and employment details, you and your claim must also seem credible when presenting this evidence. Credibility will give your application an additional boost. THE BOTTOM LINE IS: The more credible you are, the more likely you’ll be approved, even if your evidence is as substantial. To help make your claim more credible, we have made a list of credibility boosters: Not providing information on time Inconsistent medical records and statements Criticizing others in your claim Arguing with doctors over your diagnosis Filing biased, negative, or unprofessional complaints Being aggressive, sarcastic or confrontational Attempting to appear like an expert Excuses or problem-blaming How to Hurt the Credibility of Your CPP Disability Chronic Back Pain Application Just as having credibility can boost your chance of approval, not having any can increase your chances of being denied, regardless of how extensive your evidence is. To help you avoid killing credibility in your case, here is a list of things to avoid: Making an apparent attempt to keep working Having your statements match your medical records Being responsible for your claim Having a cooperative and respectful claim Encouraging and following advice from experts Chronic back pain can arise due to a myriad of reasons. Accidents, conditions, old age, and more can cause chronic back pain, and in time, it can take a toll on a person’s work and personal life. Whether it is a ruptured disc, spinal pain, or scoliosis, chronic back pain is a significant issue that affects countless Canadians. However, CPP Disability provides additional security if you are stricken with chronic back pain at an inopportune time and cannot return to work. CPP Disability provides eligible Canadians monthly benefits to supplement their income to leave the workforce and prevent further aggravation of their impairment. At Disability Credit Canada, we have helped hundreds of Canadians with their Disability Benefits application. Our extensive experience and knowledge of the CPP Disability program is second to none. Once we take on your case, we will leave no stone unturned to get your CPP Disability application approved. We offer free assessments and work on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, meaning we only get paid if you do and are incentivized to bring you the most out of your refund! Call Disability Credit Canada at 1 844-800-6020 for a free, no-obligation assessment today! --- - Published: 2021-04-28 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-for-nerve-pain/ Table of Contents CPP Disability for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s & Nerve Damage According to recent surveys, about 1 out of every 5 Canadians is living with various chronic pain conditions, with the World Health Organization recently recognizing this invisible condition as a disease. Chronic nerve pain, often called neuropathic pain, is a chronic shooting or burning pain usually caused by nerve damage or malfunctioning nervous system. More than 6 million Canadians, or 19% of the population, suffer from chronic nerve pain, mainly affecting the elderly. Many conditions can cause chronic nerve pain, like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and general nerve damage. Chronic nerve pain can be as minor as occasional numbness in the limbs or as severe as complete debilitation due to not being able to walk or completely control their nervous system. If your chronic nerve pain condition has become severe enough to the point where you can no longer work, there are fortunately programs in place like the Canadian Pension Plan Benefit (CPP Disability). CPP Disability provides financial help to those suffering from these invisible, debilitating conditions who cannot retain employment due to their impairment. We created this article to enlighten those with a chronic nerve condition on the assistance they can receive from CPP Disability. Throughout this article, we will cover: What chronic nerve pain is Is your chronic nerve pain condition eligible for CPP Disability How to apply for CPP Disability for chronic pain What to do if your CPP Disability application gets denied In this article, we will try to help you understand the CPP Disability program from a chronic nerve pain point of view. However, if you would like to learn more about the CPP Disability program we suggest you read our comprehensive CPP Disability guide that breaks down each step of the process in-depth. Please note that each individual is different, and chronic pain symptoms/conditions can manifest differently; therefore, please use this guide as a general, informative guide and always refer to your doctor or Service Canada for specific information. What is Chronic Nerve Pain? Chronic nerve pain or neuropathic pain has no apparent cause. Some of the common issues that lead to chronic nerve pain are alcoholism, thyroid problems, amputation, multiple myeloma, multiple sclerosis, spine surgery, and other conditions that can cause harm to nerves. Throughout this article, we are going to be covering a few different chronic nerve pain conditions that can become severe enough to prevent one from retaining employment - those conditions being: Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s Nerve damage Working while experiencing different forms of chronic pain can be debilitating, but if you’re able to “handle” the pain while working at your job, this article is NOT for you. CPP Disability offers a “safety net” to disabled Canadians who can no longer work, so if your condition has worsened to the point where your doctor certifies that you can no longer work, you can then start the CPP disability application process. CPP Disability Explained The CPP Disability program is an integral part of the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP). In a nutshell, the Canada Pension Plan is a retirement savings plan available to Canadians 65 or older who contributed to it throughout their working life. However, if you are younger than 65 and are no longer able to work due to your physical or mental impairment, you can receive monthly CPP Disability payments until you reach 65 (when your regular CPP payments kick in). There are three criteria that you must meet to be eligible for the CPP Disability, including: You must be between the ages of 18 and 65 You must have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan in four of the last six years or three of the previous six years if you contributed to CPP for 25 years or more. You must show that your physical or mental disability is considered severe, and prolonged and that you can not go back to the workforce ever again. For your impairment to be considered severe, it must have enough of an effect on your ability to retain substantially gainful employment. For your impairment to be considered prolonged, it must be regarded as long, continued, or indefinite duration or is likely to result in death. We keep an updated list of disabilities to inform you about the types eligible for credit and help you apply. If approved for the CPP Disability, you can receive: A. A one-time retroactive payment - covering the time frame since you had to stop working (up to 18 months) B. A monthly payment - a set amount decided according to your past contributions to be paid to you until you reach 65 when the regular pension plan kicks in. Also, if you qualify for CPP Disability, you are eligible for a flat-rate monthly benefit for any children you have under the age of 18 or up to the age of 25 if they are attending school full-time. To learn more about CPP Disability, read our comprehensive CPP Disability guide that walks you through everything you need to know before applying. Does Chronic Nerve Pain Qualify You for CPP Disability? While having chronic nerve pain alone does not qualify you for CPP Disability, if the pain is considered severe or prolonged and it prevents you from going back to the workforce, you may be eligible. The following section will break down different conditions that cause chronic nerve pain, if those conditions are considered a disability, and how to get approved for CPP Disability for those conditions. Conditions Associated with Chronic Nerve Pain and How Are they Debilitating While many conditions could lead to chronic nerve pain, we will only cover conditions that could become debilitating enough to prevent you from working and seek out government help with things like CPP Disability. Multiple Sclerosis Canada has one of the highest sclerosis rates, with one in every 450 Canadians suffering from the condition. Multiple sclerosis affects both the spinal cord and brain and causes the immune system to attack the myelin that covers nerve fibers. Once nerve fibers are affected, communication between the brain and body is not as effective, eventually leading to permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves. Getting diagnosed with MS is very difficult because no two people suffering from MS will experience the same symptoms. Also, no specific test exists to diagnose MS - a diagnosis only occurs after doctors have eliminated all other possible conditions. How is Multiple Sclerosis Debilitating MS can cause numerous symptoms impaired speech, blurred vision, dizziness, cognitive impairment and more. In severe cases, it can even cause paralysis. In severe cases, multiple sclerosis makes walking and performing daily tasks difficult and can even become so intense that walking, in general, is not possible. Because of the symptoms, working while living with severe MS can be impossible in almost all fields, as most jobs require physical activity or mental concentration. If you or a loved one is suffering from MS and you can no longer work, you may be found eligible to receive the CPP Disability. Nerve Damage The nervous system is responsible for many of the body’s functions, from controlling muscles, to regulating breathing, and much more. Nerve damage is caused by an injury or condition that affects nerve fibres, resulting in chronic nerve pain. Nerve damage can also prevent pain caused by an injury from being recognizable, leading to further damage to the body. There are many different forms of nerve damage, but most can be broken down into one of the following: Neurapraxia is caused by a stunned or bruised nerve from a blow or stretch. Axonotmesis is the stretching of the electrical cable element of the nerves without causing harm. Neurotmesis is the most common and is the separation of the nerve ends. How is Nerve Damage Debilitating While nerve damage can be minimal, it can make more physical labor challenging to perform and, in extreme cases, make performing many daily activities incredibly difficult or impossible. While initial symptoms can be a little as numbness and pain in hands or feet, weak muscles, and can escalate to intense headaches and loss of balance. With more severe symptoms, things like retaining employment and performing day-to-day tasks become exceedingly difficult. If you are suffering from severe nerve damage and your medical practitioner has declared you unfit to remain in the workforce, you may be eligible for CPP Disability. Parkinson's Parkinson’s disease occurs when cells that are produced in the brain dopamine die. Dopamine is a chemical that facilitates communication between brain cells which can result in tremors, rigidity, impaired balance, slowed movements and even death. How is Parkinson’s Debilitating Because Parkinson’s affects the communication between brain cells, it can lead to many symptoms that would make working with the condition difficult. Some of the symptoms include: Soft speech Trouble with handwriting Fatigue Stooped posture Problems with sleeping Constipation and urinary problems Numbness, pain, or a burning sensation) Restlessness Depression and anxiety Please note, that Parkinson’s is not a death sentence, and it can be “managed” with medications, exercise, a healthy diet, etc. In some cases, many years pass by before severe, debilitating conditions take effect and only then can you be found eligible for the CPP Disability program. How Do I Apply for the CPP Disability for Chronic Nerve Pain? If you are under 65, have paid a significant amount into the Canada Pension Plan, and your chronic nerve pain is severe or prolonged enough so you can no longer go back to work, you are probably wondering how to apply. This section will briefly go over the application process; however, if you want to learn more and better understand the CPP Disability program, we recommend checking out our comprehensive Canadian Pension Plan Disability guide. In more recent years, applying for the CPP Disability Benefit has been streamlined by Service Canada, requiring only two forms to be filled to begin your application, which are: ISP1151 – CPP Disability Form: This form contains basic info about yourself and all of the information regarding your CPP contributions, disability, medical practitioner, work history, and more, which you then must sign. ISP2519 – Medical Reporting Form: You must sign this form to consent to provide your personal medical information to Service Canada. Your medical practitioner must then sign it and give a detailed report of your medical history to them. Along with the two forms, you must also include as much information as possible about your chronic nerve pain condition, from diagnosis, treatments, and medications used to treat it, your attempt to continue working, and more. We have also written a step-by-step guide for the CPP Disability Application process that you can use for reference. How to Get Approved for CPP Disability for Chronic Nerve Pain While we have already discussed the eligibility criteria of being between the ages of 18-65, contributing a significant amount to CPP, and showing the severity or prolonged nature of your condition, this section will show how to get approved for a chronic nerve pain condition. Showing proof that your chronic nerve pain is severe enough to be considered a disability can be very difficult as chronic nerve pain conditions are mostly invisible. However, with enough evidence from doctors’ reports and comprehensive claims covering your debilitating symptoms, you should find it much easier to be approved for CPP Disability. The most crucial part of any CPP Disability claim is proving that your condition is severe or prolonged enough to prevent you from working. To begin building your case, you will need an official diagnosis from a doctor stating that your chronic nerve pain condition is severe enough to be considered a disability. When looking at your claim, adjudicators will examine any tests you have undergone regarding your chronic nerve pain condition to ensure you have received every necessary test to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Thus, you must take all tests and any potential treatments as you may not be eligible for CPP Disability if you do not. The following section will cover what you must do if you are denied CPP Disability for your chronic nerve pain condition. What to Do if You Are Denied for CPP Disability for Chronic Nerve Pain? This section will briefly go over the denial and appeal process of CPP Disability, we have an in-depth CPP Disability Denial and Appeal Overview article that covers each step of the process. While the denial rate for CPP Disability sits around 60% of all applications, there is still a chance for approval; you just have to be sure to restructure your application and keep your head up. If denied, you must assess your claim and determine where you went wrong. Denial is often due to a lack of information or proof lending credibility to your request. Rebuild your claim, covering any potential holes it may have had and appeal the decision. If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision up to three times, which goes through the three following stages: Reconsideration of your case Social Security Tribunal (SST) at the General Level SST at the Appeals Level As you go through each stage of the CPP Disability appeal process, you will need to provide new information while reframing what you already presented regarding your case and condition to increase your chances of approval. Proving your chronic nerve pain condition and focusing on credibility boosters will help increase your chances of approval, so we will provide in-depth information on making your claim more credible. If you have been denied and would like some assistance through the denial process, contact Disability Credit Canada today, and we will help you through the denial process with our extensive knowledge and experience. Credibility Boosters/Killers for CPP Disability Chronic Nerve Pain Applications Providing as much evidence from medical and employment documents is one of the best ways to support your claim; however, you and your claim must also seem credible when presenting this evidence. Credibility provides an additional edge while making your claim, as the more credible you are, the more likely your application will be approved, even if you have less substantial evidence. The opposite is also true - if you have significant evidence, but you’re seen as not credible, you will more likely be denied. We have listed some credibility boosters and credibility killers to help improve your application’s and claim’s credibility. Some ways to hurt your credibility are: Not providing information on time Inconsistent medical records and statements Criticizing others in your claim Arguing with doctors over your diagnosis Filing biased, negative, or unprofessional complaints Being aggressive, sarcastic or confrontational Attempting to appear like an expert Excuses or problem-blaming Some ways to help your credibility are: Making an apparent attempt to keep working Having your statements match your medical records Being responsible for your claim Having a cooperative and respectful claim Encouraging and following advice from experts Chronic nerve pain can take many forms and is linked to many different conditions. Whether it is multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or nerve damage, chronic nerve pain can take a toll on your life and cost a significant amount to treat. Luckily, CPP Disability provides eligible Canadians monthly benefits to supplement their income so they can leave the workforce and prevent further aggravation of their impairment. At Disability Credit Canada, we have helped countless Canadians with their Canadian Pension Plan Disability Benefits application. Our extensive knowledge assures you will have no trouble with the application process. We will help you collect information and contact the proper medical practitioners to ensure you have the best chance for approval. We offer free assessments and work on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, meaning we only get paid if you do and are incentivized to bring you the most out of your refund! Call Disability Credit Canada at 1-844-800-6020 for a free assessment with one of our agents. --- - Published: 2021-03-30 - Modified: 2026-01-28 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-for-people-with-diabetes/ Table of Contents Over the last few decades, diabetes has been on the rise in Canada and is now one of the most common chronic diseases in the country, affecting close to 2. 5 million Canadians. With the numbers of those who have diabetes growing, many Canadians face hefty bills attached to the disease, costing thousands of dollars each year, which they must pay out of pocket. If you are reading this article, you or a family member may have diabetes and you are probably looking for information about the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and how it can help Canadians suffering from diabetes. We wrote this article to help diabetic Canadians better understand the Disability Tax Credit, whether they’re a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic so that they can use the DTC and apply for it with confidence. Among breaking down what the DTC is, if you’re eligible, and more, we will also be explaining the following: Does diabetes qualify for the Disability Tax Credit? How much money can you receive if found eligible for Disability Tax Credit? Am I automatically eligible for the Disability Tax Credit if I use an insulin pump? The difference between type 1 and type 2 when applying for the Disability Tax Credit Is life-sustaining therapy a marker for the Disability Tax Credit? Common reasons those with diabetes are denied for the Disability Tax Credit We aim to cover all information related to Disability Tax Credit for diabetics but if you want to learn more about the DTC program, please check our comprehensive Disability Tax Credit guide, which has in-depth and up-to-date details about the program. What is Diabetes, and How it Qualify for the Disability Tax Credit? Diabetes prevents the body from either not producing or correctly using insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels, which can damage organs, blood vessels and nerves. The body needs insulin to use sugar as an energy source. There are two types of diabetes: Does Type 1 Diabetes Qualify for the Disability Tax Credit? Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and kills the pancreas’ beta cells. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used as energy. No, or very little, insulin is released into the body and must be administered as needed, which takes a significant amount of time, money, and effort to maintain. About five to 10 percent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes generally develops in childhood or adolescence but can grow in adulthood. Type 1 diabetes requires consistent maintenance through things such as monitoring glucose levels, injecting insulin, and more. If caring for the disease takes up to 14 hours per week to tend to, you will be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. Does Type 2 Diabetes Qualify for the Disability Tax Credit? Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly use the insulin released (called insulin insensitivity) or does not make enough insulin. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used as energy. About 90 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes more often develops in adults, but children can be affected. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 doesn’t always require insulin administration, but it takes a significant amount of time, money, and effort to maintain when it is necessary. If caring for the disease takes up to 14 hours per week to tend to, you could be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. Disability Tax Credit for Diabetes? Created by the Canadian government and administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the DTC is a non-refundable tax credit meant to assist working, tax-paying disabled Canadians with their medical expenses. The Disability Tax Credit is a refund on federal income taxes paid by disabled Canadians or their supporters and was put in place to provide financial assistance for medication, medical treatments, and other expenses attached to an individual’s condition. How Much Can you Receive from the Disability Tax Credit? : If approved for the DTC for diabetes, you can receive one or more tax refunds, depending on how long you have lived with the condition. To find out how much you can stand to receive from the DTC, use our highly accurate Disability Tax Credit Calculator. The Disability Tax Credit consists of a Federal portion and a Provincial portion. The Federal portion is the same across Canada, while the Provincial portion is different in each Province. Click on your province below to see specific base and supplement tables for the past 10 years in our provincial guides. Alberta Disability Tax Credit Application British Columbia Disability Tax Credit Application Ontario Disability Tax Credit Application Nova Scotia Disability Tax Credit Application Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit Application Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Tax Credit Application Quebec Disability Tax Credit Application Manitoba Disability Tax Credit Application New Brunswick Disability Tax Credit Application However, to give a rough estimation, here is how much you could get from the DTC If found eligible: Annual refund - If found eligible, you can claim a refund annually when you prepare your taxes. An adult can receive around $1,500-$2,000 per year, while a child’s caregiver can receive up to $4,000 per year. Retroactive One-time Refund – If you’ve been living with diabetes for years before your approval for the DTC, the CRA will evaluate your application to see when your symptoms started. If applicable for prior years, you could receive a one-time lump sum payment for up to the past ten years. If you or your supporter have been paying federal taxes during those years, you will receive up to $20,000, or up to $40,000 you’re under 18. Does Diabetes Count as a Disability in Canada? While diabetes is one of the eligible conditions under the DTC, you will only be eligible for the tax refund if you spend an excessive amount of time maintaining the disease. Due to its impact on activities of daily living (ADL) and the time spent maintaining the disease from constantly monitoring blood sugar levels to injecting insulin, the CRA considers diabetes a disability. The CRA provides a tax refund to help offset the costs of insulin shots and lifestyle adaptations through the DTC, which is available to those with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. However, your physical and mental health conditions may/will also be considered. The CRA will look at many different factors when determining if an individual is eligible for the DTC. To be found eligible, you must: Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Live with a prolonged impairment, marked restriction, two or more significant restrictions, or depend upon life-sustaining therapy. You or your supporter pay federal taxes. What is Considered Life-Sustaining Therapy? The activities required to maintain diabetes fall under life-sustaining therapy. However, to be found eligible for the DTC for diabetes, you must spend more than 14 hours a week maintaining or treating your diabetes. Some activities that fall under life-sustaining therapy are: Insulin therapy Monitoring glucose levels Preparing/administering insulin Calibrating necessary equipment Keeping data on the pattern of diabetes What is not counted under life-sustaining therapy: Monitoring carbohydrates Exercise Recovering from hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia Meal preparation The time it takes for the pump to deliver insulin Medical appointments Purchasing medication Do Diabetics Automatically Qualify for Disability Tax Credit if They Use A Pump? At one point, you were automatically eligible for the DTC if you used an insulin pump - however, as of 2004, the insulin delivery method no longer matters. As mentioned previously, what matters is the amount of time you spend injecting insulin or tending to your diabetes. Insulin pumps are injected at all points of the day, so to be eligible for the DTC, the time you spend maintaining the pump must exceed more than 14 hours per week. Did the CRA Reverse Type 1 Diabetes Eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit? In 2017, the Canada Revenue Agency made a revision to the rules regarding life-sustaining therapy, resulting in those with type 1 diabetes being denied for the DTC. Under the revised requirements, those who independently manage insulin therapy do not meet the 14-hour per week requirement unless they have other chronic conditions that affect the time needed to maintain their health. However, the decision was reversed only a year later, allowing those with type 1 diabetes to benefit from the tax refund. How Do Diabetics Apply for the Disability Tax Credit? Applying for the DTC is a simple process. HOWEVER, being approved for the tax refund can be challenging. You will need to provide substantial evidence that shows how much your diabetes is affecting your life and how much time you put into maintaining your insulin levels. The Disability Tax Credit application process for diabetes is as follows: Download the T2201 Form from the CRA’s website. Print the T2201 and take it to your healthcare practitioner to fill out and sign. Your health care practitioner must check the “Does your patient meet the conditions for life-sustaining therapy as described above? ” box as “yes. ” Send the signed T2201 by mail to a CRA processing center or even online. Wait about 1-3 months to hear back from the CRA if you were approved or not. When applying for the DTC for diabetes, it is essential to provide as much evidence as possible to show your condition’s severity and the amount of time you spent treating your diabetes. You can take additional steps to improve the chances of your application’s approval chances. First, you must work with a medical practitioner familiar with the DTC and at what point diabetes becomes eligible for the tax refund. Also, complete as many medical assessments as possible to validate your diagnosis. While applying independently can be quick and financially beneficial, you may want to seek out additional help from a specialized DTC advocates, like Disability Credit Canada, for more complex cases or cases that have been denied. What If I’m Sent A Second Form Regarding Time Spent? If you send an additional form regarding the time you spend tending to your diabetes, it is best to not only confirm that it takes 14 hours or more a week to maintain, but you should also elaborate further than you had on the initial form. Here are some examples of how to add up your time: For injections, take into account the time it takes to: Clean the area where the injection will go Clean and prep the vial Perform the injection Deal with clean-up Preparing and injecting insulin usually takes around 3. 5 hours or a week. For insulin pumpers, take into account the time it takes to: Change pump tubing and insulin cartridge Adjusting pump programming Establishing correction doses Changing pump battery It usually takes 7 plus hours a week to maintain an insulin pump. For logging, take into account the time it takes to: Analyzing trends Making adjustments It would total 30 minutes per day, equating to 3. 5 hours per week. For checking blood glucose levels, take into account the time it takes to: Wash the area to be tested, Ensure the meter is coded properly Insert the test strip Lance area Apply blood Record reading This is usually done 8 times daily, taking around 3 minutes per test equating to 24 minutes per day or 3 hours per week. How to Apply to the Disability Tax Credit for My Child with Diabetes? As with adults, applying for a child for the Disability Tax Credit for diabetes comes down to the amount of time it takes to maintain the disease and its overall effect on the child’s ADLs. However, if you are applying for the DTC for a child with diabetes, the time you and the child spent doing and supervising activities related to tending to their diabetes will both count towards the 14-plus hours a week required to make them eligible due to life-sustaining therapy. Activities counted as supervising a child with Type 1 diabetes that can be as the 14 hours per week requirement include: Waking the child at night to test their blood glucose level Checking the child to decide if more blood glucose testing is needed Any other supervisory activities be considered necessary to adjust the dosage of insulin An eligible child may receive one or both of the following refunds: Federal Tax Refund – If the impaired child’s parent or caregiver has paid into Federal income taxes, they will receive the same amount an adult claimant would. Child Disability Benefits – If the parent or caregiver has not paid Federal income tax, they will only receive the Child Disability Benefits. To learn more about the Child Disability Tax Credit, check out our in-depth guide. Top Reasons Why Diabetics are Denied the Disability Tax Credit As mentioned previously, applying for the DTC is a simple process. However, being approved for the tax refund can be challenging and will require ample evidence and understanding of the eligibility requirements. Due to diabetes being a less visible condition, you will need a lot of documentation and assistance from a medical practitioner who understands your diabetes and the DTC. We have noticed some trends related to applications being denied for the DTC over our many years of experience. While some reasons are clear-cut, others can be less easy to identify. Some of the more common reasons for DTC applications being denied include: Missing or incomplete information about your time spent tending to your diabetes on the T2201 form Severity or time spent isn’t enough to make you eligible Lack of knowledge of DTC eligibility criteria Inconsistent medical diagnosis Diabetes has not been present long enough to make you eligible Cumulative effects of impairment not included Lack of supporting medical documents to prove the severity of your condition. Even if you are denied, you are free to reapply as frequently as needed with no repercussions. When reapplying, be sure to add more information about time spent or the severity of your condition to your application to ensure your application’s approval. What are Other Benefits & Programs Available to Those Who Have Diabetes? If you live with diabetes, many other government programs can assist you with the added expenses brought on by diabetes. Here are some of the other programs available to assist those living with diabetes: Canadian Pension Plan Disability Benefit is available to Canadians under 65 who have become unable to work because of a disability. Diabetes Education Centers provide diabetes education to people who are newly diagnosed and those who have had diabetes for many years. Canadian Diabetes Prevention Program provides those with prediabetes or are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes with personalized programs, health coaches, education and more. Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification Board develops and administers a certification program for Certified Diabetes Educators in Canada who have extensive knowledge in diabetes care/management and education processes. These are just a few essential support programs; there are many other programs available to help you and your loved ones with the added expenses brought on by diabetes. In Conclusion Diabetes is not only debilitating, but it is also very costly in both time and money. Many believe that the government provides insulin to diabetics; however, this is not the case. Insulin is paid for by individuals suffering from this disease, so programs like the DTC are essential. Building a solid case and correctly filling out the DTC application form is a must and requires a good amount of knowledge about eligibility criteria. If you would like your best chance at being approved for the tax refund, hiring a specialized DTC firm is the best way to do so. Disability Credit Canada has worked on countless cases just like yours, so we know what information is required for your application. We will even assist you when filling out your application or appealing your case if it is denied. Our mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability benefits like CPP Disability Benefits, and Long-term Disability insurance benefits claims, In this endeavor, we have worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians and we recognize the difficulties they face in their everyday life. We offer free assessments and work on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis, meaning we only get paid if you do and are incentivized to bring you the most out of your refund! Call us today at 1-844-800-6020 for your best chance of approval for the Disability Tax Credit. Got diabetes? Get the most out of your Disability Tax Credit for Diabetes application! --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2025-12-08 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/test/ $(document). ready(function{ $("#choice_15_1_1"). click(function{ if($(this). prop('checked')){ $("#field_15_4"). show; }else { $("#field_15_4"). hide; } }) $("#gform_submit_button_15"). click(function{ var htm="Please Tell Us the Reason You Contacted Us:\n"; $('#input_15_1 input:checked'). each(function { htm+=$(this). val+"\n"; }); htm+="\nHave You Applied Before? "+"\n"; $('#field_15_4 input:checked'). each(function { htm+=$(this). val+"\n"; }); htm+="\nWhat Were You Diagnosed With and When? \n"; htm+=$("#input_15_2"). val+"\n"; htm+="\nAre You Currently Employed? "+"\n"; $('#field_15_3 input:checked'). each(function { htm+=$(this). val+"\n"; }); htm+="\nDid You Claim Bankruptcy in the Past 10 Years? 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Given its commonality, you very likely might. That's why DCCI compiled resources from ADHD Experts across Canada in order to build out our new guide "A Parents' Guide To ADD and The Disability Tax Credit" Today, we're going to talk about what ADHD is, and how it qualifies for Canadian Disability Tax Credits! ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is the most underdiagnosed and misunderstood condition affecting Canadian children (and adults) today. In fact, 80% of school-age children diagnosed today will struggle with their symptoms into adolescence. At least 60% will maintain their symptoms into adulthood. ADHD does not discriminate. It can affect anyone from any background or any walk of life. What’s more, those with ADHD are at higher risk of suffering from unemployment, increased risk of poverty and mental illness, and are more likely to enter the workforce unskilled or semi-skilled. As a misunderstood condition, those affected may be used to hearing that they fail to “apply themselves”- having their struggles attributed to a personal shortcoming. In reality, ADHD is not a personality trait. It is a real, scientifically-backed medical condition that has wide and varied effects on the brain. Sounds sobering, doesn’t it? Don’t worry. We’ve got you. Disability Credit Canada is a company that works with disabled Canadians across the country, advocating for them to get support through the Tax Credit system designed by the Federal Government. These tax credits exist to help those affected by conditions they cannot control. Today, we are tackling ADHD. Our company reached out across Canada to talk to leading industry experts, and those with lived experience with ADHD, to help inform and assist people looking to get support for their condition. In this digital resource, we’re breaking down: - What ADHD is and the ways it can affect the brain (Supported by experts! )- What The Disability Tax Credit is, and how does it work- How to apply for the Disability Tax Credit with ADHD as the condition- Some current treatment options and resources for those affected by ADHD Applying for the Disability Tax Credit with ADHD (For Children Vs. Adults) Here’s the thing; ADHD does qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, but it is notably harder to qualify as an adult than as a child. In this digital guide, we’re going to focus mostly on minors affected with ADHD. Now, if you are an adult with ADHD considering applying for the DTC, don’t worry. This resource will still provide you with all the information needed to build a strong application in your favor, and can be useful, regardless of age! If you think it seems odd that a lifelong and chronic condition such as ADHD would have a higher DTC success rate for minors, you’ve got a point. There is a higher denial rate among adults. The reason for this is due to a general consensus that early detection and comprehensive treatment can mediate many of the effects of ADHD. In truth, with proper treatment, many sufferers can live happy, healthy, and productive lives. So, by the time an individual is an adult, the hope is that the person has established strategies to assist them in coping with their condition. This is why qualifying with ADHD as an adult is very difficult, although not impossible. Adult ADHD tends to present differently in adults, than in children or adolescents. The below infographic helps explain the differences. The idea that adults with ADHD have already developed strategies to cope with the condition makes sense. The irony behind this thinking though is that in order to learn those strategies and coping mechanisms, early support is key. That’s where the DTC comes in. What Is ADHD? We’re glad you asked. To start, we will let contributor Carole Gallant of Vitalité Health describe this: The term “ADHD” may conjure up images of “scatterbrained”, easily distracted, high-energy individuals, who frequently forget their keys and are constantly late to appointments. Their daily life may seem like the opening scene of a Comedy film, but in reality, the condition is far more nuanced than that. ADHD, (“ADD” is becoming an outdated term) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. With overwhelming medical evidence in favor of ADHD as a real, medical condition deserving of recognition, there has been a push in recent years to more thoroughly understand the impairment. ADHD has a strong genetic component, and its’ inheritability leads to the likelihood of it running in families. ADHD affects the brain’s ability to regulate all aspects of attention and focus. This means that every aspect of a person’s mental processes that involve their mental attention- from impulse control and emotional reactiveness to active listening to understanding the sequences of steps that lead to the desired outcome are all affected. The earlier ADHD is diagnosed - the better, for this purpose we created ADHD Test & Self-Assessment to help you check yourself independently before referring to the doctor. Exhausting? You bet. Now add onto that the common misconception that those with ADHD simply can’t “apply themselves” and a person with ADHD might be feeling pretty bad about themselves. It’s important to know that those with ADHD have physically different brains than those without the condition. Their ability to regulate their attention against factors like sensory stimuli, exterior distractions, and even within the thoughts of their own mind, can be a constant struggle, regardless of the mental, the physical and emotional effort they use to “apply themselves”. ADHD doesn’t stop at applying focus, but also regulating one's ability to hyper-focus. Those with this condition can get so overwhelmingly absorbed in a task that it can create a “hyper-focusing” situation, where they are unable to “switch” their attention to another important task. ADHD is understood currently to come in three categories, and this is one of the reasons the term “ADD” is becoming a retired term. ADHD is now classified into three subtypes: - Mainly inattentive (ADHD-i)- Mainly hyperactive (ADHD) *Rare*- Combined symptoms of both (ADHD-c) How Does ADHD Affect Executive Functioning? You know ADHD regulates attention, distractibility, and focus, right? Is that all ADHD is? Unfortunately, no. One of the most notoriously misunderstood traits associated with ADHD is its role on the Executive Functioning (EF) processes within the brain. As we will see, EF is massively important to our day-to-day lives. Challenges in EF processing can have drastic effects on a person’s world. Okay, so what is Executive Functioning? Executive Functioning (EF) is a critical mental skill set that enables individuals to think and plan ahead, start, organize and finish tasks, and prioritize the input from the world around them- including regulation of our emotional responses. The processes of Executive Function are developed and reinforced as we age, and become a crucial part of our functioning as we enter adulthood. Our brains are highly adaptable and with support and training, the EF processes of a person with ADHD can improve. Yet these factors can appear insurmountably difficult for school-age children. Children must adapt to an educational environment where almost every moment is governed by a curriculum focused on tasks that require the use of their Executive Functioning skills. For lack of a better metaphor, a minor with ADHD lacks the “processing power” to execute the thinking required to excel in a traditional academic setting. The result is a minor who will struggle to cope with the demands of an academic environment due to a condition that makes focusing their attention more difficult. Add this situation to the list of emotional and social hurdles that accompany youth, and the stress becomes compounded. The combined pressures mounted onto a child that is naturally developing their EF processes more slowly than their peers, and suddenly it becomes clear why ADHD can have devastating effects on those who suffer from it. Children with ADHD could be at social, emotional, and conceptual disadvantages from developing at a different pace than their peers. To quote Dr. Caroline Buzanko, of Koru Family Services: Without support, treatment, compassion, and guidance, children with ADHD can struggle to adapt to the growing and multifaceted personal and academic responsibilities of adulthood. Even with support, the mental health of the individual can be affected, as we can see from this testimonial from a real ADHD sufferer. Is ADHD Considered A Disability In Canada? As we mentioned earlier- yes! ADHD does qualify as a disability, provided that the impairment is severe enough. Many cases of ADHD are mild or moderate in nature. With multi-modal treatment, the majority of those affected can live happy and fulfilling lives. Yet, when we think about the impacts that ADHD can have on an individual's life and the treatment required in managing the condition, it is fortunate that it qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit. Now we must note that the diagnosis of ADHD is not the sole qualifier for The Disability Tax Credit. The severity of the condition and its effects on the daily life of the sufferer are the major deciding factors. Whether or not your ADHD qualifies as disabling will depend on how it affects your life and the advice of medical professionals. A practicing medical professional will be required to fill out a section of the DTC application, providing detailed information about the way the individual's life is severely affected. ADHD does not just cause stress to an individual and their family. There is an economic cost shared systemically and socially when those with ADHD are not supplied with support. We broke those costs down with this handy graphic. We can see that ADHD has an economic burden. One person without support for their condition has rippled effects on us all. This is one major reason why ADHD is considered a disability worthy of governmental assistance. ADHD remains one of the most easily treated conditions affecting Canadian children and with proper treatment, the effects of the condition can be managed. But treatment for ADHD may come at an additional cost to those affected. That's why it qualifies for Governmental Tax Credits. ADHD is best managed with multi-modal treatment, meaning varied strategies that holistically approach the condition, tailored to the individual. Treatments can include medication, tutors, special skills training, a healthy active lifestyle and additional therapies. All of these can greatly improve the management of ADHD symptoms and support a healthy and productive life for those affected. John Stevenson, a diagnosed ADHD-er, sports psychology expert, and ADHD specialist explains some of the alternative and co-management treatments that can assist a person with the condition. Unfortunately, many of these resources come at an additional cost. Waitlists for free services can be very long. Qualifying for the DTC can offset these expenses. What Benefit Can You Claim for A Child With ADHD? If you or someone you love has ADHD, you may be feeling a little discouraged right now. Don’t be. As we mentioned earlier, ADHD is highly treatable. There are a number of resources available to children with ADHD and their families. We’ve listed several at the bottom of our article. The Government of Canada also has a reference page available online to determine what further tax credits and deductions a person with a disability may be eligible to receive. The government also provides additional resources for those with ADHD, which we are talking about in more detail later in this resource. These include the Disability Tax Credit and the Child Disability Tax Credit. The general goal of the government’s Disability Tax Credit is to assist Canadians and their families/supporters dealing with disabilities. Okay, So What IS The Disability Tax Credit? The DTC acts as a non-refundable tax credit used to reduce the amount of income taxes the family/individual needs to pay annually. When you claim the Disability Tax Credit for yourself or an adult you care for, you receive a base amount. The Child Disability Tax Credit is a credit based on the taxes you pay (or intend to pay) every year. You cannot claim the Child Disability Tax Credit if you have not filed taxes for that year, or do not have taxable income for that year. When you claim the Child Disability Tax Credit, you will receive the base amount from the Disability Tax Credit and a supplemental amount in addition to the base amount. Great! So now we know what the credits are. Let’s find out how to apply for them with ADHD as the condition. What Are the Eligible Criteria For ADHD To Qualify For DTC? The Government of Canada explains the eligibility for the DTC on its website. But let’s break it down for you here: To be considered eligible for the DTC a person must meet one of the following criteria: - Be blind- Be markedly restricted in at least one of the basic activities of daily living- Be significantly restricted in two or more of the basic activities of daily living (including vision problems)- Need life-sustaining therapy (such as dialysis or insulin) The qualifying individual must also meet all of the following criteria: - Their condition must be deemed prolonged, meaning it must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months- Be present at all times, or the majority of the time (90%) At first glance, this might not seem relevant to ADHD, yet ADHD qualifies under “ the basic activities of daily living ”. The challenge for the DTC application is that the applicant must prove that the claimant is “markedly restricted” by their ADHD in areas of their daily living. To be considered “markedly restricted” the individual must be unable to, or just take an “inordinate amount” of time to, accomplish one or more of the tasks of daily life, even once factoring in assistance. An “inordinate amount of time” is generally considered about three times the length of the average expected time. The “Basic Activities of Daily Living” include: - Speaking- Hearing- Walking- Eliminating (bowel or bladder problems)- Feeding- Dressing- Mental functions needed for daily life, such as:- Adaptive functioning (caring for ones’ self, ability to initiate and respond to social interactions and common, simple transactions)- Memory (such as remembering simple instructions, basic personal information or important details necessary for daily functioning)- Problem-solving, goal setting, and judgment, taken together (such as setting the desired outcome on an achievable goal, and then planning and executing the steps to achieve that goal) You might think that the above list wouldn’t qualify for someone with ADHD. After all, a person with ADHD may be completely capable of walking, dressing, hearing, feeding themselves, etc. The activity to pay attention to is the “Mental Functions” required for daily life. A person with ADHD has:- A life long, chronic condition, which is present at all times, qualifying them as a “prolonged”- Depending on the severity, their life can be affected by the condition on a daily basis which can be deemed “severe”. The most important factor in your application is to describe how the claimant's mental functioning is reduced, and accommodations for this reduction take on average 3x times as long as normal. We know that ADHD affects memory, leading to difficulties with information recall, simple transactions and remembering instructions. We know that ADHD affects attention, including emotional regulation, which can affect social interactions and responses. Finally, we know that ADHD affects the Executive Functioning processes in the brain responsible for judgment, planning, and goal setting. Therefore; a child with ADHD qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit, as being “markedly restricted” in at least one of the areas of Basic Activities of Daily Life; mental functions. What Are the Disabling Effects of ADHD That Can Qualify For The Disability Tax Credit? Okay, so you know what the Disability and Child Disability Tax Credit are. You know that ADHD qualifies for the Tax Credit. How exactly do you write an application for the DTC that showcases the condition in a way that gets it approved? That’s our next stop. Since children with ADHD may develop their Executive Functioning processes at a slower rate than their peers, describing the ways their lives are negatively affected by their ADHD is crucial to a successful application. And, Executive Functioning is not the only thing affected in the mental processes of a person with ADHD. To quote Dr. Natasha Sharma, Co-founder of The 8-Hour Therapist: It is true that small lapses in memory or judgment may happen to everyone at some point, but a person with ADHD deals with these lapses to a life-altering degree. Conventional tools that help others (appointment reminders, phone alerts, etc) may not be sufficient to assist them. It is important to make this a clear distinction in your application. Here are some examples of (fictionalized) situations where an individual's ADHD is actively negatively affecting their lives: Example #1 Morgan is a ten-year-old with ADHD. They have a homework assignment that should take about 45 minutes. In order for Morgan to complete the task, their parents must remind them the moment they get home to take out their homework. Their parents must then monitor them while they do the assignment, reminding them to stay on task, as they get distracted. Then their parents must review the assignment to ensure it is fully complete and assist them if it is not. After completion, the parent must help Morgan remember to pack the completed assignment in their backpack and remind them multiple times to ensure they turn it in the next day. The total time from start to finish on this task is almost 2. 5 hours- more than triple the time for an “average” student. This classifies as markedly restricted. Example #2 Taylor is a 7 year old with ADHD at a neighborhood birthday party. Even though their parents remind them to slow down and stay patient and calm at the party, Taylor gets very excited by the event. Taylor talks loudly and excessively, even over the child who is celebrating their birthday. Taylor struggles to wait their turn in line for party games, which causes a scene because it upsets the other guests and delays the games. Taylor is asked to leave the party early, and throws a tantrum that they struggle to calm down from. Taylor is not invited back to any parties in the future. At school, they are isolated by their peers who attended the party and remember Taylors’ lack of social control. Example #3 Alex is a 16 year old with ADHD and a part time job. To help remember their shift time, they call the company twice to confirm it, and focus intently on putting the shift time down in four different places: Their agenda, their families’ calendar, their phone, and on the back of their hand. Unfortunately, they failed to anticipate the time it takes to travel to their job, and still end up arriving late. The added stress, and sense of failure, means they perform poorly in the role, and consequently get fewer shifts. The amount of time they spent planning in order to remember their shift time remains roughly triple that of an “average” person, who could remember their shift time after one reminder, and can anticipate travel time. Each of these examples shows how, even with the very best efforts, a minor with ADHD faces markedly restricted challenges in the daily activities of their life, creating social and practical problems. For each of these scenarios, the impaired person is not exhibiting a lack of care, but struggling to regulate their attention in a way that makes their desired goals attainable. Robin Storfer of Take Flight Coaching, explains that it is not always a lack of attention or care, but a lack of ability to regulate that attention, that leads to struggles. It is not solely attention regulation that creates struggles for ADHD individuals. It is also how that attention is managed and filtered out through the distractions of the world around them. You can see this in example #2 with 7 year old Taylor, who becomes so over-stimulated by birthday party activities that they fail to both regulate their emotions and properly respond to social cues. You can see a clearer example of what that can look like through the infographic below, which pulls data from Harkla. co: When applying for the DTC, it is important to include robust information from an authoritative source (likely a registered medical professional) that can vouch for the difficulties the individual with the condition suffers because of their impairment. Now that we understand HOW to explain the difficulties of ADHD in relation to the DTC application and guidelines, let's take a look at what the application process looks like. How To Apply For, And Qualify For The Child DTC When you apply for the Child Disability Tax Credit, the parent applying on behalf of the child must meet all of the following criteria: - Must live with the child, and the child must be a minor under 18 years of age- Must be the primary care-giver and be actively bringing up the child- Must be a resident of Canada (for tax purposes) Applying for the Child Disability Tax Credit is fairly straightforward, although quite detailed. The application is presented in two parts; Part A and Part B. PART A Part A breaks down four general sets of information for the application: 1) Basic Information The first part of this application contains the information of the Child seeking the benefits, and the information of the claimant (parent, guardian or caretaker). This information includes names, addresses, birthdays and Social Insurance Numbers. 2) Details About The Claimant The second section of Part A requires more detail about the claimant, such as what the claimant does that supports the individual with the disability. 3) Consent For CRA’s Review In the third section of Part A, you are giving consent to the CRA to review and adjust your income tax credit from the previous years, in order to access the amount eligible for the years you are applying for. 4) Signature Finally, in part four, you will be required to sign the form itself. Signing this part of the form allows your registered medical provider to give your information to the CRA, in order for the CRA to review the required details to adjust your tax return. PART B Part B of the application process is a T2201 Form, which is filled out by a medical practitioner. This part of the application must thoroughly describe the disability and how its effects are severe enough to hinder the individual. (See Examples from Previous sections) For someone with ADHD, focusing on mental functions may be the most effective way to describe the challenges for the child’s condition. These medical notes can be filled out by a doctor, nurse or any recognized medical professional. For example, individuals with ADHD may have difficulty with their ability to create realistically attainable goals and execute plans in order to reach those goals. It could affect their ability to prioritize their tasks, make and keep plans, or follow through on tasks that will positively impact their lives. Some examples of these struggles can be seen below: ADHD exists on a spectrum, and the condition affects people in different ways and can present differently in everyone. Yet the conditions’ sweeping effects can still make an individual struggle in a variety of ways throughout their daily life. As Dr. Nastasha Sharma explains: If you are describing the limitations of the individual, it will be crucial to provide examples of how ADHD has hindered their mental functions in profound and constant ways. Can an Adult with ADHD Qualify For The Disability Tax Credit? As we’ve mentioned in previous sections, applying for the Disability Tax Credit with ADHD as an adult can be very difficult- but not impossible. We’ve already established that ADHD is a chronic, life-long condition. The challenge of applying as an adult is proving the severity of the condition and the ways the individual's mental functioning is affected to a disabling degree. To quote Wayne O-Brien, a professional with Seeds Of Hope and an Adult diagnosed with ADHD: If you or someone you love is applying for the Disability Tax Credit as an adult with ADHD, be prepared to explain the severity of the impairment and how it affects the individual’s daily life, in spite of the accommodations that may be being used to provide assistance. It is also important to have the medical practitioner assist in filling out the form to detail the severity of the condition and its impact on the affected individual's life. As an example, if an affected adult struggles to remember bill payments, even after setting up reminders, or fails to keep vital appointments such as jobs shifts, or takes an inordinate amount of time to complete a necessary task, like balancing a cheque book, their ADHD symptoms may make them “markedly restricted” in the “mental functions necessary for everyday life” in the areas of adaptive functioning (mental transactions), memory, and goal-setting/problem solving/judgment. Are There Treatments for ADHD? Okay- so you know what ADHD is, and how it can affect the sufferer. You know what the DTC is and how it works. You know how to fill out your application. Now what? The Disability Tax Credit can take time to process, but your loved one with ADHD is actively in need of support. What resources are available to them? While there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to treatment when dealing with ADHD. Research shows the best approaches are multi-modal and tackle multiple facets of the individuals’ life. This might include a combination of treatments such as regular exercise, medication, specialized therapy to help work through social and behavioral impulses, and training for parents or caregivers to help reinforce the development of executive function through the routine of home life. Learning Strategies proposed by Dr. Julia Ryan have been included below. There are multiple types of support people with ADHD and their families can access. We’ve linked several from our resource contributors at the end of our guide. Where Do I Send My DTC Application? Once you and your registered medical practitioner have completed the application for The Child Disability Tax Credit / The Disability Tax Credit Certificate Form T2201, you will be able to send in the application in two different ways. 1) Submitting electronically through CRA My Account Submitting electronically has many benefits, including being able to check the status of your application. However, it also requires access to a computer and an internet connection. 2) Submitting a physical copy by mailing it to one of the Tax Locations. Submitting a physical copy means you are able to simply put your application in the mail. However, this method may make it more difficult to track the status of your claim. It takes, on average, between three to six months to receive a response from the CRA regarding the status of a claim, including if your case has been deemed eligible for benefits, and the reassessment of your previous years’ taxes if the claim qualifies. This is an estimated number and it can sometimes take longer. In some cases, it can take over a year. Why Was My Application For DTC Denied And What Can I Do? Unfortunately, having a claim denied is not uncommon, but there are options available for you. In fact, a person who has been denied their Disability Tax Credit claim can re-apply as many times as they like because there is no limit to the number of attempts an individual can make. If your claim was previously denied, you may want to consider re-evaluating the information provided in the form. In many cases, the CRA will describe the reason you were denied. It is possible that the CRA did not feel they had enough viable information to deem the case eligible. This does not mean that you do not qualify. It simply means that when you re-apply you will need to provide more detailed information about the severity of the condition. You may also need to ensure that the severity of the condition is clearly described by the medical practitioner. In the event that you are denied, you can also appeal the CRA’s decision. To appeal, you must contact the CRA in writing, and they will assign you an appeal officer. This process can take up to nine months. The officer will review your case and review your claim to make a decision. In cases such as these, there may be new paperwork and follow-up correspondence required. Some people choose to consult a specialized Disability Tax Credit Firm for assistance with the appeal process. Disability Credit Canada is one such firm, with experience helping thousands of Canadians and their families navigate the process of application through to qualifying, including appealing when necessary. With years of combined experience, our company has a 95% approval rate for the cases we work with. We are not paid for our services unless the case wins. Our mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit, CPP Disability Benefits, and Long term Disability benefits In this endeavor, we have worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians and we recognize the difficulties they face in their everyday life. Disability Credit Canada curated this guide with the generous support of several contributing individuals, entities and organizations who specialize in or have lived experience with ADHD. They have donated their time and energy to supply us with research, statistics, and testimonials on their work. We have credited and linked these groups below as well as their resources. For further information on ADHD, and to be in touch with the advocacy groups we consulted for our article, please see the list below. CONTRIBUTING ENTITIES, RESOURCES AND LINKS 1) Christina Crowe, H. BSc. MACP, RP, (Cert), OAMHP, Registered Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) ADHD Coach Owner & Clinic Director, Dig A Little Deeper2) Caroline Buzanko, Registered Psychologist, Koru Family Psychology3)... --- - Published: 2020-10-04 - Modified: 2026-02-25 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/adhd-quiz/ ADHD Test & Self-Assessment ADHD is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed in Canada. Disability Credit Canada has worked with national experts to create a free ADHD symptom quiz. Get the answers you need and see if you’re eligible for significant tax relief. No-Win No-Fee! Start Free QuizBegin Now Canadians Helped 0 k+ in Secured Benefits $ 0 M+ Success Rate 0 % Unless We Win $ 0 Take our ADHD quiz Important Clinical Notice: This screening tool is designed to help parents identify patterns and traits associated with ADHD; it is not a diagnostic instrument. This quiz does not replace professional medical advice, clinical assessment, or a formal diagnosis. If you believe your child or a loved one is experiencing ADHD, we strongly recommend consulting a licensed healthcare professional or specialist for a comprehensive evaluation. Could Your Child Have ADHD? Understanding the Signs "They’d lose their head if it wasn't attached. " We’ve all heard the jokes, but for a parent watching their child struggle, it doesn't feel like a punchline. For children with ADHD, life isn't just a bit "disorganized"—it can feel like trying to solve a puzzle where the pieces keep changing shape. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive function, making everyday tasks like following instructions, managing time, or staying regulated feel incredibly taxing. Because ADHD is often misunderstood or missed entirely, seeking clarity can feel overwhelming. You’ve done the research and seen the lists of symptoms, but you’re still looking for a clear starting point. How is ADHD Formally Identified? It is important to note that only a qualified medical professional (such as a pediatrician, psychiatrist, or psychologist) can provide a formal ADHD diagnosis. Online tools including this one are not diagnostic replacements. Think of this quiz as a "pre-screening" tool. A formal assessment often involves clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and history-taking. For comprehensive resources on the clinical process, we recommend visiting CADDAC’s Assessment and Diagnosis page. Why Take This Quiz? While this isn’t a diagnosis, it is a powerful tool for self-education and advocacy. It can be difficult to distinguish between typical "kid energy" and the specific traits of ADHD. This quiz uses a graded rubric to help you identify patterns in your child’s behavior. Having these patterns documented can be incredibly helpful when you sit down to speak with a doctor or teacher What Should I Do With My Results? First, take a deep breath. A high score on this quiz isn't a "label" it’s a data point. If the results suggest substantial ADHD traits, and you notice your child is struggling with their well-being, social connections, or academic confidence, use these results as a conversation starter. Your Next Steps: Print or Save: Keep your quiz results to show your family physician, ADHD Specialist or pediatrician. Observe: Note down specific "anecdotal" examples of these behaviors in daily life. Consult: Book an appointment with a specialist to discuss a formal evaluation. Ready to start? The following 15 questions focus on common daily scenarios. It takes about 5 minutes to complete. --- - Published: 2020-07-28 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/blog/   Canadian Disabilities Blog News, Guides & Information About Disabilities in Canada, Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits Find Out if You QualifyFREE ASSESSMENTCanadians Helped0k+in Secured Benefits$0M+Success Rate0%Unless We Win$0 Discover helpful articles, expert guidance, and real-life stories on Disability Tax Credit, CPP Disability, and more. Disability Credit Canada is here to support and empower Canadians through every step of the disability benefits process. How Much Are You Eligible To Receive? You can use our Disability Tax Credit Calculator to find how much you can receive in retroactive credits and benefits if found eligible. CALCULATE   --- - Published: 2019-08-19 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/cpp-disability-request-for-reconsideration-sample/ If your CPP Disability application has been denied by Service Canada, you have the option to appeal and ask them to reconsider their decision. The Reconsideration request is the first level in the 3-level CPP Disability appeal process. In order to start the appeal process, you must first submit a “Request For Reconsideration” letter to Service Canada, to let them know you will be appealing their decision. This “Request for Reconsideration” letter must be sent within 90 days of the day you received Service Canada denial letter. To help you get a head start with the first CPP Disability Appeal level, we created the following sample “Request For Reconsideration” for your reference. The following sample is not an official document or a template you must follow, but rather a suggestion. We recommend that you review the information laid forth and consider this format when writing your own Request for Reconsideration. Once you have submitted your Request For Reconsideration letter, it is time to gather additional supporting documents from your treating doctors and write the Appeal Letter. Find the step-by-step guide on how to write the CPP Disability Appeal Letter or learn more about the full CPP Disability Appeal Process. CPP Disability Request For Consideration Sample Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 Appeals and Reconsideration Division Canada Pension Plan Your Regional Office – address located on denial letter Dear Sir/Madam: Re: Denial of Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits Your Name Your SIN Further to your letter of Denial of Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits, I would like to inform that I will be appealing the denial of my disability benefits. I believe I qualify for Canada Pension Plan disability under the legislative criteria, which I will further discuss in the Appeal Letter. Please hold off any actions on my reconsideration until I have been able to provide your office with further medical and supporting information. I will forward this information to your office as soon as it becomes available. Enclosed is a duly executed authorization enabling you to provide me with a complete copy of my Canada Pension Plan file. If you require any further information, I can be reached at: Your phone number. Yours truly, Your Name Your Signature At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim CPP Disability tax credit. Check our other Resource's Long-Term Disability Claims and Appeal Common Medical Conditions Eligible for Long-Term Disability Benefits CPP Disability Benefits Application Guide CPP Disability Denial and Appeal Overview CPP Disability Request For Reconsideration CPP Disability Appeal to Social Security Tribunal - General Division CPP Disability Appeal to Social Security Tribunal - Appeal Division CPP Disability Appeal Letter Sample Top Reasons CPP Disability Applicants Are Denied --- - Published: 2019-08-19 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/appeal-a-cpp-disability-denial/ CPP Disability Denial Overview Service Canada does not formally release the number of CPP Disability claims they process annually but it is widely agreed that Canada’s CPP Disability denial rates of about 60% are possibly the highest in the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). It wasn’t until the 2016 Auditor General of Canada report on the CPP Disability (fiscal years 2014-2015) that we found the following annual statistics: Nearly 70,000 people applied for CPP Disability About 60% of initial CPP Disability applications were denied About 35% of those who had their CPP Disability denied appealed the Service Canada decision via the reconsideration request process Only 35% of those who appealed at the first level had their CPP Disability application approved About 40% of those who were not approved at the first stage of the appeal process, filed an appeal with the Social Security Tribunal (General Division) About 65% of those who went to the Social Security Tribunal were approved About 45% of those that took their case to the second Social Security Tribunal - Appeals Division, ended up being successful As you can learn from the annual statistics presented above, having been denied CPP Disability benefits is NOT the end of the road. With these articles on the CPP Disability Appeal Process, we want to assure you that you still stand a good chance of overturning the result of your CPP Disability case and gaining access to the benefits. If you’ve been beset by a disability you believe to be both severe and prolonged don’t hesitate to apply for the Disability tax Credit or CPP Disability Benefits program or both. Disability Credit Canada has helped many Canadians apply for CPP Disability and/or appeal CPP Disability decisions. Below is updated information on the common reasons CPP Disability applicants are denied, the appeal process as well, and a link to a step-by-step guide to help you take action in the CPP Disability appeal process. Reasons People are Denied CPP Disability Before starting your appeal process, it is crucial that you fully understand the reasons your CPP Disability application has failed. We strongly recommend that you read the denial letter carefully, and take notes of what the Service Canada says, in order to better prepare for your CPP Disability appeal application. The CPP Disability denial letter will usually refer to the medical reports, doctors’ opinions, and other documents that Service Canada has reviewed. In the letter, Service Canada will usually state what information it has used to arrive at its decision. You will also find included with your denial letter an information sheet entitled: “How to Ask Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability to Reconsider Its Decision”. Please read it carefully as it provides you with the information required to prepare for reconsideration (appeal). From our vast experience in helping Canadians appeal their CPP Disability decision, we have seen a few common mistakes: Applicants failed to prove that their condition is severe and prolonged Applicants failed to identify and obtain appropriate medical reports and employability information Applicants failed to apply within the CPP Disability predetermined deadline Applicants did not meet the qualifying financial contributions The applicant did not fully understand the requirements and the CPP Disability application process For extensive information on each reason why applicants were denied CPP Disability, please refer to our article “Reasons Applicants Were Denied CPP Disability Benefits” The CPP Disability Appeal Process – An Overview As mentioned earlier, a CPP Disability applicant has 3 opportunities to appeal Service Canada’s decision as there are 3 levels to the CPP Disability appeal process. We created a set of CPP-Disability-related articles that go into each appeal process in detail, here’s an overview: The CPP Disability Reconsideration Request – You have 90 days to write Service Canada to let them know you want them to reconsider their decision; then collect new medical reports and other supporting documents to appeal their decision. Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal (General Division) – If you were denied at the Reconsideration stage, you may want to proceed to the Tribunal – General Division. At this stage, you also have 90 days to appeal the decision regarding your previous submission Appeals to the Social Security Tribunal (Appeals Division) – If you were denied at the General Division Tribunal, you now have another 90 days to appeal their decision. This is the final stage of Appeals regarding to CPP Disability decision on your case. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim CPP Disability and Disability tax credits. Check out our other Resources Long-Term Disability Claims and Appeal Common Medical Conditions Eligible for Long-Term Disability Benefits CPP Disability Benefits Application Guide CPP Disability Request For Reconsideration Sample CPP Disability Appeal Letter Sample --- - Published: 2019-08-19 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/reasons-cpp-disability-are-denied/ Table of Contents Why My CPP Disability Application Denied Before starting your CPP Disability appeal process, it is crucial that you fully understand the reasons why your initial CPP Disability application was denied. To notify you of their decision, Service Canada will send you a denial letter as well as an information sheet entitled “How to Ask Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability to Reconsider Its Decision” We highly recommend that you read your denial letter and the information sheet carefully as it will usually refer to the medical reports, doctor’s notes, and other documents that Service Canada has reviewed and will usually state what information it has used to arrive at the denial decision. Disability Credit Canada has helped many Canadians with their CPP Disability application and/or their CPP Disability appeal process. Although each CPP Disability application is unique, we have seen a few common mistakes as follows: Your Disability Is Not Considered “severe and prolonged” under CPP Regulations The most common reason Canadians are denied CPP Disability is that Service Canada does not accept that the applicant’s disability is sufficiently severe and prolonged. The standard CPP Disability denial letter will indicate the reason as: “You do not have a disability that is both severe and prolonged as defined under the CPP legislation” Following we have explained what Service Canada determines as “severe” and “prolonged” Severe: The CPP Disability definition says a person’s disability is severe when the person is “regularly incapable of pursuing any substantially gainful employment. ” In other words, you must prove that your medical condition is so severe that you cannot work at any job regularly enough to earn a living. Keep in mind that Service Canada emphasizes greatly the importance of what your doctor says about your medical conditions and limitations, and on any medical reports that are submitted. It is important that your doctors’ reports explain your condition and why it prevents you from working. When there is little medical evidence that clearly shows your impairment, Service Canada may assume you can do some sort of work and may deny your eligibility. At Disability Credit Canada, we have helped hundreds of second-attempt applicants work with their medical practitioners to fully certify and explain his/her conditions, and how they have severely affected his/her ability to work at all. Prolong: Service Canada can sometimes deny one’s CPP Disability application if they see that his/her condition is not prolonged. For example, someone applies for CPP Disability, but is scheduled to undergo surgery for her condition, and that surgery may result in a recovery of her condition, which Service Canada understands as the condition will be treated and will no longer affect her ability to work. Service Canada will also likely decide that an applicant’s condition is neither long-term nor of unknown duration (prolonged) if there is medical evidence suggesting that a full recovery is expected by a certain date. Late CPP Disability application You may also be denied if you do not apply for CPP Disability soon enough after you become disabled. For example, if you take too long to apply, you may not meet the four out of six-year criteria. This is the rule that says you must have contributed to CPP for four out of the six years immediately before you apply for CPP Disability. In these situations, we highly suggest that you utilize the Late Applicant Provision. This allows an applicant to have a Minimum Qualifying Period closer to the onset of her or his disability. Late applicants have to prove that their health has stopped them from working ever since their Minimum Qualifying Period (MQP) which, because they applied for CPP Disability late, maybe a considerable time in the past. Late Applicant Provision This may be used by people who did not apply for CPP Disability as soon as they became disabled. When people wait too long to apply, the four out of six year rule may mean they are ineligible for benefits. When someone applying for CPP Disability has not paid enough into CPP under the current contribution requirements, Service Canada automatically looks at one's contributions to see when they last paid enough into CPP to qualify for benefits. Under CPP Disability’s Late Applicant Provision, an applicant must prove they were disabled by the MQP date and prove that the disability has been continuous from that date until the present day. Minimum Qualifying Period (MQP) The MQP is the minimum period of time that you must have worked and contributed to CPP in the years immediately before you became disabled (as defined in the CPP legislation) in order to be eligible for CPP Disability benefits. For example: If you have only worked for four years, then you must have made valid contributions to CPP each of those four years in order to be eligible for CPP Disability. The “four out of six-year rule” applies to those who became disabled from January 1st, 1998 onward. If you have worked for more than four years, then in most cases, it is necessary that you have made valid contributions for four out of the last six years before you became disabled. If someone has made enough contributions between 1987 and 1997 (but not after that date) then they will be considered qualified under the rules that were in place between 1987 and 1997. The current rule is that one must have made qualifying contributions in four out of the last six years. In addition, effective since March 3, 2008, applicants who have made qualifying contributions in three of the last six years and valid CPP contributions for at least 25 years meet the contributory requirement. Applicants don't provide enough information on medical conditions According to the CPP Disability regulations, the importance of proving your condition using medical reports, letters from your doctors, and other health professionals alongside details on your employability is of priority. Yet, not many applicants understand this and end up being unsuccessful. We have seen several cases where doctors and health professionals are not familiar with the eligibility criteria for CPP disability benefits, and were not able to help their patient’s case. Additionally, CPP stresses on the importance of the severity of one’s condition and how it affects their ability to work at a job. In this case, we strongly recommend applicants to communicate the importance of their condition, how it has affected their lives on a daily basis, and how it has prevented them from committing to any form of sustainable work. Applicants don't have enough financial contributions to CPP There are circumstances where one may be eligible for CPP Disability, but they were not aware of this at the time they first applied. These circumstances are: 1. You stopped working a long time ago For example: You had been in the workforce from 1990 – 2009, and had made valid contributions to CPP. However, you became disabled in 2010 and had been unable to regularly commit to a sustainably gainful job, and had left the workforce since. You applied for the CPP Disability in 2015 (5 years after you had become disabled), you can still qualify for the CPP Disability by calculating your contribution accordingly to the MQP under the Late Applicant Provision. Read more on this Provision here. If you’re eligible in every other way, except you stopped working a long time ago, you can still be eligible to receive CPP Disability benefits To apply based on this, you must: Have had enough years of CPP contributions when your disability started Have had your disability continuously the whole time. For example, if you were able to work for some time during the period, you can’t use the “late applicant provision”. You don’t need to apply separately for the late applicant provision. It will automatically be considered if you apply late for CPP Disability benefits. 2. You stayed at home to take care of your children, so you had no income or your income was low during those years If this is the case, you can still qualify for CPP Disability under the Child-rearing Provision. 3. You are separated or divorced, whether you were married or living common-law CPP also applies the Credit Splitting between divorced or separated applicants. The “Division of Pension Credits” will be applied and will affect both spouses’ CPP benefits. Read more on how credit splitting works here. 4. You were not able to apply due to a physical or mental problem There are cases where applicants were significantly unable to file and apply for CPP Disability on their own due to restrictions from a physical or a mental problem. Protection is available for those individuals under the Incapacity Provision. Please obtain the “Certificate of Incapability” here to fill out and attach with your submission to CPP Disability. 5. You lived and worked in another country Fortunately, Canada has agreements with many countries on the Pension Plan. That said, the credits you have accumulated while working in other countries can help you qualify for benefits from both Canada and the country you worked in. To learn more about Pensions and Benefits for individuals who have lived and worked outside Canada, click here. Applicant doesn't fully understand CPP Disability terms and regulations Although all the information about CPP Disability benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and provisions are readily available on Canada’s website, they are often written in legal terms and may not be easy to understand. Applicants can choose to apply for CPP Disability on their own, but they may risk an otherwise winnable case due to not having an extensive understanding of CPP Disability. From our experience, stating that one has a qualifying disability and has made a valid contribution to the CPP is not enough, this information and facts need to be presented in a clear and convincing manner, in order to win Disability benefits. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim the CPP Disability tax credit. Check out our other Resources Long-Term Disability Coverage through the Canada Pension Plan CPP Disability Benefits Application Guide CPP Disability Denial and Appeal Overview CPP Disability Request For Reconsideration CPP Disability Appeal to Social Security Tribunal - General Division CPP Disability Appeal to Social Security Tribunal - Appeal Division CPP Disability Appeal Letter Sample --- - Published: 2019-08-19 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/cpp-disability-appeal-social-security-tribunal-general-division/ Table of Contents How to Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal – General Division If your CPP Disability application reconsideration has been denied, don’t be discouraged as you can still proceed to appeal Service Canada’s decision to the Social Security Tribunal – General Division. The following article will describe the appeal process in detail. Overview to the CPP Disability Social Security Tribunal – General Division To start an appeal, you must first complete a Notice Of Appeal. This Notice Of Appeal must be completed and sent to the Tribunal within 90 days after Service Canada has communicated their decision of the Reconsideration to you. After receiving the Notice Of Appeal, the Tribunal will then send it to Service Canada, and request documents related to your file. Once the Tribunal has received your file from Service Canada, they will respond to you and include a Notice Of Readiness. You will now have 365 days from the date the Tribunal received the appeal to file a Notice of Readiness. It is now your time to gather relevant and extensive information to support your appeal. The Tribunal will send a Hearing Information Form two months before the 365-day period has expired. Both the appellant and Service Canada submits a Hearing Information Form. A Notice of Hearing will then be sent to all parties. The hearing is held or a decision is made based on the written record. The final decision will be sent to both parties by the written record. Important Notes on Social Security Tribunal – General Division How to Assess Your Chances of Success Before Appealing Before investing your time in preparing for the appeal, we highly recommend that you carefully assess your case. This initial self-assessment is to have a look on your previous application, in order to prepare better for the appeal. There are some situations where the Tribunal has no choice but to deny your case in compliance to the law as follow: If you do not have sufficient contributions to CPP If you do not have any medical evidence to show that your condition was severe enough to prevent you from working at any job on a consistent basis when you last qualified for benefits If you have been receiving early retirement benefits for more than 15 months before you applied or became disabled after you started receiving early retirement benefits How to Complete the Notice of Appeal for CPP Disability To start an appeal, you need to complete the Tribunal’s Notice of Appeal form which is available on the Service Canada website. Most of the information required on the Appeal form is personal information, so it is important that you include the most up-to-date personal information when you send in this form. Section 4 of Notice Of Appeal asks you to explain the reasons why you are appealing the decision. You should provide a clear explanation about why you are appealing, but it is not necessary to go into a lot of detail at this stage as you will be able to make a more substantial submission with all your new documents later. Section 5 of the Notice Of Appeal form asks you to attach any documents you may have to support your appeal. The only document you must attach is the CPP Reconsideration Denial Letter. The Tribunal needs to see this letter before it will accept an appeal. Please make sure to complete all parts of the Notice Of Appeal, as your application will not be considered if any part is left out. The Tribunal will then send you a letter of acknowledgment regarding your submission of a completed Notice Of Appeal within 2 -3 weeks. What Happens After You Submit Your Notice of Appeal? The Acknowledgement Letter In the Acknowledgement Letter, the Tribunal will notify you that they will be obtaining all your CPP Files from Service Canada, including CPP Disability application, medical information, doctors’ letters, a record of earnings, CPP contributions, decision letters, and usually includes adjudication summaries. You should also receive a copy of your file from the Tribunal about a month after you receive the Tribunal’s acknowledgment letter. Important Note: You will have 365 days from the date that the Tribunal received your Notice Of Appeal to provide any additional information or argument in support of your appeal. It is always a good idea to wait until you review your file before gathering additional information, as you should still have 10 or 11 months to do so after you have received your file. Understanding Your CPP Disability File and the Notice of Readiness The Tribunal will send you another letter enclosing your CPP Disability file. Read this letter carefully as it advises you that you have up to one year from the date it received your appeal (date will be shown in the letter) to provide the Tribunal with any new information you want to be considered. Along with its letter, the Tribunal will also provide you with a Notice of Readiness Form. You will have up until the date that is shown in the letter to complete and send your Notice of Readiness. Do not complete the Notice of Readiness unless you are sure that you have no more new information to provide or no more arguments to make in support of your appeal! It is certainly wise to wait until you have reviewed a complete copy of your CPP file. The Tribunal might not accept any new information from you after you send in your Notice of Readiness. How the Social Security Tribunal Makes Decisions in CPP Disability Appeals Security Tribunal decisions are made by a single Tribunal Member. There is no automatic right to an In-person Hearing. Decisions can be made in any of the following ways: Summary Dismissal of a CPP Disability Appeal If the Tribunal believes your appeal has no reasonable chance of success, it can summarily dismiss your appeal. The Tribunal must advise appellants in writing before summarily dismissing an appeal and give the appellant a chance to provide a written response. If your argument convinces the Tribunal that your appeal has a reasonable chance, you might overturn the result of your appeal. There is an automatic right to appeal a summary dismissal decision to the Appeals Division of the Tribunal. This decision can be made at any time during the appeal process. Decision-Based on the Written Record A Tribunal Member could decide not to hold any type of hearing and make a decision based on the written record alone. A Tribunal Member can grant an appeal based on the written record or dismiss it. There is no automatic right to appeal this type of decision. The Tribunal uses this form of hearing when: the issues are not complex; there are no gaps in the information in the file or need for clarification; credibility is not a prevailing issue. There may be other factors that a Tribunal Member might consider when choosing this form of hearing. Hearing by Written Question and Answers If the Tribunal Member deciding your appeal needs more information, he or she can send you questions in writing, which you will answer and send back. The Tribunal may use written questions and answers if there are gaps in the evidence that require more information. Telephone Hearing The Tribunal could decide to hold a hearing by tele-conference. All parties will be given instructions on how to connect to the conference call. The Tribunal tends to use conference calls when there are gaps in the evidence, but there is only one person participating in the hearing and credibility is not a prevailing issue. Video conference The Tribunal could also hold a hearing by video conference. You will go to a Service Canada Centre that has a video conferencing room and won’t be allowed to use your own computer. Video conferences may be used if there are gaps in the evidence and credibility is an issue, the case is complex, or there will be multiple people at the hearing. In Person Hearings The Tribunal could hold an in person hearing where everyone gets together in the same place. For example, an in-person hearing may be appropriate if the issues in the appeal are unusually complex, or if someone participating in the appeal has a disability that will make it difficult to understand what is said by telephone or video conference. Can You Bring Witnesses to a CPP Disability Tribunal Hearing? Your oral testimony is the most important source of information for the Tribunal. You are also allowed to call witnesses who can give testimony in support of your appeal. The Social Security Tribunal usually schedules hearings to last an hour and a half. You should only call witnesses who are genuinely helpful to your case. If possible, ask your witness to prepare a statement that you can submit before the deadline for adding new documents has passed. You can also ask a friend or family member to attend the hearing for support. Tribunals are often in favor of witnesses who know you well (spouse, partners, close friends) and can provide evidence about how your life has changed over time because of your disability. It is not necessary to have a witness at the hearing, but it can help if there is someone who has direct knowledge of your personal history. One of the best witnesses, from the Tribunal’s perspective, is a health professional. Most CPP Disability cases are decided based on information about the degree of the appellant’s health related limitations. Unfortunately, many health professionals are unable to take the time to attend a hearing and they may expect to be paid for their time. However, you can make arrangements with the Tribunal to have a witness provide testimony by phone. A health professional may be more willing to help with the appeal without charge if they can be connected via a phone call from their office. How to Prepare Your CPP Disability Appeal Case It is very important to carefully review and familiarize yourself with all the information in the file. As you go through the file, look for any important missing information. In particular, read all the medical letters and reports, check the CPP contribution record, and look at Service Canada’s adjudication summary notes for the application and reconsideration decisions. Keep the following questions in mind as you review the file: Is there information in the file you were not aware of? Has any important information been left out? Which information supports the appeal? Do the Service Canada adjudication notes give you more insight into why the application was turned down? The answers to these questions will help you decide your next steps. Focus on identifying the things you need to do or obtain to support your case before the Tribunal. What Evidence Strengthens a CPP Disability Appeal? One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a hearing is to gather new information that supports your appeal. Current letters from doctors or specialists can help Make sure your health professional understands that you can only access your CPP Disability benefits if you are unfit for any form of work and your condition is not likely to improve in the foreseeable future. If your qualifying date is sometime in the past, make sure your doctors are aware of this date. You must be able to provide medical evidence indicating you were disabled as of your qualifying date and continuously since that time. If the medical information in the file is out of date, or if you have started seeing new health professionals, please be alerted and continue to ask your current health professionals and specialists to provide you with the most up-to-date records and details on your condition. It may be necessary to clarify medical information that is already in the file. Other Supporting Documents for CPP Disability Appeals You should consider obtaining other documents to support your argument that you are incapable of working or being retrained for alternative work. Some examples are: Letters from previous employers or others who know how your disability limited your ability to work Comments from employment counselors or other vocational specialists who have evaluated your capacity to work. It is best not to send new information to the Tribunal in bits and pieces. Wait until you have all of the documents you plan to rely on and include them as attachments to a single submission. This way, you have more overall understanding and control of your documents. Tips for Your CPP Disability Tribunal Hearing If it is a telephone hearing be sure to describe things that the Tribunal Member can’t physically see – your physical problems. For example: You can’t lift your arm You have to use a cane when walking You rely on other supporting equipment in daily living activities Try your best to help the Tribunal member to visualize and understand how your condition affects you on a daily basis Stay focused: explain why you think you meet the eligibility criteria for CPP Disability. The Tribunal cannot allow an appeal based on compassionate grounds or on the basis of financial need. Your job is to explain why you think the facts of your case satisfy all the eligibility requirements. Be prepared to answer some difficult questions. The Tribunal may focus on the weak parts of the appeal. Be truthful and straightforward with your answer. Always follow the direction given by the Tribunal. Be respectful to everyone at the hearing. If you disagree with something that is said, you will usually have a chance to express your point of view. What Happens After a CPP Disability Tribunal Hearing? The decision will not be made on the day of the hearing. Since the hearing was recorded, the Member of the Tribunal will then review your case and listen to the information presented in the hearing. The Tribunal will advise you to expect a written decision in about two months. It should be noted. However, some decisions can take longer. If you were denied CPP Disability benefits when appealing with the Social Security Tribunal – General Division, you are left with one last chance to appeal and can bring your case to the next level of appeal: The Social Security Tribunal - Appeals Division. We have written an article to discuss the Social Security Tribunal - Appeals Division process. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim CPP and Disability tax credit. --- - Published: 2019-08-19 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/cpp-disability-appeal-social-security-tribunal-appeal-division/ Table of Contents Social Security Tribunal – Appeal Division If applying for CPP Disability benefits fails and your appeal is denied at the Social Security Tribunal – General Division, you can apply for leave (permission) to appeal to the Social Security Tribunal - Appeal Division. Please note, you do not automatically get to appeal to the Appeal Division. You will only be given permission to appeal if you convince the Appeal Division that your appeal has a reasonable chance of succeeding. Service Canada can also ask for leave to appeal if they disagree with the General Division’s decision. However, there is an exception. If your case was summarily dismissed by the General Division, you get to appeal automatically without the need to obtain permission. Before filing your Leave to Appeal Request, it is essential to obtain a copy of the hearing record. You can write to the Tribunal and ask for a copy of the audio record. We highly advise that you listen and review what took place at the hearing so you get an idea of what to prepare for the Appeal Division. The Deadline To The Appeal Division for CPP Disability Similar to the Reconsideration and the Tribunal – General Division, you also have 90 days from the day you receive the denial of your CPP Disability, regardless of whether you are applying for leave to appeal or appealing a summary dismissal. It is very important that you write the date you first found out about the decision on your application. The CPP Disability Appeal Division Application In case you get denied in the General Division, you can appeal by filling out an Application to the Appeal Division, which is available on the Social Security Tribunal’s website If your case was summarily dismissed, you do not need to list the reasons as you as are able to appeal automatically. Please remember to fill in all mandatory sections because your application will not be accepted if it is missing any mandatory information. You must attach a copy of the General Division decision you are trying to appeal. Reasons For Appeal At this stage, please be advised that the Appeal Division works much differently than the General Division. Firstly, you must state your reasons for appealing. The Appeal Division cannot just grant you appeal just because you disagree with the General Division’s decision. The law says that the Appeal Division can only allow your appeal if the General Division made certain types of mistakes. So we have listed them in simple terms here: The General Division failed to observe a principle of Natural Justice In simple terms, this means that the Principles of Natural Justice requires that the General Division utilize a fair process to assess your case and the person who was in charge of giving the final decision of your appeal is unbiased. To ensure the process is fair, the General Division must let you know the case against you and what evidence it will be considering, and then give you a fair chance to present your side of the story. If it failed to do so, you can include this in your reasons for appeal. The General Division acted beyond its jurisdiction or refused to exercise its jurisdiction This means that the General Division did something that it did not have the legal power to do or refused to do something it had the legal obligation to do. The General Division made an error in law in its decision This means that the General Division misinterpreted the law relating to your case. Often this will mean that the General Division applied the wrong legal test when deciding your appeal. When filing your leave to appeal, you can mention that there was an error with the law that the General Division used to apply to your case. New Evidence Generally, you are not allowed to introduce new evidence to the Appeal Division of which the General Division had not had the chance to go over. However, there are exceptions. If you are alleging that the General Division breached the rules of Natural Justice, you will generally be allowed to submit new evidence to show what the General Division did wrong. There is a separate process through which the General Division can reconsider its decision if you have new evidence, called “Rescinding or Amending a Decision”. Generally, this is the proper way to deal with new evidence. The Social Security Tribunal – Appeal Division Once you are given leave to appeal, there is no need to fill out a separate Notice of Appeal to confirm that you want to appeal. The Appeals Division will automatically move on and start the process of assessing your appeal. However, getting the leave to appeal does not necessarily mean that you win; it just means that your case has reasonable chance of winning, and you now have an opportunity to fully present your case to convince the Appeals Division. You will have 45 days to file written submissions arguing why your appeal should win. Note that this deadline starts running from the date the Appeal Division makes its leave decision. If you are appealing a summary dismissal, your written submissions are due 45 days after you file your Application to Appeal a summary dismissal. Your submissions to the Appeal Division will likely look different than your submissions to the General Division. This time, you need to focus on the mistakes in the General Divisions decision and/or why the process the General Division used was unfair. The Appeal Division is not required to hold a hearing, so your written submissions may be your last chance to state your case. If the Appeal Division does decide to schedule a hearing, you will get a Notice of Hearing setting out the time and place, or instructions on how to connect by telephone. Keep in mind that the same rules about rescheduling or adjourning a hearing also apply in the Appeal Division. If the Appeal Division does schedule a hearing, it will be much different than your hearing at the General Division. You will not be presenting your evidence all over again or calling witnesses because new evidence is generally not allowed at the Appeal Division. Once again, you should focus on explaining the mistakes in the General Division’s decision or why the process the General Division used was unfair. The Final Appeal Decision The Appeal Division will make a decision after considering all evidence and submissions. If the Appeal Division decides that your case should win, there are a couple of directions it will take from here, the Appeal Division may take charge and decide that you have won the case, or it could send your appeal back to the General Division to amend any mistakes addressed in the appeal process. If the Appeal Division denies your appeal, that will end your case. Rescinding or Amending a Decision (Reopening) If you discover new evidence and supporting documents that could have helped your case at the appeal level (whether it be General Division or Appeal Division), you can apply to rescind or amend a decision. You can apply directly to the appeal level that has made the decision of your appeal. The biggest difference between an appeal and an application to reopen; is when you appeal, you go up a level (i. e. you appeal the General Division’s decision to the Appeal Division) but when you apply to reopen, you go back to the same level that made the decision. How to Apply To Rescind or Amend a Decision You can apply to reopen a decision by filling out the Application to Rescind or Amend (Reopen on New Facts) form, which is available on the Social Security Tribunal’s website. You must make sure that all the required information is filled out or it will not be accepted. You must attach a copy of the decision you are trying to reopen. Once you have completed the form, you can mail or fax it to the Tribunal. Contact information for the Tribunal is listed on the form. What Counts As New Evidence? The Tribunal will only accept your new evidence if that is something that couldn’t have been discovered at the time of your hearing. It is your full responsibility to gather all new evidence and supporting documents as the Tribunal will not reopen the case later on. Plus, the new evidence must be a legible material in the sense that it can affect the outcome of your case. The Reopen Process The Tribunal will send your application to the other people involved in your appeal, most often, Service Canada, to give them a chance to review and make amendments by a certain deadline. After the Tribunal gets everyone’s submissions or the deadline passes, the Tribunal will decide whether or not to hold a hearing. There is no obligation for the Tribunal to hold a hearing for a Reopen Application. If the Tribunal decides not to hold a hearing, they will simply make a decision about your application and mail the decision to you. If the Tribunal does decide to hold a hearing, they will send a Notice of Hearing to everyone involved. The Notice of Hearing will set out what type of hearing will be held. The different types of hearings and the process for scheduling a hearing are discussed in more detail in the General Division. Check out the article CPP Disability Appeal Process – General Division. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim CPP Disability tax credit. Check out our other Resources Long Term Disability Claims and Appeal Common Medical Conditions Eligible for Long Term Disability Benefits CPP Disability Benefits Application Guide CPP Disability Denial and Appeal Overview CPP Disability Request For Reconsideration CPP Disability Request For Reconsideration Sample CPP Disability Appeal Letter Sample Top Reasons CPP Disability Applicants Are Denied --- - Published: 2019-08-19 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/cpp-disability-appeal-letter/ Table of Contents If your CPP Disability application has been denied, don’t give up just yet, as you can appeal Service Canada’s decision and go through the CPP Disability Reconsideration process. The CPP Disability Reconsideration request is the first step in the 3-level CPP Disability appeal process. But in order to start the appeal you must first notify Service Canada in writing within 90 days from the day you received the CPP Disability denial letter that you would like them to reconsider their decision. This initial reconsideration request letter is “technical” in nature and is only meant to inform them that you would like to appeal their CPP Disability decision and that you will be gathering and sending in new supporting information for their review. If you would like to learn more about this initial letter you can read, review and download a sample of Request For Reconsideration. Now that you notified Service Canada that you want to appeal their decision you must prepare your submission. As part of your CPP Disability Appeal submission, the CPP Disability Appeal Letter is the document you need to write in your own writing explaining the reasons for your appeal, provide detailed information on your condition, how you are unable to work at all and ask for Service Canada reconsideration. Step by step process to prepare your CPP Disability appeal Provide Your Personal Information As we had mentioned in the CPP Disability Appeal Process article,(hyperlink) it is utmost important that you provide your correct and updated personal information, as we have seen many applicants neglected this and missed important messages from Service Canada. Your Full Name Your SIN Your Address Your Phone number State That You Are Appealing Service Canada’s Decision To make things easy for both parties, you need to be clear at the very beginning of the letter. State that you are appealing Service Canada’s decision regarding your CPP Disability application and that you have included additional supporting documents. "Dear Sir/Madam: Re: Denial of Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits I am writing to appeal my denial of Canadian Pension Plan Disability benefits. I have included additional information about my arthritis and have attached updated and detailed medical records from my family doctors and specialized treating physicians. " Provide An Overview Of Your Disability Give enough background so that Service Canada understands how your symptoms developed and have worsened over time. If available, you can correct any inaccuracies Service Canada made when they first made a decision on your application. This doesn’t have to be lengthy, but one or two paragraphs should be sufficient. “I was first diagnosed with arthritis 5 years ago, in September 2014. I continued working as a restaurant manager at the restaurant where I had been working at for over 8 years and received initial treatments from my doctor. However, the pain and swelling increased to the point that I had to leave my job in August 2015. At that point, I found it difficult to dress myself and manipulate small objects, like socks, buttons or zippers. Because work is important to me, I took a job as a cashier at a local Shopper’s Drug Mart, but by June 2016 the stiffness in my joints had spread to my knees and feet. I am unable to stand for long periods of time, bend down or lift heavy goods as a result. ” Describe How You Are Unable To Work This is the most vital part of the appeal letter, include a paragraph explaining how your disability prevents you from working any job—not just your old job. Service Canada emphasizes strongly on the severity and longevity of your conditions, as well as how it has affected your employability. “Due to my developing condition, I am dealing with physical pain on a daily basis. I also suffer from mobility difficulties because of the same problem. I am forced to walk very slowly, and at a deep stood. I need to take breaks every 10 minutes and I also have a hard time getting up from a seated position. Apart from it, I also have to sit in a specific position so that I don’t irritate the nerves and suppress any muscles. As a result of my condition, I was unable to commit to a regular schedule of a gainful job. “ Summarize Your Supporting Documents Explain what information you have included and why it is relevant. Point out whether this is new information that Service Canada did not consider when they reviewed your initial CPP Disability application. “I have attached updated medical records and letters from my doctors which support my appeal. The aforementioned documents show that my condition has worsened since I first applied. My treating physician has also written a letter explaining my swelling and pain, and how my advanced arthritis has limited my movement and my speed. Since you did not have this information when you first made a decision on my case, I thought it would be relevant and helpful this time. ” Conclude Your CPP Disability Appeal Letter In this concluding paragraph, ask that Service Canada reconsider your claim and review all of the enclosed supporting files that you have submitted with this letter. Don’t forget to include your name and contact information underneath your signature. “I truly hope that your office will diligently consider this letter, as well as the enclosed additional supporting documents I have gathered from my treating health practitioners in deciding my CPP Disability benefits. If you require any other information to further assess my case, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at my contact information provided below. Sincerely,” We hope you find this article helpful in writing your own CP Disability Appeal Letter. Once you have finished writing your appeal letter, you can now review all of your supporting documents and submit the package to one of these Service Canada offices in your area. If you require further assistance in appealing your CPP Disability, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 1-844-800-6020 or visit our website for detailed information on CPP Disability benefits and applications. DISCLAIMER: The following CPP Disability Appeal letter is written with the purpose to illustrate how the letter should be written and what information to include in order to increase your chances of winning your appeal. Please note, each person and each CPP Disability case is unique therefore you should consider this sample letter as a suggestion only as it is not an official document or template and is presented for educational purposes only. However, we hope you have a look at the sample and take notes of the key elements to include in your own letter. We highly recommend that you be very clear, straightforward and truthful with your CPP Disability claim and your condition. CPP Disability Appeal Letter Sample Your Full name Your SIN Your Address Your Phone number Dear Sir/Madam: Re: Denial of Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits I am writing to appeal my denial of Canadian Pension Plan Disability benefits. I have included additional information about my arthritis and have attached updated and detailed medical records from my family doctors and specialized treating physicians. I was first diagnosed with Osteoarthritis 5 years ago, in September 2014. I continued working as a restaurant manager at the restaurant where I had been working at for over 8 years and received initial treatments from my doctor- a rheumatologist. However, the pain and swelling increased to the point that I had to leave my job in August 2015. At that point, I found it difficult to dress myself and manipulate small objects, like socks, buttons or zippers. Other daily activities such as laundry, cooking or cleaning around the house became such challenging tasks for me. I enjoy working and contributing to the community so I took a job as a cashier at a local Shopper’s Drug Mart, but by June 2016 the stiffness in my joints had spread to my knees and feet. I am unable to stand for long periods of time, bend down or lift heavy goods as a result. Due to my developing condition, I am dealing with physical pain on a daily basis. I also suffer from mobility difficulties because of the same problem. I am forced to walk very slowly, and at a deep stood. I need to take breaks every 10 minutes and I also have a hard time getting up from a seated position. Apart from it, I also have to sit in a specific position so that I don’t irritate the nerves or suppress any muscles. As a result of my condition, I had to quit my most recent job. Up until now, I am unable to commit to a regular schedule of a gainful job. I have attached updated medical records and letters from my doctors which support my appeal. The aforementioned documents show that my condition has worsened since I first applied. My treating physician has also written a letter explaining my swelling and pain, and how my advanced osteoarthritis has limited my movement and my speed; and she does not believe that I would be able to return to the workforce at all. Since you did not have this information when you first made a decision on my case, I thought it would be relevant and helpful this time. I truly hope that your office will diligently consider this letter, as well as the enclosed additional supporting documents I have gathered from my treating health practitioners in deciding my CPP Disability benefits. Sincerely, Your Name Your Signature Your Address Your Phone number At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim CPP Disability tax credit. Check out our other Resources Long Term Disability Claims and Appeal Common Medical Conditions Eligible for Long Term Disability Benefits CPP Disability Benefits Application Guide CPP Disability Denial and Appeal Overview CPP Disability Request For Reconsideration CPP Disability Appeal to Social Security Tribunal - General Division Top Reasons CPP Disability Applicants Are Denied --- - Published: 2019-08-19 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability/cpp-disability-request-for-reconsideration/ Table of Contents CPP Disability Request For Reconsideration - OverviewThe Reconsideration request is the first step in the CPP Disability Appeal process. You have 90 days from the day you received the letter telling you that your CPP Disability application has been denied to write to Service Canada and let them know you want them to reconsider their decision. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step, detailed information about the CPP Disability reconsideration process but there are several important points you must consider first:The person reviewing your reconsideration request is not the same person who turned down your application; which means you have a great opportunity to prepare your case thoroughly with new and relevant information about your condition. During the reconsideration process, you can provide new information that you think will help your case. This can include letters from your doctor and other health professionals that address the reasons why your application was turned down. You can also include letters from family or friends who are familiar with your medical condition, although these will not carry the same weight as those from medical professionals. Service Canada may also seek additional medical information or ask you to see another doctor. The CPP Disability reconsideration request review can take several months and Service Canada can take few more months to make a final decision. If your reconsideration request is successful, and your denial is overturned, you should receive a lump-sum payment, as well as monthly CPP Disability benefits. A Step-by-step Guide to CPP Disability Request for ReconsiderationStep 1: Send a Request For Reconsideration letter to Service CanadaThe first step in the CPP Disability reconsideration request process is to write to Service Canada within the CPP Disability appeal time frame, which is 90 days from the day you received your CPP Disability denial letter. In your letter, you only need to say that you are requesting a reconsideration of your CPP Disability denial decision. At this stage, it is not necessary to have your case ready. You can say in your letter that you will be submitting additional information later. We have a “Request for Reconsideration” sample ready for you to download. Once you have your letter of reconsideration, you will want to send it to one of the following Service Canada offices in Canada. Step 2: Requesting Your Documents from Service CanadaOnce you have informed Service Canada that you would like a reconsideration, you need to ask for your files. To do that, you need to send in an “Info Source: Personal Information Request form”. Fill out the Info Source form and mail it to Service Canada. They require an original signature and will not accept a fax or a photocopy. You can return it to your nearest Service Canada office. The Info Source form allows you to get a copy of your complete file. It will take about 5-6 weeks to receive the file. When your file arrives, it will include:Your CPP Disability application formYour doctor’s medical reportThe disability summary sheet which will tell you why Service Canada denied your claimStep 3: Reviewing Your CPP Disability DocumentsBefore taking actions in any step of the appeal process, we strongly recommend that you review the previous document that you sent to Service Canada as well as the Disability Summary Sheet. The Disability Summary Sheet indicates review of your application. Read the section called “Rationale” as this section contains the adjudicator’s reasons for the denial of your claim. Appeals must be based on the reasons for rejection for relevancy and higher chance of getting approved. When you have finished reviewing the summary sheet, it is time to look at the rest of your file. Have you described in detail how your disability prevented you from performing the duties of your last job? Have you detailed all the limitations your disability has on you? Read the Medical Report that was completed by your doctor and review these questionsIs it accurate? Does your doctor appear to be supportive? How has your disability been presented? What has been said about your prognosis? Did your doctor discuss how your disability has limited your ability to work? If you have more than one health condition, has your doctor included information about all of them? Also, check to see if other relevant medical information is included. Is there any contradictory in your medical information? Has any doctor said or implied that you are able to work or that your condition will improve? By answering these questions, you will figure out which are needs more work. These notes will be useful as you work through the appeal process. Step 4: Gathering Medical LettersWe can’t stress enough how important it is to obtain strong and relevant medical evidence to support your case. This appeal process is a great opportunity to overturn the Service Canada’s previous decision. We are also aware that doctors do not have a lot of time to write letters, and will often charge a fee to do so, so it is crucial that we make the best of their time. Service Canada will only pay for medical letters that they request, and not for letters you request. Therefore, if your doctor agrees to provide a letter, it is crucial that the letter contain the right kind of information. Specifically, it is extremely important that your doctor clearly and thoroughly address the deficiencies in your original application, as identified in Service Canada’s denial letter. Which doctor(s) should you ask for a support letter? The General Practitioner or Family Doctor (GP)The advantage of information from your family doctor is that he/she probably knows you better than a specialist. Also, if you have more than one condition, your GP may have the best understanding of how your combination of disabilities affects your daily life and your ability to work. The disadvantage is that Service Canada will sometimes reject the opinion of a GP if there has been a different opinion expressed by a specialist. The SpecialistIt is important to have up-to-date information from a specialist (e. g. , neurologist, psychiatrist or physiotherapist) who is involved in your case. The opinion of a specialist is often given greater weight than your family doctor’s opinion because they are considered to have more in-depth knowledge. The problem is that a specialist may not know you very well if you have only had a couple of visits. The specialist may also only be able to comment on one of many conditions. For example, a psychiatrist is unlikely to have information regarding a physical condition. One option is to request support letters from all your doctors. Another option is to ask your GP to write a letter explaining how your multiple conditions combine to prevent you from pursuing gainful employment on a regular basis. If you ask your GP for a letter, it is helpful if the GP can review any reports from your specialists, and mention in the letter that he or she has done so. It is highly recommended that you talk to your doctor(s) before they write a letter. Find out whether they can provide the information outlined above and whether they support your application for CPP Disability. Find out how much it will cost and how long it will take them to write a letter for you. Step 5: Gathering other Supporting Documentation and Your Own LetterIn addition to letters from your doctors, you may also provide Service Canada with letters from other health professionals who have been involved in your treatment and care. For example, you can request letters from physiotherapists, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists and special care worker, to name a few. The aforementioned medical professionals can provide relevant additional information on your condition and their input will benefit you in your appeal process. Step 6: Compiling Your Information for ReconsiderationThe information you send in to support your reconsideration request should focus on the facts of your disability, and should show that you fulfill the criteria of disability, as defined by the Canada Pension Plan. As described above, you may want to send in the following:A Request for Reconsideration, saying that you wish to appeal the decisionA letter that explains, in your own words, how your condition affects you on a daily basis and limits your ability to workLetters from your doctor that indicate and provide the medical reasons to prove that your condition is severe and prolongedLetters from other health professionals to further describe the full extent of your disabilityLetters from past employers, or vocational rehabilitation personnelDocumentation about other disability benefits you may be receiving (have you been approved for DTC or ODSP etc. )Letters from friends and family. Important: Before the package is sent in, make a copy of all the documentation for your records. It is also a good idea to send the documentation via registered mail. Make a note of when you mail the package, and send it to one of these following Service Canada offices. What happens next? Once all of the Reconsideration Request documents are submitted to Service Canada it will take a few months before they come to a decision. If Your Reconsideration Request is SuccessfulCongratulations! You can expect to receive a retroactive payment that is back-dated to the time that your disability was recognized by CPP. Usually, the payment comes in a form of a cheque. You are also entitled to receive a monthly CPP Disability cheque. This amount will depend on the contributions you have made to the Canada Pension Plan. Learn more about the CPP Disability payment amount you should expect. If Your Reconsideration Request is Not SuccessfulAs discussed in previous articles, the Reconsideration Request is only the first opportunity to appeal Service Canada’s decision and should you believe your impairment is worthy of receiving the CPP Disability you should consider the next step in the appeal process: The Social Security Tribunal – General Division. To learn more about your next step please refer to our detailed guide about the Social Security Tribunal – General DivisionAt Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim the CPP Disability tax credit. Check our other Resource'sLong-Term Disability Claims and Appeal Common Medical Conditions Eligible for Long-Term Disability BenefitsCPP Disability Benefits Application Guide --- - Published: 2019-01-26 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/case-studies/sadie-ehlerse-donlos-syndrome/ Sadie, a 4-year-old suffering from Ehlers-Donlos Syndrome Sadie is a 4-year-old girl from Sudbury On. suffering from Ehlers-Donlos Syndrome which affects connective tissues, most typically in the joints, skin, and blood vessels, and causes effects ranging from mildly loose joints to life-threatening complications. Sadie wears a special suit (body brace) called a “Spio Suit” (thoracolumbar sacral orthosis, and a lower body orthosis) that she cannot take off and on herself, she requires constant on one support beyond what any 4-year-old would need with walking, dressing, playground, everyday social settings, toileting and eating. Sadie’s parents pay out of pocket for Physiotherapist and Speech Therapist. With all of the above impairments, you would think the CRA would find Sadie eligible right away, but Sadie’s original Disability Tax Credit Application was denied by the CRA. Disability Credit Canada appealed the CRA’s decision and requested a second review. we studied the previous DTC application and found several issues with the way the DTC was originally submitted. We reviewed Sadie’s medical records, interviewed the parents, and spoke with the pediatrician and the specialist. We then formulated the case using all material and submitted the new information we gathered to the CRA and requested them to review the case again. The CRA reviewed Sadie’s case and approved her for the DTC from 2016 to 2023. Sadie’s parents received a total of $8,454. 84 in retroactive refunds and are expected to receive about $4000 in tax refunds and Child Disability Benefits for the next 5 years. --- - Published: 2019-01-26 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/case-studies/nancy-diabetes-arthritis-fibromyalgia-copd/ Nancy K. , 67 suffering diabetes and arthritis Nancy K. is a 67 years old woman from Windsor, NS suffering from a multitude of physical ailments such as cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, arthritis, and fibromyalgia as well as COPD. We submitted Nancy’s DTC and got it approved from 2016 to 2019 but that was not good enough for us as we knew that Nancy had many years of disability that the CRA did not deem eligible. Disability Credit Canada decided to appeal the CRA’s decision and formulate a new case for Nancy, one that had stronger supporting documents from previous years. We requested Nancy’s old medical records from a previous doctor, we reviewed the documents and saw strong indications of a long decline in Nancy’s health both physically and mentally. Disability Credit Canada formulated the case again, submitted a new DTC application and Nancy got approved for DTC starting 2007. The new approval was a big win for Nancy as she was now able to collect $8,500 in retroactive Disability Tax Credits. --- - Published: 2019-01-26 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/case-studies/austin-adhd-dcd/ Austin is a 6-year- Diagnosed with ADHD & DCD Austin is a 6-year-old boy from Plum Coulee, MB. Diagnosed with ADHD & DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder). Austin's DCD makes him fall over often, his coordination and balance are very bad, he has violent outbursts, is very sensitive to sound, and jumps from topic to topic easily. Austin’s parents spent a great deal of money and time providing Austin with speech therapists as well as worked with their school system to get IEP and teacher assistants. Here at Disability Credit Canada, we collected all the documents we could from Austin’s doctors and school then formulated his case and worked with the family doctor on the initial t2201 (the disability tax credit form). The CRA received the t2201 but deemed it insufficient so they sent a follow-up form to the pediatrician requesting additional information. When we received the CRA’s questionnaire we reviewed the questions, interviewed the parents again, worked with the Dr. on the new questions, and compiled additional documentation to support the additional requests from the CRA. The CRA received the questionnaire and approved Austin from 2013 to 2023 and the family received retroactive Disability tax credits of $30, 493. 14 --- - Published: 2019-01-26 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/case-studies/connie-accumulative-physical-mental-impairments/ Connie, 66 years old diagnosed with several mental and Physical impairments Connie is a 66 years old retired nurse from 150 Mile House, BC suffering from accumulative physical and mental impairments for nearly 20 years. Connie tried to qualify for the Disability tax credit herself using her medical experience and knowledge but her Disability Tax Credit was denied by the CRA. When Disability Credit Canada started working on Connie’s case we learned that she had a multitude of issues but we had to demonstrate those issues to the CRA properly in order to get her DTC approved. During our case formulation we discovered that Connie had Anxiety and Depression as well as severe sleep issues caused by her physical disabilities that included Osteoarthritis, Sclerosis, Scoliosis, Disc Degeneration and more. Connie was using assistive devices including a cane, grab bars and shower seat for the shower and a raised toilet seat and was dependent on her husband with most of her daily activities. Disability Credit Canada used the above information when we submitted the DTC application but even then we got denied by the CRA. We were very surprised that the CRA denied Connie’s DTC again but we didn’t give up. We went back to Connie and her doctors, we collected additional supporting documents and appealed the CRA’s decision using the new information. Connie was finally approved for the Disability Tax Credit since 2010 to 2023 and receive a retroactive refund of $11,408 --- - Published: 2019-01-26 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/case-studies/marcus-adhd-depression-anxiety/ Marcus, 13 year old diagnosed with severe Learning disabilities Marcus is a 13 year old boy from Etobicoke, ON diagnosed with severe ADHD & Learning disabilities as well as Depression & Anxiety. Marcus was having a very difficult time at school due to his learning disabilities and felt he was discriminated against to a point where he stopped attending school and was receiving home visits from a special social worker to monitor his situation. Most alarming was the “suicidal ideation” Marcus was experiencing and the family was extremely concerned, spending a significant amount of time and money on various support programs trying to contain the situation. Prior to working with Disability Credit Canada, Marcus’ parents applied for a disability tax credit on their own and were denied even though they had a very supportive pediatrician who did their best to help them. When Disability Credit Canada took over Marcus’ case we thought this was a “no brainer” and after formulating the case we submitted a new Disability Tax Credit application to the CRA. The CRA replied to our application with a questionnaire they sent to the physician. We then dug deeper into Marcus’ case, requested additional documents from the family doctor, specialists, school and parents, we interviewed the parents regarding Marcus’ ongoing challenges, and together with the doctor we were able to reply to the CRA, explaining the issues Marcus was having in a detailed manner. Marcus was finally found eligible for the DTC for the years 2014-2021 and his family received a total of $12,383. 64 in retroactive credits and benefits. --- - Published: 2017-06-30 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/practical-guide-understanding-the-canadian-disability-tax-credit/ The Government of Canada, in an effort to better serve its disabled citizens, offers a variety of tax initiatives designed to help offset the unique expenses these people incur relative to their disability. This is know as the Disability Tax Credit. This short guide is intended to provide the disabled and their families with information that will help them determine their eligibility for one such initiative: the Canada Revenue Agency’s Disability Tax Credit. The hope is that these persons will take the time to read the information contained herein and then use said information to access important benefits made available to them by the Canadian government. What is a Disability Tax Credit in Canada? The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) has been in existence since 1988. It is a non-refundable tax credit designed to lower the tax burden of the disabled, thereby increasing the amount of income available to them to pay for healthcare related expenses. The disability tax credit is a fairness measure intended to ensure that people with disabilities and their families are able to retain a certain minimum quality of life that would otherwise be compromised by said expenses. To qualify, the disabled person must experience a prolonged and significant impairment of their mental or physical functions resulting in their ability to perform at least one of their basic daily life activities being markedly affected. In certain cases, the disabled or their family may be eligible to claim up to 10 years of DTC credit retroactively. However, should the application of the disability tax credit result in a negative tax balance the negative amount does not create a ‘refund’ situation and no such refund is issued. It is possible to transfer any unused portion of an eligible person’s disability tax credit amount to a “supporting person. ” For the purposes of the disability tax credit a ‘supporting person’ is defined as someone who the disabled person relies/relied upon for some or all of their food, shelter and clothing needs. This supporting person can be a spouse, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or common-law partner of the disabled person. Read our Disability Tax Credit Resource Guide The Disability Tax Credit Certificate (Form T2201): No application for the disability tax credit shall be considered until the disabled person first fills out and submits to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) a completed “Disability Tax Credit Certificate” form T2201. This form - which can be obtained online - contains a self-assessment questionnaire which will help the CRA determine the eligibility of the filer’s case and also provide the filer with information that may be helpful as the application process moves forward. (It should also be mentioned that, even if, for income reasons, a person is unable to actually receive any refund or benefits from the disability tax credit application, if they are approved for the disability tax credit after filling the T2201 they can still qualify for the Registered Disability Savings Plan. ) The Disability Tax Credit Certificate form T2201 is composed of two parts which must both be filled out in their entirety. Part “A” provides information about the disabled person including their name and address, their date of birth and their SIN number. If disability tax credit benefits will be transferred to a “supporting person” as mentioned above, information about that person must also be provided including their relationship to the disabled person, their SIN number and more. Part “A” of form T2201 is also where information is collected detailing the financial relationship between the disabled applicant and the supporting person. The supporting person is not required to be living at the same residence with the disabled person but evidence must be provided detailing the disabled person’s financial dependency if they are at separate residences. Part “B” of form T2201 is to be filled out by a qualified medical practitioner familiar with the case of the prospective disabled claimant. What qualifies a medical practitioner to be considered “qualified” will be determined by the condition in question. The chart below is intended to help prospective claimants determine exactly which type of medical practitioner Part “B” should be sent to for completion. CONDITION: QUALIFIED PRACTITIONER: Blindness/Vision Impairment Optometrist or Medical Doctor (MD) Speaking Impairment Speech-Language Specialist, Pathologist, MD Deaf/Hearing Impairment Audiologist or MD Walking Impairment Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, MD Elimination (bladder or bowel functions) MD Feeding Occupational Therapist, MD Dressing Occupational Therapist, MD Impairment of mental functions required to everyday life Psychologist, MD Life-Sustaining therapy to support a vital function MD Cumulative effects of significant restrictions Occupational Therapist (for walking, feeding and dressing only) or MD Responsibilities of the Qualified Medical Practitioner The medical practitioner shall determine which categories on form T2201 will need to be completed with regard to the patient’s disability. It will be up to the medical practitioner to determine whether the patient’s condition amounts to being “markedly restricted” with regard to the performance of basic daily living skills and activities. Such determination will be arrived at by answering questions provided on the form. The medical professional will also indicate to the best of their ability the date on which the marked restriction began. While this date is not necessarily the date of the original diagnosis it is important nonetheless because CRA will use this initial date as the date when the disabled person became disability tax credit eligible, meaning it will impact and may limit the disabled person’s ability to claim retroactive benefits (read ahead for additional information regarding claiming previous years). For the record, categories of eligible conditions are: vision hearing walking elimination (bowel or bladder functions) feeding dressing mental functions necessary for everyday life cumulative restrictions Life-sustaining therapy (required at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 14 hours per week) Once both Parts “A” and “B” of form T2201 are completed and signed by all appropriate parties the form is forwarded to the CRA for consideration. Remember to keep a copy of everything you send to the CRA relative to your application for the Disability Tax Credit as this will save time and trouble should submitted documents get lost. It is entirely possible that the Canada Revenue Agency may decline a disability tax credit request based on the submitted information. If this occurs the disabled person has the right to amend their submission with additional relevant information. If the disability tax credit request is denied yet again the disabled person retains the right to launch a Formal Objection in order to appeal the decision and seek a reversal. You can find information related to launching a Formal Objection on form T2201. Appointing a Representative If the prospective claimant requires assistance either filling out or submitting a T2201 they may want to appoint another person or organization to represent them. If that is the case the disabled and claimant (if applicable) will need to complete CRA form T1013 (“Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative”). This form will empower the named individual or organization to act as their representative to the CRA and give them access to the disabled’s CRA tax records. Like the T2201, form T1013 can also be downloaded from the web. Do you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit? The Disability Tax Credit is intended to help those suffering a severe and prolonged impairment of either mental or physical function. Such impairment must result in the person being markedly restricted all or most of the time in their ability to carry out a basic daily activity. If they require and receive extensive therapy that allows them to perform a basic daily activity they might also qualify. By definition of the CRA a “prolonged impairment” is one that has lasted or is expected to last for a period of at least 12 consecutive months. The CRA defines “markedly restricted” as meaning that a person is unable to perform - or that it takes them an inordinate amount of time to perform - one or more basic daily skills or functions even with the assistance of therapy (aside from the aforementioned life-sustaining therapy which supports a vital function), appropriate assistive devices and/or medication. To be clear, CRA guidelines require this marked restriction to be present 90% of the time or more. All information relevant to the disabled’s condition will be included on the T2201 form, certified by the appropriate qualified medical practitioner and submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency by the disabled or their designated representative. Such information shall demonstrate that the disabled has a prolonged impairment (as defined above by the CRA) and that the effects of that impairment result in at least one of the following conditions being applicable: That the claimant is blind and that corrective lenses or medication do not relieve their blindness. That they are ‘markedly restricted’ in the performance of any of the following basic daily functions: Hearing Speaking Walking Bowel or bladder functions Eating Dressing or in the performance of basic mental functions required for everyday life That they require life-sustaining therapy to support one of their vital daily functions and that this therapy occupies a certain amount of time per day. Or that one of the following criteria applies: That because of such impairment the claimant is significantly restricted in at least 2 basic daily activities. That the disabled is significantly restricted in vision and one or more basic daily activities, regardless of therapy, appropriate assistive devices and/or medication. That any restrictions exist concurrently at least 90% of the time. And that the claimant’s restrictions are equivalent to being markedly restricted in a basic activity of daily living. Medical Records / Reviews In recent years the CRA has taken a more conservative stand when it comes to getting approved for the disability tax credit. Requests for increasingly detailed medical records have become the norm and in many cases CRA will not approve a disability tax credit application without a concurring second opinion as well. As a result, great care must be taken when filling out form T2201 to ensure total accuracy of the information submitted when applying for the disability tax credit. It is also important to note the length of period that the certifying medical practitioner has been the attending and qualified practitioner of the disabled being assessed for the T2201 completion. CRA may require additional proof of the patient’s impairment if the certifying practitioner’s relationship with the client is recent. Doctor Clarification Questionnaires Proof of impairment CRA plainly states that a diagnosis of impairment is not enough. The medical practitioner must provide details regarding the exact nature of the claimant’s impairment and how it impacts her or his ability to perform 1 or more of the basic activities for daily living. Even then, upon review, CRA may determine the information is either insufficient or contradictory, in which case they will contact the medical practitioner for additional information or clarification. Duration of Impairment The medical practitioner must provide confirmation that the significant impairment will last or has lasted continuously for a period of at least 12 months. They must also signify whether the claimant’s marked restriction is likely to improve and when they believe that may happen. The medical professional must address both issues to the satisfaction of the CRA. In some cases the CRA may request additional documents or information pertaining to the disability before they will render a decision. Failure to comply with these requests will almost certainly result in the claim being denied. Qualifying for Retroactive Benefits Once approved for the Disability Tax Credit, the qualified individual or their supporting person are allowed by the Income Tax Act to refile their income tax returns for up to 10 of the previous years when, for whatever reason, they received no benefits under the disability tax credit. This could result in a significant refund of taxes previously paid by the disabled individual or their supporting person. It should be noted that the refund cheque may take up to 6 months to be processed. Future Filing Once approved for the disability tax credit, the disabled person or their supporting person may claim the credit for all future years in which the disability remains in place. It is possible that a permanent grant of the Disability Tax Credit will be issued and therefore the disabled person or their supporting person will be eligible to claim the disability tax credit on the tax return for all subsequent years. If the supporting person is the one claiming the credit such claim shall be entered on line 318 or their tax return. If the disabled person is claiming the credit themselves the claim shall be entered on line 316 of their income tax return. Such claim will reduce the tax due in the current year to as little as zero and such will be the case for subsequent years as well. The Disability Tax Credit for Children The CRA’s Child Disability Benefit (CDB) provides up to $224 per month in supplemental benefits to families caring for a disabled child under 18 years of age. The child must be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, meaning they must exhibit a ‘severe and prolonged impairment’ of normal mental and physical functions. Calculating the CDB The amount you receive through the CDB program is calculated based on family net income. Family net income is the income entered on line 236 of your tax return. If you are married or have a common law spouse their income is added to yours to determine the total family net income. This final total may be adjusted to exclude any Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) income you receive, along with any Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). Retroactive CDB Benefits If you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit’s retroactive benefits you may also qualify for retroactive benefits of up to $2,500 per year under the CDB. The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) The RDSP is intended to provide parents, supporting persons or others caring for a disabled child under 18 years of age the ability to save money that can be put toward the long-term care of the disabled child. Once a person is approved for the disability tax credit, eligibility for the RDSP is automatic. A person is qualified to open an RDSP if they are: Less than 60 years old The legal parent of the disabled child The legal guardian or other individual authorized to act on behalf of the disabled child A public agency or other institution empowered to act on behalf of the disabled child RDSP contributions are not tax deductible although disbursements from the RDSP are not considered as net income for the beneficiary. Other types of benefit income are, however; including that from: The Canada Disability Savings Grant The Canada Disability Savings Bond Investment income derived from the plan Various rollovers The Canada Disability Savings Grant The Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) is a matching contribution from the government of Canada to an RDSP. This matching amount will be either 100%, 200% or 300% depending on the income of the beneficiary’s family as well as the amount contributed to the RDSP. Note that the beneficiary’s family income is indexed to inflation. A single RDSP is eligible to receive up to $3,500 in matching funds annually with a lifetime ceiling of $70,000. RDSP contributions from the CDSG may continue up until December 31st of the calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 49. For family income of $87,907 or less the CDSG amount is: $3 for each dollar contributed up to $500: maximum $1,500 per year $2 for each dollar contributed on the next $1,000: maximum $2,000 per year For family income of more than $87,907 the CDSG amount is: $1 dollar for every dollar contributed up to $1000: maximum of $1,000 per year Conclusion The Disability Tax Credit has proven a significant aid in allowing persons with disabilities or their supporting persons to restore a modicum of financial breathing room in their life which was taken from them by extraordinary costs incurred relative to a disability. Benefits provided by the disability tax credit can be substantial and are something every disabled person should consider applying for. If, for whatever reason, you are unable to complete the necessary forms on your own, or are simply uncomfortable doing so, you should not hesitate to retain the services of a qualified individual or organization for assistance. Give us a call at our Toll Free number 1-844-800-6020 to Get a Free Assessment At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability tax credit. Check our other Guide. Child Disability Tax Credit Guide Disability Tax Credit Guide for Canadians Suffering from Fibromyalgia --- - Published: 2017-06-30 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-guide-canadians-suffering-fibromyalgia/ Table of Contents The Disability Tax Credit or DTC is a fairness measure enacted in 1988 as a way to ease the tax burden of Canada’s disabled citizens. The idea behind the Disability Tax Credit is that a reduced tax burden will allow the disabled to more effectively deal with the extraordinary healthcare costs associated with their particular disability. Since its enactment the Disability Tax Credit has been hailed as a groundbreaking piece of legislation and an invaluable tool in the struggle of the disabled to regain control of their lives and reclaim a productive position in society. Qualifying for the Disability Tax Credit for Fibromyalgia In order to qualify for the Disability Tax Credit the disabled person must have taxable income and be able to prove a prolonged and significant impairment of their physical or mental abilities. This impairment must result in the person’s inability to perform at least 1 of their basic daily life activities and/or require Life Sustaining Therapy for at least 14 hours per week. Disability Tax Credit Benefits Amounts For fiscal year 2016 the Disability Tax Credit limit is $40,000. This is the maximum benefit you may receive. The actual Disability Tax Credit amount you ultimately receive will depend on your taxable income as well as other factors. This does not mean however, that $40,000 is a lifetime cap on total benefits you may receive via the Disability Tax Credit, since once approved for the DTC you may be able to claim retroactive benefits for up to 10 years as well. Supporting Persons It is also possible for a supporting person to receive the disabled person’s Disability Tax Credit benefit. A “supporting person” is defined as a person who typically supplies the disabled person with food, shelter, clothing and other necessities of daily life. This supporting person can be a: Husband or Wife Parent or Grandparent Aunt or Uncle Sister or Brother Son or Daughter Niece or Nephew Common Law Partner Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the somatic nervous system which can significantly undermine a person’s quality of life through chronic pain and an acute sensitivity to pressure. Although fibromyalgia is a relatively new diagnosis it has gained increasingly widespread acceptance in recent years. It is estimated that up to 1. 5 million Canadians may suffer from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia Symptoms Fibromyalgia is often characterized by debilitating pain that can make carrying out even the simplest tasks of everyday life an excruciating struggle. Fibromyalgia currently has no cure which means the suffering of those afflicted with the disorder can and does go on for years. For many total disability becomes their reality and it is not uncommon for the afflicted to lose hope. In such cases depression can set in as well, compounding an already complex situation. Fibromyalgia Treatment Treatment for fibromyalgia can take different forms but typically involves drug therapy and/or various types of physical therapy. Some commonly prescribed medications include Cymbalta, Savella and Lyrica which work to block pain and restore function. While these drugs hold promise the fact that the exact mechanisms of fibromyalgia are not yet completely understood mean that not everyone who takes these medications will experience relief. Physical therapy focuses on taking direct aim at the various physical manifestations of fibromyalgia including fatigue, muscle weakness and of course chronic pain. Various physical therapies include cardiovascular training, whole body cryotherapy, deep tissue massage therapy and trigger point injection. In addition to these and other physical therapies acupuncture has proven effective on occasion in reducing the chronic pain associated with the disorder. Fibromyalgia Costs Over the counter and prescription drugs, various physical therapies, doctor visits and more can wind up costing fibromyalgia sufferers thousands of dollars each month; much of that not covered by their insurance. Those costs don’t take into account unpaid sick leave, emergency room visits and even loss of employment; which can in many cases result in financial catastrophe. Fibromyalgia and the Disability Tax Credit - FAQs I have Fibromyalgia. Am I eligible for the Disability Tax Credit? - Yes. If you or someone you support (in accordance with Disability Tax Credit guidelines articulated above) suffers from Fibromyalgia you are eligible to apply for the DTC. I was just diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Can I apply for the DTC Right Away? - In order to be eligible for the DTC your disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months. You may be eligible to apply for the DTC right after diagnosis provided your doctor is willing to attest to the above stipulation. What constitutes “Life Sustaining Therapy? ” - The Disability Tax Credit defines Life Sustaining Therapy as that which is necessary to support a vital life function and is required to be performed no less than 3 times a week for no less than 14 hours per week. Where fibromyalgia is concerned there are two main types of therapy administered: “Passive” therapy in the form of massage and the like and “Active” therapy which includes things like flexibility and mobility exercises. Either or both can be considered life sustaining if they provide the support necessary for the conduct of a vital function. How do I determine how much time is spent on Life Sustaining Therapy? - Determining the amount of time you spend undergoing Life Sustaining Therapy to treat your fibromyalgia is not difficult. Simply keep track of the amount of time you spend engaged in different types of passive or active therapies and record the totals on form T2201. Passive treatments may include: Various forms of massage, including deep tissue massage. Heat or Hydrotherapy TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) Ultrasound therapy Active treatments typically include: Strengthening exercises Flexibility training Low-impact aerobics How do I apply for the Disability Tax Credit? - Your first step will be to obtain the required diagnosis so that you know you are on sound footing. Your next step will be to download and complete CRA form T2201. No Disability Tax Credit application will be considered without a completed version of this form. Form T2201 includes a questionnaire designed to help CRA benefit specialists determine your eligibility for the DTC. It also provides you with vital information about the application process as it moves forward. Form T2201 is comprised of two parts that must each be filled out completely lest the application be summarily rejected. Part A provides the CRA personal information about you including your SIN number and date of birth. If there is a “Supporting Person” involved this is where their information must also be entered in full, including their SIN number and their relationship to you. Part B is to be filled out by a doctor or other qualified medical practitioner. An applicant suffering from fibromyalgia will typically be required to have Part B of form T2201 filled out by an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist or MD. It will be up to the qualified medical practitioner to determine if you are “markedly restricted” by your fibromyalgia as required by the Disability Tax Credit. It will also be the responsibility of the medical practitioner to determine the date when the restriction first manifested itself. This date is typically different than the date of first diagnosis. Determining and recording this date on form T2201 is crucial as it is this date which the CRA will use as the date you became DTC eligible. Once both parts of form T2201 have been completed and signed by all parties it must be forwarded to the CRA for consideration. Remember: don’t send anything to the CRA without first making a copy of it. This will help save you time and trouble should problems arise. Do I have to live with the “supporting person? ” - No. But if the you (the disabled person) and the supporting person live apart evidence must be provided detailing your financial dependency on the supporting person. Will I automatically qualify for retroactive benefits? - No one is automatically entitled to retroactive benefits. Eligibility is dependent on being able to prove to the satisfaction of the CRA that a marked impairment has existed for the years in question. Even if approved the CRA may require you to reapply every year, or every few years. In some cases they may grant permanent eligibility (though such a grant is rare). I already filed my taxes for this year. Do I have to wait until next year to apply? - No. You may download and complete form T2201 at any time, regardless of your tax filing status. During the submission process simply alert the CRA to the fact you have already filed taxes and request they reassess your tax liability for the year. What happens if I am rejected? - The CRA reserves the right to reject any Disability Tax Credit application. Should an application be rejected you may amend your submission materials with additional relevant information and resubmit. Should it transpire that you are rejected yet again you may launch a Formal Objection to the decision in order to try and obtain a reversal. Again though, the CRA reserves the right to make any final decisions. Additional Information Regarding the Disability Tax Credit Application Process Elevated Burden of Proof The Canada Revenue Agency has adopted a more stringent burden of proof in recent years with regard to Disability Tax Credit claims. As a result it is not uncommon for the CRA to request ever more detailed medical records relevant to a claimant’s condition. In many cases approval will not be granted without a second, corroborating medical opinion as well. As this is all part of the CRA’s attempt to stamp out fraud it should be a welcome development and any requests the CRA makes should be met in full and without delay. Also, due to the more rigorous level of scrutiny the CRA is applying it is more important than ever that any applicant make sure form T2201 is completed in full and that all information contained within is completely accurate and verifiable. Request for Doctor Clarification You may feel you have a legitimate claim and have supplied adequate verification of your fibromyalgia diagnosis to be approved for the Disability Tax Credit. However, the Canada Revenue Agency has stated that diagnosis alone - whether for fibromyalgia or any other condition - is not sufficient to qualify for DTC benefits. As a result the doctor or qualified medical practitioner must provide clarifying details relative to your impairment and how it affects your ability to perform at least 1 of the basic activities necessary for daily living. Duration of Impairment One of the fundamental requirements for Disability Tax Credit approval is that your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months. The qualified medical practitioner must provide confirmation of this fact and must also indicate whether they believe your marked restriction will, in their opinion, improve and when that may be expected to occur. The MD or other qualified medical practitioner must satisfy the CRA with regard to the above matters before a claim can be expected to proceed to the approval stage. It’s not uncommon for the CRA to make additional requests for information throughout the application process and so having a qualified representative advocating for you and handling the details throughout this time will be key in increasing your odds of being approved. Filing for Future Years If your Disability Tax Credit application has been approved you or your supporting person may then claim the Disability Tax Credit for all future years during which the impairment remains. As mentioned earlier it is possible to receive a judgement of permanent impairment in which case you or your supporting person will be able to automatically claim the DTC on your or their tax return every year. Keep in mind though that, as mentioned earlier, such grants of permanent disability are rare. Conclusion The CRA’s Disability Tax Credit has proven time and again to be a substantial aid in helping persons with disabilities restore a modicum of financial stability to their lives. As an economic fairness tool it has few equals. Approved applicants can on occasion receive significant retroactive settlements from the CRA for their disability and so it behooves anyone whose life has been compromised by the scourge of fibromyalgia to consider applying for benefits. If you are unable to complete the necessary forms and gather the necessary paperwork yourself you should not hesitate to actively seek out the assistance of a qualified organization or individual to help. Give us a call at our Toll-Free number 1-844-800-6020 to Get a Free Assessment At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability benefits like tax credits & longer-term disability benefits. Check our other Guide. Ultimate CPP Disability Guide Child Disability Tax Credit Guide --- - Published: 2017-06-30 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/infographic/ Download ADHD And Your Child Infographic learn more Download 2017 ADHD Infographic learn more Download A Complete Profile of Disabilities in Canada learn moreAt Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim CPP Disability Benefits & Disability tax credit. Check our other Resources for more information on Disability Tax Credit. Disability tax Credit Provincial Resources The Disability Tax Credit Resource Guide The Definitive Guide to The Child Disability Tax Credit Disability Tax Credit for Arthritis Sufferers Disability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADD Disability Tax Credit for Anxiety Disorder For More Info On Disability Tax Credit or Free Assessment Contact Us At : tel-1-844-800-6020. Use our online disability tax credit calculator to estimate your payment and retroactive. --- - Published: 2017-06-30 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/infographic/adhd-and-your-child/ Download ADHD and your child Infographic Disability Credit Canada mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. We’ve worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians suffering from mental disabilities and we recognize how impactful your condition can be on you and your family, hence we regular advocate for rights of Disabled Canadians. ADD/ADHD is a condition affecting both children and adults; estimates suggesting approximately 300,000 or more Canadians are diagnosed each year. Both diseases cause disabling symptoms that impede development and impair social function. ADHD is a mental disorder that interferes with the learning process, impedes social and cognitive development, and can be a precursor to a variety of other conditions. In the infographic below, we give you some useful tips and tricks for parents as well as teachers in order to better understand how to manage children with ADHD. Parenting Tips for children with ADHD: Take care of yourself so you’re better able to care for your child. Eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, find ways to reduce stress, and seek face-to-face support from family and friends as well as your child’s doctor and teachers. Establish structure and stick to it. Help your child stay focused and organized by following daily routines, simplifying your child’s schedule, and keeping your child busy with healthy activities. Set clear expectations. Make the rules of behavior simple and explain what will happen when they are obeyed or broken—and follow through each time with a reward or a consequence. Encourage exercise and sleep. Physical activity improves concentration and promotes brain growth. Importantly for children with ADHD, it also leads to better sleep, which in turn can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Help your child eat right. To manage symptoms of ADHD, schedule regular healthy meals or snacks every three hours and cut back on junk and sugary food. Teach your child how to make friends. Help him or her become a better listener, learn to read people’s faces and body language, and interact more smoothly with others. School tips for children with ADHD: Symptom Tip Distractibility Seat the child away from doors and windows. Alternate seated activities with those that allow the child to move around. Divide big assignments into smaller ones and allow frequent breaks. Interrupting Use discreet gestures or words you have previously agreed upon to let the child know they are interrupting. Praise the child for interruption-free conversations. Impulsivity Tape a written behavior plan to the wall or the child’s desk. Give consequences immediately following misbehavior and recognize good behavior out loud. Fidgeting and hyperactivity Finding creative ways to allow the child to move in appropriate ways at appropriate times can make it easier for the child to keep still during work time. Provide a stress ball, encourage exercise before and after school, and ask the child to run errands in the classroom. Trouble following directions Break down and reinforce the steps involved in your instructions. Allow the child to do one step and then come back to find out what they should do next. If the child gets off track, give a calm reminder. Write directions on a board. General inattentiveness Make learning fun Using physical motion in a lesson, connecting dry facts to interesting trivia, or inventing silly songs that make details easier to remember can help a child enjoy learning and even reduce the symptoms of ADHD Share this Image On Your Site. Just copy and paste the code below. Please make sure to include attribution to Disability Credit Canada! Would you like to share this infographic on your website? Just copy and paste the code provided below! Please include attribution to Disability Credit Canada! At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability tax credit. 2017 ADHD Infographic – Myths &Facts Disability in Canada: A Complete Profile --- - Published: 2017-06-30 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/infographic/complete-profile-disabilities-canada/ Disabilities in Canada Download Disability in Canada: A Complete Profile Did you know, around 13. 7% of Canadians are currently living with a disability? In the infographic below, we take a detailed look at Disability Statistics in Canada. From what the major types of disabilities are in Canada to the problems in the wage gap faced by disabled Canadians, we cover all aspects, including the Disability Tax Credit Program. Disability Statistics in Canada 1 in 10 working age Canadians reported having a disability Disabilities aren’t always so obvious: 10 disability types identified in the latest Canadian survey on disability study are: seeing, hearing, mobility, flexibility, dexterity, pain, learning, developmental, mental/psychological, and memory The learning disability association of Canada  estimates 1 in 10 Canadians has a learning disability Education gap: adults with disabilities were only about half as likely to get their university-level degrees as adults without disabilities (Canadian Human Rights Commission) – 20. 2% compared to 40. 7% Wage Gap: adults with disabilities have lower median household income: 2012 CRHC report – disabled men (15-64 age group) earn $9557 less than adult males in the same age group who don’t have disabilities. Women (15-64 age group) earn $8853 less. Hiring Bias: 48% of all respondents surveyed say they believe candidates could be more likely to climb the corporate ladder if they kept their disability a secret. Unemployment: unemployment rate for people with disabilities – 8. 6% vs. Canadian average of 6. 3% 8. 5% more men with disabilities are settling for part-time work b/c they cannot find full-time work compared to adult men without disabilities who are working part-time. 6. 5% for woman Companies not hiring disabled: 3 in 10 small business owners hired people with disabilities in 2013. 69% of small businesses have never hired a person with a visible or invisible disability. Problem with inclusion: only 10% of Canadians with disabilities are fully included in society Daily Assistance More than 1. 4 million working-age adults (15-64 ages) reported needing help with everyday physical activities. Many Canadians can’t read: Canadian National Institute for the Blind estimated in 2011 – more than 3 million Canadians have a disability that makes it difficult or impossible to read conventional print. Persons living with disabilities People living with disabilities (both mental and physical) are twice as likely to live below the poverty line. Nearly 15% of people with disabilities live in poverty, 59% of which are women. Would you like to share this infographic on your website? Just copy and paste the code provided below! Please include attribution to Disability Credit Canada! At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability tax credit. Check our other Infographics ADHD and your child Infographic -What you can do to help your child 2017 ADHD Infographic – Myths &Facts --- - Published: 2017-06-29 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/infographic/2017-adhd-infographic/ ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active. An inside look at ADHDAs of 2011 – approximately 11% of children (4-17 years) have been diagnosed with ADHD. (United States)Boys (13. 2%) were more likely than girls (5. 6%) to have ever been diagnosed with ADHD. Using a prevalence rate of 5%, the annual societal ‘‘cost of illness’’ for ADHD is estimated to be between $36 and $52 billion. It is estimated to be between $12,005 and $17,458 annually per individual. ADHD creates a significant financial burden regarding the cost of medical care and work loss for patients and family members. The annual average direct cost for each per ADHD patient was $1,574, compared to $541 among matched controls. The annual average payment (direct plus indirect cost) per family member was $2,728 for non-ADHD family members of ADHD patients versus $1,440 for family members of matched controls. Thankfully In Canada, We have a Child Disability Tax Credit to subdue this cost to some extent. ADHD can lead to problems at home and school and affect your child’s ability to learn and get along with others. 2017 ADHD INFOGRAPHICMyths and Facts:Myth: All kids with ADHD are hyperactive. Fact: Some children with ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated. Myth: Kids with ADHD can never pay attention. Fact: Children with ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive. Myth: Kids with ADHD could behave better if they wanted to. Fact: Children with ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose. Myth: Kids will eventually grow out of ADHD. Fact: ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms. Myth: Medication is the best treatment option for ADHD. Fact: Medication is often prescribed for attention deficit disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition. Would you like to share this infographic on your website? Just copy and paste the code provided below! Please include attribution to Disability Credit Canada! At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim the disability tax credit and CPP Disability. Check our other InfographicADHD and your child Infographic -What you can do to help your child Disability in Canada: A Complete Profile --- - Published: 2017-06-29 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/child-disability-tax-credit-guide/ Prior to 1986, The CRA only offered a standard deductible for people who were blind or were bound to a wheelchair. When more disabilities and mental illnesses became more visible and recognized, The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) saw fit to provide taxable income benefits to Canadians who suffered from these severe impairments as well. The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) was added as a tax credit for the purpose of helping Canadians who are living with prolonged physical or mental impairment and their families offset the various costs associated with those impairments such as medications, physical and psychological assistance in the form of therapy sessions, specialized equipment, etc. For over 30 years, the Disability Tax Credit has helped generations of Canadians recoup these financial burdens. In addition to the DTC you can claim for your child, the Canadian Government also has a program meant to further assist families who are taking care of children with disabilities. This is called the Child Disability Benefit. It’s a supplemental amount to the Canada Child Benefit paid to claimants of the DTC for children under 18 years of age. When you apply for Disability Tax Credit for your child below 18 years of age, you are actually applying for both the DTC itself, and the CDB. The CDB will automatically apply to you if you are eligible to receive the DTC for your child. This fact is sometimes not easily apparent to most Canadians who apply for the program. This guide, created by Disability Credit Canada is based on our extensive experience with Disability tax credit and, is meant to provide a comprehensive overview of the Child Disability Benefit as well as up-to-date information you can take action with. The guide will contain information regarding eligibility requirements, an overview of the application process, as well as an overview of some of the common impairments that may cause your child to be eligible to receive the Disability Tax Credit and the Child Disability Benefit. Disclaimer: Even though we’ve made considerable efforts to provide you with up-to-date actionable information that is backed by years of experience, you should not consider this guide as a legal or financial advice. Should you have any questions regarding the Child Disability Tax credit, contact the CRA directly as they are the ones administrating this program. Table of Contents What are the Child Disability Tax Credit and the Child Disability Benefit Who Can Apply for Child Disability Tax Credit? How Does the Child Disability Tax Credit Work? How Does the Child Disability Benefit Work? Retroactive Payments for Child Disability Tax Credit and Child Disability Benefit What are the Child Disability Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements? What are Child Disability Benefit Eligibility Criteria? How to Apply for Child Disability Tax Credit? Part A Part B Who can fill out Part B of the Disability Tax Credit Certificate Form T2201? Where can I send my Child Disability Benefit Application? How Long does it Take to Process My Child Disability Tax Credit Application? Child Disability Tax Credit and Child Disability Benefit Calculations How is the Child Disability Tax Credit Calculated? How is the Child Disability Benefit Calculated? What Medical Conditions can Qualify My Child for a Child Disability Tax Credit? Autism Asperger’s Syndrome Celiac Disease ADHD/ADD Crohn's Disease Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Down Syndrome Epilepsy Spina Bifida Depression Anxiety Developmental Delays Conclusion Case Studies What are the Child Disability Tax Credit and the Child Disability Benefit These two programs are related but different. Firstly, the Child Disability Tax Credit is a tax credit based on the taxes you paid or will pay annually. This means that you will not receive any DTC if you have not filed or paid any taxes for that year. Meanwhile, the Child Disability Benefit is a program that is meant to directly assist Canadians with raising their children with impairments. This means that you are still able to receive the CDB even if you have no taxable income for the year. The reason that these two programs are normally put together is that your eligibility to receive CDB is reliant on your eligibility to receive DTC. NOTE: Registered Disability Savings Plan While not directly related to the Child Disability Tax Credit or the Child Disability Benefit, once a person (Under 49 years of age) is eligible to receive the Disability Tax Credit he/she is also eligible to open an Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) account. An RDSP account is similar to the RRSP wherein a portion of your deposited money is matched by the government. Who Can Apply For Child Disability Tax Credit? The Child Disability Tax Credit can be applied for by any one parent who is taking primary care of the child under the age of 18 who has an impairment. If both parents provide for the child equally, only one of them can receive the tax credit. FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE DISABILITY TAX CREDIT! Get a free assessment   How Does the Child Disability Tax Credit Work? When you claim Disability Tax Credit for yourself or for an adult you are taking care of, you only receive what is called the base amount for the tax credit. However, if you are claiming the tax credit for a child you’re taking care of, the CRA also credits a supplemental amount. Both these amounts have a federal tax credit and a provincial tax credit component. Your annual Child Disability Tax Credit is the sum of both these amounts. How does the Child Disability Benefit work? The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is separate from the Child Disability Tax Credit. However, the CDB is reliant on the fact that you are receiving the DTC. It is a supplemental benefit that is added to the base Canada Child Benefit if the disabled individual is below 18 years of age. This benefit is available if you are already eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and your child is eligible for the DTC. This benefit will come to you as an increase in the monthly amount you receive for the Canada Child Benefit. The most important things to know about the Child Disability Benefits are: The CDB is paid to you in addition to the DTC refund that you will receive. You are still able to receive CDB payments even if you have no taxable income for the years your child is eligible for the DTC. This applies for both retroactive as well as current and future payments. Instead of a yearly tax refund like the DTC, current and future CDB payments are added to the CCB payments you receive monthly. Retroactive Payments for Child Disability Tax Credit and Child Disability Benefit When you are approved for your child's Disability Tax Credit and Child Disability Benefit, you will be able to receive up to the amount 10 years before of both as a retroactive payment. The CRA reassesses you taxes for the previous ten years then decides which years you are eligible for both programs and will pay you the corresponding tax credit amount and disability benefit amounts. NOTE: Denial of Benefits The CRA reserves the right to decline Child Disability benefits based on the information you have submitted. In such cases you have the right to amend your application by submitting additional relevant information. In order to successfully appeal the CRA’s decision, we highly recommend that you provide clear and concise new information, as well as ask your child’s medical practitioner to thoroughly certify his or her condition. So in summary, if you are eligible for the Child Disability Tax Credit, you can receive: A retroactive lump sum refund for up to the past 10 years that is the total of the Disability Tax Credit refunds for taxes paid during eligible years (this will include the supplemental DTC amount given for claiming a child under 18 years old) The CDB payments for up to the past 10 years. You will first receive retroactive payment for the previous two years of the benefit. You will need to submit a written request for the remaining amount. A yearly DTC refund based on your paid taxes when you file your income tax. A monthly CDB payment that is added to the Canada Child Benefit payment you are already receiving. FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE DISABILITY TAX CREDIT! Get a free assessment   What are the Child Disability Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements? The Canada Revenue Agency decides on your child’s eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit based on the information your child’s medical practitioner provides in Form T2201, also known as Disability Tax Credit Certificate. In this form, you and your doctor must prove that the child has a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. Once the form is filled and signed, you can send the form to the CRA at any time during the year. The eligibility criteria for the Disability Tax Credit consists of the following: The individual must have a severe impairment. This impairment must be significant enough that it adversely affects “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL). This severity is defined as “Markedly restricted” among CRA’s markers for eligibility. The CRA considers a number of activities as part of this list of ADLs. These include: bathing, dressing, walking, carrying, lifting, and other elements of personal care. The individual is receiving life-sustaining therapy (i. e. Dialysis, Insulin injections, etc. ). The individual’s impairment must have adversely affect their life for a minimum of 12 consecutive months. This is defined as “Prolonged impairment” among the CRA’s markers for eligibility. The eligible impairments can be generally divided into 3 main categories: Physical impairments Emotional, Mental or Psychological impairments Neurological impairments Keep in mind that the eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit is not based on the diagnosis of the impairment, but on the severity of the impairment and how it affects one’s ability to perform “activities of daily living” as listed above. This Child Disability Tax Credit Guide will give a brief overview of some conditions that fall under the list of eligible impairments. We have also discussed in-depth the following 3 Disability Tax Credit eligibility markers in The Disability Tax Credit Ultimate Resource Guide: “Markedly restricted” as a Disability Tax Credit eligibility marker “Life sustaining therapy” as a Disability Tax Credit eligibility marker “Prolonged impairment” as a Disability Tax Credit eligibility marker What are Child Disability Benefit Eligibility Criteria? You may be eligible for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) if you are already eligible and a recipient of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and are eligible to receive the Disability Tax Credit for your child. To be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), you must meet all of the following conditions: You must live with the child, and the child must be under 18 years of age. You are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child. You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. Once the CRA has received your DTC application, you will also be assessed to receive the Canada Child Benefit as well as any other relevant provincial or territorial programs. FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE DISABILITY TAX CREDIT! Get a free assessment   How to Apply for Child Disability Tax Credit? The Child Disability Tax Credit application starts with the CRA’s Disability Tax Credit Form T2201. The form is broken down into two major sections: Part A and Part B. Part A Part A will contain two sets of general information: the information of the child you are seeking eligibility for, and your own information as the claimant. These make up Section 1 and the upper half of Section 2. The information contained here consists of your Name, Address, Date of Birth, and SIN. The lower half of Section 2 consists of further information about the claimant. Specifically regarding what you do in order to support the disabled individual you are applying for. In Section 3, You are giving consent to the CRA to adjust your income tax return for the previous years to see which years you are eligible to receive the DTC for. Mark “Yes” for this section if you are looking to receive the retroactive refunds. Section 4 is where you sign off on the form itself, allowing your doctor to give your information to the CRA for review as well as allowing the CRA to adjust your income tax return. Part B Part B of the T2201 form is for your child’s medical practitioner/s to fill out. This part of the form consists of a number of sections detailing the disabled’s health and ability to perform tasks in various areas. These areas include: Vision Speaking Hearing Walking Eliminating (bowel or bladder functions) Feeding Dressing Mental Functions After this, Page 4 of the form consists of two sections. The top half contains a section where the doctor should detail any life-sustaining therapies your child is receiving. The bottom half contains information about how significantly your child’s impairments affect their daily life. Page 5 contains a summary of the effects of your child’s impairment as well as a section for your child’s primary medical practitioner to certify the information stated throughout Part B. Who can fill out Part B of the Disability Tax Credit Certificate Form T2201? Below is the full list of medical practitioners the CRA recognizes as having the authority to fill out and certify Part B of form T2201: Vision: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or optometrist Speaking: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or speech-language pathologist Hearing: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or audiologist Walking: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner, occupational therapist, or physiotherapist Eliminating (bowel or bladder functions): Medical doctor or nurse practitioner Feeding: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or occupational therapist Dressing: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or occupational therapist Mental Function Necessary for Everyday Life: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or psychologist Life-sustaining Therapy: Medical doctor or nurse practitioner Cumulative Effect of Significant Restrictions: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or occupational therapist NOTE: Nurse Practitioners In 2017, the Federal Budget included nurse practitioners to the list of recognized medical professionals allowed to complete and certify Part B of form T2201. This was done in order to accommodate Canadians with disabilities living in remote communities and the Canadian North where nurse practitioners are the most common first point of contact. Where can I send my Child Disability Benefit Application? Once you and your child’s medical practitioner have completed the Disability Tax Credit Certification Form T2201, you are ready to have the CRA assess your application for your child’s eligibility. You can send your application in two ways: Electronic submission by using your CRA My Account Mail submission to one of the tax center's How Long does it Take to Process My Child Disability Tax Credit Application? It will typically take between 3 to 6 months before you receive word from the CRA regarding eligibility and the reassessment of your previous year’s taxes if you were qualified. In some cases, it may take over a year as well. FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE DISABILITY TAX CREDIT! Get a free assessment   Child Disability Tax Credit and Child Disability Benefit Calculations How is the Child Disability Tax Credit Calculated? The Disability Tax Credit you will receive every year consists of two amounts: a Base Amount and a Supplemental Amount. Both these amounts have a federal and a provincial component and are calculated based on a percentage of a maximum disability amount determined by the respective governments. You can click on below list to check province specific base and supplement tables for the past 10 years in our provincial guides. Alberta Disability Tax Credit Application British Columbia Disability Tax Credit Application Ontario Disability Tax Credit Application Nova Scotia Disability Tax Credit Application Saskatchewan Disability Tax Credit Application Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Tax Credit Application Quebec Disability Tax Credit Application Manitoba Disability Tax Credit Application New Brunswick Disability Tax Credit Application On average, the Child Disability Tax Credit is around $3,000 per year. For the purposes of this explanation, we will be using the provincial amounts for Ontario. Keep in mind that the provincial amounts may vary between provinces. Base Amounts (2018) The federal base amount is $1,235. 25 The provincial base amount for Ontario is $836. 50 The total 2018 base DTC amount is then $2,071. 75 Supplemental Amounts (2018) The Supplemental Amount is an additional amount added to your DTC refund if the person who is eligible for the DTC is below 18 years of age. The federal supplemental amount is $720. 60 The provincial supplemental amount for Ontario is $487. 90 The total 2018 supplemental DTC amount is then $1,208. 50 Therefore, considering that you are applying for you child’s Disability Tax Credit eligibility, if you are approved, you can receive up to $3,280. 25 for 2018. How is the Child Disability Benefit Calculated? For July 2019 to June 2020, you can stand to receive a maximum of $2,832 ($236. 00 per month) for each child found eligible for the CDB. The CDB is calculated based on the following: The number of children eligible for the Child Disability Tax Credit Your adjusted family net income (AFNI). The AFNI is calculated from the total income you and your spouse or common law partner. You can find this by adding up line 236 of you and your partner’s income tax returns. Marital status NOTE: Change of Status If the number of children in your care or your marital status have changed, you will need to contact the CRA as soon as possible and update your profile. Since such changes can affect the tabulation of family net income and/or the base amount against which your Child Disability Benefit amount is weighed, as well as other aspects of your case, it is important that you not delay in reporting such changes. Deduction to the CDB begins when your adjusted family net income goes over a base amount of $67,426. This deduction is dependent on the number of eligible children in your family. For one eligible child, the deduction is 3. 2% of the amount of income you have over $67,426. For two or more eligible children the deduction is equal to 5. 7% of your income over the base amount. Examples: Mark and Alice have an adjusted family net income of $75,000 with one child eligible for the Child Disability Tax Credit. They will receive a deduction on the CDB based on the amount of income they have over $67,426 equal to $7,574. Now we take 3. 2% of this which is $232. 37 from the annual maximum CDB they can receive which is $2,832. This comes up to a CDB annual total of $2,599. 63 or $216. 64 per month. Christine and David have 3 children, 2 of which are eligible for the Disability Tax credit. Having 2 eligible children means that they can receive up to $5,664. With an AFNI of $85,000 they are $17,574 over the base amount. The deduction to the CDB they will receive is equal to 5. 7% of the income over the base amount which is $1,001. 72. This leads to a total annual CDB payment of $1,830. 28 or $152. 52 per month. NOTE: Additional Verification for Retroactive Benefits FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE DISABILITY TAX CREDIT! Get a free assessment   When you first receive your retroactive benefits for the CDB, you will only receive the two previous years. For the remaining years, you will need to send a request for retroactive benefits. In response to the request, the CRA may require a submission of additional medical records, as well a concurring second opinion from a specialized medical practitioner in order to verify the existence and effects of the impairment in question. It is vital that any requested documentation be submitted without delay and that the information submitted on form T2201 is complete and accurate. In addition, the CRA may, at its discretion, require claimants to fill out follow-up questionnaires in order to obtain more information about the impairment before making a determination relative to the claimant’s eligibility. In cases of autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, ADD, ODD and various genetic syndromes, relevant medical professionals familiar with the child’s condition may be asked to submit in writing a detailed assessment of the child’s impairment and how it relates to the loss of their physical and/or mental functions as well as their professional prognosis. Supporting letters from parents detailing the history of their child’s impairment and how it has impacted the financial well-being of the family will also be considered when making a determination for eligibility for extended Child Disability Tax Credit Benefits. Parents can also ask the child’s teachers or specialized educators for letters explaining how the child’s condition has affected his/her ability in learning, communicating and perform daily living activities. What Medical Conditions can Qualify My Child for a Child Disability Tax Credit? This list will serve as a guide to some of the medical conditions that may qualify your child to receive the child disability tax credit: Autism Asperger’s Syndrome Celiac Disease ADHD/ADD Crohn's Disease Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Down Syndrome Epilepsy Spina Bifida Depression Anxiety Developmental Delays Autism Autism is a complex disorder with the initial diagnosis typically occurring when a child is between 2 and 3. First indications of the presence of autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) include a failure to begin speaking, an aversion to social interactions and a lack of physical warmth toward parents and siblings. The degree to which children are affected by the disorder can vary considerably. In the most severe cases intellectual disability may accompany autism and complicate matters further. While some children with ASD may go on to find a niche for themselves; others, sadly, will not. In such cases the burden of long term care will fall to the family and the costs can be considerable: as much as $25,000+ per year. Read more about child disability tax credit eligibility for Autism FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE DISABILITY TAX CREDIT! Get a free assessment   Asperger’s Syndrome Like ASD, Asperger’s is a socialization disorder commonly diagnosed when a child is very young. In the case of Asperger’s that would typically be around the age of 3 or 4. At this point, many children enter preschool or daycare situations and are expected to start interacting with their peers. Children with Asperger’s commonly show little interest in doing so. Children with Asperger’s may seem to lack empathy for, or interest in, the problems of others. They may become progressively more isolated through poor communication skills, atypical physicality and repetitive behaviours. Over time this isolation may become severe with the child developing anxiety or depression as well. The cost of raising a child with Asperger’s will vary but in some severe cases it can be comparable to the cost of raising an autistic child. Read more about child disability tax credit eligibility for Asperger’s Syndrome Celiac Disease Celiac Disease causes the small intestine to lose the ability to absorb nutrients effectively. This is due to an autoimmune cross-reaction triggered by gluten proteins. Symptoms can range from a failure to thrive to anemia. chronic diarrhea and more. In older children, progression of the disease can result in stunted growth, delayed puberty, learning disabilities and lack of coordination. The only effective treatment involves committing to a gluten-free diet. Families of children with celiac disease must regularly consult with a range of typically pricey medical specialists. In addition, the cost of raising a child with celiac disease is exacerbated by the fact that gluten-free alternative products can cost 2, 3 or even 5 times more expensive than regular food. Read more about disability tax credit eligibility for Celiac disease ADHD / ADD It is estimated that some 8% of children under 17 suffer from ADHD. Symptoms vary from individual. However, the most dominant traits are inability to stay focused, difficulty paying attention, an inability to control one’s behaviour as well as hyperactivity. As they get older, these children will likely have trouble organizing, staying focused on important goals and holding down meaningful employment. The costs of treating ADHD/ADD can be significant with individual costs estimated at nearly $4,000 per year. Considering that ADHD medications such as Adderall can cost nearly $300 a month. In severe cases the costs of treating ADHD can become an enormous burden on a family’s finances. Read more about disability tax credit eligibility for ADHD/ADD Crohn’s Disease Crohn’s disease is a long term disease wherein the intestine becomes ulcerated, inflamed and beset by sores. Crohn’s disease can develop in very young children although it’s most commonly first diagnosed in teens and young adults. Children with Crohn’s face a set of vexing challenges that include the possibility of stunted growth (due to ineffective nutrient absorption), weak, brittle bones as well as delayed puberty. The cost of treating a child or teen with Crohn’s disease can be prohibitive with the cost of a single 100 mg dose of an approved drug like Remicade costing around $900. Other factors that impact the price of caring for a child with Crohn’s include doctor visits, multiple over-the-counter medications and possible bowel surgery, which can typically cost $35,000 or more. Read more about disability tax credit eligibility for Crohn’s disease Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Children with ODD exhibit angry, resentful behaviour, are quick to blame others for their mistakes, are short tempered, spiteful and often behave in ways intended to annoy others. These behaviours often result in the child becoming socially isolated over the long term and running an elevated risk of developing major depression. Treatment of ODD tends to center around various behavioural modification therapies as well as psychotherapy for the child in concert with management and coping therapies for parents. Each course of therapy can represent a significant expense and not all health plans will cover them. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Children with sensory processing disorder experience difficulty responding to common sensory input. As a result they may seem uncoordinated or clumsy, they may be unable to judge their position in space and consequently bump into things and they may find it difficult to engage other children in normal play. There are many specialists who believe SPD is actually a symptom of another more pervasive disorder like autism. As children with SPD mature they may find it difficult to obtain steady work and may be seen by employers as a potential liability. Treatment of SPD typically involves physical and occupational therapy that in many cases must be paid for out of pocket by the family of the sufferer. Read more about child disability tax credit eligibility for Sensory Processing Disorder Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) APD makes it difficult for children to distinguish between similar sounding words or phrases. For example: they may hear “How do cows and chairs differ? ” as “How do crowds of hair differ? ” APD can have profound effects on a child’s academic performance which in turn can negatively impact their long term career prospects. Effective treatment of APD can take many years and primarily involves the participation of a range of specialists. Many families will find it difficult to afford all the professional assistance that may be required to give their child a chance at having a productive, rewarding future. Down Syndrome Whereas some other disabilities may be difficult to quantify, such is not the case for children with down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome sparks a range of cascading physical and mental effects including stunted growth, lower IQ, congenital heart defects and various characteristic facial features. There is no cure for down syndrome although various therapies and treatments can improve the quality of life for many people living with this disability. It is estimated that medical costs incurred by children with down syndrome are typically 12 to 13 times those of children without the condition. Epilepsy Epilepsy is one of the oldest recognized neurological disorders. It is a disorder of the central nervous system wherein normal nerve cell activity is disrupted. Epilepsy is accompanied by seizures which can range in severity from moderate to extreme and can be anywhere from relatively easy to control to nearly impossible to control. Although some children outgrow the condition they may suffer long term physical and emotional damage from their experience. There is no cure for epilepsy, though there are several treatments that have proven successful in controlling seizure activity in many sufferers. Children with epilepsy can incur up to $10,000 in annual medical costs including doctor visits, emergency room visits, medication and therapy. Read more about disability tax credit eligibility for epilepsy Spina Bifida Spina Bifida is a birth defect caused when some of the bones of the spine do not form correctly. While the disorder takes several forms the most severe form entails the nerves of the spine being pushed out of the misshapen spinal canal and damaged. In some babies these nerves may even be exposed to the air. Children with spina bifida typically have little or no feeling in their extremities, bowel or bladder problems and a curved spine that makes walking difficult. The financial burden imposed on the families of children with spina bifida can be overwhelming. The annual costs of medical care alone can exceed $65,000 a year for young children and only slightly less for adolescents and young adults. Depression While commonly thought of as an adult affliction depression actually affects some 2% of school aged children. There is no single cause of depression in adults or children. Biological, environmental and developmental issues are a number of causes for the condition. Depression in children can cause irritability, a general loss of interest and an inability to derive pleasure from normal play or stimuli.... --- - Published: 2016-10-07 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/disability-tax-credit-eligibility-ulcerative-colitis/ Ulcerative colitis or simply colitis is a chronic disease that creates irritation and swelling in the large intestine. Painful sores known commonly as ulcers also develop on the sensitive lining of the colon and can be very painful. Colitis is one of several diseases that fall into the category of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. Other IBDs include Crohn’s disease and microscopic colitis. Colitis is often debilitating and can on occasion lead to life-threatening complications. As of this writing there is no cure for colitis although there are treatments available that can mitigate some of the worst symptoms. If you have colitis you may qualify for benefits under the Disability Tax Credit program. The Disability Tax Credit for Those with Ulcerative Colitis The Disability Tax Credit or DTC is a program of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) designed to help the disabled find the relief so many of them need from the overwhelming costs associated with treating their condition. The DTC recognizes that these costs are unique to the disabled and often just as liable as the disability itself to cause hardship. The CRA recognizes colitis as a potentially disabling disease which means you may be able to find both short and long-term financial relief if your application for benefits is accepted. Qualifying for Disability Tax Credit If you suffer from colitis you should strongly consider applying for relief via the Disability Tax Credit program. If you are unsure whether it’s worth the effort of going through the application process it might help to consider this: if your application is successful you may be eligible for up to 10 years of retroactive benefits. To qualify for the DTC an applicant must demonstrate the following: A prolonged and marked restriction: In this case “prolonged” is defined as having lasted or being expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months. A “marked restriction” means the person is unable to perform one or more of life’s basic daily functions a substantial amount of the time (at least 90% of the time) or that it takes them an unusual or inordinate amount of time to do so. “Inordinate” in this case does not have a hard and fast definition. Instead, whether or not a person takes an inordinate amount of time to perform a basic function is determined by the applicant’s doctor or relevant qualified medical practitioner. As a general rule of thumb however “inordinate” may be defined as taking 3 times longer than normal to do something. If you believe your colitis meets the criteria for receiving benefits your next step is to download Form T2201 from the CRA website and fill it out completely. (You can also pick up the form in person at any regional CRA office. ) Form T2201 is composed of 2 distinct parts. Part A is filled out by you and includes all your relevant personal information. You can either fill this in yourself or enlist the help of a qualified benefits specialist like the professionals at Disability Credit Canada. Once Part A is complete you need to turn the form over to your doctor or medical practitioner and have them complete Part B. In Part B the doctor describes in detail the nature of your disability and how your colitis impacts your life. Just as with Part A it is essential that Part B is filled out in its entirety. Submitting an incomplete Form T2201 is likely to result in the summary dismissal of your application. As mentioned, if you or a member of your family suffers from ulcerative colitis you may be eligible for up to 10 years of benefits under the DTC program. Having someone on your side to assist in filling out your portion of Form T2201, to work with your doctor on your behalf to insure Part B is filled out properly and then to shepherd your application through the often labyrinthian CRA approval process can make the difference between being approved and being rejected. Disability Credit Canada has worked with scores of disabled Canadians to get them the financial relief they’re entitled to under the DTC program and we can do the same for you. Call us on 1-844-800-6020 and talk to one of our highly-trained benefits specialists about submitting your application for the DTC. Financial relief is just a phone call away. --- - Published: 2016-08-19 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/8-reasons-choose-disability-credit-canada/ Top reasons why Disability Credit Canada is THE company you should choose: There are a lot of services out there that will offer to help you with your Disability Tax Credit, Disability Tax Credit for Child, and CPP disability applications but none have the proven record of success, the commitment to their clients, and the unblemished reputation for integrity and expertise of Disability Credit Canada. Some companies are single-minded in the pursuit of their own agenda. At Disability Credit Canada we’re relentless in our pursuit of yours. You’ll never have to worry about whether your application is properly filled out and filed, whether your doctor supplied the right information or whether your application will get stuck in bureaucratic limbo. With Disability Credit Canada on your side, you stand better than a 90% chance of getting approved. 1. Honest, FREE Assessment We don’t tell you straightaway that you qualify for disability tax credits & benefits. We do just quite the opposite – we do ask all the questions, and we do need all your answers. We can’t help you if we don’t know everything, so you can expect us to go through all the facts, dates, and questions necessary for us to tell you exactly how much and how well we can help you. And if we know it won’t end well, we won’t waste your time. We won’t even encourage you to apply if we know from the start that your case wouldn’t stand a chance in the CRA’s evaluation. 2. Over 90% Success Rate Disability credits & benefits is ALL we do and our high success rate is due to our unwavering commitment to our clients. It all starts with a thorough assessment and case evaluation done by our disability benefit specialists; it is then continued with a proprietary case formulation process we've developed over the years. Our case formulation process is matriculated and extensive making sure your case is going to be so strong and compelling that the CRA can't deny it. 3. Unparalleled Experience We are disability experts & advocates & we specialize in disability credits & benefits. We’re not accountants or finance professionals whose concern lie with the numbers and all they do is fill out a couple of lines within the DTC form and then send it to the CRA. We’re not lawyers, either, whose endgame is a lawsuit or a settlement and work is often done by junior assistants. We’ve helped hundreds of disabled Canadians from all over Canada, for us it's not about filling out forms but rather building a strong case that we can present to the CRA and get approved for as many years as possible. 4. Full Service We will take care of your application from beginning to end! All that is required from you is to sign our client agreement and provide us with the right permissions. Once we start working on your case we will fill out all applicable forms, we will communicate with your doctor/s and guide them throughout the application form, we will communicate with the CRA on a regular basis and we will make sure that all credits and benefits have been applied for. 5. Advocacy for the Disabled Our advocacy for the disabled is not confined to our work on behalf of our DTC clients. We stay involved in disability rights at every level from the practical to the legislative, promoting the cause of the disabled, lobbying against restrictive amendments to legislation, and raising awareness of the fight for disabled rights. 6. Medical Practitioner Communication Doctors are busy folks and filling out disability tax credit forms is not at the top of their priority list. In some cases, doctors may not cooperate as they are unfamiliar with the disability tax credit process and criteria. We will communicate with your doctors multiple times, we will guide them through the required criteria and we will ensure that the disability tax credit form is filled out to our satisfaction. 7. Maximize all credits and benefits Once we get your disability tax credit application approved we then analyze your account and make sure we leave no stone unturned in applying for all applicable credits and benefits to maximize your refund. 8. NO win NO fee We are so confident that we can get your disability claim approved that we won’t get paid unless you do! ! We’re not profit-oriented. While we’re a private company that helps you process your disability claims, we don’t force you to give up money you don’t have. In the few occasions, applications we carefully helped complete didn’t make the cut, we never asked to be compensated for our hard work. And that’s okay, and we intend to keep it that way. You can hold us for our no-win, no-fee guarantee because we would never feel right about profiting off your losses. --- - Published: 2016-05-12 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-child-benefits/ Our mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. In this endeavor, we have worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians and we recognize the difficulties they face in their everyday life. At Disability Credit Canada we’ve seen many people applying for Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits who are unaware that their dependent children may also be eligible to receive a monthly payment under the children’s benefits provision of the CPP. This part of the pension program is called the CPP Disability Child Benefits. The CPP disability children’s benefit plan was introduced to help alleviate the hardship brought upon dependent children by a parent’s disability. If you have applied and been approved for CPP disability benefits there is a good chance your dependent children will be eligible for the children’s benefit. CPP Disability Child Benefits: Determining Eligibility In order for your dependent children to qualify for CPP disability child benefits the following conditions must be met. The dependent child must be under 18 years of age or The dependent child must be between 18 and 25 and a full-time student at a recognized school. CPP Disability Child benefits Eligibility is further broken down into three categories of dependent children: Those who are the natural or adopted children of someone receiving CPP disability benefits. The child of someone who was receiving CPP disability benefits at the time of their death. A surviving child of a deceased contributor to the CPP fund. That is, a decedent who had contributed in 4 of the previous 6 years before their death or 3 of the previous 6 years if they had a total of at least 25 years of contributions. The Right Time to Apply Parents or their dependent children should apply for CPP disability child benefits when one of the following occurs: The parent or guardian applies for CPP disability benefits. There is no rule stating you must wait to be approved for CPP disability benefits before applying for the child’s benefit. A child comes into the custody or primary care of a parent or guardian who is receiving CPP disability benefits. A CPP contributing parent or guardian dies, whether or not they were receiving CPP benefits. If any of these conditions occur an application for child benefits should be tendered as soon as possible to prevent losing benefits. Keep in mind the CPP program will only make 12 months of back payments for child benefits. Filing CPP Disability Child Benefits Application If the child is under 18 years of age the disabled parent or guardian should make the application for child benefits. If you are caring for the dependent child of a disabled or deceased individual and that child is under 18 you should make the application for them. However, if the child is between 18-25 and a full-time student at a recognized educational institution they should make the application themselves. Those children who are full-time students will need to complete a Declaration of Attendance at School or University form at the beginning of every school year or when returning to school after having taken time off. It’s also possible that the student will be asked to complete said form at the beginning of each semester. Failure to complete the declaration will result in termination of payments. Disbursement of Funds As of this writing the monthly child benefit is a flat $234. 87. If the dependent child is under 18 the money is paid to the person taking care of the child, be they parent or guardian. If the dependent child is a full-time student between 18-25 the monthly payment will be disbursed to them directly. Post Application and Approval Should your dependent child be eligible for CPP disability child benefits those benefits will commence approximately 8 weeks after the application has been received. If more than 8 weeks have passed and you have heard nothing regarding the status of benefits contact CPP directly. Responsibilities of Dependent Children Receiving CPP Benefits Dependent children receiving CPP benefits or their parent or guardian must notify program administrators immediately if any of the following occurs: They are a full-time student and withdraw from school. Their status at school changes from full-time to part-time. The dependent relationship with the CPP contributor changes. Their address or name changes. Remember that any benefits received after the eligibility status of the dependent child changes will have to be paid back. Disability Credit Canada has helped scores of parents and dependent children receive the child benefits they’re entitled to under the CPP disability child benefits program. Get a FREE CPP Disability Child Benefits assessment today when you give us a call! --- - Published: 2016-05-12 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-benefits-application/ Today, you can make that change. Check this CPP Disability Benefits Application guide and start gaining back what you lost. At Disability Credit Canada our mission is to connect those disabled citizens in need of assistance with the government programs intended to supply it, such as the CPP disability benefits program. We understand that accessing these critical funds can be a confusing, time consuming process for many who many not be adept at navigating a bureaucratic maze. That’s where our highly trained benefits specialists come in handy. With comprehensive knowledge of the CPP disability benefits application process and eligibility requirements we’re able to turn an often intimidating process into one that restores much needed financial balance and stability to the lives of the disabled. How to complete your CPP Disability Benefits Application? The CPP disability benefits program is conditional in the sense that apart from established severe and prolonged mental or physical impairment (you can read our guide on disability tax credit eligibility), it also requires recipients to have been making payments into the CPP fund for a certain amount of years or to be able to prove they were unable to do so. The CPP Disability Benefits Application is a multi-step process which we'll do our best to make very easy and do-able for you. Step 1: Make Sure You’ve Made Requisite CPP Contributions If you wish to apply for CPP disability benefits you’ll need to be sure you’ve made adequate payments into the CPP fund. “Adequate payments” in this case means that you’ve contributed to the CPP program for at least four of the previous six years, or three of the past six years if you can prove 25 years of contributions. If your responsibilities as primary caregiver for your children have kept you from working you may be exempt from the above requirements through the “child-rearing” provision. Step 2: Obtain and Complete CPP Disability Application and Related Forms CPP Disability Benefits Application papers can be obtained at the nearest CPP administrative office. You can also download and print them from the Internet or make a written request that they be sent to you through the mail. A complete application package will consist of the following: Completed CPP disability application form - This form will ask for your personal information including your Social Insurance Number. It’s important to be thorough when completing this form because errors or omissions can negatively impact your application as well as your dependent children’s ability to receive supplemental benefits. Completed Questionnaire for Disability Benefits - This form contains information about your disability, your diagnosis, impairments that are preventing you from working and your last day of work. The last day of work is important because it is used to determine when your benefits will commence, should you be approved. A comprehensive medical report on your condition - It is in this report that your doctor will lay out why they consider your disability to be “severe” and “prolonged”. For the record: ○ “Severe” is defined as a mental or physical disability that prevents you from engaging in regular work. ○ “Prolonged” means that this disability has lasted or is expected to last at least one full year or that it is terminal. Signed consent form to obtain personal information - This form allows the program’s administrators to contact your doctor directly to obtain information. It’s not mandatory but it could make the application process easier. Completed child-rearing provision form (if applicable) - If you needed to step away from your job or career to raise your children you may still qualify for CPP disability benefits. Step 3: Write a Cover Letter You may want to write a cover letter to accompany your CPP disability application. While a cover letter is not mandatory including one is sometimes helpful. Use the cover letter to inventory the contents of your application package as well as to provide details of your education and work history and how your disability has impacted your ability to work. Step 4: Deliver Application Package Once you have assembled all the application and supporting documents double check that all the information is correct and send the entire package via Canada Post. If you want to be certain CPP receives your application you can drop it off in person at the closest regional office. If you need assistance with applying Canadian disability benefits, contact Disability Credit Canada and take advantage of our years of experience and unparalleled record of successfully shepherding applications through to final approval. Contact us and get a Free, No Obligation Assessment. --- - Published: 2015-05-11 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/tendinitis/ A tendon is a connective tissue that attaches the end of the muscle to the bone. Tendinitis occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed due to injury or repetitive overuse. If left untreated the condition may become For this, the Canadian government offers help to people with this condition through the Disability Tax Credit for Tendinitis. Causes and Symptoms of TendinitisTendinitis is usually the result of an injury, either a blunt trauma injury or, more typically, an injury caused by repetitive behaviour. Other conditions that may cause tendinitis include:Rheumatoid arthritis, gout or thyroid disorders. Physical abnormalities that may put stress on a particular muscle or joint. Reactions to certain medicines. Some types of infection. The condition typically results in pain manifested in the tissues surrounding the affected joint. There may also be redness and swelling in the affected area accompanied by a sensation of weaknesses or numbness. Other symptoms tend to be specific to the area involved. Diagnosis of TendinitisTendinitis can usually be diagnosed by a physician during a routine physical exam. Tenderness, redness, restricted movement and swelling are all things the doctor will take note of during the exam. Range of motion tests may also be indicated and any restriction or pain noted. The information gained during the exam along with the patient’s medical history will all contribute to the diagnosis. Disability Tax Credit for Tendinitis and Other SupportIn some cases symptoms may pass on their own. Most other cases however will require some form of treatment plan to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with the condition and to help the patient regain range of motion and optimal functionality. The treatment regimen will likely include:RestResting the affected tendon is a key component in any recovery plan. In most cases this will not lead to significant disruption of the patient’s lifestyle, unless the afflicted tendon resides in an area key to the patient’s motor functions: like the knee or heel. In those cases a reinforcing brace may be used to provide additional support. Pain reliefNSAIDs such as ibuprofen are commonly suggested for the treatment of pain and inflammation. In Canada, they can be purchased over the counter with no prescription necessary. In severe cases steroids may be injected directly into the tendon sheath to provide the desired pain relief. Physical therapyAthletes in particular may undertake protracted and progressive physical therapy regimens in order to slowly rebuild function and strengthen the tendon. Patients less inclined to strenuous activity may still need physical therapy but the duration and intensity will be more modest in scope. In some cases surgery may be required in order to ensure the eventual return of optimal function and/or to remove inflamed tissue from the affected area. However, Tendinitis symptoms usually respond to treatment and do not require surgery. Once recovered however, the patient may need to consider changes in their workload or, if they are an athlete, they may need to modify the focus or intensity of their training in order to avoid a recurrence of the condition. If you are suffering from Tendinitis you should contact Disability Credit Canada and learn about your rights, you me be eligible to receive up to $40,000 in your Disability Tax Credit for Tendinitis. Call us for a FREE consultation today! We are here to help you every step of the way of your Disability Tax Credit for Tendinitis application. --- - Published: 2015-05-11 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/osteoarthritis/ Disability Tax Credit for OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis (also called OA, degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis) is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of chronic disability in Canada and many other countries. OA attacks the joints and destroys cartilage ultimately resulting in bone to bone contact and considerable pain and loss of function for the afflicted. OA is a condition that may qualify Canadians for Disability Tax Credit as wellOsteoarthritis Symptoms include:Stiff, painful joints. Reduced range of motion in the joints. Swelling around the joints. Cracking or grinding sound during joint movement. Who Gets Osteoarthritis? Risk factors for OA include obesity, aging and joint injury but as a rule OA does not discriminate. It affects people of all races and both sexes. It usually strikes people over the age of 40 but has been known to afflict those as young as 20. (Usually, however, those cases are instigated by some form of repetitive joint stress or injury to the joint. )Diagnosis for OsteoarthritisDiagnosis of OA is usually based on symptoms noted by the doctor during a physical examination. In some cases however, more involved diagnostic methods may be recommended such as:X-rays – Although it's likely the doctor will be able to diagnose OA during a simple physical exam, X-rays can be useful tools to confirm the diagnosis. The major advantage of X-rays is the details they can reveal about the state of your joints. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Like X-rays the MRI is primarily useful in filling in the diagnostic blank spaces, particularly when it comes to assessing OA-related damage to knees, spine, hips and shoulders. Treatment of OsteoarthritisOA treatment focuses on several main areas of concern: pain management, weight control, improved joint function and lifestyle adjustments. Pain ManagementFor less intense pain doctors will recommend the use of acetaminophen. If this proves inadequate NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) like ibuprofen may be prescribed. In extreme cases corticosteroids may be recommended. Non-drug treatments such as massage, acupuncture and various nutritional supplements have also demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in the battle against OA-related pain. Weight ControlFor overweight individuals a strict weight control regime is crucial in arresting the pain associated with osteoarthritis. No effective pain management and abatement scheme can be devised if the patient's weight remains well beyond that of medically advisable norms. Joint FunctionPhysical therapies focused on regaining or retaining flexibility in OA affected joints is an important part of an overall OA treatment plan. In some cases however, the doctor may determine that a particular joint is beyond the ability of therapy or medicine to help, and may advise joint replacement surgery. LifestyleLifestyle changes needed to ensure a successful treatment plan often focus on finding ways to reduce stress on OA affected joints while simultaneously finding ways to improve joint function. In many cases a program of low-impact aerobics has proven beneficial in alleviating pain while also helping patients achieve their weight loss goals. Osteoarthritis affects tens of millions of people around the world. While there is no cure at this time there are increasingly effective treatment plans that can assist patients in arresting OA’s symptoms and regaining control over their lives. Let us help you. Call us for a free consultation today! Disability Credit Canada is here to walk you through the entire disability tax credit application process with our expert advice and step-by-step guidance. --- - Published: 2015-05-11 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/gout/ In Canada alone, gout, or “gouty arthritis,” afflicts an estimated 1. 5 million people. It is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood and can lead to painful episodes known as “attacks,” most commonly concentrated in the big toe. In some cases, the attack may spread to the ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists as well. It is predominantly a male affliction usually striking men between the age of 40 and 50. If left untreated it can lead to potentially serious long-term complications. A diagnosis of gout could make you eligible for a disability tax credit of up to $25,000 from the CRA, which can be applied retroactively. However, many Canadians with disabilities are not approved because they fill out their T2201 Form themselves rather than seeking professional help. Many gout sufferers have their applications denied because the CRA does not find their condition sufficiently severe or prolonged. With over a decade of experience, Disability Credit Canada have helped numerous Canadians with gout apply for and receive the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). We work closely with our clients to ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency receives the strongest possible application. Gout SymptomsIntense pain in the big toe that may last several days. Pain spreads to other joints in the lower arms and legs. Red skin, tender to the touch in the afflicted areas. Causes of GoutThe cause of gout is well understood to be the buildup of uric acid in the blood. Normally a benign chemical, when uric acid reaches abnormal levels in the blood it can form crystals which collect in the joints at the body’s extremities. The hard crystals irritate the sensitive tissue of the joint causing inflammation and pain. Why uric acid accumulates to unhealthy levels in some people and not in others is not entirely clear but certain conditions and behaviours are known to contribute, such as:Excessive alcohol consumption. Vitamin C deficiency. A diet rich in certain seafood or yeast. High doses of aspirin. Severe cases of psoriasis. Gout DiagnosisThe condition is typically diagnosed by examination of symptoms manifested during an attack. The doctor will do a physical exam and perhaps check the level of uric acid in the patient's blood. If diagnosis is in doubt the doctor may choose to examine the fluid in the swollen joint and test it for crystals of uric acid. Gout TreatmentA range of treatments exist to help the sufferer deal with the acute pain of an attack. These include:Rest - Raise the leg to alleviate downward pressure and apply an ice pack. If there is no ice pack available, a bag of frozen vegetables will do. Keep the afflicted joint wrapped for about 20 minutes and then remove the ice pack to avoid damaging the skin. NSAIDs - NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are the most commonly recommended medication for treating attacks. This type of medication can be bought over the counter in any drugstore, is inexpensive and, when combined with ice pack therapy, is generally all that is needed to help the patient get through an attack. Corticosteroids - In severe cases the doctor may prescribe the use of corticosteroids for relief of symptoms. This type of medication, while effective, carries the risk of more severe side effects than NSAIDs. Corticosteroids should only be prescribed if the patient does not respond to other types of treatment. Long-term PrognosisMedications used to lower uric acid levels have proven effective in reducing the condition’s impact if taken over the long term. Declining to seek treatment for gout, however, can lead to potentially serious long-term complications including destruction of affected joints, hypertension, heart disease, and kidney failure. --- - Published: 2015-05-11 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/fibromyalgia/ Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread pain and accompanied by a rash of secondary indicators. It is sometimes linked with certain psychiatric conditions like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) but may also be triggered by other causes such as surgery, genetics or infection. In general, women are more likely to develop the disorder than men. For this, the Canadian government offers support through the Disability Tax Credit for Fibromyalgia. Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Include: Widespread pain Fatigue Stiffness of the joints Irritable bowel syndrome Anxiety and depression Headaches Sleeplessness The exact cause of the condition is not known although there are several well-regarded hypotheses as to its origin. Evidence suggests genetics may play a part and lifestyle choices are also suspected of either causing or exacerbating symptoms, with evidence suggesting obesity and smoking may be contributing factors. And, as mentioned earlier, there is also evidence to suggest a causal relationship with disorders like PTSD, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and perhaps depression as well. Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult because patient test results will often appear normal. The fact that symptoms often mimic those associated with other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and depression only complicates matters. To bring clarity to the process of diagnosis, the American College of Rheumatology in 1990 released a set of classification criteria that has since become known at the “ACR 1990”. These criteria define a person suffering from the disorder as manifesting: Widespread pain of more than three months duration in all four quadrants of the body. The existence of up to 18 so-called “tender points” While helpful in galvanizing acceptance of the condition in the US and Canada these criteria proved incomplete and there was some clinical resistance to the necessary tender point examinations. In their stead has arisen the tendency of many doctors to base their diagnosis primarily on how you feel. Though your physician may yet urge laboratory tests to be performed it is often so that he or she may rule out other conditions before making a diagnosis. Disability Tax Credit for Fibromyalgia and Other Support Treatment regimens have been developed over time that can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall health. These treatments typically combine medication with physical therapy and techniques that will help the patient relax and handle stress more effectively. Medications commonly used to combat symptoms include: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). These can be generally effective in relieving symptoms and when administered wisely do not present a significant long-term health threat. Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, are sometimes indicated for their ability to calm nerves and affect nerve transmission pathways. Opioids like codeine or oxycodone (though narcotics are generally not advised in any but the most extreme cases). Since a significant percentage of people who suffer from this malady also suffer from depression or other mood disorders, counseling is often indicated as a useful tool for helping patients maintain mental fortitude and emotional equilibrium. Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that requires a multi-disciplinary response. If you suspect you may be suffering from this debilitating condition speak to your health care provider. They can assist you in finding the help you need to get started on the road to recovery. Call us for a FREE consultation today! We are here for every step of your Disability Tax Credit for Fibromyalgia application. --- - Published: 2015-05-11 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/chronic-pain/ The Canadian Government have devised income support schemes like CPP Disability benefits and Disability tax Credits to help people suffering from chronic pain issues by providing supplementary income, however getting approved for these benefits is not that straight forward. While health professionals in Canada disagree on the exact point at which acute pain becomes chronic, the general consensus is that any pain lasting more than 12 weeks can be considered so. The causes of chronic pain can be elusive though known sources include back injury, arthritis, (particularly rheumatoid arthritis), fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome and many forms of cancer in their advanced stages. The government of Canada is dedicated to helping you live a comfortable, pain-free life through the Disability Tax Credit for Chronic Pain. People dealing with this type of pain often become depressed and sedentary which can create additional problems that make the formulation of an effective treatment regimen problematic. Symptoms of Chronic PainPersistent mild to severe painStabbing, shooting or burning painStiffness, muscle tightness and chronic discomfortIn addition to depression, sufferers experience a host of other side effects that can make even the simplest daily activity a challenge. These additional side effects include:Fear, anxiety and a sense of despairFatigueInsomniaWeakened immune systemMood swingsAs the above list suggests the emotional toll of this condition is often considerable and can actually make the pain worse. Feelings of depression, fear and hopelessness can create complex interactions between mind and body which must be addressed in concert with the underlying condition. Disability Tax Credit for Chronic Pain and Other SupportAlthough much progress has been made in recent years there is still no single treatment that will guarantee full relief from chronic pain. Today, a typical treatment regimen may include:Drug Therapy: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) may be prescribed for lower levels of pain. If these are not able to provide relief, your doctor may decide stronger medications such as Celebrex, Percocet or Vicodin are called for. In a limited number of cases a local injection of a nerve-numbing medicine known as a “nerve block” may be administered to target a specific set of nerves causing pain. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy aims to address general stiffness and muscular tightness through exercise and massage. Exercise helps the body stay strong and loose, improves mood and releases endorphins, (the body’s natural pain relievers), while massage therapy may be more effective in targeting specific areas of pain. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy which addresses imbalances to the natural flow of the body’s energy. It is believed that acupuncture eases pain by exerting influence on the body’s neurotransmitters, though the fact is that Western medicine does not fully understand how this is accomplished. For that reason acupuncture is still often classified as an experimental or “alternative” form of treatment. Psychological Counseling: Treatment plans for patients dealing with long-term pain must be tailored to the individual. In most cases, however, that treatment involves addressing and changing the way the patient thinks about pain, addressing side effects like anxiety and depression and teaching the patient relaxation techniques. The battle against chronic pain is one of the most challenging a person can face. In order to devise an effective treatment all aspects of the condition must be taken into account and a multi-pronged response initiated with the goal of reducing pain and returning the patient to useful functionality. Expenses for treatment can be covered by the Disability Tax Credit for Chronic Pain when qualified. Let us help you. Call us for a free consultation today! Disability Credit Canada is here to walk you through the entire disability tax credit application process with our expert advice and step-by-step guidance. --- - Published: 2015-04-01 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/registered-disability-savings-plan/ Registered Disability Savings Plan, commonly known as RDSP is a great savings plan for individuals who are disabled and qualify for the disability tax credit. Individuals can contribute up to $200,000 in the RDSP with the gov’t matching the contributions within certain limits and depending on the individuals and/or family’s income. At the very least The Gov’t will contribute $20,000 into one’s RDSP over a period of time and in many cases a lot more. The money grows tax free within the RDSP until it’s withdrawn. In our organization we have an investment advisor, a former Canada Revenue Agency Auditor, who can help you in the preparation, filing of tax returns and investing in the RDSP. --- - Published: 2013-12-18 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/parkinsons-disease/ Nearly 100,000 Canadians suffer from Parkinson’s disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that can rob a person of the ability to lead a normal, productive life. As it tends to appear later in life, 85 percent of those in Canada diagnosed with the disease are over 65, it is vital that individuals and their families understand Parkinson’s and its treatment. What is Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s disease is the result of the death of cells in the brain that provide dopamine, a chemical that promotes communication between brain cells. This impairs controlled, voluntary muscle movement and often results in uncontrollable tremors, rigidity, impaired balance, and slowed movements. As the disease progresses, it can cause lost productivity and premature death. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, although there have been some positive movements in the research community. Meanwhile, Parkinson’s sufferers can live for years with the condition, but will continue to experience the symptoms, which include: Soft speech Trouble with handwriting Fatigue Stooped posture Problems with sleeping Constipation and urinary problems Sexual dysfunction Sensory symptoms (numbness, pain, or a burning sensation) Restlessness Depression and anxiety The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease change throughout the course of the condition and will worsen over time. There are no specific tests or x-rays that will definitively diagnose Parkinson’s disease, and it may take years to diagnose because the symptoms manifest themselves gradually. A family doctor may notice them first and send the patient to a neurologist for further testing before a final diagnosis can be made. Facts about Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is considered by most to be a disease affecting mostly seniors, with onset averaging at around age 60. However, nearly 10 percent of the diagnoses of Parkinson’s occur in people under the age of 40, and 20 percent are under age 50. While many of the symptoms will be the same, regardless of the age of onset, there are some differences with younger sufferers: Dementia and Balance Problems—These are less likely among those with an earlier onset. Medications—Those with earlier onset are typically are more sensitive to the medication benefits used to treat Parkinson’s. Physical Complaints—Cramping or abnormal posture is more prevalent. Work Life—On average, those with earlier onset are able to function at work longer than those who acquire the disease later in life. Assistance and Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease can be controlled through the use of medication, which needs to be adjusted as the disease progresses. Physical exercise and professional therapy can also help assuage some of the worst effects on daily activities. In addition to healthcare professionals, there are organizations and programs available that can educate and support patients and their caregivers. Parkinson Society Canada—This national organization partners with regional groups and 240 chapters and support groups to provide support, education, and advocacy for Canadians with the disease. It also helps fund research in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Canadian Disability Tax Credit—Those with Parkinson’s disease may qualify for a Canadian disability tax credit. The disability tax credit is intended to help with extra expenses caused by the condition and to help sufferers lead a more normal, productive life. Physicians—Since there is no cure, ongoing professional medical care is necessary. Parkinson’s patients frequently need their medications adjusted or changed as the disease alters over time. Some patients also may benefit from surgery. Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapy—Several different therapies can improve the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients. Physical therapy helps with mobility and flexibility. Occupational therapy improves the performance of daily chores. Speech therapy aids in voice control. While Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating, progressive condition, there are a number of treatments that can relieve many symptoms that get in the way of living life. If you have any suspicions, seek help early and investigate your options for a disability tax credit. For more information: Parkinson Society British Columbia Family member has Parkinson’s Disease? Call Disability Credit Canada for disability tax credit application help --- - Published: 2013-12-18 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/sensory-processing-disorder/ Sensory integration disorder, which is also known as sensory processing disorder or SPD, is a condition in which the brain is unable to properly take in information from the senses and create an appropriate response. It is most often seen in children, but adults have been known to suffer from it as well. It is not recognized as a stand-alone diagnosis, but is often lumped in with other conditions, such as autism, Down syndrome, mental retardation, and ADHD. This could be subject to change in the future as more studies are completed. Given its current standing, it is important for parents and physicians to understand SPD, its symptoms, and treatment. Sensory processing disorder is one of the possible qualifying conditions for Disability Tax Credit. What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? No direct cause for sensory processing disorder has been identified, although some studies have indicated there may be a genetic component. The symptoms, however, are well documented. Those with the condition are generally unusually over-sensitive to things in the world around them. They may flinch at a light touch or become overwhelmed by a common sound. General symptoms that may indicate SPD include: Hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity to touch, such as being bothered by rough sheets or ignoring the jab of a syringe Poor tactile perceptions, which can appear as problems with fine motor skills like buttoning a button, or as difficulty telling where they were touched Problems with equilibrium or their position in space Difficulty with information from the muscles and joints about weight, body position, pressure, etc. Auditory dysfunctions including sensitivity to sound Oral dysfunctions that can show up as picky eating Visual sensitivity, such as sensitivity to light or being easily distracted Sensitivity to smells that can manifest as overreaction to an odor that others don’t notice, or not noticing a powerful smell Everyone can experience one or more of these symptoms every now and then, but in a person who may be experiencing SPD, the symptoms will be persistent and be consistent. If there are suspicions concerning symptoms, a physician knowledgeable in SPD diagnosis should be consulted for specific tests and checklists. Facts about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Sensory Processing Disorder has a long history of anecdotal evidence, but actual, significant research has not been easily obtained. Because of this, it has not been considered a separate condition, but has been included with other behavioral, neurological, and mental disorders. Some facts about SPD include: It has a New Name—The disorder had been known by various names, including sensory integration disorder, dysfunction in sensory integration, and sensory integration dysfunction. It has been Accepted as an Official Disorder—The editors of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders have decided to include sensory processing disorder in its fifth edition. The manual is a renowned reference tool for physicians. It is Not Fully Insured—Insurance companies have been reluctant to cover SPD in their policies, though there are organizations working to change this. If it is included in another diagnosis, however, it may be covered. Assistance and Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder --- - Published: 2013-12-18 - Modified: 2026-01-23 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/speech-disability/ The term “speech disability” is a very broad term, applying to numerous diseases and illnesses and involving numerous symptoms. From issues as simple as articulation or voice strength, to issues as severe as stuttering or stammering, speech disability manifests in a variety of ways. It is important to understand speech disability so that it may be properly treated and accommodated. What is a Speech Disability? A speech disability can manifest in a multitude of ways, and can stem from any number of issues, illnesses, and diseases. A disability such as this works to keep a person from being able to accurately articulate thoughts in a verbal fashion, from being able to speak clearly or concisely, or from being able to form full sentences without trouble. Stuttering, stammering, lack of articulation or voice strength, are just some of the signs of speech disability. Here are some root issues that may lead to speech disability: Hearing loss Learning disability Cerebral Palsy Various physical conditions Speech disability is something that affects everyone. In Canada alone, hundreds of thousands of people struggle with various speech disabilities. Some have a speech disability so severe that they are markedly restricted from performing day-to-day tasks. If that is the case for you or someone you love, Canada's disability tax credit can help. There are numerous treatments, accommodations, and therapies. So, while a speech disability may seem limiting and even overwhelming, there are always options. Facts about Speech Disabilities Although speech disabilities are not what one might consider rare, there are still a great many things to know about speech disabilities that most people don't realize. These important facts can help you spot the symptoms and properly make decisions regarding how best to proceed. Here is a list of basic speech disability facts: A Speech Disorder versus a Language Disorder—A speech disorder can be defined as when a person is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or has problems with his or her voice. Difficulties pronouncing sounds, articulation disorders, and stuttering are but a few examples of speech disorders. A Language Disorder—When a person has trouble understanding others, sharing thoughts, ideas, or feelings completely or coherently, this may be the result of a language disorder. Speech and Language Disorders are Often Comorbid—These speech disabilities are often comorbid with, or tied to, language disorders. Many speech disabilities are even little more than a symptom of a language disorder. Comorbidity is the presence of one or more disorders or diseases in addition to a primary disorder or disease. Assistance and Treatment for Speech Disabilities There are numerous options for assistance and treatment for speech disabilities. Several of these options allow for families, patients, and caregivers to ensure that those affected by speech disabilities are given the best care and assistance that they can receive. The CASLPA—The Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists is the leading center for advances, treatment, and support for speech disabilities. They provide numerous options for children, patients, and family members affected by speech disabilities, and related symptoms and disorders. Canadian Disability Tax Credit—Patients suffering from speech disability, learning disability, and/or the related symptoms, may qualify for Canadian disability tax credit. This disability tax credit can help cover extra expenses and ensure that these patients are able to live a full life and participate in society. Parents with children diagnosed and being treated for the disability may also be eligible for Child Disability Benefits. If you or a loved one suffers from a severe speech disability, please contact these organizations and get the help you need. Get proper disability tax credit application with Disability Credit Canada. --- - Published: 2013-12-18 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/ According to studies, there are more than 1,500 Canadians that suffer a spinal cord injury per year. A spinal cord injury can result in marked restrictions of physical movement and could qualify you for Canada's disability tax credit. What is a Spinal Cord Injury? Many spinal cord injuries result in a deadening of nerve endings, a permanent decrease in strength, and changes in overall bodily functions. For the time being, there is no cure for serious spinal injuries, but treatment can help many and reduce, or even eliminate, some of the following symptoms: Loss of movement Loss of bladder control Loss of bowel control Loss of sensation Changes in sexual function Difficulty breathing Depression Spasms Pain Some individuals may experience all of the aforementioned symptoms for the rest of their lives, while others experience only one or two for brief periods of time. Facts about Spinal Cord Injuries Spinal cord injuries can occur from a multitude of different incidents. The following is a list of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries: Car Accidents—Car accidents cause nearly 50 percent of spinal cord injuries. Falls—Falls results in almost a quarter of spinal cord injuries. These tend to affect the elderly more often, but anyone can suffer a fall that results in a spinal cord injury. Violence—Violence, such as a mugging or domestic abuse, cause up to 16 percent of spinal cord injuries. Sports Injuries—Sports injuries cause a little over 10 percent of spinal cord injuries. Minor spinal cord injuries might result in just a few months of physical therapy before an individual can return to normal productivity, but major spinal cord injuries may result in a lifetime of decreased mobility. If that is the case for you or a loved one, remember to fill out a disability tax credit application. Disability tax credit is available to help those that are markedly restricted due to mobility, and can help you handle your financial situations during your time of need. Assistance and Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries At this time, there is no way to reverse damage to the spinal cord, but there are breakthroughs in treatments every day. That doesn't mean that those with spinal cord injuries cannot return to a normal level of productivity, however. There are many treatments and medicines available right now that are designed to help prevent further damage to your spinal cord, increase mobility, and ease pain. The following is a list of the most common and effective spinal cord injury treatments: Medications—Anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are often prescribed to those with a spinal cord injury to help them deal with pain and increase their mobility. Immobilization—Sometimes, immobilization can help to stabilize a patient's spine and strengthen their spinal cord. Surgery—Surgery is often needed to help remove fragments of bones or foreign objects from the spinal area and reduce pressure on the spine itself. It can also help to stabilize the spine and reduce pain. Physical Therapy—Exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around the spine, increase mobility, and ease pain. No matter how severe your spinal cord injury may be, there are organizations and people out there that want to help. For example, Canada's disability tax credit is designed to help out those that need financial assistance due to a marked restriction in mobility. If you are in need of financial help, fill out the disability tax credit form today and get the help you need now. Got Spinal code injury? get the most of disability tax credit with Disability Credit Canada. --- - Published: 2013-12-17 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/ Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue with little explanation. Doctors do not know what causes it, and it can become a frustrating experience for patients and their family members. It is a disorder that occurs more frequently in adult women. No specific ethnic or racial group is at a higher risk for CFS. The 2010 Canadian Community Health Survey found 1. 4 percent of the country’s population reported having this condition, with two-thirds being women between the ages of 45 and 64. To help, the Canadian government offers the Disability Tax Credit for Chronic Fatigue. What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder with no known cause and no test that can easily diagnose it. Instead, doctors will use the process of elimination for other causes of intense fatigue. CFS is described as exhaustion that interferes with someone’s daily lifestyle for longer than six months. Signs that someone may have CFS include fatigue and eight other official symptoms: Loss of memory or concentration Unexplained muscle soreness and pain Sore throat Sleep that doesn’t refresh Headaches Enlarged neck or armpit lymph nodes Pain that bounces around from joint to joint Exhaustion that lasts longer than 24 hours after exercise Fatigue is a symptom that can indicate many different illnesses and disorders, so it is important to see a doctor. If a physician determines a patient is suffering from CFS, that patient may qualify for a disability tax credit. Facts about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome While doctors have yet to pinpoint its exact cause, there are several possible explanations for CFS. Some medical professionals believe there is a genetic link that makes some people more likely to develop the disorder than others. Doctors have studied whether viral infections such as mononucleosis and rubella predispose someone to CFS, but have not found concrete links. Other potential causes include hormonal imbalances, bacterial infections, allergies, immune system deficiencies and lack of nutrition. CFS can have a huge impact on a patient’s lifestyle and can be very disruptive in a number of ways. Some of those include dealing with unpredictable symptoms, losing stamina and motivation when performing everyday activities, and experiencing memory problems that makes classroom or work more challenging. Disability Tax Credit for Chronic Fatigue and Other Support CFS treatment is focused more on symptom-maintenance than curing the disorder, predominantly because there is no known cure for CFS. The key to managing CFS is working with doctors to develop a treatment plan that considers the overall health, lifestyle and abilities of each patient individually. Here are some options for patients with CFS to consider: Disability Tax Credit for Chronic Fatigue The Canadian government offers disability tax benefits for people who suffer from CFS. These grants are available through disability tax specialists. A doctor will need to evaluate the applicant and provide a diagnosis that indicates the disorder will be present for a minimum of one year. Medications While there is no prescription drug cure for CFS, some medications will help certain patients, depending on the nature and severity of the most pressing symptoms. In some cases, sleeping pills or antidepressants may be appropriate for treatment. Therapy Physical therapy and emotional counseling has proven to be effective for many people with CFS. A physical therapist can help develop an individualized exercise plan that may soften some symptoms, while a counselor can improve a patient’s outlook on life and help create for moving forward with daily activities that have become stressful. It’s important to remember that unexplained and prolonged fatigue doesn’t mean a loved one is suffering from CFS. There are many possible underlying medical causes for fatigue, so seeing a doctor as soon as possible is advised. Suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Let Disability Credit Canada help you with the disability tax credit application. --- - Published: 2013-12-17 - Modified: 2026-01-23 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/crohns-disease/ Crohn’s Disease: Diagnosis and Management It is estimated that approximately 200,000 Canadians are currently diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Those afflicted with the condition carry a lifelong risk of flare-ups that can result in extreme discomfort. Know the signs of Crohn’s disease for your own health and the health of your loved ones as well as the government programs like availing of the Disability Tax Credit that may be available for you or for your child. What is Crohn’s Disease? Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes inflammation throughout an individual’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract causing severe discomfort, weight loss, and a variety of other symptoms. Though the inflammation can strike anywhere along the GI tract, it is usually found in the lower small bowel area or upper end of the colon. Patches of inflammation may be intermingled between healthy areas of the gut, and these may breach the intestinal layers from the inner lining to the outer lining. Sufferers of Crohn’s disease may experience a variety of symptoms including cramping, abdominal pain, and nausea. Additional symptoms may include: Vomiting Diarrhea Lack of energy Weight loss The precise cause of Crohn’s disease is not fully known, but experts believe there is a connection to the autoimmune system. Diagnosis is generally performed using X-rays and a colonoscopy to explore the inner walls of the intestine. Blood and stool samples are also used to eliminate other disease possibilities. Facts about Crohn’s Disease There is no known cure for this chronic condition, and it is considered to be a type of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. Here are some facts that can help affected individuals and their families better understand Crohn’s disease: Most cases are diagnosed before age 30—Though Crohn’s can affect people in any age group, symptoms generally present themselves early in life. The cause is unclear—Although professionals understand much about the human body, they do not yet fully understand the cause of Crohn’s disease, but believe it is linked to autoimmune dysfunction. Family disease—Because of the link to autoimmune disease, which can be passed down by parents, Crohn’s disease tends to affect families. About one-quarter of sufferers have family members who are also affected. Additionally, Crohn’s disease can cause several complications including: Arthritis Skin problems Eye and mouth inflammation Bowel obstruction Crohn’s disease affects the body in multiple ways, but is most commonly known for stomach and bowel irritation. Though it is a lifelong condition, symptoms often come and go, and a person can experience months without flare-ups. Treating Crohn’s Disease While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, it is a treatable condition, and some affected by it may be eligible for Canadian disability tax credits. There are many medications that can help to control symptoms including, anti-inflammatory and swelling reduction medications, antibiotics, and immune system suppressors designed to stop the body from attacking its own tissues. There are also programs designed to help support and educate those affected by Crohn’s disease, including: Crohn’s Disease Support Network—A free, non-profit network created in 2009, with the goal of helping individuals, families, and friends who support those with Crohn’s disease. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC)—In 2008, the CCFC released an important report titled “The Burden of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada,” which shed new light on the disease. If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of Crohn’s disease, make sure you see a physician right away for diagnosis and proper care. Support groups and organizations are available to provide support, and if your symptoms are severe enough, you may even qualify for a disability tax credit. If you have children who suffer from Crohn's disease, please read our Child Disability Benefit Guide to find out if you qualify. To learn more visit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of Canada Disability Credit Canada is here to walk you through the entire disability tax credit application process with our expert advice and step-by-step guidance. --- - Published: 2013-12-17 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/deafness/ Deafness in Canada: Diagnosis and Management According to statistics, there are more than one million adults across Canada reported to have a hearing disability. Hearing loss is unequivocally the fastest growing chronic condition Canadians currently face, and some may qualify for Canada’s disability tax credit. If you are dealing with hearing loss or deafness, understanding the condition is important, and will help you find ways to live a quality life despite your hearing loss. Deafness Explained Deafness has many causes, but the most common reasons are presbycusis, age related hearing loss, and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Being overexposed to high-decibel noise is the most common reason for hearing loss. High noise levels damage delicate structures inside the ear causing them to malfunction and eventually cease to function at all. People tend to not take the proper care when exposed to noise and, therefore, unwittingly cause hearing damage. Age and noise exposure aren’t the only causes of hearing loss, however. Here is a list of other possible causes in both adults and children: Congenital conditions Prenatal conditions Repeated infections of the ears Head trauma Cancer Bone abnormalities—Ears contain some of the smallest and most fragile bone structures in the human body. Preventative hearing care is important because of how hearing loss can impact your everyday life. Using proper hearing protection during noise exposure is crucial for caring for your hearing. Facts about Deafness and Hearing Loss Although deafness can permanently affect people’s lives, there are deaf communities that embrace Deaf Culture. Those associated with Deaf Culture are opposed to the so-called “medicalization of deafness,” which tries to apply treatments to deafness at any cost. Here are some other facts about hearing loss and deafness: One in Five—One in Five teenagers between the ages of 12 and 19 have some degree of hearing loss, usually due to noise damage. Over 25 percent of all hearing loss is associated with aging. The Spectrum—Hearing loss ranges from minor hearing problems to total deafness. Conductive hearing loss is when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear due to wax build up or blockage. Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the nerves within the inner ear responsible for delivering sound information to the brain. There are numerous factors that lead to hearing loss, so it’s important to take good care of your ears whenever possible. Some hearing loss is not preventable, however, such as genetic predispositions, loss caused by certain viral infections, and specific nerve disorders. Treating and Living with Deafness There have been many technological advances that help treat hearing loss, including cochlear implants and hearing aids. Sensorineural hearing loss has a higher tendency to be permanent because of the involvement of nerve damage within the inner ear, but the use of hearing aids can help in some cases. In order to communicate, many deaf people develop sign language and lip reading skills. There are many resources for those living with deafness or hearing loss including: The Hearing Foundation of Canada (THFC)—A non-profit organization that is committed to eliminating the effects of hearing loss for Canadians by encouraging prevention, diagnosis, and research. The Canadian Association of the Deaf —Participates and promotes the rights, needs and concerns for the deaf community of Canada. The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS)—Employer and resource for those living with the effects of hearing loss and deafness. If you or a loved one is either at risk or lives with hearing loss or deafness, contact a physician for proper diagnosis and support. There are plenty of helpful support organizations available for resources and guidance, and you may even qualify for a disability tax credit. For more information: Canadian Hearing Society Let Disability Credit Canada help you get the most out of your disability tax credit today! --- - Published: 2013-12-17 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/down-syndrome/ One in eight hundred overall births result in a baby being born with Down syndrome. The most common risk factor for Down syndrome is the age of the mother. The risk of having a baby born with Down syndrome increases with each year a woman ages. Since, however, younger women tend to have more babies, 80 percent of Down syndrome babies are born to women who are younger than 35 years old. Diagnostic testing for Down syndrome includes amniocentesis, chorionic villis sampling, and percutaneous umbilical cord sampling. There is no cure for Down syndrome, and since every Down syndrome birth is unique, treatment varies widely based on symptoms. Child Disability Tax Credit of Canada can assist the family with extra expenses that may incur while caring for a member with Down syndrome. (Read our extensive Child Disability Tax Credit guide to learn more). If you have a child who is born with Down syndrome don’t hesitate to ask for help. There is a multitude of agencies of people who are highly trained to assist care providers in getting a child with Down syndrome all the care they need. What is Down Syndrome? It is a genetic disorder that occurs in approximately 1 out of every 800 live births. It is the leading cause in both Canada and the U. S. of cognitive impairment. Down syndrome can be associated with: Mild to moderate learning disabilities Developmental delays Characteristic facial features Low muscle tome in early infancy Heart defects Leukemia Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease Gastro-intestinal problems A variety of other health issues Down syndrome was named after the doctor who first described the syndrome as a disorder in 1866. Although he made some important observations about the disorder, he did not correctly identify its cause. It wasn’t correctly identified as a genetic disorder until 1959. Life expectancy for persons with Down syndrome has increased dramatically over the past few decades, as medical care and social inclusion have improved. A person in good health with Down syndrome can now be expected to live an average of 55 years. Facts about Down Syndrome: Down syndrome is a genetic disorder. It is characterized by the development of an extra chromosome. Normally, each human carries 23 pairs of different chromosomes. At conception, the individual inherits 23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 from the father. However, occasionally a person inherits an extra chromosome from one of the parents, and that results in Down syndrome. There is no known way to prevent Down syndrome. However, infants and children with Down syndrome can benefit from special programs that can include: Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Exercises for physical coordination Extra attention at school and at home Assistance and Treatment: Your family physician can diagnose Down syndrome and treat any physical problems or symptoms that accompany it. The Down Syndrome Association offers resources for patients and their families. Trained therapists can assist with development of physical, mental, and social skills. Assistive technologies For more information: Down Syndrome Research Foundation. Disability Credit Canada is here to walk you through the entire disability tax credit application process with our expert advice and step-by-step guidance. --- - Published: 2013-12-17 - Modified: 2026-01-23 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/dyslexia/ Disability Credit Canada mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit, Long Term Disability Benefits & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. We’ve worked with thousands of Canadians suffering from mental and physical disabilities and we understand how impactful your condition can be on you and your family. According to the Canadian Dyslexia Association, about 23 percent of people living in Canada are affected by dyslexia. Although this learning disability can be easily managed, it may impact the life and learning of those with it. Whether you or a family member has the disability, it is important to understand dyslexia. What is Dyslexia? “Dyslexia” is a broad term used to describe any disorder that impairs one’s ability to read or interpret letters, sounds, words, or other symbols. Characteristics of dyslexia can vary from person to person, but generally, a dyslexic person may experience difficulties in several of the following areas: Formation of letters Putting the alphabet into proper order/naming letters Associating sounds with their proper symbols Expressing ideas in writing; writing may appear chaotic Expressing ideas in speaking; may struggle to find the proper word Reading, spelling, or writing by hand Memorization of times tables Difficulty in memorizing no-phonic words There are three fundamental types of dyslexia: Dysnemkinesia (motor): May affect one’s handwriting. Dysphonia (auditory): May affect one’s ability to process audible words. Dyseidesia (visual): May affect one’s ability to process writing words or sentences. The Dyslexia Determination Test (DDT) is used to determine the existence of one or more types of dyslexia in a person. The test comes in three parts. Part one involves examination of word, number, and letter reversals. Part two involves decoding words. Part three involves assessing whether encoding is eidetic or phonetic. Facts about Dyslexia Despite its high prevalence here in Canada, dyslexia is still quite misunderstood and fogged by myths. Here are some facts that can help those with the disability, as well as their families: Dyslexia is a learning disability. It does not interfere with one’s IQ, but can interfere with the method in which they learn. Unconventional and specialized learning techniques may be necessary when teaching a child or adult with dyslexia. Dyslexia can (and should) be diagnosed when the child is in kindergarten. Dyslexia is believed to be hereditary. Agatha Christi, Edger Allen Poe, Earnest Hemingway, and Jules Vern were all believed to be dyslexic. Dyslexia does not prevent someone from becoming a successful writer! Assistance and Treatment for dyslexia Although there is no cure for dyslexia, there are a number of programs designed to provide emotional, educational, and financial assistance to those with the disability: Canadian Dyslexia Association The CDA is a non-profit organization in Canada working to provide those with dyslexia and their families, emotional and educational support. Feel free to visit their website for more information on the disability and treatment. Dyslexia Resources Canada The DRC non-profit online organization, looking to spread awareness and emotional support for those with dyslexia. Canadian Disability Tax Credit Dyslexic persons and their caregivers (parents, if the disabled person is still a child) may qualify for the disability tax credit. Money spent on special tutors, counseling, ect. , can be partially reimbursed through tax credit for disability. If you or someone in your care suffers from dyslexia, it is recommended that you fill out the disability tax credit application to see if you are eligible for a disability tax credit. If you are the parent of a dyslexic child, you may be eligible for a child disability tax credit. Remember, if you or a loved one is suffering from dyslexia, you are not alone. It is highly recommended that you research the disability further to gain full insight into your rights and available aid. --- - Published: 2013-12-17 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/epilepsy/ Chances are that you have seen something—a movie, video game, or amusement park ride—that has an epilepsy warning attached to it. Epilepsy is a disorder within the brain that causes the electric system to cause seizures. These seizures are marked by a change in the ability of the person to move and respond to stimuli appropriately; they may also lose consciousness. These episodes can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. These episodes can affect lifestyle significantly, and depending on the severity and may make them or the family members taking care of them eligible for Disability Tax Credit. More Facts about Epilepsy In Canada, it’s estimated that 0. 6 percent of the population is diagnosed with epilepsy, with an average of 42 people learning they have epilepsy every single day. In a majority of cases, the cause of the epileptic seizures in unknown, but in the remainder, these are the most common causes: Brain tumors Stroke Head trauma Injury or systemic illness of the mother during her pregnancy Complications in delivery Infections like meningitis and viral encephalitis Alcohol poisoning The majority of those diagnosed with epilepsy are young children and senior citizens. About half of the children diagnosed with epilepsy will grow out of the disorder and stop having seizures. However, if their condition is severe and prolonged, parents of children with epilepsy can apply for a child disability tax credit. If the condition continues, the children can apply for a disability tax credit for themselves when they become of age. Find out more about Disability Tax Credit for Children. Assistance and Treatment for Epilepsy Epilepsy is usually a long-term condition that has to be monitored by physicians throughout your life. There are three main courses of treatment for a person with epilepsy: Prescription drugs: Antiepileptic drugs and anticonvulsant drugs are commonly prescribed. These drugs only work once they reach and maintain an appropriate blood concentration. Consistent and correct application of these medications can make a significant difference in the life of a person with epilepsy. Special diet regimen: Certain people have seizures as a reaction to something they eat or drink. Isolating these foods and beverages and then avoiding them can reduce the number of seizures a person experiences. Surgery: This is usually an option that is only used when absolutely necessary. Neurosurgery comes with risks, but can also greatly benefit a person with epilepsy. Triggers for Epilepsy Remember those trigger warnings in the first paragraph? Many people with epilepsy experience more seizures when exposed to certain environmental factors such as: Stress Lack of sleep Emotions and anxiety Poor nutrition Illness Flickering lights Heat and humidity Many people with epilepsy live relatively normal lives, and it is a fairly common disorder in Canada. However, if people with epilepsy have to drastically change their lives or the lives of their children in order to avoid and minimize seizures, they may receive a Canadian disability tax credit. This is designed to help supplement the income of those who suffer from severe and prolonged impairment in mental or physical functions. Epilepsy, in severe cases, can fall under these categories. Family Impacts Epilepsy has some genetic qualities, so a child with a parent who suffers from epilepsy is more likely to suffer from seizures as well. Even if this is not the case, having one family member with epilepsy can greatly impact the entire family. They must work together to help avoid triggers, and they need to know how to respond in the event of a seizure. Best practices for helping a family member when they are having a seizure are: Roll the person onto one side Place a pillow / soft item under the person’s head if possible Do not attempt to restrain the person Do not attempt to put anything into the person’s mouth Be aware of “typical” seizure behavior for that person Call proper emergency services if the seizure is prolonged Epilepsy is a manageable disorder in most cases, but there are some extreme causes that require a complete lifestyle upheaval to accommodate the seizures. When this happens, there are resources out there for you, including the non-profit organization “Epilepsy Canada”. Suffer from Epilepsy? Get Disability Tax Credit application help today --- - Published: 2013-12-17 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/high-functioning-autism/ Autism is what we might call a “hot-button issue” presently. There is a lot of press and media coverage concerning this childhood disorder, and there is a lot of misinformation floating around as well. Recent changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V) have further confused many people, including parents who might be facing this issue. There is also help available in terms of tax credit. You can read more about child disability benefits. Autism Spectrum Disorders In the recent change of the DSM, four diagnoses (autism disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, pervasive development disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder) were rolled into one diagnosis now known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The reasoning behind this was to avoid confusion between these four diagnoses, and to, instead, create one disorder with a continuum. Children with ASD show symptoms of: Social and communication deficits Difficulty making friends Misreading nonverbal cues High dependence on routine Sensitivity to changes in environment Focus on inappropriate items Children with autism show these symptoms in varying degrees from very severe (complete loss of language and inability to deal with slight changes in routine) to mild symptoms (not understanding sarcasm, and feeling anxiety when faced with drastic routine changes). A child who is considered to have “high-functioning autism” exhibits these symptoms, but is able to work through them with therapy and support from home. A Family Diagnosis Children are diagnosed with ASD in early childhood, usually before the age of three. This means that their caretakers typically take on huge responsibility to provide as much support as possible for the child. Financially, this can be taxing, and the Canadian government does offer a child disability tax credit to assist with the financial burden. Often, other children in the home can feel neglected because of the high priority of the child with ASD, and this can lead to resentment. Parents should make special efforts with the other children to prevent this from happening. Individual and family counseling can teach everyone in the family unit appropriate coping skills to help alleviate these problems. Common Misconceptions Some people think that children with ASD are stupid or intellectually inferior; others assume that all children with ASD are greatly gifted and “savants. ” Neither of these assumptions is true. Autism is not related to intelligence. It is a communication disorder. Those with more severe ASD might have trouble attending school, working a job, or even speaking. However, children with high-functioning autism can often learn to regulate their emotions, interact appropriately with others, become fully integrated into classrooms, go to college, and hold jobs. Current Studies Because autism diagnoses have drastically increased in the past few decades—1 in 88 children are now diagnosed with ASD—there is a lot of money being spent on autism research. At the current moment, there is no “cure” for ASD, but there are many theories and studies that seek to improve the child’s quality of life. Some noteworthy studies are: Diet: Some studies suggest that processed foods contribute to autism symptoms, and cutting these out can make a significant difference. There are also studies that suggest gluten and dairy might play a role as well. Hyperbaric Therapy: Hyperbaric chambers that increase the pressure and oxygen within the chamber have been shown, in some cases, to stimulate certain areas in children with ASD. Movement Research: Computerized studies are now being conducted in the US to track how a child moves. This movement “signature” can help pinpoint certain strengths and weaknesses in the child’s development, which can lead to more specific and goal-oriented therapies, thus increasing the likelihood of the child to become higher functioning. Cases of high-functioning autism are growing. More cases of autism are being diagnosed, but with developing and continued therapy, many children can be considered high functioning. The increased focus on autism research is furthering the chances for these children to lead near-normal lives. Disability Credit Canada is here to walk you through the entire disability tax credit application process with our expert advice and step-by-step guidance. --- - Published: 2013-12-17 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/interstitial-cystitis/ What is Interstitial Cystitis? Well, it is a chronic condition that deals with issues of the bladder. It is more commonly known as painful bladder syndrome or PBS. Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) This disorder is typically found in women, although it can affect men as well. In rare cases, children are diagnosed with PBS. The main symptoms of PBS present as: Pain in the pelvic region that is chronic and intense Frequent and persistent urination, usually in small amounts Pain during intercourse Now, these symptoms might seem a little familiar to you. They are, indeed, very similar to symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Many who experience these symptoms for more than a few days seek a physician’s help, and the cultures for the urinary tract infection come back negative. However, if someone with PBS gets a urinary tract infection, the symptoms are amplified. Causes There is truth to the fact that when some people say they feel as if their bladder is “bursting,” they do feel that way. When a normal bladder fills up, it signals to the brain the need to urinate. The brain sends messages into the pelvic nerves, and you get that sensation of nature calling. In PBS, the signal is sent to the brain too early, when the bladder isn’t near full. This leads to the individual feeling a constant need to urinate in small amounts. This mix-up in signals is usually caused by a tear or injury in the lining of the bladder, and the toxins in the urine irritate the bladder tissue because of the compromise in the lining. Impacts on Life Although it might not sound very serious, the chronic need to go to the bathroom can drastically cut down on a person’s quality of life. Imagine not being able to go for more than 10 minutes without going to the bathroom—some patients with PBS report the need to urinate up to 60 times per day. Sleep deprivation due to excessive urination can cause emotional issues and lead to depression and anxiety. In addition, chronic pain caused by PBS is amplified by lack of sleep. Sometimes, this chronic pelvic pain can be debilitating. Some patients with PBS have such crippling pain that they are able to apply for a Canadian disability tax credit, because the symptoms interfere with their ability to hold a job and live a “normal” life. Treatment There are several oral medications that have been shown to help relieve the symptoms of PBS, such as ibuprofen, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, and Pentosan—a drug specifically aimed to help people suffering from PBS. There are also medications that can be inserted directly into the bladder to help ease the symptoms. They are administered by a doctor using a catheter, and the solution remains in the bladder for 15 minutes. These treatments are usually performed once weekly for six to eight weeks (although extreme cases might require treatment for a year). Those suffering from PBS can also make lifestyle changes that can help reduce pain and discomfort. Dietary restrictions often make a big difference, especially when patients cut out the “Four C’s:” Carbonated beverages Caffeine (in any form) Citrus Vitamin C Also, artificial sweeteners have been shown to cause more aggravation, so reducing those can be helpful as well. Doing bladder and pelvic floor muscle exercises can strengthen those areas that are weakened by constant urination. Painful Bladder Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis) is a painful, but usually manageable disorder that can cause chronic pain, so it should be taken seriously. Regular medications, treatments, and lifestyle changes can greatly increase the quality of life for those with PBS. Disability Credit Canada is here to walk you through the entire disability tax credit application process with our expert advice and step-by-step guidance. --- - Published: 2013-12-17 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/mental-retardation/ Mental retardation, otherwise known as an intellectual disability or MR/ID, happens when a child’s brain does not develop as it should. Nearly every patient is diagnosed by the age of 18, and the very severe cases are usually discovered at birth or shortly after. It can be more difficult to diagnosis milder forms until a child is older and does not meet age-related developmental standards. What is Mental Retardation? There are four different levels of mental retardation that impact how a person with intellectual disability will be medically treated. Mild Retardation. A patient with mild mental retardation is at the lowest end of the spectrum. Someone with this disability will be slower in learning how to talk, but can speak effectively once they figure it out. This person will likely have an IQ between 50 and 69, suffer from social issues, be able to care for themselves sufficiently, may struggle with reading and writing, and may have other related conditions, such as a physical disability or epilepsy. Moderate Retardation. A child who is diagnosed with moderate mental retardation often has an IQ in the range of 35 to 49. This child usually is slow to communicate and learn, will have basic reading and math skills, cannot live alone, but can move around freely, and will typically do well in relaxed social settings. Severe Mental Retardation. A person with severe mental retardation will have a poorly developed or damaged central nervous system, an IQ of about 20 to 34, and easy-to-notice motor skill deficiencies. Profound Mental Retardation. Profound mental retardation often means a patient cannot care for him or herself. This is a person with an IQ under 20, who will never be able to live alone or move around without assistance. A patient with profound mental retardation is often confined to adult diapers and needs constant assistance from a caregiver. There are some children who do not fit into any of the above categories. These patients are placed into the “other” or “undefined” category, and they are often physically disabled, blind, deaf or mute. These conditions make it more challenging for doctors to screen them for mental retardation. Doctors agree there are certain signs that indicate a child may have intellectual disability, which can occur at any time from infancy through childhood. Some, but not all, signs of potential mental retardation are: Inability to crawl, walk, roll over, or sit up at the appropriate age Struggle to talk and communicate Behavioral problems Uncontrollable tantrums Memory problems Facts about Mental Retardation More often than not, doctors are unable to determine why a child has intellectual disability. There are, however, causes that can make it more likely for mental retardation to occur. Some children are genetically predisposed to some conditions, while pregnancy problems, childbirth problems, and early illness or injury, such as meningitis or head trauma, can increase a child’s odds of being diagnosed with mental retardation. The process of diagnosing mental retardation often involves an evaluation with specialists. This will include intelligence tests, a behavioral assessment, possible lab tests, interviews with parents, and professional observations with a wide variety of doctors. Assistance and Treatment of Mental Retardation The effects of mental retardation can be managed with treatment depending on the severity and symptoms, but there is no real cure for intellectual disability. Children will often meet with a therapist throughout their life to help them understand and live with their specific limitations. There are programs available to help families with intellectually disabled children. One such program is the child disability tax credit that is offered in Canada. There are tax breaks available for families who have children with disabilities, and there are disability tax benefits as well. The Canadian government will require medical proof that a qualifying disability exists in order to prove eligibility for the tax benefit. For more information: Child disability benefit - service Canada. Get the most out of your child disability tax credit, call Disability Credit Canada now. --- - Published: 2013-12-17 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/ Multiple sclerosis, known as MS, is a disease that targets the central nervous system. More than 2. 3 million people worldwide are likely affected by MS. Experts believe there are several risk factors that make one person more likely to develop MS than another. MS is more common in women and often appears between the ages of 20 and 50. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. It is the most common neurological disorder affecting the younger population in the nation. Three people are diagnosed with MS everyday in Canada. It's a good thing then that Canada has the Disability Tax Credit and other government programs available to assist patients diagnosed with MS. What is Multiple Sclerosis? MS is a neurological disorder that attacks a person’s central nervous system. The disease impacts the myelin, a coating that protects nerves, making it hard for those nerves to send signals and messages to other parts of the body. It can cause impaired speech, fatigue, vision problems, balance disruption and, in some cases, paralysis. MS is difficult to predict even after diagnosis, and it affects each person differently. The most common symptoms associated with the disease include, but are not limited to: Fatigue Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Numbness Gait Dizziness Cognitive Impairment Vision Changes Depression Remember that not everyone will experience any or even all of these symptoms if they have MS. Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosing MS is not always an easy or fast process. Doctors will want to eliminate other possibilities for symptoms and will look for indications that the disease is present over a certain period of time to be certain that MS is the cause. An analysis of symptoms coupled with MRIs, evoked potentials, and lumbar punctures, can all be used to assist in making a diagnosis. Further complicating the matter is the fact that there is no single test for determining the presence of MS. It is a disease that is only diagnosed when other possibilities are no longer an option. Assistance and Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis Presently, multiple sclerosis is not curable, but it is treatable. There are many methods to help patients manage their symptoms, keep the disease under control, and maintain as normal a lifestyle as possible. Medications Medication is a primary method of MS treatment. There are a variety of drugs that can be used. The first kind is made up of medicine that targets a certain part of the MS process to keep relapse-inducing inflammation under control. Doctors can also prescribe steroids to control relapses. Finally, there are plenty of medicines that can be used to target and treat specific symptoms of MS, depending on the patient’s primary concerns and experiences. Canadian Disability Tax Credit The Canadian government offers help for those patients suffering from MS. The disability tax credit is offered to help bring some tax relief to people who may incur costs out of their own wallet associated with their conditions. Physical Therapy Physical therapy can be a useful treatment method for patients who want to learn effective stretching and exercise techniques. These can help patients regain strength they may have lost as a result of MS symptoms. Lifestyle Changes MS is a disease that can be life-changing, but not all of those changes have to have a negative impact on the patient. Living a healthy life with good nutrition, rest, and exercise, as appropriate, can help keep the body working to the best of its ability. A diagnosis of MS can be frightening, but it is important to remember there are options for treatment and that the Canadian government will try to offer some financial relief in the form of a disability tax credit. For more information: the multiple sclerosis society of Canada Suffer from Multiple Sclerosis? Get the most out of your disability tax credit with Disability Credit Canada today! --- - Published: 2013-12-17 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/muscular-dystrophy/ Muscular dystrophy (MD) is the name given to a group of muscle diseases that weaken the voluntary muscles. MD can cause a lack of coordination and difficulty in walking and even breathing. Some conditions can be fatal. Most types of muscular dystrophy are genetically inherited. In Canada, it is estimated that muscular dystrophy is present in one out of every 3,500 to 5,000 births. Since there is no known cure, it is important to know the warning signs and methods available for managing the condition. What is Muscular Dystrophy? There are nine different types of muscular dystrophy recognized by the medical community, but these nine can be the underlying cause of about 150 neuromuscular diseases. According to studies conducted by French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne and German neurologist, psychiatrist, and geneticist, Peter Emil Becker, the most common types of muscular dystrophy, termed “Duchenne and Becker,”,, almost exclusively appears in males and is passed along in a recessive gene linked to the X chromosome of the individual’s mother. Anyone of any age can begin displaying the symptoms of muscular dystrophy, but symptoms usually begin appearing in children between the ages of two and five. The child may be late in learning to walk. Later, he may suffer frequent falls and have a clumsy, waddling gait. Warning signs that should be examined when they appear include: A family history of muscular dystrophy Learning disabilities Frequent falls and difficulty running and jumping Trouble getting up from a lying or sitting position Large calf muscles There are a variety of unusual symptoms that may appear depending on the type of dystrophy, including walking on tiptoes and a delay in using language. Facts about Muscular Dystrophy Muscular Dystrophy is an Umbrella Term—There are nine different types of MD that can be the underlying cause of about 150 neuromuscular diseases. Different Disorders Show Different Signs—Every type of neuromuscular disorder will differ as to the muscles involved, the age the symptoms appear, and the progress of the disease. However, if any of these symptoms appear, the individual should seek a medical diagnosis. Diagnosis is Involved—To diagnose muscular dystrophy, physicians will obtain a family history and conduct a physical exam. There also are medical tests that can be used, including a muscle biopsy, a DNA exam, a nerve conduction test with electrodes, or a blood enzyme test. Muscular Dystrophy Treatment and Management The progression of muscular dystrophy can be slowed in many individuals through the use of medications and exercises. Often, symptoms can be relieved through the use of physical therapy, medical devices, and surgery. Since muscular dystrophy is a long-term, progressive disorder that comes in many forms, there are support programs available to help patients and their family members learn about the specific condition and to aid in its management. Muscular Dystrophy Canada—As the primary not-for-profit support organization in the country, provides education, conducts research in the search for a cure, helps patients with funding for wheelchairs and other equipment, and is available to provide emotional support for the patient and his family. The organization has offices in each region of the country. Canadian Disability Tax Credit—Muscular dystrophy patients may qualify for a disability tax credit, which is intended to help the disabled with extra expenses created by their condition and allow them to lead a more normal, full life. Physicians and Surgeons—At times, muscular dystrophy symptoms can be addressed through surgical procedures to relieve muscle shortening. Some conditions will require the insertion of a cardiac pacemaker. Others with curvature of the spine may need a rod inserted. Physical Therapists—Many times, muscular dystrophy symptoms, and even the progression of the disease itself, can be relieved through exercise and physical therapy. These can help with pain from awkward positioning of the joints and can delay the onset of curvature of the spine. Muscular dystrophy can appear at any time of life, but often manifests itself in early childhood. Parents and individuals with a family history should remain vigilant and pay attention to the warning signs. If there is a problem, they should contact one of the organizations available for assistance, and they should check to see if they qualify for a disability tax credit. Disability Credit Canada can help people suffering from Muscular Dystrophy receive the most of their disability tax credit. call us now --- - Published: 2013-12-16 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/celiac-disease/ Celiac disease (sometimes Coeliac) is a specific condition that damages the lining of the small intestine preventing the proper absorption of food. The inability of the intestine to digest effectively causes the body to miss out on vital nutrients and vitamins, inevitably leading to various health problems. In Canada, the government is dedicated to helping people deal with the necessary change in diet and other accommodations through the Disability Tax Credit program for Celiac. The intestinal damage brought on by celiac disease causes weight loss, bloating, diarrhea in the short term, and eventually affects the brain, organs, nervous system and bones, due to the lack of proper nourishment. Children are particularly susceptible to the damaging effects of celiac disease, as it can profoundly retard proper growth and development. Though exact figures are uncertain, it is estimated that approximately 300,000 Canadians suffer from this disease. What is also alarming is that in the past 25 years, the rates of reported celiac disease have nearly doubled. How Does Celiac Disease Affect the Body? The small intestine is lined with small hair-like structures called villi. These villi work to absorb the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients the body needs from the food that is eaten. Celiac disease specifically damages these villi, which renders the body unable to process the nutrients from food necessary to maintain proper health. The damage caused by celiac disease is due to a bodily reaction to the consumption of gluten, a protein found in barley, rye, and wheat. For those that suffer from celiac, eating gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine that produces a destructive inflammation of the intestine's lining. An important distinction that needs to be made is that this is not an allergic reaction to gluten as some have theorized. Celiac is a life-long medical condition that can be managed, but unfortunately not cured. Managing the Symptoms of Celiac DiseaseIf you are living with celiac and you continue to eat gluten, you risk further damage to the villi located in the small intestine. This can lead to a variety of health problems. Therefore, to maintain proper health, it is imperative that celiac disease sufferers live a completely gluten-free life. In order to do this, it is necessary for those with celiac to educate themselves on the foods and products that contain gluten. Some of these include:Wheat, barley and ryePastaBeerImitation meatSoy sauceLipstickCertain medicationUnfortunately, there is no cure for celiac. There are no medications, nor are there any treatments available for those suffering from celiac disease. Only by following a strict gluten-free diet can the symptoms be properly managed, allowing for the intestinal damage to be fully restored. By eating and living a gluten-free life, those suffering from celiac disease can eventually reverse the damage that has been done to the intestine. However, just because the symptoms might have vanished, a strict adherence to a gluten-free diet must be maintained or the inflammation will return. Though celiac restricts and limits the available food options for those with the disease, it does not have to ruin your life. In recognition of the increasing frequency of those with celiac disease, more and more gluten-free options have become available for consumers. Most restaurants and grocery stores now offer gluten-free alternatives. Disability Tax Credit for CeliacFor your continued care, your part would be to satisfy the dietary requirements. From the end of the government is a Disability Tax Credit for Celiac offered to those with Celiac disease to assist them with any lifestyle changes necessary to conform to the strict gluten-free guidelines. If you have a child suffering from Celiac Disease, you can download our Disability Tax Credit Guide for Children to find out more information. Suffering from Celiac? Ask Disability Credit Canada to fill out your disability tax credit application today! --- - Published: 2013-12-16 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/cerebral-palsy/ Cerebral Palsy (also known as CP) is an umbrella term used for a group of medical disorders that involve the brain and nervous system. Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the motor control areas of the brain known as the cerebrum. This restricts control over body coordination and proper posture resulting in a loss of muscle tone. To help, the Canadian government helps those diagnosed with the condition afford better care and treatment through the Disability Tax Credit for Cerebral Palsy. Those suffering from CP also develop difficulties with sensation, depth perception, communication abilities and, in certain cases, impairments with cognition. In approximately 33 percent of reported cases, cerebral palsy is accompanied by epilepsy. There is no known cure for cerebral palsy, yet with proper medical attention and care, the complications can be effectively managed. Approximately 40,000 Canadians live with cerebral palsy, and the overwhelming majority of diagnosed cases are congenital, meaning they are present at birth or develop very soon after. Cerebral palsy is not “caused” by external factors nor brought on by disease. Those with cerebral palsy are born that way. Classifications of Cerebral Palsy Children and adults suffering from cerebral palsy have a Canadian disability tax credit available to them. However, before any tax credit for disability is pursued, it is important to recognize the classification systems used to diagnose CP. Knowing how to classify the type of cerebral palsy is necessary to not only gauge the level of impairment but to also ensure that the proper plan of treatment, benefits and educational resources are put into place. Cerebral palsy is commonly classified by the following: Severity Level—This method is commonly used to gauge the method and scope of impairment. On this scale, CP ranges from mild to severe. Topographical Distribution—This is used to classify what parts of the body are affected. CP affects different parts of the body in different patients. Some only experience a weakness in one arm or leg, while someone else might suffer from complete paralysis in all four limbs. Motor Function—Certain types of cerebral palsy cause the muscles to contract erratically and sporadically making the affected limbs stiff and rigid. This is known as spastic or pyramidal CP. Others suffer a reduction or decrease in muscle movement. This type of CP is known as non-spastic or extrapyramidal. Gross Motor Function Classification System—This is a 5-level system that helps to identify how extensive the individual’s impairment. It is a universal classification that applies to all forms of CP. Cerebral palsy is a wide group of disorders that can involve brain and nervous system functions. There are many types and levels of impairment for those suffering from CP. Knowing how to classify the type of cerebral palsy is vitally important before treatment options are explored. Disability Tax Credit for Cerebral Palsy and Outlook There is no easy answer to this question. The range of bodily effects brought on by cerebral palsy is so vast and varied that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Though recent discoveries and new research have doctor and clinical scientists optimistic that the future holds the potential to repair the areas of the brain damaged by cerebral palsy, at present, there is no cure. All that can be done is management and treatment of the symptoms. As every case of cerebral palsy affects each patient differently, each patient requires a unique set of parameters and conditions. It must be stated that many children and older adults with cerebral palsy can go on to lead meaningful, rich, and happy lives. Parents, caregivers, doctors, and others offering assistance can go a long way to helping those with cerebral palsy achieve these goals. The government of Canada also offers assistance to help with the care and treatment expenses of our loved ones with Cerebral Palsy. This is done through the Disability Tax Credit for Cerebral Palsy application with the ultimate goal of helping our loved ones live full, meaningful lives unhampered by such disability. Let us help you care better for your loved ones. Call Disability Credit Canada for a FREE consultation on your Tax Credit for Bipolar Disorder application! --- - Published: 2013-12-16 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/blindness/ Blindness denotes the condition of a total loss of vision with the inability to distinguish light from darkness in both eyes. In other words, blindness is the state of being unable to see. This is contrasted against vision impairment wherein one's vision is less than perfect but can be correctable or improved through the use of glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgical intervention. Currently, almost one million Canadians suffer from blindness for which there is no cure. In response, the Canadian Disability Tax Credit for Blindness is available for those with this condition. What Causes Blindness? Patients suffering from blindness fall into two categories: 1) They were born blind; OR 2) they developed blindness after birth due to injury, disease, or other conditions. These are some of the many causes of blindness: In developed nations, the leading causes of blindness include complications from diabetes, traumatic injuries, and macular degeneration. In third-world countries, the principal causes of blindness include injuries, cataracts, and glaucoma. Vitamin A deficiencies, blood vessel constrictions involving the retina, stroke, retinitis, congenital deficiencies, hereditary diseases, and chemical poisonings can lead to blindness. Infections such as trachoma, river blindness, leprosy, and herpes simplex, also cause blindness. For those suffering from blindness in one or both eyes, it is important to recognize that every case is different. No two circumstances are the same, which makes it difficult to definitively say what caused a particular state of blindness. Regardless of the specific cause, Canadians have the option of completing a Disability Tax Credit for Blindness application to see if they qualify for assistance. What are the Treatments and Prognoses for Blindness? Some blindness issues can be treated and corrected while others cannot and are permanent. The root cause of a particular case of blindness certainly affects and predicates the type of treatment available. For instance, those suffering from blindness due to nutritional causes can often be assisted by a prescribed dietary change. Those suffering from cataracts can have corrective surgery, and blindness caused by infection can often be treated medically with eye drops and pills. The prognosis for blindness is also varied due to the cause. Blindness due to disease, injury, stroke or optic nerve damage cannot usually be restored. However, patients who have optical scarring or cataracts can have a positive prognosis if timely surgical care is made available. Disability Tax Credit for Blindness and Other Support Patients suffering from untreatable blindness must take specific considerations into account as it pertain to living with this condition. Life without the ability to see causes obvious complications. However, the modern world offers specific technologies, programs, and other methods of support to assist those suffering from blindness. Some of these include: Visual aids, such as text-reading software and Braille books, that allow for reading. Seeing-eye dogs and the simple use of a cane allow for the ability to navigate outside of the home. Specially trained rehabilitation experts, teachers, and others suffering from blindness, offer education and tips for living without sight. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind provides support for the blind to assist them in increasing their independence. The Canadian government also offers a Disability Tax Credit for Blindness to help with the expenses of special care and assistance to help blind people cope with the condition. Though blindness is a serious handicap, there are sufficient techniques and strategies made available so that individuals dealing with blindness can continue to live a full and rich life. Learn more at the CNIB website Call Disability Credit Canada for a FREE consultation! Fill out your disability tax credit form with us today. --- - Published: 2013-12-15 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/arthritis/ Arthritis is commonly thought of as a singular disorder, though the term is an umbrella description used to encompass over 100 different conditions associated with joint pain. Arthritic conditions affect over 4. 6 million adults in Canada each year, and the condition can vary from minor joint pain to permanent disability. Many who suffer from conditions under the umbrella of arthritis often qualify for Disability Tax Credit for Arthritis, a form of assistance from the Canadian government. Types of Arthritis and Diagnosing the Condition Arthritic conditions can range from mild tendinitis in the hands or bursitis in joints, to crippling systemic conditions, or a variety of related pain disorders. Some disorders that fall under the umbrella of arthritis include: Systemic Conditions—Rheumatoid, juvenile, psoriatic, and osteoarthritis fall into this category, as do Lupus and Scleroderma. Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions—Falling into this category are common diseases such as Walking impairments, Fibromyalgia, EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), Ankylosing Spondylitis, and RSDS (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome) Patients often approach their doctors with joint or musculoskeletal pain. Symptoms may be constant or reoccurring with no specific cause. Inflammation causes pain from arthritis, which can also show up as redness or swelling in various joints. Upon recognizing these symptoms, your physician will perform an overall physical examination to add to your medical history and may order x-ray images or blood tests to rule out other causes of pain. Though commonly thought of as a disease of the elderly, arthritis can affect any person of any age. Obtaining an early diagnosis is critical to pain management and improving quality of life. As the disease progresses, many therapies and other treatments can be covered by the Canadian Disability Tax Credit for Arthritis and Walking Impairments if the condition has made it difficult or impossible for normal movement or body function. Disability Tax Credit for Arthritis and Other Support Suffering from arthritic conditions, can not only be personally devastating, but can often involve costly treatments, various therapies, and lost productivity if the condition becomes disabling. It is estimated that between healthcare costs and productivity losses, arthritis costs the Canadian economy approximately $33 billion each year. This number is expected to double as healthcare costs continue to rise. While there is no cure for the disease, the following are a few preventative measures that you can take to reduce the likelihood of developing an arthritic condition, or slow the progression of the disease. Be physically active and maintain a healthy weight Protect your joints by maintaining proper form during exercise and being smart when working around the house or yard If you develop arthritis, take steps to educate yourself about the condition and learn how to manage it. Patients diagnosed with arthritis can apply for the Canadian disability credit to assist with financing treatment and physical therapy if their condition worsens. Support can also be found through several organizations, including: The Arthritis Research Centre of Canada—provides clinical research trials, a patient research Centre, and support for rehabilitation. Counselors can also assist with the disability tax credit application. The Arthritis Alliance of Canada—provides support for physicians to develop models of care specifically for inflammatory arthritic conditions, and assists patients with getting connected to an appropriate rheumatologist. The Arthritis Society—provides charity services, education, and care programs for Canadian patients with arthritis. Will also assist in providing information about the Canadian disability credit available for patients with arthritis. The Disability Tax Service estimates that those who qualify for a disability tax credit amount can receive anywhere from $1,600 to $25,000 to cover the costs of medical care and therapies to treat arthritis and walking impairments. If you or a loved one is suffering from a form of arthritis, contact your physician for a diagnosis and plan of treatment to improve your overall quality of life. Disability Credit Canada can help you live a life free from pain. Give us a call today for a free consultation about the Disability Tax Credit for Arthritis and Walking Impairments application! --- - Published: 2013-12-15 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/asperger-syndrome/ Asperger syndrome is a form of autism that affects patients neurologically and behaviorally, and may need special care depending on how the condition manifests. With help from the government through applying for Disability Tax Credit and Child Disability Tax Credit for Asperger, this can be achieved. The exact number of cases of Asperger syndrome occurring in Canada and worldwide is difficult to determine, given the nature of the condition. It is a relatively mild form of autism, so much that most patients are capable of having a virtually normal lifestyle. Still, it is helpful to give our loved ones with this condition extra love and care to really achieve a normal lifestyle. What is Asperger Syndrome? Asperger syndrome has historically been categorized as a type of autism. However, there are some significant distinctions between the two conditions. Patients with Asperger’s typically operate at a much higher level cognitively and emotionally. As a result, many in the medical community feel that Asperger’s should be categorized independently. Patients with this condition typically have difficulty with emotion, both expressing and interpreting them from others. A lack of social skills and a general difficulty expressing feelings are a commonality among patients. They are often perceived as being clumsy or awkward. Other symptoms of Asperger syndrome include: Necessity for routine, strong behavioral patterns Tendency to be singularly focused Erratic facial expressions Physically inept, awkward movements Asperger Syndrome was documented decades ago—The condition was described by a German scientist in the 1940's. It has only been as recent as 1992, however, that Asperger syndrome was accepted by the medical community. Asperger Syndrome Is NOT a form of mental retardation—Patients of Asperger’s who receive speech and emotional therapies function at much higher levels. Many patients would be undetectable in a day-to-day setting. Asperger syndrome has only recently come into understanding in the medical field. As such, research on the condition is continuously and quickly evolving. There are currently no known causes for the condition. Some links have been discovered at the genetic level as early as two months of age, but presently there is nothing conclusive. This, combined with the relatively mild symptoms of the condition, has left some to believe in the possibility of many undiagnosed cases. There are many patients who not only live perfectly lives, but who have gone on to become scientists, writers, and mathematicians. Disability Tax Credit for Asperger and Other Assistance There is no cure for Asperger syndrome, as scientists do not fully understand the condition or the causes. There are many who feel that there doesn’t need to be a cure, as the condition is extremely mild in most cases and can be managed. Speech and Emotional Therapy—If diagnosed early, a combination of speech and emotional therapy has been shown to be a significant aid for patients with the condition. Canadian Disability Tax Credit—Asperger syndrome patients may qualify for a Disability Tax Credit for Asperger's. This credit could be used to assist patients with any therapies or medications that could be required. Asperger syndrome is an extremely manageable condition. Group support, therapy, and attention from loved ones are generally all that is necessary for a patient to live a long and happy life. With time, scientists will uncover more clues as to the origin of the condition, which could lead to more advanced treatment options. Do you the Asperger Syndrome or care for someone you love? Call Disability Credit Canada today to learn about the disability tax credits you can receive. You can also read our Child Disability Tax Credit Guide to get more information. --- - Published: 2013-12-15 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/autism/ Autism is a neurological and behavioral condition that begins to affect patients as early as three years old. In Canada, autism affects roughly 1 in 88 children. This number is a 78 percent increase from the year 2006. There is currently no cure for autism, but there is extensive research taking place globally for advanced treatments. Help your loved ones with the treatments through the Disability Tax Credit for Autism. What is Autism? Autism is a neurological condition that begins to affect behavior in early childhood. Autistic individuals typically have difficulty relaying and receiving emotions. Patients are often viewed as socially awkward and have difficulty with speech and communication. The need for repetition, whether it is a specific behavioral pattern or ritual, is another common feature in patients suffering from autism. Autistic tendencies can appear in children ages 0-24 months. Here are some facts and behavioral markers: Gains language, then loses it or never gains it at all Difficult to soothe during tantrums Does not “point and look” The child has difficulty bonding to the parents May appear deaf or have difficulty responding to sound Boys are 4 times more likely to be autistic than girls—This can be attributed to genetics. The chromosomal makeup of boys makes them more susceptible to autism. Autism is a “spectrum disorder”—Patients can vary greatly in their social, behavioral, and neurological skills. Treatments, but no “cure”—There are currently many ways to treat autism. Therapies such as bio-medical, sensory, and even art therapy have been shown to be effective in treating autism. Though there are many and, in some cases, extreme negative aspects to autism, some patients have demonstrated increased abilities in other areas. Some of these advanced capabilities include perceptual motor skills, reasoning skills, drawing, and music skills. There is a great deal of variance within patients as far as capabilities are concerned. Some patients are unable to communicate at all and respond minimally to stimuli. Others have above-average intelligence, communicate, and go on to live productive lives. The nature of autism is still being understood. Autism has always been a part of human history. Some believe that there has been an increase in cases of autism due to vaccinations. Others claim that autism rates are on the rise due to a better ability to diagnose the condition. The condition did not receive its own specific name until the 1960s. Disability Tax Credit for Autism and Other Support As scientists gather data and continue to do research on autism, a cure may be possible in the future. Currently, however, there is no cure, due largely to the fact that scientists are unaware of the cause of the condition. Treatments vary due to the nature of the condition being a spectrum disorder. What works for one patient may have little to no effect on another. Some good news, patients who suffer from autism may qualify for assistance in the form of Disability Tax Credit for Autism. ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis)—Presently, one of the most common forms of behavioral treatment for autism. Works under the principle that behaviors are usually performed to “make us feel good. ” Sensory—A type of therapy that changes the stimulus and environment to aid in increasing sensory response. Disability Tax Credit for Autism —Autism patients may qualify for disability tax credit from the government of Canada. This credit could be used to assist patients with any therapies or medications that may be required. Autism is still in the process of being understood. However, the medical community has come a long way in diagnosing and treating the condition in just a few decades. With early diagnosis and the use of a variety of therapies and treatments, patients can live normal and happy lives. Resources: Read our Child Disability Tax Credit Guide to get more information. Autism Ontario If a family member is diagnosed with autism, give us a call today. Together, Disability Credit Canada will work your disability tax credit to help with special care expenses. --- - Published: 2013-12-14 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/adhd-add/ ADD and ADHD: Personal and Sociological Effects and Treatment Options ADD/ADHD is a condition affecting both children and adults; with estimates suggesting approximately 300,000 or more Canadians are diagnosed each year. Both diseases cause disabling symptoms that impede development and impair social function. Canadians afflicted with ADHD and/or ADD may be eligible for government support through the Disability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADD. What is ADD/ADHD and What are the Symptoms? ADHD is a mental disorder that interferes with the learning process, impedes social and cognitive development, and can be a precursor to a variety of other conditions. ADD/ADHD diagnoses are organized into one of three categories based on the patient’s behavior. The categories include: Inattention—Symptoms of inattention include being easily distracted by noise or activity, daydreaming, not focusing on the speaker during conversations, inability to pay attention or complete tasks, organizational difficulty, and impaired self-control. Hyperactivity—Symptoms include difficulty sitting still or continuous fidgeting, talking excessively at inappropriate times, issues with remaining seated, running, climbing, and constantly on the go. Impulsivity—Behaviors include self-control issues such as interrupting conversations or shouting answers in a classroom environment, disturbing others on purpose, having trouble grabbing things, hitting others, and making rash impulsive decisions. While these symptoms can vary with age, a majority of the diagnosing factors remain the same throughout. In addition to the above symptoms, those with ADHD often suffer from other mental conditions including: Anxiety disorders Depression Learning disabilities Behavioral and conduct disorders Each of these conditions can cause severe mental or physical impairments as defined by health professionals and the services that provide information on Canada’s Disability Tax Credit. ADD/ADHD is a medically recognized condition and requires treatment from a physician. Treating ADD/ADHD Only a physician can diagnose ADD/ADHD and suggest recommendations for treatment. Numerous treatment options are available, and each can be performed independently or in conjunction with one another. If the condition is severe and impedes with a person’s ability to work or perform in school, assistance can be found by applying for the child disability tax credit, or completing an application for the Canadian Disability Credit. Some options for the treatment of ADD/ADHD include: Management of the disease with medications such as Ritalin, Adderall or others Behavioral counseling and treatment Routine community care and counseling Dietary changes and other life alterations Research has shown the most success comes from a combination of all treatment paths, which is further reason any person or family member diagnosed with this condition should complete an application to receive a tax credit for disability. Disability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADD and Other Support With proper treatment, those who suffer from ADD/ADHD can thrive and achieve just as much as the rest of society. Places to turn to for treatment support include: At Disability Credit Canada, we help you complete your Disability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADD application to be eligible for support from the Canadian government (Read our Disability Tax Credit Guide for Children to find out more information). The Canadian Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Resource Alliance (CADDRA)—A not-for-profit alliance of health care professionals providing support to patients and families. CADDAC—The Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada is a non-profit umbrella organization that provides advocacy for other ADHD organizations and individual patients. They also provide up-to-date research and financial support or assistance with completing the Disability Tax Credit form. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)—Provides information, resources, and networking opportunities for adults with ADHD. They offer a professional ADHD therapist directory and assistance with support groups. For more information about diagnosis and treatment of this condition, or assistance in applying for financial assistance, contact your primary care physician for recommendations. Resources: A Parents Guide to ADHD & Disability Tax Credit ADHD Quiz & Self Assessment Give us a call today for a FREE consultation! Let our consultants assist you with your Disability Tax Credit for ADHD or ADD application. --- - Published: 2013-12-14 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/alzheimers-disease/ Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis and Management In their hearts, rest assured, they will always remember how you always made sure they received the best care. Keep up your good work with a Disability Tax Credit for Alzheimer's disease. About 500,000 Canadians are currently suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This condition destroys memories and leaves a lasting impact on families and loved ones. Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or family member, it is important to understand Alzheimer’s disease. What is Alzheimer’s Disease? Dementia is most commonly caused by Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is actually a brain disorder that progressively worsens over time. Alzheimer’s patients will start to lose memories and brain function. Eventually, even the most basic tasks will become too difficult to accomplish. Confusion, nervousness, and poor memory may all be signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some additional symptoms that may indicate Alzheimer’s disease: Loss of Memory or Deterioration in Cognitive Ability Erratic Behavior or Sudden Behavior Change Difficulty Writing or Speaking Trouble Interpreting Social or Spatial Relationships Aggression or Depression While there is no single test that will diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, a physician can make a diagnosis based on a sequence of tests that will eliminate other causes of the symptoms. The diagnosis process is time-consuming, and months of monitoring may be necessary to establish a final diagnosis. Facts about Alzheimer’s Disease Although Alzheimer’s is a well-known disease, there are still many myths related to Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some facts about this illness that can help patients and families: Alzheimer’s is Not Part of Normal Development – Though some may believe that memory loss is a normal part of getting older, Alzheimer’s symptoms are much more severe than typical aging. Though primarily affecting those age 65 or older, approximately 50,000 Alzheimer’s patients are under the age of 60. Alzheimer’s is a Progressive Disease – The disease will worsen over time. As time goes on, patients will continue to deteriorate. Ultimately this can lead to death. In fact, in only five years, 50% more Canadians could have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Impacts the Entire Family – Due to the nature of the disease, Alzheimer’s typically affects whole families, not just the patient. About 17% of Canadians have a family member who has Alzheimer’s. Disability Tax Credit for Alzheimer's and other forms of assistance At this point, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that can help to slow or reduce the progression of symptoms. Some programs can help inform, educate, and support patients and families. The Alzheimer Society of Canada – Both patients and families can seek help from support organizations. Alzheimer’s support organizations can help patients and families by providing information, helping to locate local services, and by offering support group services. Canadian Disability Tax Credit – Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers may qualify for Canadian disability tax credit. This disability tax credit can help cover extra expenses and ensure that these patients can live a full life and participate in society. Physicians and Nursing Care – Personal physicians can determine a treatment plan as a well as refer patients to care facilities. Physicians can also be an excellent resource for the latest Alzheimer’s research. Nursing Home and Hospice Care – At some point, the family may need to consider getting outside help from a nursing home or hospice. The facilities can offer care and counseling if needed. If a loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, be certain to see a physician or neurological doctor as soon as possible. Some organizations can help support you and you may even qualify for a disability tax credit. Alzheimer's diagnosed patients are eligible for the disability tax credit, call Disability Credit Canada for information. --- - Published: 2013-12-14 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/amputation/ Today, there is an estimated 200,000 Canadians that are amputees. With a number that high, it's important to understand how an amputation can affect you. For instance, amputees are often eligible for disability tax credit, which can help ease financial burdens. Here, Disability Credit Canada tells you everything you need to know about Disability Tax Credit for amputees. Learning the facts about amputation is important and can help you deal more easily with the issues related to living with an amputation, whether those issues apply to you or a loved one. What is there to know about Amputation? In Canada, diabetes causes the majority of amputations, specifically of the feet. Anyone suffering from diabetes is at particular risk, though anyone that participates in high-risk activities is also in danger of becoming an amputee. Here is a list of some of the most common reasons people lose their limbs. DiabetesGangreneFrostbiteBone InfectionSepsisSoft Tissue TumorsChronic PainSevere Injury to the LimbThere is no single cause of amputation and a great deal many actions that could cause someone to lose a limb. Losing a limb is a life-changing experience. An amputee often requires months of physical therapy to return to a normal life. During that time, money can get especially tight. If you or a loved one loses a limb, keep Canada's Disability Tax Credit for Amputees in mind. This disability tax credit can help out anyone that is markedly restricted earn enough money to live comfortably and afford better care and treatment for their condition. Remember, It is good to know the basics of amputation, because you never know when it might happen to you or someone close to you. Here are some facts that can help you understand amputation better. Amputation Can Happen to Anyone—Amputation is not as rare as most people think. Common illnesses, such as diabetes, can result in the loss of a limb. Trauma of any kind, such as what you might experience in a car accident, can also result in a limb having to be removed. Those who are sick or who engage in high-risk activities are in more danger of becoming an amputee, but anyone can suffer an accident that will result in the loss of a limb. Phantom Limb Pain—Phantom limb pain means that an amputee feels pain in the part of their limb that is missing. As many as 80 percent of amputees feel phantom pain and, for many, it can be nearly unbearable. Therapy, time, and gentle exercise can help to alleviate some of this pain. Disability Tax Credit for Amputees and Other Forms of AssistanceIf you find yourself in a situation where someone has lost a limb, you may be able to save it by placing the limb in a bag, putting the bag on top of ice, and contacting emergency services. If your limb has already been amputated and you are experiencing phantom limb pain, here are some methods of treating it:Heat Application—Applying gentle heat to the pained area can help to relax muscles and ease pain. Massage—Massaging the affected limb can relax muscles and ease phantom limb pain. Physical Therapy—Physical therapy helps to build up new muscles and teach your body how to deal with the loss of a limb. Medication—Medication, such as painkillers, can help to relieve phantom limb pain. Be careful though, painkillers may result in dependency. If you or a loved one has lost a limb and you find yourself in need of financial aid, please fill out a Disability Tax Credit for Amputees application today. It is guaranteed to help alleviate some of the financial burden. Resources:Amputee Coalition of CanadaAre you an Amputee? Call Disability Credit Canada to receive your benefits now! Helpful Resources for People Suffering from DisabilityUltimate CPP Disability GuideLong Term Disability Claims and Appeal Common Medical Conditions Eligible for Long-Term Disability Benefits --- - Published: 2013-12-14 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als/ Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive disease affecting various nerve cells of the spinal cord and brain. Nerves and motor neurons housed in the spinal cord begin to deteriorate, leading to paralysis of multiple organs and eventually death. Patients diagnosed with the disease can survive for a number of years or a matter of months after diagnosis, and all who suffer will qualify for the Disability Tax Credit for ALS. ALS Facts and Symptoms An estimated 2000 Canadians are currently afflicted with ALS, with two or three fatalities from the disease each day. Statistics can surprise those unfamiliar with the condition, with facts stating that: ALS Does Not Discriminate—ALS can afflict anyone of any age, sex, ethnicity, or social standing. The primary onset is typically between ages 55 and 65, but can strike people as young as 20. ALS is Not Hereditary—Ninety percent of cases occur in individuals who have no family history of the disease. ALS Does Not Have a Time Limit—While 90 percent of patients die within five years of their diagnosis, some can live much longer or die within a few short months. ALS is Expensive—As the disease progresses, the patient will need a variety of treatments and adaptive technologies to support life. This drains the patient and their family economically and emotionally, which is why many patients qualify for a disability tax credit amount. Diagnosing the condition can be costly as no definitive tests to accurately diagnose ALS are available. Physicians use a process of elimination pattern to diagnose a patient, with the following symptoms as criteria: Muscular weakness or fatigue in the legs or arms Difficulty standing, walking, or lifting as a result of muscular weakness Twitching and cramping of muscles in the hands and feet “Thick speech” and difficulty with speaking Shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing Patients may experience all or some of the above symptoms, which can appear, and then stop for no reason. Those diagnosed with the disorder will eventually need round-the-clock medical care to deal with various disabilities that occur as the disorder progresses. Disability Tax Credit for ALS and Other Support ALS symptoms will advance to a point where the patient is unable to perform daily living tasks such as dressing and bathing, requiring wheelchair access when mobility declines, and ventilation support if breathing is affected. These life-saving treatments can be costly, which is why patients are encouraged to apply early for the Canadian Disability Credit to help pay for the care an ALS patient requires. The Disability Tax Credit for ALS will also help support families with nursing care, counseling, and eventually hospice care. Canada offers a variety of support groups and organizations to provide assistance to ALS patients and their families: The ALS Society of Canada—the only national voluntary health organization dedicated only to fighting and researching ALS, they provide assistance to patients, support for families, and can assist with funding or Disability Tax Credit applications. The Canadian ALS Research Network (CALS)—a national alliance of clinicians and researchers who assist in providing therapies for patients with the disease. Financial assistance is available with them through the Canadian Disability Tax Credit, and they can arrange for hospice care and counseling for family members. ALS Society of British Columbia—not-for-profit organization providing support to patients, families, and caregivers, they provide equipment loans for life support and can assist families with applying for a disability tax credit. If you or a loved one is showing signs of ALS, or has been diagnosed with the disease, the first step is to reach out for support. Your physician should have a list of local support groups, nursing facilities, and hospice centers that can help with applications for the Disability Tax Credit for ALS from the Canadian government, and provide assistance to patients and families throughout the course of the disease. Early treatment and diagnosis can improve quality of life and allow for time to adjust to the effects of this devastating condition. Suffering from ALS? Call Disability Credit Canada for a FREE consultation on your Tax Credit application! --- - Published: 2013-12-14 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/anorexia/ Anorexia is a severe eating disorder in which a person experiences an intense fear of weight gain and obsessive concern with the food they eat. Sufferers decrease their weight to unhealthy levels through starvation or excessive physical activity. While recognized as an eating disorder, the condition is classified as a mental health disorder as well by the Canadian Mental Health Association. The disease can cause a variety of disabling symptoms that require medical treatment, which can sometimes be paid for under the Disability Tax Credit for Anorexia guidelines. Types of Anorexia and Symptoms The condition had been grouped into one disorder, but has now been broken into two specific diagnoses depending on the behaviors and symptoms a patient exhibits. Anorexia Nervosa—defined by an obsessive concern about food consumption and eating habits, symptoms include voluntary starvation, irrational fear of weight gain, unrealistic body image, and a powerful desire for control. Anorexia Athletica—defined as a condition where a person compulsively exercises to unhealthy levels out of a desire for power and control over their body, symptoms include fixation on physical performance as an indication of self-worth, fanaticism regarding weight and diet, and inability to achieve satisfaction with weight and physical activity levels. Both forms of Anorexia are more about controlling emotional problems than actual weight loss or nutritional concerns. Many with anorexia also suffer from depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses. Submission of a disability tax credit application can help cover the cost of treatment for the various effects of the disease. Effects of Anorexia Voluntary starvation and inadequate nutrition can cause a variety of health problems. Aside from a person being well below a healthy weight range for their age and height, Anorexic behaviors can cause the following health issues: Depression, anxiety, mood swings or other mental disorders Weakness and general lack of energy Decreased cognitive function Brittle nails and yellowing of skin Dental issues such as tooth decay, gum damage, and halitosis The body will begin to shut down various organs if the condition is allowed to continue, and eventually, death will occur if not treated. Disability Tax Credit for Anorexia and Other Support As with any mental condition, deciding to seek help can be difficult. Fortunately, there are numerous centers and a variety of treatment options available to become healthy again. Financial assistance can be granted by applying for a disability tax credit, and many organizations can arrange for treatment and support of the condition. The National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)—a non-profit organization mandated by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Mental Health Programs and Services division to provide public information and support for sufferers of Anorexia and other eating disorders. The Looking Glass Foundation—partnered with the Woodstone Treatment Facility, this organization aims to provide education and assistance to families and patients with eating disorders. Eating Disorders Foundation of Canada (EDF)—provides support to community groups to set up campaigns and awareness of eating disorders to encourage sufferers to seek medical care. They can provide resources for physicians, counselors, and support. When working to overcome any type of mental disorder, it is imperative to have a good support network around the patient. Family and friends can provide emotional assistance, as can support groups and physicians. Financial assistance can be granted for severe cases through the Disability Tax Credit for Anorexia from the Canadian government. The sooner a person receives treatment, the better their outcome in the long term when returning to a healthy lifestyle. Resources: National Eating Disorder Information Centre Anorexia is eligible for Disability Tax Credit in Canada. Call Disability Credit Canada to learn more and we will be with you through your entire application! --- - Published: 2013-12-14 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/anxiety-disorders/ A normal reaction to threatening, stressful, or frightening events is an increased feeling of anxiety. However, when this feeling is persistent and present in everyday life, or is experienced in response to normal, non-threatening events, it can prevent you from living fully and could even become disabling. Over one million Canadians have been diagnosed with a mental illness, and for every ten cases, one of these is a type of anxiety disorder. To help us through these difficult times in our lives, the Canadian government offers the Disability Tax Credit for Anxiety Disorders. Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms: Anxiety disorders can affect any person of any age, ethnicity, or social class, and if symptoms become disabling, many can seek financial support for treatment through the Canadian disability benefits. There are six main categories of disorders categorized by type and severity of symptoms: Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Extreme reactions of anxiety to everyday situations, excessive worrying, unable to control anxious feelings, racing pulse, insomnia, combined with fatigue, irritability, and difficulty making decisions. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Repeated focus (or obsession) on thoughts or ideas that often make no sense and can interfere with day-to-day activities including thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, replaying of images or scenarios within the mind, hair pulling, skin picking, or other body issues, persistent doubt and worry about the order or disorder of things. Social Anxiety Disorder: Extreme anxiety regarding social situations, excessive self-consciousness, intense reactions to engaging socially, such as shortness of breath, nausea, shaking, or even fainting. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Anxiety after a traumatic event such as a car accident, assault, or time spent in combat. Symptoms include flashbacks, upsetting dreams, irritability, engaging in self-destructive behaviors to avoid thinking of the event, and hallucinations Panic Disorder Strikes without warning or trigger and will often cause panic attacks. Sensations of panic attacks include pounding head, chest pain, dizziness, a sensation of being smothered, nausea, and/or fear of death. Specific Phobias Intense fear or anxiety regarding a specific trigger will often accompany the other disorders listed above. Common phobias include fear of spiders or heights, but can range to fear of the sun, fear of automobiles, fear of large crowds or unfamiliar areas, and claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces). Each type of anxiety disorder can interact with one another, or multiple anxiety disorders can co-exist within one person. As symptoms progress, the condition can become disabling; those needing treatment might wish to apply for the Disability Tax Credit offered in Canada. There are general disability credits as well as a child disability tax credit for youth or children who are suffering from a disabling anxiety disorder. Disability Tax Credit for Anxiety Disorders and Other Support There are a variety of treatment options available for suffers of anxiety. Many are prescribed by a psychiatrist, who can provide both therapy and medicinal treatment. Treatments can include: Prescription antidepressants, SSRI’s or other pharmaceuticals to help decrease or eliminate symptoms Psychotherapy or Behaviour Therapy practices Physical activity, including yoga or meditation exercises Acupuncture Alternative methods of treatment such as Yoga or acupuncture can be sought out individually, but medication and psychotherapy treatments must be done by a professional psychiatrist or psychologist. Treatments can complement each other and your doctor can discuss the best ones for you, and your physician can assist you with applications or certification for disability so that you can apply for the disability tax credit. In addition to physician assistance, there is a variety of support groups available for anxiety disorder sufferers: Psychiatry Referral Services, including ATAQ in Quebec, ADAQ in Ontario, ADAM in Manitoba and ADABC in British Columbia The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments Canadian Mental Health Association Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada (ADAC) Your local social services office should also be able to assist in finding treatment, and can apply information about applying for a disability tax credit should your disorder interfere with work and everyday life. Don’t hide away and let your disorder consume your life, seek out treatment with a physician today and for financial assistance apply for the Disability Tax Credit for Anxiety Disorder. If you have a child suffering from Anxiety Disorders, read our guide to find more information on Disability Tax Credit for Children with Anxiety Disorders. Suffering from Anxiety Disorders? Call Disability Credit Canada today for a FREE consultation! We're with you through all the steps of your Tax Credit for Anxiety Disorder application. --- - Published: 2013-11-03 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligible-conditions/ Table of Contents Now that you have an idea what a Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is, it would be prudent to determine whether you or your loved ones meet the Disability Tax Credit eligibility requirements. Trying to familiarize yourself with the DTC while at the same time dealing with your own, or a loved one’s, new or chronic ailment and all that entails (doctor visits, lost work, physical therapy, and the like) can be a daunting task. For some, the research involved alone is one too many things to contemplate. Because we understand the physical and emotional hardships many disabled Canadians are dealing with daily, we’ll try and present the information you need to know here, in as clear and concise a manner as possible. Our goal at Disability Credit Canada is to educate Canadians about the different kinds of disabilities and to better understand the Disability Tax Credit. A lot of us are still unsure about what qualifies as a disability due to a lack of available information. Here, we can reach out to you to help increase awareness of various kinds of disabilities and how you may qualify to receive disability benefits. How to determine your Disability Tax Credit Eligibility? The first step in figuring out how to get back on your feet after a life-altering diagnosis or accident is to determine what kind of help is available to you; including whether or not you or your loved one meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the Disability Tax Credit program. So, before you begin the DTC application process, take the time to read the information provided below. It will help you get a better idea of the disability tax credit eligibility requirements, the various steps involved in applying, the information you need to have ready before you begin, and what to expect after you’ve applied. Take your time. Read the information carefully. If you have access to a printer, print this page so you can review it whenever you have questions at any stage of the application process. Also to have a better understanding of the DTC application process you can check out our Disability Tax Credit Guide and Child Disability tax credit guide. Disability Tax Credit Eligibility & Application Many factors are taken into account when reviewing your eligibility for disability tax credit. Before your Disability Tax Credit eligibility is determined, you must first apply and you do that by downloading Form T2201 from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website or visiting one of their regional offices and picking up the form in person. Form T2201 consists of 2 distinct parts: Part A is where you fill out your personal information and describe your disability. Part B is filled out by your doctor or health practitioner. In Part B, the health professional details the nature and extent of your disability and provides any other relevant information CRA may require or request. It is vital to any successful application that Part B is filled out in full. Part A and the Importance of “Markedly Restricted” One phrase you’ll see and hear repeatedly when applying for the DTC is “markedly restricted”. In short, a “markedly restricted” person will have difficulties performing at least one of the following basic functions of daily life: Feeding Dressing Walking Speaking Elimination of bowel and/or bladder Mental functions necessary for daily living The restriction must be acute in at least one area or ‘significant’ in 2 or more areas and last for more than 12 months. The marked restriction will consistently interfere with the individual’s ability to perform the task or tasks. A person who requires life-sustaining therapy to support one or more of the above-outlined vital functions may also qualify. Note: Recent amendments to DTC legislation introduced a new set of criteria that should more accurately reflect the reality of many disabled people. That is the “cumulative effects of significant restrictions”. In other words, if you or a loved one suffers some restriction in several of life’s basic functions the cumulative effect of all those restrictions is now taken into consideration, even if there is no single overwhelming restriction. To get a better idea of the factors that are taken into account when reviewing your eligibility for disability tax credit, here are a few standard guidelines. 1. Have you been impaired for, or expect to be impaired for, at least 12 months? If the answer is yes then you should continue asking yourself the remaining questions; otherwise, you are not eligible for a disability tax credit. 2. Are you blind? 3. Do you receive life-sustaining therapy? Examples include any therapy or devices used to facilitate breathing or kidney dialysis. 4. Does your impairment cause marked restriction to any of the following daily activities? Walking Dressing Speaking Hearing Elimination (bowel or bladder functions) Feeding Dressing Mental functions necessary for everyday life The CRA defines “markedly restricted” as: “You are markedly restricted if, all or substantially all of the time (at least 90% of the time), you are unable or it takes you an inordinate amount of time ... to perform one or more of the basic activities of daily living ... even with therapy (other than therapy to support a vital function) and the use of appropriate devices and medication. ” 5. Do you meet all of the following conditions? Are you significantly restricted in two or more of the daily activities mentioned above even with the appropriate medicine, therapy, and devices? Do these restrictions exist together at least 90% of the time? Is the cumulative effect of these restrictions equivalent to being “markedly restricted” in a single basic activity of daily living? If you answered yes to question 1 and yes to one or more of questions two through five then you may qualify for disability tax credit. Keep in mind that if you receive disability benefits from the Canada, or Quebec, Pension Plans, workers’ compensation benefits, or other types of disability or insurance benefits, you do not necessarily qualify for the tax credit. You may also find it helpful to check specific requirements prescribed by your province in our province eligibility resources. Part B and the Cooperation of your Doctor or Health Practitioner As mentioned, for the CRA to determine Disability Tax Credit eligibility, Part B of the T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate must be filled out completely and correctly by the health practitioner most familiar with your situation. A relevant health practitioner may include an MD, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist an optometrist an audiologist, or anyone else with specific, specialized knowledge of your case. The medical practitioner must take care to fill in all required fields and provide any supporting information CRA may request or require. Failure to comply with CRA requests or requirements will likely lead to the application being rejected. In addition, the CRA reserves the right to ask for supplemental information relevant to the application at any time during or after the initial consideration process. Approval The CRA alone reserves the right to accept or reject any application. Should your application be accepted and you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit the length of time for which you receive the credit is again, up to the CRA. Be aware that once approved, you have the right to apply for up to 10 years of retroactive benefits which, if approved, could make a significant impact on the quality of life for both you and your loved ones. To apply for these retroactive benefits you’ll be required to file Form T1-ADJ for each of the years in question. The benefits specialists at Disability Credit Canada are uniquely qualified to help you with this process. Right to Appeal Should your DTC application be rejected, you still have options. If you filled out the application yourself, your first step should be to review your entire application with a qualified benefits specialist and see if there were any omissions or mistakes, and then re-file the application. If it is rejected yet again you may file an appeal with the CRA. You will be assigned an appeals officer who will review all aspects of your case and make a decision whether to uphold the rejection or reverse it and approve your application. Disability Credit Canada helps disabled Canadians receive the life-changing assistance they are entitled to under the Disability Tax Credit program and CPP Disability Benefits. We understand every nuance of the process and have shepherded scores of applications through the system to final approval. If you believe you may be eligible for the DTC or have questions related to your Disability Tax Credit eligibility call Disability Credit Canada today, and set yourself on the road to recovery. And here, we tell you how to do just the opposite – live a full life, and live with a disability. Here, we tell you how life goes on no matter the limitations of your or your loved ones’ disability. Common impairments that may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit include: ADHD or ADD: Qualifying for disability tax credit when you or your child has ADHD or ADD is a big challenge due to the various aspects of the disability. ALS: An estimated 2000 Canadians are currently afflicted with ALS, with two or three fatalities from the disease each day. Having ALS is devastating to the disabled and family members. Alzheimer’s Disease: About 500,000 Canadians are currently suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia, Confusion, nervousness, and poor memory may all be signs of this un-curable disease. Amputation: An estimated 200,000 Canadians are amputees and diabetes is the main cause for the majority of amputations. We have helped several Canadians with amputation get Disability Tax Credit. Anorexia: There are two specific Anorexia diagnoses depending on the behaviors and symptoms a patient exhibits: Anorexia Nervosa and Anorexia Athletica. Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders can affect any person of any age, ethnicity, or social class, and if symptoms become disabling, many can seek financial support for treatment through the Canadian disability tax credit. Arthritis: Arthritic conditions can range from mild tendinitis in the hands or bursitis in joints, to crippling systemic conditions, or a variety of related pain disorders. When the arthritic symptoms become disabling, one can certainly be eligible for the Canadian disability tax credit. Asperger Syndrome: Asperger syndrome is a form of autism that affects patients neurologically and behaviorally and may need special care depending on how the condition manifests. Patients with this condition can certainly be eligible for disability tax credit. Autism: In Canada, autism affects roughly 1 in 88 children (This number is a 78 percent increase from the year 2006) and a child can be diagnosed with different autistic tendencies on the autism spectrum. Autism patients may qualify for disability tax credit and this credit could be used to assist patients with any therapies or medications that may be required. Bipolar Disorder: Patients who are classified as bipolar exhibit erratic changes in behavior. Depression, lowered energy levels, and mood swings. Diagnosed patients may be eligible for the disability tax credit. Blindness: For those suffering from blindness in one or both eyes, it is important to recognize that every case is different, and therefore disability tax credit eligibility is done on a case-by-case basis. Celiac: Though celiac restricts and limits the available food options for those with the disease, it does not automatically make one eligible for disability tax credit, and may be very challenging to qualify for it. Cerebral Palsy: Approximately 40,000 Canadians live with cerebral palsy, and the overwhelming majority of diagnosed cases are congenital, meaning they are present at birth or develop very soon after. As every case of cerebral palsy affects each patient differently, it is not always a sure eligibility for disability tax credit. Chronic Fatigue: Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder with no known cause and no test that can easily diagnose it therefore it is not so clear if one is eligible for disability tax credit or not. Chronic Pain: The consensus is that any pain lasting more than 12 weeks can be considered chronic pain yet the elusive nature of this condition makes it difficult to decide its disability tax credit eligibility. Crohn’s Disease: It is estimated that approximately 200,000 Canadians are currently diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Though it is a lifelong condition, symptoms often come and go, and a person can experience months without flare-ups therefore disability tax credit eligibility should be determined on an individual basis. Deafness: Hearing loss is unequivocally the fastest growing chronic condition Canadians currently face and there are more than one million Canadians with some level of hearing disability. Some may be eligible for Canada’s disability tax credit and some may not. Depression: Roughly around 12 percent of Canadians met the criteria for major depression at some point in their lives. The severity of the depression as well the effect of it on your life is the deciding factor when it comes to your eligibility for the disability tax credit. Diabetes: it is estimated that about nine million Canadians live with diabetes or pre-diabetes conditions. About 10 percent suffer from Type I Diabetes, and the number of people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes increasing at a dramatic rate. The eligibility for the disability tax credit is determined when evaluating the severity of the diabetes on a patient’s life. Down Syndrome: Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs in approximately 1 out of every 800 live births and life expectancy for persons with Down syndrome has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Disability tax credit eligibility is pretty straight forward and should be applied by the parents as soon as they receive the diagnosis. Dyslexia: Dyslexic persons and their caregivers (parents, if the disabled person is still a child) may be eligible for the disability tax credit. Money spent on special tutors, counseling, etc. , can be partially reimbursed through the disability tax credit. Emphysema: Emphysema is a lung disease which occurs when the air sacs of your lungs are slowly destroyed, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. Living with emphysema can be a very costly affair and should you suffer from it you should seek help figuring out your eligibility for disability tax credit. Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a disorder within the brain that causes the electric system to cause seizures. These seizures are marked by a change in the ability of the person to move and respond to stimuli appropriately; they may also lose consciousness. Find out more about being eligible for Disability Tax Credit if you or a loved on have been diagnosed with Epilepsy. Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread pain and accompanied by a rash of secondary indicators. For this condition, the Government of Canada offers support through Disability Tax Credit. Gout: In Canada alone gout, or “gouty arthritis,” afflicts an estimated 1. 5 million people. We at Disability Credit Canada, can help you claim Disability Tax Credit if you or your loved one have been diagnosed with gout. High Functioning Autism: In the recent change of the DSM, four diagnoses (autism disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, pervasive development disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder) were rolled into one diagnosis now known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Learn more about how it affects eligibility for Disability Tax Credit. Interstitial Cystitis: Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic condition that deals with issues of the bladder. It is more commonly known as painful bladder syndrome or PBS. Learn more about how we can help you claim Disability Tax Credit if you have been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. Mental Retardation: Mental retardation, otherwise known as an intellectual disability or MR/ID, happens when a child’s brain does not develop as it should. There are programs available to help families with intellectually disabled children. One such program is the Child Disability Tax Credit that is offered in Canada. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Multiple sclerosis, known as MS, is a disease that targets the central nervous system. More than 2. 3 million people worldwide are likely affected by MS. Learn more about Disability Tax Credit eligibility if you or your loved one has been diagnosed with this disease. Muscular Dystrophy: Muscular dystrophy (MD) is the name given to a group of muscle diseases that weaken the voluntary muscles. Muscular dystrophy can appear at any time of life, but often manifests itself in early childhood. A Disability Tax Credit can help ease the financial burden faced by ones suffering from this disease. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis (also called OA, degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis) is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of chronic disability in Canada and many other countries. While there is no working cure at this time, a Disability Tax Credit can definitely help reduce some financial burden for those diagnosed with Osteoarthritis. Parkinson’s Disease: Nearly 100,000 Canadians suffer from Parkinson’s disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that can rob a person of the ability to lead a normal, productive life. Learn more about Disability Tax Credit eligibility if you or your loved one have been diagnosed with this disease. Sensory Processing Disorder: Sensory integration disorder, which is also known as sensory processing disorder or SPD, is a condition in which the brain is unable to properly take in information from the senses and create an appropriate response. Make sure to look into your eligibility to receive assistance through Canada’s Disability Tax Credit program. Speech Disability: A disability such as speech disability works to keep a person from being able to accurately articulate thoughts in a verbal fashion, from being able to speak clearly or concisely, or from being able to form full sentences without trouble. Find out more about your eligibility for Disability Tax Credit. Spinal Cord Injury: According to studies, there are more than 1,500 Canadians that suffer a spinal cord injury per year. A spinal cord injury can result in marked restrictions of physical movement which could lead you to get approved for Disability Tax Credit. Find out more about the help available and eligibility for Disability Tax Credit. Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a common affliction that causes back and leg pain, usually in men and women over 50 years of age. This pain can interfere with day-to-day tasks and make certain types of work impossible which can qualify you to claim Disability Tax Credit. Tendinitis: Tendinitis occurs when the tendon (a connective tissue that attaches the end of the muscle to the bone) becomes inflamed due to injury or repetitive overuse. This can lead to problems performing day to day living tasks. If you have been diagnosed with tendinitis, you could be eligible for Disability Tax Credit. Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that fall into the category of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. Colitis creates irritation and swelling in the large intestine & painful sores known commonly as ulcers also develop on the sensitive lining of the colon and can be very painful. Canadians suffering from this condition can absolutely be eligible for disability tax credit and receive substantial refunds from the government. Give us a call to start your Disability Tax Credit Application --- - Published: 2013-10-31 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-eligibility/ Finding out Knowing who qualifies for a disability tax credit is a tricky business. At Disability Credit Canada, we can provide you with all you need to know about Disability Tax Credit Eligibility. We have put together comprehensive resources that will not just help you find out if you are eligible but also guide you through the entire process. You can check out our comprehensive guides to find more information about Disability Tax Credit and Child Disability tax credit. Many conditions may qualify for the disability tax credit, for a full list click here. Our goal is to educate people about the kinds of disabilities. A lot of us are still unsure about what qualifies as a disability due to a lack of available information. Here, we can reach out to you to help increase awareness of various kinds of disabilities and how you may qualify to receive benefits. A qualified disability can give you up to $40,000 in income tax relief. The amount you save from paying less taxes can be used to help with the financial burden of living with a disability. If you do not have any income or do not owe any taxes, then this credit will not help you as it is only available to lower the income tax you owe, and is non-refundable. How to establish your eligibility for Disability Tax Credit? Many factors are taken into account when reviewing your eligibility for disability tax credit. To get started, here are a few standard guidelines to help you determine your Disability Tax Credit Eligibility. 1. Have you been impaired for, or expect to be impaired for, at least 12 months? If the answer is yes then you should continue asking yourself the remaining questions; otherwise, you are not eligible for a disability tax credit. 2. Are you blind? 3. Do you receive life-sustaining therapy? Examples include any therapy or devices used to facilitate breathing or kidney dialysis. 4. Does your impairment cause marked restriction to any of the following daily activities? Walking Dressing Speaking Hearing Elimination (bowel or bladder functions) Feeding Dressing Mental functions necessary for everyday life The CRA defines “markedly restricted” as: “You are markedly restricted if, all or substantially all of the time (at least 90% of the time), you are unable or it takes you an inordinate amount of time ... to perform one or more of the basic activities of daily living ... even with therapy (other than therapy to support a vital function) and the use of appropriate devices and medication. ” 5. Do you meet all of the following conditions? Are you significantly restricted in two or more of the daily activities mentioned above even with the appropriate medicine, therapy and devices? Do these restrictions exist together at least 90% of the time? Is the cumulative effect of these restrictions equivalent to being “markedly restricted” in a single basic activity of daily living? If you answered yes to question 1 and yes to one or more of questions two through five then you may qualify for disability tax credit. Keep in mind that if you receive disability benefits from the Canada, or Quebec, Pension Plans, workers' compensation benefits, or other types of disability or insurance benefits, you do not necessarily qualify for the tax credit. You may also find it helpful to check specific requirements prescribed by your province in our province eligibility resources. Approval and Appeals After meeting all the requirements set by the province of your residence, you may be approved to receive your Disability Tax Credit. This decision is based on the information provided by medical professionals who assist with completing your application. If your application was denied despite passing our Disability Tax Credit Eligibility screening and you feel that your application was able to build a strong case, you can file an appeal. An appeal is accomplished with a signed letter and completed Form T400A - Objection - Income Tax mailed to the Chief of Appeals, Sudbury Tax Services Office, 1050 Notre Dame Avenue, Sudbury ON P3A 5C1. If you prefer, you can also file your objection online at the Canada Revenue Agency. You may also find it helpful to review this guide on tax appeals and objections. Not sure if you qualify for a Disability Tax Credit? Call us for a free consultation now! --- - Published: 2012-07-05 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-application/ For you and your loved ones, no more waiting - start your Disability Tax Credit Application today. The Disability Tax Credit application is a simple process that helps disabled Canadians claim tax benefits from the government. This helps disabled Canadians deal with financial hardships caused by their disability. This can provide you with up to $40,000 in income tax relief, a landmark in government assistance for the disabled. To benefit the masses and simplify the process of filing these tax credits, We have published specific Guides for Disability tax credits and Child Disability tax credits. At Disability Credit Canada, Inc. , we believe life should go on for you and your loved ones. Do a quick check on the application process today. Getting Started on your Disability Tax Credit ApplicationApplying for a Disability Tax Credit on your own can be tasking and confusing. A lot of disabled Canadians choose not to bother with the process as the road to approval is filled with uncertainty regarding the process and requirements. To start, check our disability tax credit eligibility guide to find out if you are eligible. At Disability Credit Canada, we believe disabilities should no longer cause financial burdens. We're here to guide you every step of the way. Our process is easy, straightforward, and transparent. Step 1 - Free Assessment: During the initial consultation we’ll familiarize ourselves with your case including the type and length of your disability, physical and/or mental impairments resulting from the disability, and the estimated cost of your medications and therapies. We’ll use this information to do a preliminary assessment and determine if you have a solid case. Step 2 - Submission of Relevant Consent Forms: Should we determine you have a strong case for eligibility we’ll need you to sign off on all relevant consent forms. This step allows us to commence our advocacy of your application and proceed on all fronts. Step 3 - Specialized Medical and Tax Advocacy: During this stage, we liaise with relevant government agencies, medical specialists, doctors, therapists and others to establish a rock-solid foundation for your case. Our constant monitoring of your Disability Tax Credit application status, swift and effective handling of any issues that arise, and valuable insights into the vagaries of the process are all key elements of our outstanding approval record. Step 4 - Receiving Your Benefits: Once we have obtained approval for your application our job is complete and you will receive your refund and benefits. The Disability Tax Credit is a welcome piece of governmental relief that has made a huge difference in the lives of the disabled and their families from coast to coast. The sad fact though is that as many as half of eligible Canadians are not taking advantage of this important program, mostly due to the complicated application and approval process. You've already been a victim before, and we won't let it happen again. Give us a call and together, we open the door to an outstanding program and a lifetime of peace. At Disability Credit Canada we provide powerful advocacy for disabled citizens and are proud of the role we play in helping return financial stability to their lives by getting them approved for Disability tax credit and CPP Disability benefits. You will find no organization with a greater degree of relevant expertise or one more qualified to shepherd your disability tax credit application through to final approval. Give us a call to start your Disability Tax Credit Application today --- - Published: 2012-07-05 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/child-disability-benefit/ The government of Canada is dedicated to giving children of all ages premiere childcare. The Child Disability Benefit helps them have fun-filled, meaningful, and free childhoods. The goal is to raise our children in holistic growth and form them as leaders and success drivers, overcoming any disability that may keep them from living to the fullest. At Disability Credit Canada, we help your children have the best childhood possible by assisting them in applying for a disability tax credit. The amount you save from paying higher income taxes can now help pay for necessary aid in raising your children with disability. These Disability Benefits can help children of all ages, starting from infancy, to attending preschool all the way to high school. The Child Disability Benefit is home to various programs that help disabled children achieve their full potential. This is funded by the government through our taxes and other resources, as well as partnerships with nonprofit charitable organizations and generous donations from private industries. What is Child Disability Benefit and what programs are available in Canada? The Child Disability benefit is administered and given out by the government in various child and family support programs through Service Canada or its Services for Families and Children program. These include: Canada Child Tax Benefit Canada Child Tax Benefit, a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families with children under 18. This amount may include the National Child Benefit Supplement, a benefit for low-income families with children, and/or the Child Disability Benefit, for families caring for children living with severe and prolonged disabilities. Child Care Subsidy Child Care Subsidy, which helps low-income families through financial assistance to pay for all or part of licensed child care services for dependent children. Child Rearing Drop-Out Provision Child Rearing Drop-Out Provision for parents or caregivers with little to no income, removing from them the burden of having to make contributions to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) without having to worry about incurring a negative effect to CPP benefits for spending the years in question spent caring for a child seven years or younger. Child Support Services Child Support Services help caregivers get important legal agreements or court orders they may need to obtain child support. Child Disability Benefit Child Disability Benefit, which provides a non-taxable supplement to low- and moderate-income families to offset the costs of raising children 18 and younger afflicted with severe and prolonged mental or physical disability. You can read our extensive guide on Child Disability Tax Credit to find out more. Universal Child Care Benefit Universal Child Care Benefit grants financial assistance to all Canadian families with young children, regardless of location, family circumstances or preferences. Parents can receive $100 a month for each child under the age of six. Early Childhood Services and Special Needs This is for children younger than six who have a disability, and whom may be eligible for three years of early learning support through this service. Finally, the government’s Services for Families and Children also offers additional programs and support, including: Cadets Program Cadets Program, administered by the Department of National Defense, gives youth between the ages of 12 and 18 the chance to develop leadership skills, improve their physical fitness and make new and positive relationships while enjoying many challenging and interesting activities. The Junior Canadian Rangers Program The Junior Canadian Rangers Program promotes many skill-developing activities to foster traditional cultures and lifestyles to youth living in remote and isolated communities. It is supported in part by the Department of National Defense and the Canadian Forces with help from other levels of government and private corporations, including Northern Affairs Canada. The government offers numerous child disability-related services to Canadian parents and legal guardians of children in need. Give us a call to start your Disability Tax Credit Application --- - Published: 2012-07-05 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-canada-pension-plan/ Persons with Canadian residency who are employed and 18 years and older automatically pay a portion of their earnings into the government’s social insurance program, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which helps provide retirement and disability income and other benefits to those who meet minimum qualifications. The CPP Disability Canada was established in 1966 under Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and mandated that all residents pay 1. 8 percent of their gross annual income into the program. With demographic and economic changes, the government realized that over time the CPP would never be able to support a growing population based on the original contribution rate. Thus, the contribution amount gradually rose to 4. 95 percent for those employed by a company and 9. 9 percent for the self-employed by 2003. If you are a Canadian who has paid into the system, the CPP pays retirement pensions, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and children’s benefits for students aged 18 to 25. Common Questions about The Canada Pension Plan Who pays into the CPP disability Canada? Most Canadian residents 18 and older through payroll deductions whether self-employed or employed by a company. At age 70, you no longer make contributions, even if you continue working. How much do residents pay into the system? The amount paid depends on your income, based on a minimum wage of $3,500. If you’ve earned less than $3,500, you don’t pay into the CPP Disability. Otherwise, the amount paid is based on pensionable earnings between $3,500 and $42,100. Here are two examples. John is employed as an accountant for a large firm and made $58,000 last year, which is higher than the maximum taxable pension of $42,100; his maximum contribution for that year was $1910. 70 (42,100 – 3,500 multiplied by . 0495). Jenny is self-employed and made $39,000 last year, and her contribution was $3614. 50 (42,100 – 3,500 multiplied by . 099 percent). Jenny pays a higher amount because she is self-employed and doesn’t have an employer making contributions on her behalf, as is the case with John. Where can I find out how much I’ve contributed? CPP Disability sends out a Statement of Contributions each year, which lists your pensionable income since you started paying into the system. I lived and worked outside of Canada for a few years, is that a problem? Not necessarily, as Canada has agreements with several countries where you can receive benefits from either. But more information is available by calling CPP Disability Canada at 800-622-6232. I don’t agree with something in my Statement of Contributions or how my benefits are credited. What can I do? If you are in disagreement with a CPP decision, you may submit a written request for reconsideration. In the event you disagree with the reconsideration, you may submit a first-level appeal, followed by a final second-level appeal. The Canada Pension Plan provides key disability, retirement, and other benefits to qualifying adults, but it’s important for you to know your annual earnings, how you or your dependents qualify, and other key information. Disability Credit Canada's mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. In this endeavor, we have worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians and we recognize the difficulties they face in their everyday life. --- - Published: 2012-07-05 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-ontario-disability-act/ Disability Credit Canada mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. We’ve worked with thousands of Canadians suffering from mental and physical disabilities and we understand how impactful your condition can be on you and your family. According to Ontario’s Ministry of Community and Social Services, one in seven people in the province are disabled, and that number is expected to rise as the population ages. But the Ontario disability act addresses those issues, taking into consideration not only the needs of disabled individuals, but the needs of businesses and others in the community charged with making sure disabled persons have access to services and benefits. The Ontario disability act, formally known as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act became law on June 13, 2005 and replaces the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which was repealed the same year. The key goal of the act is to make the province accessible to the disabled by 2025 with a number of accessibility standards, all of which are mandatory for businesses and organizations. The act deals with customer service, transportation, information and communications, employment, and the “built” environment. The customer service part of the Ontario disability act reinforces in business and organizations the notion that customer service isn’t just about wheelchair ramps or automatic doors; it’s recognizing disabled persons have different needs, and changes have to be made to ensure there is access to customer service. The Transportation Standard of the Ontario disability act that went into effect in 2011 is designed to make public transportation more accessible for the disabled and includes changes to earlier laws, according to the Ministry of Community and Social Services: Verbally announce route, direction, destination and major stops. People with disabilities cannot be charged a higher fare or a fee to store their wheelchairs, canes and walkers and other equipment necessary for mobility. Make sure that accessibility equipment is in good working order and fixed as soon as possible, that disabled people are otherwise accommodated until the equipment is repaired. The Accessibility Standard for Employment as part of the Ontario disability act makes employers more aware of steps they need to follow when finding, hiring, and communication with disabled persons as a way of providing equal employment and earning opportunities. The Ontario disability act also makes provisions related to information and communications, with the end goal of helping people with disabilities access the information they need every day. This means it will: Give support to people who are vision impaired to access more websites through the use of screen readers Increase the availability of large print and digital collections in public libraries Make sure that students have course documentation and learning materials in accessible formats. Accessibility standards for the build environment related to the Ontario disability act is critical as it removes barriers to entry in buildings and outdoor spaces to people with disabilities, making it easier and safer for them to enjoy the same environment as non-disabled people do. Finally, the underlying point of the Ontario disability act is to raise awareness, that while most of us have access to everyday activities, some of us don’t and there is an obligation as a community and taxpayers to make this happen. Find out more information about disability tax credits in Ontario. --- - Published: 2012-07-05 - Modified: 2026-01-21 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-ontario-disability-support-program-act/ The Canadian federal government have devised income support schemes like CPP Disability benefits and Disability tax Credits to help people suffering from disabilities, However besides the federal Disability benefits there are other provincial benefits devised to help Disabled Canadians One of such benefit is Ontario Disability Support Program Act. The province of Ontario, seeing the need to improve the level of social services provided through the Family Benefits Act and the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Act, passed into law a newer, stronger program in 1998 called the Ontario Disability Support Program Act and Regulations. Like programs before it, the Ontario Disability Support Program Act and Regulations is meant to strengthen financial assistance and other support mechanisms for provincial residents in the most need. Find out more about Ontario Disability Tax Credit. The Ontario Disability Support Program Act purpose was to establish a program that:Provide income and employment opportunities for disabled peopleFosters awareness that responsibility for providing support is shared equally among the government, communities, families, and individualsAdequately serves people with disabilities who need helpHas accountability to the tax payers of OntarioIn order to qualify for assistance through the Ontario Disability Support Program Act and Regulations, a resident of a community within the province has to be disabled, which the government defines very specifically to lessen the chance of fraudulent activity or people collecting benefits who aren’t in the greatest need. Therefore, Service Ontario says the act defines a disabled person as:The person has a substantial physical or mental impairment that is continuous or recurrent and expected to last one year or more;The direct and cumulative effect of the impairment on the person’s ability to attend to his or her personal care, function in the community and function in a workplace, results in a substantial restriction in one or more of these activities of daily living;The impairment and it's likely duration and the restriction in the person’s activities of daily living have been verified by a person with the prescribed qualifications. But there is more to the Ontario Disability Support Program Act than the definition of disability. Certain other eligibility requirements need to be met:The person must be 18 or older, live in Ontario, be financially eligible, and have a significant physical or mental health problem likely to last one year or longer and keeps the person from working on a regular basis. A person who thinks he or she qualifies for the Ontario Disability Support Program Act may apply through Ontario Works, which takes into consideration the applicant’s financial and medical status. A key part of the process is filling out the Disability Determination Package, which includes four forms: The Health Status Report and the Activities of Daily Living form, filled out by a medical professional, the Consent form (allowing the government to collect information for the application) and the self report, both filled out by the person submitting the application. One the application has been filled out and returned, the Disability Adjudication Unit makes the decision on granting benefits through the Ontario Disability Support Program Act and notifies the person by mail. People with legitimate needs who seek support but are denied benefits can appeal the decision by asking for an internal review with the adjudication unit within 10 days of receiving their decision. --- - Published: 2012-07-05 - Modified: 2026-02-10 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/canadian-disability-benefits/ Disability Benefits in Canada Living with a disability reshapes daily life in ways that rarely announce themselves loudly. Income drops quietly. Expenses creep. Paperwork grows thick. Canada offers several disability-related benefit programs designed to alleviate that pressure, although many people are unaware of the numerous options available or the distinct ways each program operates. This guide walks through major Canadian disability benefits people frequently search for, explains eligibility in plain terms, and outlines why approvals often prove harder than expected. What Counts as a Disability in Canada Most Canadian disability programs rely on functional limitation rather than diagnostic labels. A condition must significantly interfere with ordinary daily activities and persist for a long time or indefinitely. Walking, speaking, concentrating, feeding, dressing, managing therapy, or regulating basic bodily functions all factor into assessments. Medical adjudicators review paperwork rather than personal stories. For that reason, how limitations get written down matters more than how they feel. Broad diagnoses without a functional explanation rarely succeed. Specific daily impact carries more weight. Major Canadian Disability Benefits Canadian disability benefits fall into several distinct categories. Some replace income. Others reduce taxes. A few support families or caregivers indirectly. Each program follows separate legislation and review standards. Understanding differences early saves time later. Disability Tax Credit The Disability Tax Credit operates as a federal non-refundable tax credit administered by the Canada Revenue Agency. Instead of monthly payments, this credit reduces income tax owed. In many cases, approved applicants receive retroactive refunds covering prior tax years. Eligibility depends on whether an impairment causes marked restriction in daily activities or requires life-sustaining therapy such as insulin administration. CRA evaluates the severity, frequency, and duration of limitations. Diagnosis alone carries little influence. Denials often happen because medical forms remain vague, functional impact gets understated, or wording fails to align with CRA criteria. Physicians sometimes describe conditions clinically rather than functionally, which weakens applications. Many people only learn this after rejection. Disability Credit Canada assists individuals with Disability Tax Credit applications and reviews, particularly after denials or unclear submissions. For those unsure about eligibility, a free assessment remains available through our website before proceeding. Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits CPP Disability provides monthly income replacement for contributors unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to severe and prolonged impairment. Eligibility depends on contribution history and medical severity combined. Applicants must demonstrate that regular employment remains unrealistic on an ongoing basis. Initial denials occur frequently when decision-makers believe some work capacity still exists or when medical evidence lacks detail. Processing times often extend several months. . CPP Disability differs from tax credits because income replacement rather than tax relief drives its purpose. CPP Post-Retirement Disability Benefit (CPP PRDB) People who have already begun receiving CPP retirement benefits but later have a severe and protracted disability are supported by the CPP Post-Retirement Disability Benefit. For those who still match CPP-D medical standards and have sufficient CPP contributions, this program supplements retirement benefits with a monthly disability payment rather than replacing job income. Because they believe disability benefits stop when retirement begins, many people overlook this opportunity. In actuality, eligibility may still be available, particularly in cases when health unexpectedly deteriorates after quitting the workforce. Approvals are based on medical proof demonstrating long-term functional limitations that make regular work impossible, same like with CPP Disability. Child Disability Benefit The Child Disability Benefit provides monthly payments for families caring for a child with an approved disability. Eligibility requires Disability Tax Credit approval for that child. Payment amounts depend on household income and adjust annually. Families sometimes discover eligibility years later. Retroactive payments may apply depending on approval timing and reassessment periods. Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) A long-term savings plan created especially for Canadians with disabilities is the Registered Disability Savings Plan. By allowing funds to grow tax-deferred over time, RDSPs prioritize future financial security in contrast to monthly benefit plans. The person themselves, their family, or other supporters may make contributions. RDSP eligibility requires approval for the Disability Tax Credit, which means many families only learn about this option after DTC approval. When combined with government payments, RDSP can significantly contribute to long-term stability for household planning. It's frequently utilized as a planning tool for future support needs, aging caretakers, and maturity. Provincial and Territorial Disability Assistance Each province and territory administers its own disability income assistance programs. Ontario Disability Support Program, Alberta Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, and British Columbia Persons with Disabilities serve as common examples. These programs may provide monthly income support, medical coverage, housing assistance, or supplemental benefits. Rules vary significantly by region. Asset limits, earnings exemptions, and payment levels differ widely. Coordination with federal benefits sometimes becomes necessary Canada Disability Benefit A more recent government program designed to give working-age Canadians with disabilities additional income support is the Canada Disability Benefit. The first month of eligibility for the Canada Disability Benefit is June 2025. Payments will begin in July 2025 for applications received and approved by June 30, 2025. Its objective is to assist in lowering poverty and enhancing financial security for those who continue to face obstacles and expenses associated with disabilities. Many Canadians are still figuring out how it will work with other services like provincial disability assistance and CPP Disability. One important point is already obvious: acceptance for the Disability Tax Credit is a prerequisite for eligibility for the Canada Disability Benefit, thus you typically need to be granted for the DTC before you can qualify. Employer and Private Disability Insurance Many Canadians hold disability coverage through workplace insurance plans or private policies. Coverage often begins with short-term disability followed by long-term disability benefits. Eligibility depends on policy definitions rather than government standards. Appeal procedures vary. Insurers frequently reassess claims over time. Detailed medical documentation remains critical throughout coverage periods. Benefits and Credits for Caregivers Caregivers may qualify for several tax-based supports depending on circumstances. These include the Canada Caregiver Credit, the eligible dependent credit, and transfers of unused Disability Tax Credit amounts from a dependent. Eligibility depends on relationship, financial reliance, and living arrangements. These supports reduce taxes owed rather than providing direct payments, though combined relief can remain meaningful. Canada Caregiver Benefit (EI caregiving benefits) The Employment Insurance caregiving benefits known as the Canada Caregiver Benefit may offer short-term financial assistance to those who must take time off work to care for a family member who is gravely ill or injured. This assistance works more like temporary pay replacement at times when caregiving responsibilities become high, in contrast to caregiver tax credits. Medical records attesting to the family member's health and care requirements, as well as the caregiver's work and EI insurable hours, are among the criteria that determine eligibility. EI caregiving benefits can occasionally offer significant relief during times of urgency or high demand, despite the fact that many caregivers believe there is no support available unless they are eligible for a tax credit. Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) Canadians can partially recoup the costs of home improvements that increase accessibility and safety thanks to the Home Accessibility Tax Credit. These improvements are frequently required when a person's mobility changes, their balance deteriorates, their chronic pain gets worse, or they need physical assistance to perform daily duties. Ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, enlarged entrances, and walk-in showers are typical examples. Although this credit does not offer monthly payments, it can lower taxes due and lower the cost of accessibility upgrades. Because they believe that house improvements are not "medical enough" to qualify, many families ignore it. In actuality, the refurbishment might be in line with the program's goals if it increases accessibility or lowers the chance of damage. Applying for Disability Benefits Most unsuccessful applications fail due to a weak explanation rather than missing paperwork. Medical forms that lack specificity or use inconsistent language often trigger delays or denials. Processing times vary by program and reassessment cycles. Appeals remain possible. Stronger documentation often determines outcomes. Final Thoughts Approval timelines often take longer than expected. Exploring other government resources during that time can help fill gaps. Families caring for a child with a disability may qualify for separate benefits through Service Canada, though applications remain distinct. Tax-related questions also arise for many households. Canada Revenue Agency provides information on disability credits, deductions, and available services. Canadian disability benefits exist across several programs. Knowing where to look matters. For those considering a Disability Tax Credit application and unsure about eligibility, a free assessment remains available through Disability Credit Canada. --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2022-08-31 - Modified: 2025-11-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/announcing-the-2022-winner-of-the-dcci-scholarship-for-canadian-students-with-disabilities/ Disability Credit Canada knows that education is a critical step in opening up the doors of opportunity. Yet, for the millions of Canadians living with a disability, pursuing a post-secondary education can come with increased challenges. We recognize just how difficult the education system can be, and so we want to provide Canadian students with disabilities every opportunity to go forth and pursue their academic journeys. That's why, in 2022, we launched the Disability Credit Canada Scholarship, providing $1,000 to one high school senior student looking to pursue post-secondary education at an established Canadian Institution, to help them in their scholastic success. We also offer guides for the Disability Tax Credit and the Child Disability Tax Credit, as well as informational resources for parents of these students to help ease their financial burden. 2022 Winner of the DCCI Scholarship for Canadian Students with DisabilitiesThis year, we are proud to announce the recipient of the 2022 Scholarship for Canadian Students with Disabilities, Jazye Monieas. Jazye is a high school senior from Winnipeg, Manitoba, pursuing post-secondary education in kinesiology to further her educational journey and ultimately learn how to assist others in overcoming their injuries or impairments so that they can live better and fuller lives. JAZYE MONIEAS, KINESIOLOGY FIRST-YEAR STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG. Jazye suffers from difficulties reading, writing, and speaking, as well as various other challenges with her language skills due to her dyslexia. Yet despite the daily challenges she faces living with Dyslexia, she persevered and developed various tools, and coping mechanisms to help her build back her confidence with the help and assistance of friends, family, and teachers. All of these have made it possible for her to pursue her educational goal of becoming an athletic therapist for youth much like herself. From there, she hopes to assist others in recovering and overcoming their sports injuries so that sports can do for others what sports have done for her and provide some respite for those people during their hardship. We have spoken with Jazye to hear more about her incredible and courageous story, and to learn more about how she has navigated the ups and downs of living with Dyslexia! In addition to learning more about her plans for what we know will be a bright and successful future in sports medicine. Having said that, let us share with you what she had to say:1) How did you hear about our Scholarship? While searching the internet for scholarships that were specific to me, I came across the Disability Credit Canada 2022 Scholarship for Canadian Students with Disabilities. I chose to apply because I would like to focus all or most of my attention on the school within my first year and not have to worry so much about paying for my education. 2) Please tell us about your impairments and some of the challenges you face because of them. My Dyslexia affects my reading, writing, and language skills. Growing up, I was extremely shy, and I was anxious and self-conscious about my reading and speech. Reading in front of others, writing and public speaking is still difficult for me. 3) What will you study at school and what are your long-term career goals? I will be studying Kinesiology with the goal of becoming an Athletic Therapist. Sports have always been a big part of my life and have helped me overcome many challenges and I look forward to a career doing something I love. Growing up I was playing both Volleyball and Basketball, both of which helped me to get over my shyness and build up my confidence. As a result, it is my goal to help others to recover from their sports injuries so that they can help them the same way sports have helped me. 4) How does having this impairment make pursuing a post-secondary education more challenging? Please tell us about the unique challenges you may be facing. Having Dyslexia makes Academics challenging for me. Spelling, writing, reading, and even speaking is all the more difficult for me. Therefore, some of the unique challenges I may be facing in university might be that assignments and exams will take me much longer than the average person, as well as difficulty presenting in front of the class. However, I have learned what tools and adaptations I need to succeed, and I have learned how to advocate for myself to be successful. 5) How does it feel to have been the recipient of this award? Winning this award makes me feel proud and grateful. I am very proud of myself for all I have overcome to get here. Being chosen for this award out of all the deserving applicants is amazing to me. I am also incredibly grateful to Disability Credit Canada for this scholarship. It means so much to me that there are people out there who believe in me. 6) How will this scholarship help you, moving forward? Because I have Dyslexia, my schoolwork takes me much longer than the average student's and leaves me less time to work. This scholarship will help me worry less about finances so that I can focus all my attention on my studies, and I am very relieved and grateful. 7) Is there a message you’d like to convey to future applicants? I would like to tell future applicants to believe in themselves. Yes, having a disability means that you have obstacles, but you can overcome them. Find the people around you that are willing to help, learn what tools you need to succeed, learn how to advocate for yourself, and then be willing to work very hard. You can do it! Congratulations, Jazye! We at Disability Credit Canada fully believe that Jazye, with her courage and perseverance, is heading for a bright and gratifying future in sports medicine! Additionally, we would like to thank everyone who applied for the upcoming 2022 academic year scholarship for Canadian students with Disabilities. We wish all those students pursuing a post-secondary education this fall a safe, positive, and productive educational year ahead. All the power to you! --- - Published: 2021-08-27 - Modified: 2025-12-18 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/announcing-the-2021-winner-of-dcci-scholarship-for-canadian-students-with-disabilities/ Disability Credit Canada, knows that education is a critical step in opening the doors of opportunity. Yet for the millions of Canadians living with a disability, pursuing a post-secondary education can come with increased challenges. We recognize just how difficult the education system can be, and so we want to provide Canadian Students with disabilities every opportunity to to go forth and pursue their academic journeys. That’s why, in 2020 we launched our Disability Credit Canada Scholarship, providing $1,000 to one high school senior student looking to pursue a post-secondary education at an established Canadian Institution, to assist them in their scholastic success. We also offer guides for the Disability Tax Credit & the Child Disability Tax Credit and various other informational resources to help parents of these students by easing their financial burden. 2021 Winner of DCCI Scholarship for Canadian Students with Disabilities This year, we proudly announce Megan Cote as our 2021 recipient of this scholarship for Canadian Students with Disabilities. Megan is a high school senior from British Columbia, pursuing a post-secondary education to help others through their struggles to live better lives. Megan Cote - DCCI, 2021 Scholarship Recipient MEGAN COTE, PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS FIRST YEAR STUDENT AT DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY. Megan suffers from constant pain throughout her entire body as a result of her fibromyalgia. Yet despite the difficulties of her disability, she has fought against the urge to give up and gain back her independence and confidence with the help and kindness of others. So that she may start her journey towards becoming a prosthetist, where she can do for others, what others have done for her and provide some respite for those people during their hardship. We spoke with Megan, to hear more about her incredible story, and how she has navigated the ups and downs of her life coping with fibromyalgia! In addition, what her plans are for, what we know will be a bright and gratifying future. Here is what she had to say: 1) How did you hear about our Scholarship? While searching the internet for scholarships that were specific to me, I came across the Disability Credit Canada 2021 Scholarship. I chose to apply because I will be unable to work much in order to pay for my schooling and will need all the help I can get. 2) Please tell us about your impairments and some of the challenges you face because of them. I have been diagnosed with Chronic benign joint hyper-mobility syndrome and chronic widespread pain syndrome. This means that normal activities can cause me to be in pain. I was working before my symptoms became too severe for me to continue and I am struggling to find work I can physically manage. I have been learning how to avoid causing my symptoms by avoiding certain activities and I have had to learn different ways of getting things done. I recently learned that my body can not maintain or regulate a temperature and while outside with some friends I had the symptoms of heatstroke and nearly passed out, however, my temperature was below average. I am still learning my limits but I do not give up doing what I struggle to do, I just find a different way to get it done. 3) What will you study at school and what are your long-term career goals? I am very interested in prosthetics and orthotics. I plan on going to Dalhousie University to complete my Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. This four-year program will lay the groundwork for my entry into BCIT. During my time at BCIT, I will take part in the two-year prosthetics and orthotics course offered there. While exploring the BCIT website I read about previous students’ experiences and look forward to learning how to build and design prosthetics. At the end of my stay at BCIT, I will take part in a two-year paid residency. From here I will be ready to go out and start my journey in orthotics and prosthetics. 4) How does having this impairment make pursuing a post-secondary education more challenging? Please tell us about the unique challenges you may be facing. My impairments make it difficult to do repetitive motions or do strenuous activities. Note taking and being on my feet for long periods of time are very difficult, however, I have found ways of abbreviating my writing and I have become much better at communicating what I need to my teachers. Because my symptoms can be triggered by pressure changes, I have missed more school than I would like, and I have had to get a wheelchair and cane in order to get around on bad days. I have made arrangements with my university so that when I do miss school, I can get notes and instructions online. 5) How does it feel to have been the recipient of this award? I have been so worried about how I am going to pay for my schooling if I am unable to work as much as I had hoped to. Receiving this award has helped me to relax a little and realize that I am able to write essays worthy of winning an award, this has given me the confidence to write more. I am so thankful I have been chosen for this award. 6) How will this scholarship help you, moving forward? This scholarship will help me buy my textbooks for the first semester of school. It will also help pay for my first tuition deposit which is due soon. Not only has this scholarship helped me pay for my schooling, it has also given me new confidence in my writing ability. 7) Is there a message you’d like to convey to future applicants? I know being different is hard and that sometimes it seems like you cannot succeed when so much is against you. However, being different doesn't mean you cannot do what others can, it means you have to find a new way of doing it. You can't give up on what you want to do because of your physical or mental differences, you have to learn from these experiences and push yourself harder to meet your goals despite your challenges. You can do it. Congratulations, Megan! We at Disability Credit Canada fully believe that Megan, with her formidable, optimistic and effortless kindness is heading for a bright and gratifying future! We would like to thank everyone who applied for our scholarship for the upcoming 2021 academic year, and are wishing all those students and learners pursuing a post-secondary education in the fall a safe, positive and productive educational year ahead. --- - Published: 2021-08-26 - Modified: 2025-12-18 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/announcing-the-2020-winner-of-dcci-scholarship-for-canadian-students-with-disabilities/ Disability Credit Canada knows that education is a critical step in opening the doors of opportunity. Yet for the millions of Canadians living with a disability, pursuing secondary education can come with increased challenges. We recognize how difficult the education system can be, and want to provide every opportunity to students with disabilities as they pursue their academic journey. That’s why, in 2019 we launched our Disability Credit Canada Scholarship, providing $1,000 to one student, to assist them in their scholastic success. We also offer guides for the Disability Tax Credit & the Child Disability Tax Credit and various other informational resources to help parents of these students by easing their financial burden. 2020 winner of DCCI Scholarship for Canadian Students with Disabilities This year, we are proud to announce Preston Swan-Merrison as our 2020 recipient of this scholarship. Preston is a high school senior trailblazing a new path through his advocacy, social initiatives, and tireless work ethic. PRESTON SWAN-MERRISON, SOCIAL SERVICE FIRST YEAR STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR Preston suffers from Type 1 Diabetes, as well as learning disabilities, such as Central Auditory Processing Disorder. Yet Preston has never let these issues keep him from staying in the world, including playing competitive sports, being an active community volunteer, and even sitting on the Youth Council of MP Kate Young. We sat down with Preston to hear more about his incredible story, how he navigates his disabilities and, what his plans are for, what we know will be a bright and promising future. 1)Tell us your name, and how you heard about this scholarship. My name is Preston Swan-Merrison. My teacher told me to apply for the Disability Credit Canada (DCCI) scholarship because she felt all that I am a leader in the community and still face my many days to day struggles as a student with both medical and learning disabilities. She said by sharing my story I can help others. I was very excited to apply. 2) What is your disability? Tell us a bit about it. I was diagnosed at 9 years old with Type1 Juvenile Diabetes. I am insulin-dependent and wear an insulin pump. Pretty much without insulin I would not be alive today. Everything and anything that goes into my mouth has to be counted, or weighed, I have to check my blood sugars 4-8 times a day, often up checking sugars at 2 AM, taking insulin, making sure I eat snacks, this gets to be so frustrating at times it's a 24 hour a day job. I have no breaks from diabetes. I was also diagnosed with various learning disabilities as well as Central Auditory Processing disorder (CAP). This meant that I needed to find ways to adapt in class and how I learned. Teachers need to wear an FM microphone system so I could concentrate on what they are saying and not be distracted by other background noise or class distractions. 3) What are some of the challenges you face daily because of your Disabilities? Pretty much without insulin I would not be alive today. Everything and anything that goes into my mouth has to be counted, or weighed, I have to check my blood sugars 4-8 times a day, take insulin, make sure I eat snacks, this gets to be so frustrating at times it's a 24 hour a day job. I have no breaks from diabetes. I hate the days that I feel that my diabetes has taken away my childhood. I hate it for making it almost impossible to be spontaneous and just do whatever I want. I hate it for making me scared. I hate it because it changed me for who I thought I was and wanted to be. I have overcome a lot but all of this has made me a stronger person. 4) How does having a disability make pursuing secondary education more challenging? What are some of the unique challenges you may be facing? Because of my disabilities, starting my new adventure away from home will be challenging. I will need to ensure I have all the safety measures in place to stay safe and have people check on me in case I ever have a bad high or low blood sugars. I will need to navigate a new learning system and be open about my disabilities and my struggles. 5) Tell us a bit about your advocacy and outreach work? How have your experiences with a disability helped you advocate for this community? Over the past many years, I have been on a mission both personal and charitable to help the community with regards to educating and empowering children and youth and alleviating stigma associated with various medical conditions while facing my own personal struggles. I may have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes but did not let diabetes define me! I am bilingual in French and English, play competitive hockey as a goalie, and many other sports. I am on many school sports teams and sit on the student council including MP Kate Young’s youth council. I have collaborated with non-profit and community-oriented organizations like JDRF, CDA, The Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario, PEPP-LHSC (Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychoses Creative Minds Art Show, CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association), The JCC (The Jewish Community Centre), and the Brain Library. Due to my most recent #SOCKTOBER events-raising socks for the homeless. I have a real passion to help the homeless and partner with agencies to those who may need a little extra support. My passion for promoting seizure first aid training is something I always will continue to do. Advocating for my sister with epilepsy as she faces this journey of undergoing brain surgery and navigating through her many seizures, she will always know that she is never alone! I also enjoy mentoring youth who have been newly diagnosed with T1D I will meet with them and give them a copy of my book. Well, I thought diabetes was tough and going to be a life sentence filled with challenges and thought I faced a lot of stigma around it but soon realized that was not the case. A year after I was diagnosed my sister was diagnosed with epilepsy after having a really bad seizure at school, we did not know she had epilepsy. A few weeks later she had another seizure on the school bus and the driver and kids all panicked. Luckily for me I was the bus patroller and I had some training in seizure first aid and went into action, I was able to keep my sister safe, calm the other children and get the help she needed. Kids started teasing my sister at school she was no longer being invited to birthday parties or sleepovers, kids were basically afraid of my sister. Because of this I decided it was time to educate the school on seizure first aid, teach others what to do and not be afraid and break down the stigma associated with epilepsy. The last 3 years in March on World Wide Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness I run a fun and informative day to educate the school on seizure first aid and what to do if someone has a seizure. I partner with the Epilepsy Support Centre, the police, the fire department, the EMS, RCMP and other local agencies, they bring with mascots and we create a fun day of learning about epilepsy and educate everyone on what to do and be not afraid. Playing for the Lucan Irish, an AP for the Chatham Maroons hockey teams this year has been a great experience and allowed me to progress to a whole other level in sports. It has allowed me to push and challenge myself in many different ways, allowed me to grow and show me that I still can follow my dreams and give 100% at all times. Working three part-time jobs, saving money, maintaining school, applying to universities, helping care for my sister, logging in almost 2000 of volunteer hours, managing my health has all caused me to become an adult a little earlier than maybe I wanted to but are things that have encouraged me to be strong and given me great courage. 6) How will this scholarship help you at school? This scholarship will help me pay my tuition since I will be covering all my own expenses, I have been working 3 part-time jobs and learning to save and budget has been a real eye-opener. I am very appreciative of this scholarship. 7) How does it feel to have been the recipient of this award? Being able to share my story and speak openly about my struggles is very important to me. This scholarship will help me get my story out and hopefully help motivate others. No matter what happens in life you can follow your dreams, help others with your story and never quit! We are all humans, we all make mistakes, and need to learn from them. We can always do more. 8) What will you study at school and what are your long-term career goals? I will attend the University of Windsor this fall to pursue my passion to be a teacher hoping to help children just like me who face struggles. I was accepted to a 5-year concurrent program which will give me two degrees. I hope to pursue a career in politics, and teaching I hope to always to continue to bring awareness to causes close to my heart no matter where I find myself. 9) What do you wish everyone knew about disabilities? Sometimes we need to conquer our fears and reflect on the life we have been given. I am facing this disease that I have a love-hate relationship with. I live with the stigma every day and live this journey helping not only myself but others. Everyone is fighting a battle we do not always see so we need to be kind. My disabilities are not visible unless of course you see my pump hanging off me so we need to remember everyone is struggling in some way especially during these trying Covid times. 10) What would you tell someone with a disability who is thinking about going to Post-secondary school? I would tell them to follow your dreams and never give up. A lot of support is available, do not be afraid to disclose your disability or be ashamed because everyone is fighting a belittle of some type. A few teachers along the way said with all my struggles I would never go to University. Well, they were wrong, here I am. I applied to many universities and have been accepted to a couple. I may not be the top student but I worked hard and pushed through and did not let anything or anyone stop me, my future is bright. Congratulations, Preston! We here at Disability Credit Canada fully believe that Preston, with his fortitude, optimism and tireless perseverance is heading for a bright and impressive future! We would like to thank everyone who applied for our scholarship for this 2020 year, and are wishing all students and learners pursuing education in the fall a safe, positive and productive educational year ahead. --- - Published: 2020-11-19 - Modified: 2025-12-19 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/daymak-mobility-scooters/ The colder weather and the growing desire for maintaining social distance are key factors on the minds of those looking for safe, reliable and convenient ways to travel. And for the countless people struggling with mobility, these additional stressors may make it feel like independent travel is a thing of the past. For example, those with arthritis may find driving difficult at the best of times, not to mention during times of inclement weather. Someone with an amputation affecting their hands or feet may struggle to operate a conventional car. Stroke victims, or even people with specific types of chronic pain, may find driving traditional vehicles taxing to the point of being limiting. Even those who are otherwise functioning independently may have their driving affecting by a disabling condition like those above. It can feel disheartening to lose this aspect of one’s independence, while you are otherwise still capable of other aspects of independent living. Thankfully, if you are like the thousands of Canadians with limited mobility, there are many options that can help you travel safely and independently this winter. Today we are partnering with Daymak, a proudly Canadian company in operation since 2001, and one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of Light Electric Vehicles in North America, including mobility scooters. Our goal is to show just how much safe and liberating Mobility Scooters can provide for those facing mobility restrictions, and what type of scooter might be best for you. Mobility Scooters Do Not Require a License Or Insurance It’s true. Mobility Scooters, like most light electric vehicles, can be safely and legally operated without a license or insurance. One key reason for this is that Mobility scooters are not designed to reach the speeds of a conventional car. For these reasons, Mobility scooters are intended for use on sidewalks, or on the side of the road where no sidewalk is available. The good news here is that if you are an individual who needs safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation for short trips, a mobility scooter can provide this without the added hassle of updating your driver’s license, and with no additional insurance expenses. Mobility Scooters can come on a spectrum of affordability and typically require only basic and minimal maintenance. Mobility Scooters Can Be Used Indoors And Outdoors While it might sound surprising, depending on the model of mobility scooter that works best for your needs, you may be able to operate your scooter in both indoor and outdoor spaces. A model like Daymak’s Mobilityinabox (see below), is a great option for those who may be capable of driving, but need assistance in other ways; while shopping for example. A device like the Mobilityinabox can assemble in minutes out of the box and requires no professional support- making it ready to ride almost immediately after unboxing it. It is easy to transport, which means it can be easily stowed in a car and taken out to be of use indoors, and outdoors. Light and easily transportable mobility scooters are a great option for people who may only require assistance in certain situations and/or are unable to stay on their feet for long periods at a time but have more independence in other areas, for example, are still comfortable driving. The advantage of these is that, while they may be smaller and lighter, they can still handle outdoor conditions like sidewalks and designated micro-mobility lanes, and also handle well in indoor environments. Mobility Scooters With A Modern Feel We know. Not everyone wants a mobility scooter that looks and feels like a traditional mobility-assistance machine. We get it! Mobility issues affect people across all age demographics and for that reason alone it might be exciting to know that mobility scooters come in a wide variety of styles and choices. For people who are interested in a convenient, clean way to travel that has a little extra curb appeal, mobility scooters such as the Boomerbeast 2 can offer the ability to handle rugged terrain, support heavier loads, offer convenient transportation, and - they look pretty cool. Mobility Scooters That Can Handle Tougher Road Conditions There are those with mobility issues that require different needs. Many people find themselves in need of a method of transport that is stronger in different weather conditions. And in still other cases, it may simply be that the individual needs access to something capable of making short, secure trips, without the consistent expense and hassle of the traditional, conventional car. In cases like these, it might be worth considering an option with more privacy and a few more conventional comforts, such as Daymak’s “Boomerbuggy X” Series, which you can see below. The great thing about this Electric vehicle is that it is fully enclosed, which allows for temperature control, such as the AC and heating. More than that, it offers more storage than a more traditional mobility scooter. While it might be harder to fit into a grocery store with the added bonus its fully enclosed frame offers How Much Do Mobility Scooters Cost? Great question! And the truth is it varies greatly depending on what an individual's needs are. Small, lightweight scooters like the Mobilityinabox start at under $2,000, whereas a fully enclosed scooter like the Boomerbuggy X can start at around $8,000 with additional options for multiple budget types. Another important factor is to remember that, with a recognized disability, you will be able to claim tax exemptions for your vehicle, such as being able to wave HST and GST on your purchase. If you’ve been able to claim additional tax credits, such as the Disability Tax Credit, or even the CPP-Disability Tax Credit, you may be able to offset the cost of your mobility device even further. Still Want To Learn More About Mobility Scooters? We hear you, we think they are pretty neat too. You can find a local distributor of mobility devices in your area with a simple search online, but you can also check out Daymak. com to find out about different types of mobility scooters that span the spectrum of users’ needs and price ranges. Want to find out more about Tax Credits? We don’t blame you! If you or someone you love is struggling with mobility, you may be eligible for additional governmental support. To find out if you qualify for assistance, such as the Disability Tax Credit, or the CPP- Disability Benefit, you can check out the resources at Disability Credit Canada! --- - Published: 2020-10-09 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/discussion-with-founders-of-you-are-collective/ You know mental health is important- just as important as physical well being. That said, many of us still struggle to both identify, and then to access mental health services. Today, we are sitting down with the founder of “You Are Collective”, an e-commerce company founded on the principles of reducing stigma, extending help to those with mental health struggles and building a space of positivity around mental health issues. Rebecca and Michael, founders of You Are Collective, share their own personal journeys Rebecca and Michael, founders of You Are Collective, share their own personal journeys with mental health and how it has led them to create the company they have. With it, they also share the resources they have created to help their community. We are thrilled to be able to hear more about their work, and how they have integrated their advocacy into their business! 1. How does your company, give back to the community you are advocating for? We give back through a variety of projects and initiatives including our #1MillionCampaign to help fund one million counselling sessions across Canada. We are vocal advocates in our community for many local initiatives and organizations. YAC makes community partnerships in order to create meaningful impact and help fill gaps; these include our collaborative apparel collections in which a minimum of 10% per each item purchased is donated to The #1MillionCampaign. These funds are then distributed to a variety of mental health services throughout the community. Our living experience has shone a light on the major barriers around accessing services, one being financial, which is why we always commit to providing free access to our events and workshops. 2. What supports do you find MOST lacking for those looking for help? The support we find lacking the most for those looking for help is the accessibility and affordability for mental health services. It takes tremendous courage to even decide to ask for help and we find that if people do take that step they don’t know where to go next and even if they do they can’t afford the help that’s there. It feels like such a catch 22 because people feel like they’re not critical enough for the help, but also not okay enough to go without the support and there’s no normalization around accessing mental health services wherever you’re at. There are numerous obstacles in the way ... and ways we’re hoping to make a difference 3. What sorts of supports do you provide for your community? What is the impact you have made? You Are Collective provides a judgement-free platform to share lived and living experience as a way to keep the conversation going around mental health and illness. We do this through a variety of social media platforms as well as our bi-weekly Safe Spaces Check-In’s where we have open, supportive conversations about mental health and illness. This was born out of our mental health open mic night, Safe Spaces, which operated in-person before the Covid-19 outbreak. Our collaborative apparel collections allow us to present our message in a unique way by both providing an empowering message and a resource on your mental health journey. Proceeds from these collections are then donated to our #1MillionCampaign to support mental health services in our community! Searching for support and services can be incredibly daunting and so we’ve tried to ease this process with our Local Counselling Card initiative. TLCC is a gift card with the sole purpose of reducing wait times and increasing access to affordable counselling for those in need. The recipient of the card can choose from a vetted directory of participating counsellors to ensure they find one that works for them. We also create and provide our own resources for free that we’ve curated to better our mental wellness. This includes a complete list of local resources all in one easy place! So far, The #1MillionCampaign has provided more than 65 one on one counselling sessions in our community and donated more than $4,000 to Connect Counselling + Therapy Services, Etcetera Youth Group, YMCA Okanagan, and most recently Childhood Connections! 4. Tell us a little about You Are Collective. How did it start? You Are Collective is a mental health social enterprise and to us what that means is we are dedicated to advocacy and support services for mental health and illness in our communities. Whether it’s our empowering apparel collections, events and workshops or other community partnerships the focus is on ending the stigma and keeping the conversation going surrounding mental health and illness. At the beginning of 2020, we launched our #1MillionCampaign to help fund one million counselling sessions across Canada. We decided on this lofty goal after refocusing and reflecting on why we created You Are Collective in the first place... I was a few months into the industry I went to college for, and things weren’t going as planned - not even close. So Michael and I started talking about ways we could move on and find better lives for ourselves... We ended up in Kelowna BC Canada where we had vacationed a few times throughout our relationship. It was bliss. If you’ve never been, it’s a picturesque valley surrounded by Lake Okanagan and the Columbia Mountains. A few months into moving I got my dream job, we were settling into our cosy basement suite and exploring all the Okanagan had to offer. In Winter 2017 I hit a wall. A wall I was super familiar with and had prevented me from doing many things before. I couldn’t get out of bed, I couldn’t even think of communicating or tending to my basic needs. I spiralled for a few days before I made a huge decision to seek professional help. Only I had no idea where to go, what was I even dealing with? It was always a feeling and challenge that plagued me in my past but I never acknowledged or dealt with it. I started with a medical walk-in clinic and by some sort of miracle got an appointment with an incredibly kind, patient, and empathetic doctor. He listened, let me cry, and got me to open up about things I didn’t even realize I was hanging onto. He provided me with a business card that had the information for a mental health walk-in clinic downtown and let me know it was self-referral, it would be up to me to continue the process of healing. It was an incredibly positive experience, but I still felt the same. The next opportunity I could I made my way down, filled out five pages of paperwork, had a consultation with an interior health worker and from there the counselling/social work team decided to refer me to outside services. I left with sheets of paper and a list of upcoming group classes being told to wait for a call for one on one counselling. It’s true what they say, getting to share your story and get everything out is incredibly effective. After sharing more, I started to feel a bit of an upswing and even forgot I had been referred to outside services. About a month and a half later I got a call and booked my first free counselling appointment. I could share endlessly about how impactful, helpful and encouraging one on one talk therapy was/is for me and to discover that was super empowering so I began to share my journey more openly. The more I did, the more I heard about how truly special it was to have received the kind of care I did. The majority of people were waiting months, if that was even an option, for care. Michael and I have always wanted to create something together, and after many brainstorming sessions and long talks, we came to the agreement that we needed to do something to support mental health and illness. But what? We got personal, we reflected on our mental health journeys and the gaps and challenges as well as the resources available. We listened to our community and heard a need. You Are Collective was born! Now, committed to our goal of providing one million counselling sessions to those in need and still going through incredible ups and downs in our own journeys we are excited to be supporting our community through empowering apparel and products, local partnerships, events and workshops, and providing resources. 5. What do you wish everyone knew about mental health and mental health support? Loaded question! #1, we wish everyone knew that they have mental health exactly like they have physical health and they need to both be taken care of in order to best support your overall health! #2, you deserve mental health support. You don’t have to be in crisis, you don’t even have to know why you’re feeling the way you’re feeling. All you need to know is that your feelings are valid and you are worthy of support and access to services wherever you’re at on your journey. 6. What are your future plans for helping the community? We can’t wait to continue to grow our campaign and our movement. This means expanding our community and helping to support more grassroots organizations across the country. We are committed to funding one million counselling sessions and so we will be focused on this vision to create the most impact in the mental health community. If 2020 has taught us anything it’s how absolutely unpredictable life can be, so we’re trying not to make too many plans and instead listen to our community. We can’t wait to keep learning and growing to create better access for inclusive mental health support! 7. What sorts of treatments have you found most useful? For myself, one on one talk therapy has been the most useful. I find talking to an unbiased third party super effective and very validating for what I’m going through. My first two counsellors were practicum students and they were INCREDIBLE, I would highly recommend psych students or interns because they are full of fresh, innovative knowledge and eagerness plus they’re typically low-fee! Michael is more on the spiritual side and finds a great connection to his Indigenous culture. Talking to elders, being in nature and around his community has been super healing for him! Different group environments have been super useful as well, for us (myself and Michael) it’s more about community so we find our best fit in groups that are safe spaces for everyone to share. CBT Training and self-compassion work have also been huge pillars in our growth. Because of our work, we’ve had the opportunity to do a variety of mental health and suicide prevention training which have actually been very useful in our own mental health journeys. 8. Have you found it difficult to find free or publicly accessible forms of support? Extremely difficult. If it wasn’t for the one miracle doctor that got the ball rolling for me, I would’ve had no way to navigate through the system I inevitably went through. There tends to be a broad stroke painted over mental health and so finding support and services that work for you can be extremely challenging. The cookie-cutter, by the book programs, work for a small percentage of people and we consistently find a lack of alternative, accessible support. Even though we work in the mental health community, we still come across challenges and barriers that don’t let us access support we need. It’s incredibly frustrating, honestly, and what makes it feel even worse is imagining how other people are trying to navigate care. If this is our profession and we’re struggling - how are individuals going through challenges able to receive what they need? 9. Where can people go if they want to learn more? We can be found pretty much anywhere! Please know as much as we want to be we can’t be available 24/7 so should you need support please don’t hesitate to reach out to our personal favorite: The Kids Help Phone (text anything to 686868) The door is always open! Our Gratitude We are incredibly happy to have been able to join up with We Are Collective, and hear more about their work. Mental health issues, when left untreated, or undiagnosed, can cause a plethora of life challenges, but help is also available. Did you know that mental health issues like depression and anxiety can qualify for the Disability Tax Credit? The DTC helps disabled Canadians offset the costs associated with seeking additional support. Disability Credit Canada offers tools like our Disability Tax Credit Calculator and our Ultimate Guide To The Disability Tax Credit and our Guide To the Child Disability Tax Credit. Disability Credit Canada offers FREE assessments with no obligation. Call us anytime to find out more about the Tax Credits that can help you get the support you deserve. --- - Published: 2020-10-09 - Modified: 2026-01-16 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/strategies-to-help-students-with-learning-disabilities/ The Open Door is an organization focused on providing successful strategies and learning support for students with learning disabilities. We have been fortunate to partner with The Open Door on a feature guest blog on Learning Strategies for students with learning disabilities. Learning Disabilities and impairments can affect children from any intersection of race, sex, or socio-economic class. With early detection and proper treatment, many students can develop coping mechanisms that allow them to excel academically. Some organizations offer treatments and services for free or at reduced rates, but for others, there may be an additional cost. Thankfully in these cases, a family might be eligible to qualify for the Child Disability Tax Credit to help offset additional expenses. If you are looking for further information on The Disability Tax Credit, you can contact Disability Credit Canada for a free assessment. But now, we are pleased to hear from Heather Desjardins with The Open Door! We are all familiar with that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when a deadline is looming and you feel overwhelmed. You feel anxious, tense, weighed-down, and maybe a tad nauseous—and it’s all because something is coming due and you are stressed. This feeling is often exacerbated for students with learning disabilities (LD) because of additional factors such as potential struggles with organization and planning (executive function difficulties). This can include organizing their space, notes and materials, their thoughts and plans for the content of the assignment, the tools and technology required, and their time. While organization and planning will not take away all of the stress associated with an upcoming assignment, it will go a long way towards reducing that stress by giving a sense of control and confidence in the situation. It will also help to improve the quality of what is written. The ideas will be more organized and cohesive as they will have time to plan, review, and edit their work. Students, read on to find some suggestions for planning strategies to help tackle the deadline dreads. 1. Environment You need a place to work that is comfortable (but not too comfortable), properly lit, and free from distractions. Distractions are the enemy, as it takes effort to not only get your body but also your brain back in gear after being distracted. If there is a place that can be reserved and used consistently as your work area it will help send the signal to your brain that it’s “working time” whenever you are there. 2. Tools and Tech Make sure you have everything you need at hand before starting to work. Frequently having to get up to grab that book, your laptop power cord, or those notes from class will serve to derail you. Remember that distraction is the enemy! Also, do not shy away from using whatever assistive technology is available to you. Project planning, voice-to-text, and editing software are just a few of the tools that can help you get those amazing ideas out of your head and onto the page. 3. Reverse Planning This one got me through university, and I still use it today in both my personal and professional life. Make a list of the steps you need to complete the assignment. These will vary depending on what you are working on, but may include some of the following steps: selecting a topic (and any research needed to help decide a topic) research reading source material choosing a thesis choosing arguments creating outline creating skeleton essay (outline with augments/points and plugging in the quotes or research that supports each argument/point) writing essay or assignment edit written work create or find visuals (if presentation) assemble final review Take a calendar and start by finding the assignment due date. Then back up a couple of days and mark that as your personal due date. Whenever possible it’s always better to plan to finish an assignment a few days early. This gives an important buffer in case something comes up that could derail you (like getting sick or a poor night’s sleep). Next, work your way back up your task to-do list. In the list above we would start with “final review. ” Decide how much time we need to complete this (is it a one-sitting task or would it need a few days), and count the calendar days backward from your due date and put in the milestone deadline for the task “final review”. Continue working backward through the calendar, inputting milestone dates while working your way from the bottom of your task list until all the milestone tasks in your list have been input in your calendar. The larger and more involved the assignment is, the greater amount of buffer space you will want to work into your milestone due dates. Don’t forget, you can break any of your milestone tasks down into smaller tasks too. Of course, being armed with a plan will certainly help, but actually following through with your plan is the real key here. Set alarms in your phone or computer to remind yourself when you need to be starting and finishing various tasks and learn from the process. Ask yourself if you need to set larger buffer times next time, if you need to subdivide your tasks more, or if you forgot to list and plan for a step altogether. Don’t forget, you can apply these tips to any type of project or deadline, whether school-related or not. As you use these strategies you will become better at executing them. Instead of being a thing of dread, deadlines will become tools you use to get things done while feeling confident about the process at the same time. The best defense against deadline stress is a great plan that you can (and will) follow. Heather Desjardins is the founder and owner of The Open Door Educational Services, an organization dedicated to helping students and adults with known or suspected learning disabilities such as dyslexia. They work with struggling students online and in-person with specialized tutoring and assessments --- - Published: 2020-10-08 - Modified: 2025-11-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/interview-the-virtues-project/ At Disability Credit Canada, we strive to do more than simply advocate for people to access the Disability Tax Credits that they qualify for. We are also passionately driven to promote and spread the reach of platforms and programs that can improve the quality of life for those dealing with disabling challenges. Today, we have partnered with Donna Wheatcroft, of “The Virtues Project” an organization that has been around over 20 years and uses a series of virtue-and-strength-based reframing techniques to increase self-esteem, confidence and communication, (and more) amongst people. Support comes in all forms, and we are excited today to lend our attention to Donna, as she joins us for an interview about The Virtues Project, and all that it has accomplished. The techniques and methods in the Virtues can be of benefit to anyone and may provide additional supports to those with disabilities. Please tell us a little about The Virtues Project™ and its background The virtues project was created by three people, who were concerned about the violence against children and by children. Linda Kavelin-Popov a psychotherapist, her husband Dan a pediatric clinical psychologist and her brother, an Imagineer for Disney in Japan, realized that virtues are ubiquitous throughout every faith and culture. Using their combined wisdom based on their expertise and experience they developed 5 strategies that would enable people to use their virtues. Linda authored the first book, “The Family Virtues Guide” and they published it out of their garage. The book sold and requests for their seminars/workshops came pouring in from all over the world. Penguin picked up the book in the early 90's and it became a bestseller. A poster and cards with 52 virtues were published. At that time they incorporated and their business became Virtues Project International Inc. Teachers were seeing the benefits of virtues, executed by the 5 strategies, for developing a culture of character in schools. In 2000, a second book, “The virtues Project™” Educators Guide” was published along with a poster and cards with 52 virtues. Other resources have been created and published. Many translations are available. In over 140 countries thousands of people have been trained in The Virtues Project. Workshops are given for personal work, parents, schools, workplaces and organizations. How did you become involved with the project? On a March night in 2000, I was surfing the TV channels. I stopped to listen to the last 7 minutes of a program, as it resonated with me. I knew I needed to learn more so I phoned the TV station the next morning and asked what I was listening to the night before at about 8:30 p. m. They told me what I had been watching and gave me the name of the video distributor, who in turn provided me with a phone number, which connected me with The Virtues Project™, namely Linda Kavelin-Popov on Salt Spring Island, BC. She sent me the Educator’s Guide, which was just completed and about to be released. I devoured the book and scoured the website, phoned her back and we arranged that I would sponsor a 5-day workshop in Calgary in October so I could get trained. Forty-seven people participated in the 2-day introductory workshop and twenty-four went on to take the 3-day facilitator program. As a long-time teacher, I was always looking for newer and better ways of connecting with my students and The Virtues Project offered that. What are The Virtues? How are they implemented? Virtues,” as one 6-year-old said, “is what’s good about us. ” Virtues are the simple elements of character, the qualities of the human spirit, and the very essence of who we are. They are the attributes that make us human and give meaning to our lives. They are our strengths. Virtues are implemented by using the 5 strategies of The Virtues Project™ * Use the Language of Virtues to bring out the best in ourselves and others. * Recognize Teachable Moments as gifts for our growth to cultivate character. * Set Clear Boundaries for safe, peaceful, healthy lives and better relationships. * Experience simple ways to Honor the Spirit and respect the nobility and dignity of each person. * Offer Companioning to help ourselves and others to respond effectively to grief, moral dilemma, problem-solving, anger, and conflict resolution as well as express gratitude and joy What are some of the things The Virtues Project has accomplished? - Around the world, when The Virtues Project is embraced by the whole staff and implemented in a school there is more and better parental communication and involvement with the school, staff and students connect more effectively, discipline incidents may drop by half and even more in a year, achievement, attitude and attendance improve, students feel safer and less stressed, teachers are re-invigorated. - Living with virtues in the workplace results in higher morale and productivity along with better communication, quality leadership, teamwork, engagement and more satisfying relationships - In Fiji communities, a cultural norm was reversed, which resulted in better working relations between the men and women. Cooperation leads to improved community conditions and children and women suffer much less violence and abuse. - At the request of an Interfaith group in Walkerton, ON, the Popovs presented workshops to help in the healing of the community. After a mishap with the town drinking water supply, the citizens needed restoration towards peace and harmony. - In Tanzania, The Virtues Project schools are showing another way to discipline in schools, which is eliminating systemic corporal punishment and creating a safer and caring culture. How do virtues help individuals? The five simple strategies show us how to use the virtues to live kinder and more purposeful lives, to raise children of integrity and compassion, create a culture of character and caring in our schools, and inspire excellence and ethics in the workplace. Can these virtues help people with disabilities? Yes. Within the five domains of human potential The Virtues Project helps us directly in our social, emotional, and spiritual endeavors, and enhances our physical and mental well-being. All of these domains need to be developed equally and fully within the capacity of the individual. Imagine a bicycle wheel with five spokes evenly spaced around the rim. When one of the spaces is bigger than another the tire will collapse into that space and you will travel down the road bumpity-bump/bumpity-bump. Virtues are transformational. Why does The Virtues Project work so well for people? - It is a simple, effective, strengths-based and positive program - The virtues are in each and every one of us - like gems - just waiting to be mined and polished. - The five strategies bring the virtues to light. Is the Virtues Project helpful for people with Disabilities? How so? Yes. The virtues are the very essence of who we are. They are our inherent nature. They are essential for anyone wanting to live a good life, learn and grow. I believe that applies to each and every one of us regardless of age, inclination or abilities. People recognize a virtue when they hear one and you can tell by a shift in their energy that it has had an impact on them. Where can people go to find out more? You can access more information by reaching “virtues” on the net by using your browser. Anything else you'd like to add? My last 13 years before leaving teaching and doing The Virtues Project workshops for 10 years world-wide were as a supply/substitute teacher. I mostly worked in classrooms for special education in which I used the five strategies. They made my work a lot easier. Using the language of the virtues for acknowledging, guiding and correcting the students encouraged them and made their situations more meaningful. They learned who they really are. In teachable moments we found the virtues we forgot and the virtues we needed to use. Students learned what to do; not what not to do. If a student didn’t know a virtue being used they usually asked and learned a new virtue, which, by the palpable shift in energy you could tell that they could see something new, yet familiar in themselves. We created boundaries together for all of us to live up to. Everyone knew what was expected of them and when they erred they made amends by coming back to the virtues they forgot. Honoring the spirit meant looking for the little spark in each student that would ignite the flame that animated them as a unique and special person. Companioning is a wonderful strategy that makes students feel heard. With curiosity and openness, asking open-ended what and how questions helped students “empty their cup” and get to the heart of the matter. Almost always they came to a solution to their own problems. Professionally and personally The Virtues Project has changed my life. Our gratitude We are so very grateful that Donna joined us today to share more about The Virtues Projects and the incredible changes it has made in communities all over the world. Mental reframing techniques are just one of the many ways we can improve the world around us for ourselves and each other. For many people, the quest for support goes beyond the mental and emotional, especially when dealing with a disabling condition. Many people find specialized and individualized therapies are difficult to access or have a high barrier of entry in the form of additional costs. In situations like this, however, the disabled individual may be eligible to receive the Disability Tax Credit to help offset the costs associated with treating their impairment. Interested in finding out more? Disability Credit Canada offers FREE assessments, and a plethora of free resources, including a comprehensive Guide To The Disability Tax Credit and a Disability Tax Credit Calculator. --- - Published: 2020-10-08 - Modified: 2026-02-06 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/non-pharmaceutical-approach-to-treating-adhd/ Non-Medication ADHD Treatment Options At Disability Credit Canada we make it one of our missions to advocate for our community by providing them resources. We have tools, like our Disability Tax Credit Calculator, and our Ultimate Disability Tax Credit Guide, to help guide people through the application process free of charge. But we don’t stop there. We also reach out to mental health advocates across Canada, and when we are able, we like to feature them, and the organization of their services on our blog. Today is one such day, and we are pleased to meet and interview John Stevenson of Zone Performance. John’s company works with many types of neurodiversity but has a specific focus on ADHD. We won’t spoil it for you- we will let John take it away! 1) Can you share your background and your personal journey with ADD/ADHD? My name is John Stevenson and I am a Health and Performance Psychologist at Zone Performance Psychology based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I currently work with a variety of elite performers in a variety of fields from surgeons, military personnel, law enforcement, financial traders, and Olympic and Professional Athletes. Consequently, I am always looking for the latest evidence-based strategies and tools that can help these clients develop and improve their brain performance (e. g. , executive functioning, cognitive stamina, situational awareness, attention, working memory, visual information processing, etc. ) When I was the goaltending coach for the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club back in 2009 I was introduced to a Doctoral student at the University of Ottawa who was using Neurofeedback and Biofeedback to train Olympic athletes to better self-regulate themselves for the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. Margaret Dupree had advised me if I wanted to learn about Neurofeedback and how it could radically improve an athlete's ability to focus and self-regulate their emotions I should check out the training offered by Dr. Michael and Dr; Linda Thompson at the ADD Centre in Toronto. It was at that point that I learned how a natural non-pharmaceutical approach like Neurofeedback could be used in so many applications to improve mental health such as anxiety, depression, concussions, and ADHD. As a result of this training, I went back to Edmonton and started a comprehensive assessment and treatment program that utilized Neurofeedback and Biofeedback to enhance the well-being of both my clinical and peak-performance clients. 2) What is Zone Performance, and what makes your approach to ADD/ADHD treatment different? Zone Performance takes a unique angle on its approach to ADHD not only in our treatment process as we are a non-pharmaceutical approach to treating ADHD but in our assessment process as well. Our assessment process is an in-depth process that combines subjective measures alone with objective measures in a holistic manner to gain an understanding of how someone is feeling, what symptoms they are experiencing, and why. Most people don't realize that there are different types and presentations of ADHD, and our assessment process tells us which presentation an individual is experiencing and to what degree, which helps us create the best treatment option tailored to that individual. We utilize a lot of cutting-edge technology such as the Neurotracker, Senaptec, and Reflexion in our assessment and treatment regime. These types of Cognitive-Perceptual training systems in the past were only accessible to professional athletes and organizations. The fact that we can bring this technology to the general public, particularly our young clients has been extremely powerful and fun to watch because they really enjoy this type of brain training. Likewise, many children and adults who have ADHD also have a sleep disorder—almost three out of four children and adolescents, and up to four out of five adults with ADHD. Not getting enough sleep, or needing to sleep at times that don't mesh with school or work obligations, can have significant long-term effects. Once again we provide natural non-pharmaceutical methods that have been scientifically proven to provide our clients with a deep restorative sleep, which in turn, allows them to focus and better manage their emotions the following day. Finally, I believe that Zone Performance brings a different treatment approach because we also address a number of significant Lifestyle factors that often are not addressed by the medical community at the time of the assessment and duration of the treatment such as screen time and the use of electronics on a daily basis, exercise, and their diet that have a significant impact on the client's overall brain-functioning level. At Zone Performance, we believe it's not enough to provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD by only using questionnaires and a clinical interview in the assessment process. We strongly encourage those who suspect that they may have ADHD to utilize a clinic that can provide objective measurements of a client's Cognitive capacities and overall brain functioning. This is the reason why we use Continuous Performance Tests to assess and continually monitor our client's progress as they go through our treatment program. For example, the IVA and TOVA, the two standardized computerized tests we administer, not only tell us what degree of ADHD we are dealing with, but what kind as well; the more inattentive presentation, the hyperactive presentation, or the combined presentation. These are the most widely used computerized tests for such factors as attention span, impulsivity, and variability of response time, which are among the key factors in Attention Deficit Disorder but are also factors in a number of other problems including learning difficulties, Tourette’s, anxiety problems, Asperger’s, dysphoria and even athletic performance. These tests involve pressing a button when a target appears on the screen and inhibiting that response when a non-target appears. Likewise, the QEEG Brain Map allows us to see and identify where and what type of brainwave dysregulation is occurring in the brain and how this is impacting brain functioning and is contributing to someone's symptoms and how they are feeling. Finally, Cognitive-Perceptual Systems such as the Neurotracker and Senaptec not only provide objective measurements of working memory, sustained attention, brain processing speed, executive functioning, sensory integration, etc but numerous training exercises to systematically improve these skill sets. Having multiple facets to our assessment process allows us to have a greater understanding of the factors that are contributing to someone's symptoms and what approach would best suit them and their goals moving forward. 3) What services and areas does Zone specialize in? Zone Performance not only specializes in ADHD but also offers comprehensive programs in Sports Psychology, Concussion Assessment and Rehabilitation, and Cognitive-Perceptual Training. Zone also offers counseling services. 4) How do Zone’s treatments support people with ADD/ADHD? Many people have heard the expression: "neurons that fire together, wire together". Our primary ADHD treatment is an extension of that well-known phrase. Zone's primary treatment provided for ADHD is called Neurofeedback. This is a non-invasive method of retraining the brain to correct patterns of brainwave dysregulation, thereby reducing troublesome symptoms and improving cognitive functioning. This is accomplished by rewarding the brain when it produces the patterns of brainwaves we would like to increase. Over time, this learning consolidates into neurological changes and subjective improvement. We also utilize Audio-Visual entertainment. It involves the repetitive presentation of rapidly blinking wavelengths of light that guide the brain into desired mental states. This alters electroencephalographic (EEG) activity since it involves promoting or suppressing brainwaves at certain frequencies (Joyce & Siever, 2000). When you are using AVE your EEG activity is being altered – As the AVE frequency changes, so does the frequency of brainwaves. You are being dissociated – When using AVE, you get drawn into the present moment and let go of thoughts relating to your daily hassles, hectic schedules, paying bills, worries, or anxieties and stop the unhealthy mental “chatter. ” Dissociation involves a “disconnection” of self from thoughts and body awareness, as is experienced during deep meditation. Dissociation begins in four to eight minutes from properly applied AVE. Your limbic system is being stabilized – Your body is calmed, your breathing becomes rhythmic, your hands warm and your muscles relax. A number of neurotransmitters are being produced – People with depressed mood have low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. AVE may be used to boost brain levels of serotonin, endorphins, melatonin, and norepinephrine to improve overall well-being. Increasing endorphins allows enhanced relaxation and calm while boosting norepinephrine and suppressing melatonin promotes improved alertness (Shealy, 1989). Your cerebral blood flow is being increased- Good levels of cerebral blood flow are crucial for proper mental health and cognitive functioning. Several mental health disorders are associated with inadequate cerebral blood flow, including anxiety, depression, attentional disorders, and many others. AVE has been shown to substantially and rapidly increase cerebral blood flow (Fox & Raichle, 1985). We also use Cognitive-Perceptual training as a treatment program. Cognitive perceptual training may be the help you need to overcome neurological trauma. Individuals who have neurological deficits or trauma, whether mild or severe, may experience cognitive and perceptual difficulties. Cognitive perception includes, aside from the senses listening, seeing, smelling, tasting, and feeling, the way in which we deal with information. While perception refers to ways of obtaining information from our environment, cognition describes processes such as remembering, learning, solving problems, and orientation. Researchers have found that 75-90% of children with learning disabilities present with motor difficulties, which often are accompanied by perceptual deficits. Cognitive and perceptual rehabilitation is indicated when a patient or client presents with deficits in these areas during medical, physical therapy, or occupational assessments. Difficulties may appear in fine and visual-motor performance, motor planning abilities, and/or sensory integration. The individual may remember events incorrectly and have difficulty perceiving new information. In addition, he or she may have inappropriate responses to sensory input due to deficits in sensory processing. Zone Psychology has partnered up with Neurotracker, Senaptec, Fitlight, and Vizual Edge to provide a variety of cutting-edge technologies that not only the eyes but the brain as well. The biggest discovery in the history of neuroscience is neuroplasticity; the brain’s innate ability to adapt to environmental demands through functional reorganization, increasing pathway efficiency, and growing new neural networks. In terms of cognitive demands, neuroplasticity is a major factor in any individual's potential. In principle, the process is similar to how muscles improve to meet performance demands when put under physical stress. However, in the case of the brain, improvements can occur more sustainably, on much shorter time scales, and with much longer-lasting effects. Finally, our counselors teach Mindfulness so that our ADHD clients effectively learn how to self-regulate themselves on a daily basis to observe and manage their thoughts, feelings, and actions, which in turn allows them to be more present and improve their self-awareness and their ability to focus. 5) What are the advantages of non-medical therapies when medication may also be part of treatment? While Zone's platform is providing a non-pharmaceutical approach to treating ADHD, this does not mean that we are against pharmaceutical treatments. We believe that there is a time and a place for medication, however, we do believe that ADHD medications have the propensity to be overused. There are many downsides to medication that some people are not aware of. For example, in some individuals, ADHD medication can help with improved focus but also increase anxiety and paranoia due to beta wave dysregulations. Some people also experience adverse effects from medication such as suppressed appetite, slow growth in children, and induced sleep issues. Finally, medications solve an issue rather than addressing the cause. Medications work for the time that they are administered, however, when one stops taking the medication they may be back to the beginning in regards to their symptoms and focus issues. Neurofeedback and Cognitive-Perceptual training address the root causes of ADHD by addressing brain wave dysregulation and attempting to re-train pathways in a natural, non-pharmaceutical way to see symptom resolution and overall improvement. Barring any physical or emotional trauma, the improvements seen after these types of therapies are permanent. Aside from feeling possible slight fatigue after a neurofeedback session, there are no significant adverse effects felt from this form of therapy. One of the biggest benefits of Mindfulness, Neurofeedback, and Cognitive-Perceptual training is the fact that clients learn how to self-regulate their brain without being dependent on a substance for the rest of their lives. 6) What challenges do people with ADD/ADHD face, and what do they seek help for? People with ADHD often experience difficulty maintaining focus, and sustained attention, and can have short-term memory and working memory difficulties; however, due to the fact that there are different presentations of ADHD, some individuals may experience different symptoms. Some individuals struggle more with auditory processing, whereas others struggle more with visual processing. Focus, memory, and attention are the main areas people would like to see improvement in when they come in with ADHD. These symptoms can impact school performance as well, so many individuals also wish to see improvement in grades and overall academic performance. Aside from the Cognitive concerns (e. g. , focus, working memory, executive processing, etc. ) we also have a lot of clients who really struggle with the ability to self-regulate their emotions. Comorbid issues such as anxiety, depression, ODD, and learning disorders often occur when someone has ADHD, and often our clients are looking for assistance in terms of addressing and managing these issues without the use of medication. 7) What guidance would you offer to someone struggling with ADHD, or supporting a loved one? Our main piece of advice would be to remind that person that ADHD is something that you have, not something you are. ADHD is not your identity and it does not mean that you will never be successful. There are many professional athletes, business moguls, doctors, scientists, and psychologists with ADHD. Don't let a diagnosis become your identity and make you lose faith in your own potential. 8) Why does early intervention and treatment matter? The primary benefit is Self-Esteem and Confidence. It's often the case that once our clients learn how to self-regulate their attention and emotions and improve their overall brain functioning they feel much more optimistic about all facets of their life. The other big factor when it comes to early intervention and treatment it the brain is more malleable at younger ages. Consequently, the neuroplasticity of the brain and the rewiring that takes place is generally speaking much easier to do when the client is younger in age. Finally, the research clearly shows that Untreated ADHD can cause problems throughout life. People with ADHD tend to be impulsive and have short attention spans, which can make it harder to succeed in school, at work, in relationships, and in other aspects of life. Adults who have ADHD but do not know it are at much higher risk than the general population for serious problems. Mood disorders, extreme sadness, and anxiety often occur when ADHD goes undiagnosed. Even if these conditions are treated, the underlying problem, if left untreated, leads to other problems. To prevent this from happening, refer to our ADHD Test & Self Assessment, and maximize the chances to diagnose it as early as possible. 9) What does Zone cost, and what options exist for people who can’t afford treatment? Initially, it may appear that our assessment and treatment program is expensive. However, the upfront costs of our program are significantly lower than the long-term costs of taking medication for a lifetime. Likewise, compared to other clinics across North America that provide similar services to us our pricing is significantly lower than the competitive market. Unfortunately, our High-tech equipment and standardized tests are very expensive to purchase and there is a significant cost to us each time we run these programs, so we need to offset those business costs in our pricing. We are a private clinic and we do not receive any funding from the government at the Provincial and/or Federal level. A full ADHD Assessment at Zone is $800. 00 which includes a follow-up appointment. Psychoeducational assessments can cost as much as $1200-$2000, so comparatively, we are not as expensive. We do offer different payment plans to help with the cost of Neurofeedback and Cognitive -Perceptual treatment and we do direct billing with the insurance providers who will let us directly bill on the client's behalf. We also provide receipts and invoices for those who are with providers who do not let us directly bill on the client's behalf. Further, we do provide a subsidized student rate when completely necessary for students who really want treatment but are struggling financially. Our Gratitude We’d like to thank John for taking the time to share some insights about ADHD and some of the varied and alternative treatments that can be offered to those looking to understand and treat their condition. Private institutions like Zone Performance are not often covered by Government Health Care, however, that's where things like the Federal Disability Tax Credit and the Child Disability Tax Credit come in handy. If you or someone you love is struggling with ADHD, they may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, which is designed to assist Disabled Canadians and their families offset the cost of seeking additional treatment. Disability Credit Canada has helped thousands of Canadians advocate for the Tax Credits they are eligible for. With over a 95% approval rating, we have a no-win, no-fee guarantee. Call us today for a FREE Assessment for your case. --- - Published: 2020-09-11 - Modified: 2025-12-18 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/speaking-with-dr-leigh-vanderloo-of-participaction-on-the-benefits-of-physical-activity/ You know you should exercise. You know it’s good for your health and wellness. But do you know the hard facts, and the data behind just how good exercise can be for you? With the plethora of data asserting the benefit of physical activity on our health and happiness, it’s easy to remember how important physical activity is. Yet, many individuals with disabilities or disabling conditions may struggle to find an exercise that works for them. Disability Credit Canada works with disabled Canadians, advocating for them to get the support they deserve. Whether it is approval for the Canadian Pension Plan Disability Benefit or the Disability Tax Credit, we provide resources on our site to help people get the support they need. You can check us out anytime for more information But today, we are fortunate enough to hear from a leading expert Dr. Leigh Vanderloo, the Knowledge Translation Manager at ParticipACTION, a non-profit organization aiming to help Canadians get more active! She shares with us more about her organization and what it does and provides some tips and tricks to get active. No matter what your current physical activity level may be, improvement is always possible and we are able to make positive change. Physical activity is one of the many safe, easy, and healthy ways to improve your quality of life, regardless of your condition. Tell us a bit about yourself and your work I am the Knowledge Translation Manager at ParticipACTION. I completed my PhD at Western University 3 years ago in Health Promotion, specializing in pediatric exercise medicine. My main role at ParticipACTION is two-fold: To serve as the organization’s subject matter expert in all things physical activity, sedentary behaviors and health, and; To find creative ways to help share complex scientific findings in more easily digestible and public-facing ways. What is ParticipACTION? What is the primary focus and goal of the organization? ParticipACTION is a national non-profit organization that aims to help all Canadians move more and limit sedentary behaviors. We believe physical activity should be an important part of all Canadians’ lives. What do you wish everyone knew about your organization and its work? We are a small but mighty organization. All content and messaging we put out is evidence-informed and we are fortunate to work with an amazing network of national and international leaders in physical activity – scientists, researchers, organizational stakeholders, and government and community representatives. We strive to be the go-to resource for Canadians for all things physical activity and sedentary behaviors. We are also fully bilingual! What research has your organization done with the disability community? In 2018, the researchers at ParticipACTION examined how physical activity impacts the brain health of children and youth, including children with neurodevelopmental disorders (namely, ADHD, ASD, and cerebral palsy). The current state of evidence highlights favorable relationships between physical activity and cognition. Many studies support a positive relationship between physical activity and brain function and structure. Physical activity plays an important role in helping children and youth learn better, solve problems more creatively, and develop healthier brains. Children and youth who are least active or who have neurodevelopmental disabilities may have the most to gain. Collectively, the research indicates that physical activity plays a key role in preventing and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, in helping with stress management and in improving self-esteem in children and youth. Although initial evidence is promising, additional work is needed to clarify and confirm the relationship between physical activity and mental health in children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Overall, when it comes to mental health, physical activity can help children and youth who are experiencing low moods or stress and can also provide benefits for all children and youth by helping them better manage stress and by promoting positive emotions. Physical activity supports and encourages mental and emotional wellness, with very little evidence suggesting harmful effects. For more information, please check out our Expert Statement on Physical Activity and Brain Health in Children and Youth. What programs and resources does ParticipACTION have in the community? While we are not a front-line organization, we create evidence-informed materials, resources, and toolkits for Canadians or organizations that work with various sub-populations in Canada. Our website serves as our main hub for all content, blog posts, resources, and downloads. We are currently in the process of developing a new content framework regarding physical activity, sports, and recreation for persons with disabilities. Lots of great web and app content to come! Stay tuned! What are some of the benefits of physical activity, regardless of ability level? Physical inactivity (i. e. , not getting active) is the 4th leading risk factor for chronic disease and premature death worldwide. Some common examples of chronic diseases include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancers (breast, colorectal), etc. When we think of the benefits of physical activity, we often think of the physical ones, like building strong bones and muscles or promoting healthy body weights. But physical activity can benefit us in so many more ways! Physical activity can positively impact your cognitive health (better thinking and learning, focus, memory) and your mental health (decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety, improved stress management and resiliency), as well as create opportunities to support social wellness (improved relationships and bonding, social interactions, and skills). In fact, after a single bout or session of physical activity, we are more likely to experience immediate important changes in our thinking and mental health compared to improvements to our physical health (which typically take longer to notice). If you’re interested in learning more about how physical activity can benefit your day-to-day life, check out our “Betters” pages. Some people may struggle with sports or physical activity due to their disability, is there any advice you can give? Trial and error is ok. Take your time to try different activities or sports until you find one that “clicks”. Some people enjoy group activities or sports, whereas others prefer solo ones. Some people enjoy getting active indoors (at home, in a gym, or a rec center) whereas others thrive in the outdoor environment. It's also important to remember that you might not excel in the new activity or sport right away, and that’s ok! It takes time to develop new skills, so stick with it. As you refine your skills, your confidence in your ability to do that activity will also improve. Beyond the physical benefits of getting active, physical activity can improve sleep and mental health outcomes as well. There is no such thing as “bad physical activity”, so every move you make is a step in the right direction. Getting active is a great tool to support your overall health and well-being. What is one message you’d want to give someone with a disability, thinking about integrating more physical activity into their lives? Start slow and progress. Something is better than nothing, so don’t feel like you have to go all out all at once. In time, you can challenge yourself a bit more by getting active for longer periods of time, increasing the intensity, trying to cover similar distances faster (or in less time), or adding inclines or stairs to your activities. Track your progress (or have someone help you) so you can see all the great work you’re doing and look back on your accomplishments. It’s important to celebrate the “wins” no matter how small. If motivation is lacking, try establishing some sort of buddy system with a friend, a family member, or a support worker – this will not only help with your accountability but can also be a fun way to sneak in some extra physical activity while visiting with loved ones. But most importantly (and often overlooked! ), choose an activity you enjoy! If you’re not having fun and viewing the activity more like a chore, the less likely you are to repeat the behavior. And when it comes to physical activity, we want you to “repeat it” daily. Anything else you’d like to add? Daily movement is key to living our best lives. No matter what physical activity looks like to you, everything gets better when you get active. Where can we go to find out more? Visit our website or connect with us on social (@participaction)! You can also download our free app (in the App Store as well as Google Play) which will help you set physical activity goals, track your activity, and provide you with lots of great articles and tips to help you get started on your physical activity journey. We would like to thank Leigh for her amazing insights and for sharing such wonderful information with this incredible organization. Interested in finding out more about disability advocacy? We have lots of free resources on our website ranging from blog posts about individual conditions to tips and tricks to applying for government funding, to guides on how to apply for government tax credits. Looking for help with your applications for government resources? We’ve helped thousands of Canadians with disabilities and their families get the support they deserve. Call us today for a FREE assessment at 1-800-844-6020. --- - Published: 2020-09-09 - Modified: 2025-12-18 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/interview-with-ann-marie-founder-director-of-single-women-in-motherhood/ Disability does not discriminate. It can affect people regardless of age, sex, race, family structure or socioeconomic status. The financial impact of raising a child with a disability can be challenging, and that burden can be greatly increased in single-family households. For many families, finding support for their child can be difficult, and that can be exponentially compounded in single-parent households when primary financial and parenting responsibilities fall to one individual. In single-parent households, the primary caregiver is also often the breadwinner. This double-impact can stretch already lean practical and emotional resources. If a child in a single-parent home is also dealing with a disability, these challenges may seem even more intense. Today, DCCI has partnered with Ann-Marie Ricketts, founder of S. W. I. M (Single Women In Motherhood), to talk to us about her organization, the development of S. W. I. M, how single-mothers can be adversely affected by the increased stress that comes with a single-parent household and, most importantly, what supports are available through groups like S. W. I. M. We are delighted to share Ann-Marie’s story and to bring light to some of the specific stressors that affect single-parent homes. If you are a single parent with children, and struggling with the compounded difficulties of managing a disability for yourself or your child, please read on! We will include resources in addition to what S. W. I. M offers. Finally, we would like to thoroughly thank Ann-Marie and everyone at S. W. I. M for taking the time to be interviewed about the wonderful work they are doing. Tell me a little about your Organization S. W. I. M. How did it start? The history leading up to S. W. I. M. focuses on one woman with strength and determination to address the need that was raised by many single moms. Ann Marie Ricketts was raised by a single mother in Toronto. She, herself, was a single mother for over 13 years. She moved to London and has successfully raised three children on her own. S. W. I. M was conceived in her living room, after watching a TV show featuring Canada’s multi-billionaire, Michael Lee-Chin. He became an inspiration to Ann-Marie and taught her that crisis equals opportunity or danger. She was determined to turn the crisis of a crushed wrist and the inability to work into an opportunity. With that determination, S. W. I. M was born in 2002. Then S. W. I. M recognized the same cry coming from single mothers and wanted to help them to achieve financial independence, so family stability can be created. What are some of the biggest challenges you see single mothers facing? One of the biggest challenges single mothers face is that we aren't Having No One To Turn To. Single moms, we work hard! We wear many hats: A mother is a teacher when the kids have homework, a chef when it’s dinner time, a chauffeur when there’s a place to be, a personal shopper when there’s a birthday party, a referee when siblings fight, a nurse when our little ones have a fever... and the list goes on. Do you see many single mothers raising children with needs like ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities? YES What other personal, practical, or financial challenges do these mothers face? I see single mothers facing challenges every day! Some are: -Stress and Anxiety about money. On top of all these jobs, someone has to bring home enough money to pay for rent and food. When you’re a single mom, there’s only one of you! We know the stress is very high. -Losing a sense of self. After spending the day working full time, and then being on Mommy-duty at home, it's easy to forget about taking care of yourself. Single moms must be psychologically and financially stable, to provide a healthy and harmonious environment to their children. Balancing professional responsibilities and parenting is a major problem faced by single mothers. - It is not enough: Most single mothers feel sick of the motherhood and guilt rhetoric —especially working single mothers. They often feel like they’re coming up short when it comes to doing enough for their kids. Not to mention their boss and extended family, and yes, of course, their community. As single mothers, they have to do all of these things alone, and it’s not always easy. S. W. I. M. recognizes the unique challenges of being a single mom, which is why we are here for them. What strategies can S. W. I. M offer single mothers raising children with special needs? Some strategies are to find other support groups Play music to bring calmness Advice for Yoga Aromatherapy Our Let's talk about it program Life Coaching programs What kinds of external factors can benefit single Mothers? External factors can benefit single Mothers: For example, SWIM has programs that are committed to empowering single mothers to control their destiny, work, and developing their full financial, emotional, personal growth, self-worth, and intellectual potential. We have a program Let's Talk About It, one support network for single Moms and is online too now. The Child Care Exchange Program is a free drop off centre, which allows single mothers to take some “me” time or self-care. During this time, mothers can get the chance to de-stress, nap, do the laundry, shop, run errands, or do anything they would like. It is important that mothers take some time to themselves and this is a great opportunity for them to do so and know that their kids are in a safe environment. This program is a Pay It Forward program. Mothers are expected to take turns helping with the program, whether it is providing snacks, helping with sign-in, or staying and helping out with the activities. How you are supporting single mothers applying for credits like the Child Disability Tax Credit? In this case to apply for support like the Child Disability Tax Credit. If a Single Mother wanted to apply for one of these Tax Credits or similar requests S. W. I. M could help single mothers in filling out forms, and documentation or help in answering questions about it. Anything else you'd like to add, for all the single parents reading this? Rest if you must, but don't quit. How can people interested in S. W. I. M reach you? People who are interested in S. W. I. M can connect with us through our website, Social Media Channels, or alternatively on our phone number (519) 432-5454 Ann-Marie’s organization S. W. I. M provides single mothers with pay-it-forward child-care programming, talk-therapy and social support services, and strategies to help single mothers deal with the struggles and challenges that come with the combined stress of financial and child-care burden. Taking care of one's emotional, mental, and psychological stress is crucial to being able to be present for the ones you care for. But the support that single-parent families can get does not have to stop there. If you are struggling with a disabling condition or your child is struggling with a disabling condition, you may be eligible to receive additional governmental assistance. This assistance can come in the form of a tax credit or payment. In cases where retroactive payments are required, a family may be able to claim up to $40,000 to help reduce financial hardship. Disability Credit Canada has helped thousands of Canadians and their families get the support they qualify for. We offer free assessments, which you can access anytime by contacting us. You can access our Disability Credit Tax Calculator to help get an estimate of what benefits you may qualify for If you are interested in applying for the Disability Tax Credit, or the Child Disability Tax Credit, we provide FREE resource guides to walk you through the process step-by-step. Single parents do not have to tackle the challenges of parenthood and running a household by themselves, especially if they or one of their children suffers from an impairment. Supports exist to ensure that no one ever has to feel alone. From wonderful organizations like Ann-Marie and S. W. I. M, working on the front lines to help women tackle emotional and psychological stress, to government-funded supports to ease financial burdens, there are structures for help and support. We would like to thank Ann-Marie and everyone at S. W. I. M for sharing more about their organization with us! --- - Published: 2020-08-19 - Modified: 2025-12-18 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/special-interview-with-chelsea-king-certified-mental-health-professional/ Coping with ADD/ADHD ADD/ADHD is one of the most common disorders affecting children worldwide. It is also frequently under-diagnosed and misunderstood as a condition. ADD/ADHD also affects the Executive Functioning (EF) processes in the brain, the areas responsible for judgment making, long-term planning, strategizing and execution of plans to create the desired outcome. Many children dealing with ADD/ADHD face additional challenges related to social and psychological development, as well as struggles relating to memory and organization. It may seem daunting, but children dealing with ADD/ADHD can access a wide variety of treatments that can greatly increase their quality of life and teach them coping mechanisms and strategies for working through their condition. Beyond that, children with this condition may be eligible for additional support through the government's Child Disability Tax Credit. Today, we are pleased to feature a special interview blog post with registered psychologist and certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional, Chelsea King, to talk specifically about her work with mental health in youth, as well as ADD/ADHD and how it relates to development. We will also hear about some of the treatment options that can be considered to help cope with ADD/ADHD. Chelsea, thank you for being here today. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do? My name is Chelsea Bodie (King) and I am a Registered Psychologist in Alberta. I am currently running my own private practice. My area of expertise is a child and adolescent mental health. As well as I am a Certified Perinatal Professional which covers the perinatal period (pregnancy to 1 year postpartum). I also run an educational Instagram account with a colleague called Mamapsychologists where we provide information and tips for everything from pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum, and parenting. Tell us about your experience working with ADD/ADHD Affected individuals? I have worked both with children and adults who are affected by ADD/ADHD in a therapeutic setting to help with parenting strategies or general coping with the effects and challenges related to ADD/ADHD at both homes, work, or school. What sorts of impacts does ADD/ADHD have on an individual's family? ADD/ADHD can be a challenge and have a large impact on family dynamics. Often the behavioral challenges (such as impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, etc) may be overwhelming for family members. Often parents will come looking for support on how to manage the difficulties related to knowing how to best support their child with these challenges (i. e. impulsivity, hyperactivity, distractibility, etc). While children will often be placed in counseling for behavioral support or emotional support for both school, peer, and family life. What sorts of impacts does ADD/ADHD have on an individual's school and peer relationships? Due to the common behavioral symptoms of ADD/ADHD, peer relationships or challenges in school are really common. Often children with ADD/ADHD have difficulty relating to their peers and engaging in appropriate socially acceptable behavior all the time. In addition, the structure of the school/learning setting can be difficult for ADD/ADHD children to remain focused and engaged during the day. What sorts of behavioral outcomes or impacts have you seen arise as a result of an individual dealing with the effects of ADD/ADHD? The main behavioural impacts that I have seen are difficulties with peers or in the school setting, difficulty with regulating behaviours/impulses at home. In addition, difficulty with regulating emotions and being in control of emotions as well. It can also be really isolating if the person has difficulty relating to and engaging with their peers. There can be some positive outcomes with ADD/ADHD as well. For example, some kids are extremely creative and can use that as an outlet. Alternatively, some may have a lot of drive and energy that they can channel in a positive manner. What sorts of behavioral supports and strategies have you seen that are helpful to individuals learning to cope with their condition? Treatment options include: Parent Training/Coaching Support groups 1:1 Therapy Family Counselling Behavioral Management Medication Supports within the school (if available) Look into additional funding: Respite, FSCD, etc. What advice would you give to an individual with ADD/ADHD or their family? Reach out for support and see what options are available for your family. Early intervention, if possible, is best, so if you have questions or concerns don't be afraid to ask your family doctor. Having a diagnosis doesn't mean that you or your child can't go on to have a successful life- sometimes can be learned to be managed as best as possible. Therapy may not be quick and easy but it doesn't mean you won't see changes. Thank you, Chelsea! ADD/ADHD can have wide and varied effects on those with the condition and it can seem like a herculean task to find support. Yet ADD/ADHD is one of the most easily treated conditions affecting children, and many people with the condition live productive and fulfilling lives, especially after receiving multi-nodal treatment. Healthy active living, medication, therapies and positive support structure are all part of managing the condition. However, not everyone with this impairment needs to shoulder the burden alone. Outside of support groups and advocacy organizations, there are also governmental supports, such as the Child Disability Tax Credit. If you or someone you love is dealing with the challenges of coping with ADD/ADHD, we encourage you to check out some of our free resources below. Disability Credit Canada has helped thousands of Canadians and their families get the supports they qualify for. We offer free assessments, which you can access anytime by contacting us here. If you are interested in applying for the Disability Tax Credit, or the Child Disability Tax Credit, You can call us for FREE Assessments and we will walk you through the process step-by-step. --- - Published: 2020-03-09 - Modified: 2026-02-06 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/poor-sleep-makes-my-adhd-worse-and-vice-versa/ By Rick Green, CM, OOnt, BSc. ADHD Is Not One-Size-Fits-All A psychologist who specializes in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder once told me, “If you’ve seen one kid with ADHD, you’ve seen one kid with ADHD. ” The year was 2008. I was flying all over North America to interview ADHD specialists for what would become a groundbreaking documentary, ADD & Loving It? ! Why ADHD Traits Look Different From Person to Person Since then, researchers have found dozens of genes that are associated with this complex disorder. Not every gene is switched on. Small wonder that people with this disorder each struggle with their unique collection of traits. When I hear adults comparing ADHD symptoms it reminds me of my childhood, comparing hockey trading cards with my pals, “Have it. Have it. Don’t have it. Have it. Don’t have it. Have it... ” So there is no universal ADHD trait beyond the core issues of Problems managing attention, focus, and working memory. Many ADDers struggle with time. (Don't have it. ) Many are easily overwhelmed and struggle with procrastination. (Yep. ) Some don’t fit the cliché of fidgety, restless, impatient. (I’ve got that one in spades. ) The Link Between ADHD and Sleep Problems However as ADHD and sleep expert Dr. Roberto Olivardia told me in an interview: “Sleep disorders and ADHD go hand in hand. I don’t know anybody, myself included, that does not have an issue with sleep. And there is this substantial empirical research that looks at why we see sleep issues and sleep disorders that are just inherent in ADHD. ” Why the connection? Falling asleep demands that one switch off the chatter of a mind that can flit like a butterfly from idea to idea, thought to thought, like a game of Word Association. As well, ADHD isn’t just about managing focus and attention. It can be a problem managing emotions, keeping track of things, and physical sensitivities. (Tags on shirts? Yikes! ) Lying there, doing nothing? With a mind that’s always playing Hopscotch? Being still and letting go? Good luck! It’s not a ‘stream of consciousness’ but a fire hose. When Your Thoughts Won’t Slow Down at Night My Train of Thought is a Runaway Train And it’s derailing my sleep. How does one stop thinking so they can fall asleep? My family always marveled or cringed at the fact that I could gulp caffeinated colas all evening, then fall asleep like a baby. A few years ago, an ADHD specialist mentioned that some parents have found a bit of caffeine helps their adolescent child to fall asleep. It makes sense. Caffeine is a stimulant. It helps with focus. Who hasn’t arrived at work, moaning, “Don’t talk to me until I have my coffee. I can’t think straight. ” Slowing down the mental stampede of thoughts is a problem for anyone when they’re stressed. For us, it is a constant challenge. So falling asleep is difficult. And waking up in the morning? Even worse! As a teenager, I could have slept through being taser-ed. But while we’re asleep, it’s not necessarily restful sleep. Dr. Annick Vincent, an ADHD specialist and mother of four boys, told me that her two sons who have ADHD were far more active in vitro. We keep our parents up before we are born! Restless Nights and Delayed Sleep Schedules Tossing and Turning ADDers suffer higher rates of Restless Leg Syndrome and Sleep Apnea. Which means our spouses suffer with us too. Separate beds, anyone? An ADHD expert who has the disorder himself told me that separate bedrooms saved his marriage. Ironically, many people with ADHD are most alert when everyone else is falling asleep. Dr. Kathleen Nadeau, ADHD specialist and author explains, “It’s something that’s called Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, a term for being a natural night owl. ” It’s been suggested that in prehistoric times those of us with ADHD were the ones who guarded the cave entrance while the rest of the tribe slept. Interesting theory, but it doesn’t help if I have to be on location to shoot a TV program at 8:00 tomorrow morning! The lucky ones find an ADHD-Friendly career, one that starts late. It wasn’t until I got my own ADHD diagnosis at age 47 that I understood why I loved doing live theatre. It perfectly suited my natural energy levels: Waking up at noon - rehearsal at 3:00 - light lunch at 5:00 pm - curtain rises at 8:00 and my workday begins - 10:30 pm the show ends - 11:30 pm a long leisurely dinner at an all-night diner breaking down the show and brainstorming ideas - home and in bed reading at 3:00 am. It’s the only time I got 8 hours of sleep! Unfortunately, all the world is NOT a stage; most people have to work 9-5. This may explain why many ADDers start their own business to set their own hours. Several writers and comic book artists I know work the night shift. School and Work Accommodations for ADHD Sleeping in Class? Smart universities offer numerous accommodations for students with ADHD, such as timetables that avoid early morning classes. At university, the only class I that I missed, or arrived at and slept through, started at 8:30 am. Many businesses provide simple workplace accommodations that allow employees with ADHD to soar. With the right systems in place, we can become game changers, superstars, and leaders in our field. So, you may wonder, “if I have problems getting a good night’s sleep, or even a mediocre night’s sleep, does that mean I have ADHD? ” Probably not. This disorder affects 4-5% of adults. That said, if you have ADHD will you have sleep issues? More than likely. Just look at a list of ADHD symptoms, or take a quick ADHD screener quiz at TotallyADD, then look at a list of symptoms of poor sleep. There is a huge overlap: Problems with focus. Irritable or moody Forgetful Can’t concentrate Unmotivated Problems paying Attention Physically and mentally sluggish Poor sleep is like having a double dose of ADHD. Strategies That Support Better Sleep With ADHD The secret to good sleep? So it’s not surprising that Holistic Treatment options for ADHD also help with sleep issues: Regular exercise Yoga or relaxation techniques Mindfulness meditation Rituals and routines Phone apps that help with focus and relaxation Medication And specifically for sleep issues? There are a lot of things you can do including: Limiting screen time before bed Melatonin (Now and then. ) Bananas and peanut butter for a snack. (Lots of Tryptophen which helps sleep. It’s also in turkey which is why Uncle Doug always falls asleep after holiday dinners. ) Diming the lights in the evening (Your cell phone will doubtless have settings that automatically dims the screen in the evening. ) Lower the thermostat No TV’s in the bedroom Read a book. A mildly interesting book. If the blurb on the back cover enthuses, “I couldn’t put it down! ” then put it down and find something less stimulating. If it’s a ‘page-turner’ you could be turning the pages until 3:00 in the morning, oblivious to the passage of time. Don’t ask how I know this. So, yes, poor sleep and ADHD will make each other worse, like two troublemakers sabotaging your best efforts. By the same token, strategies that help you get a good night's sleep can also help with ADHD symptoms, or at the very least, make it easier to stay focused on a holistic, multi-modal treatment plan for your ADHD. Short Author Bio After earning a BSC. in Physics, Rick Green began creating public programs for the Ontario Science Centre. In 1979, he became a full-time comedian, creating, writing, and performing on stage, and on television and radio. After being diagnosed with ADHD, Rick produced two outstanding documentaries on adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD): ADD & Loving It? ! and ADD & Mastering It! He also founded the groundbreaking website TotallyADD. com, which has helped millions of people around the world. Rick has interviewed over 75 of the world’s leading ADHD experts and produced videos on every aspect of ADHD. A frequent public speaker and advocate for adults with ADHD, Rick has been honored as one of the University of Waterloo’s Top 50 Science Graduates, has received the CAMH Foundation’s Celebrity Transforming Lives Award, as well as the prestigious Order of Ontario, and being appointed to The Order of Canada. Learn about ADHD Test & Self-Assessment and how to get approved for the Child Disability Tax Credit Did you know mental impairments can qualify for disability benefits? At Disability Credit Canada, we help Canadians secure CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. Contact us for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2019-12-03 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/getting-chores-done-with-your-adhd-kid-a-how-to-guide/ One of the most important lessons a parent needs to impart to their children is the importance of housework. Learning to clean up after themselves and the house, as well as being able to cook for themselves are chores that all teach children the essential life skills that they’ll need to survive when they become adults. These tasks also provide the child with a lesson in taking responsibility for their home or shared living space in the future. These lessons can be difficult to impart upon your children. Even more so if you are raising a child that has been diagnosed with ADHD. Your child’s difficulty in focusing on tasks, especially typically non-stimulating ones like laundry or cleaning can make teaching them to do household chores difficult. However, there are several ways you can tailor chore time to keep it stimulating and motivating for your child. Here are a few tips to help your child with ADHD learn their chores and other household duties. Tips to Help a Child With ADHD Learn Chores and Household Duties Provide A Way To Visually Keep Track of Chores The first thing that you can do to help your child with ADHD learn to do their chores is to provide them with a reference of what they need to do. Your child will be more receptive to visual learning so creating a task board and updating it as your child finishes tasks is a good way to remind them visually of all the tasks they need to do as well as how much they’ve already done. Use the same board as well to keep track of the rewards that they are working towards by completing their chores. Break Tasks Down Into Separate Components You must be clear to your child with ADHD what each chore entails. Simply telling them to “clean your room” can overwhelm them with all the tasks that need to be done. Instead, provide them with a checklist detailing each task that you want them to do like so: Pick up Your Toys and put them back where they belong Take dirty clothes into the hamper Fix Your Bed Arrange your shelves It’s also advisable to not just tell them what they need to do but also provide them with a written checklist. The inability to prioritize is a major factor that may affect your child’s ability to perform their chores. Having a checklist that defines clear steps for your child will help them get over this. Visual aids detailing these step-by-step procedures are particularly helpful in teaching them the proper way to perform their chores. As they grow up, they will need these less and less, and for older kids, vocal instructions may be enough. When cooking, the same concept helps when you teach. Keep a copy of the recipe on hand in a piece of paper. This way you and your child can go through the recipe step by step and provide your child with visual cues to focus on. Avoid using a tablet, or at least turn off all notifications when you use it, as notifications can disrupt the focus of your child. It also helps if you start with recipes with simple steps and with tasks that the child can do themselves with some supervision. Giving them a stimulating task to perform during your little cooking lesson will keep them focused and give them a tangible sense of ownership over the meal you’re preparing together. Organize Your Home to Be More Helpful For Your Child To Learn Another issue your child with ADHD may face when cleaning up is that they can be paralyzed by small decisions like where things should go, and which things should go first. Reorganizing your child’s room can help them immensely when they are faced with this issue. Labeling where your child’s toys should go, where their dirty laundry is supposed to be placed, and where clean clothes should go can go a long way. Clear containers are your best friend here as they provide a visual reference for your child. Provide Incentives for Completing Tasks It helps any child, not just those dealing with ADHD to reinforce the value of doing their chores by providing a reward for completing them. These rewards can be simple, like providing a bit of spending money, or you could reward them with something more substantial like a day out with them or letting them visit their friends and have them over to play. When teaching them to cook, sometimes the meal itself is its reward. But once they’ve become more accustomed to cooking with you in the kitchen, a good reward might be to invite a friend or two for a meal for them to bond with friends. It’s the perfect way to also boost their social skills while teaching them valuable life skills as well. What’s extremely important here however is that you keep your promise of the reward as much as possible. Nothing will kill your child's motivation to do things more than being essentially lied to. Only define rewards that you are willing to commit to, and do not add extra tasks in the middle of their chores as further stipulations to receive the reward. Set Deadlines to Break Up Tasks Another way you can help your child with ADHD learn to do their chores is by setting deadlines. This is related to the earlier tip on breaking down tasks into separate components. For some children, having a set deadline can help them focus on the task at hand. Make these deadlines reasonably long and make sure to remind them of their deadlines at regular intervals to keep them focused on the task. Using a timer might also be a good idea to help keep track of time. Allow For A Little Flexibility by Giving Your Child a Choice Chores and other mundane tasks are even harder a child with ADHD to do because it typically doesn’t stimulate them. In these cases, an effective motivator is to let them choose which tasks they want to do first, or which tasks they’ll find the most fun. Alternatively, for the more mundane tasks assigned to them, you can find a way to passively stimulate them while they work. Auditory stimulation like music on shuffle is typically a good way to do this. Avoid visual stimuli like TV when doing this as it can end up distracting your child from the task that they’re supposed to be doing Be Ready to Assist Your Child When They Need It Sometimes a child with ADHD will feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that go into a chore like cleaning their room. At times like these, you should come in and help your child out by assisting them in their work. You can make a game out of the task to keep their attention focused on cleaning. The same principles apply when you do this. Give them discrete instructions that they can follow one after another. In the kitchen, this works the other way around. Have them assist you in picking up ingredients from the store, and preparing the utensils you’ll be using for the dish. This will keep them stimulated and interested in cooking, holding their attention to the tasks at hand. Don’t just take over for them when this happens because you’re trying to teach them to do it themselves. Instead, instruct them calmly while assisting them then step back and supervise them as they finish the job on their own. Encourage Your Child For A Job Well Done You have to remember that for a child with ADHD, the mundanity of household chores can be a struggle for them. So when you see them successfully finish a task, give them praise and some positive reinforcement. Parental approval is important in the growth and development of a child’s self-esteem and the simplest bit of encouragement can do wonders for your child. Reinforcing good household habits with praise is a good way for them to associate with housework more positively. Properly Explain the Consequences of Not Doing Chores Sometimes, you’ll come back to see your child not having done the chores you’ve assigned them at all. Or perhaps they still won't do it after you’ve offered to help them. At times like these, discipline is required. But before you dole out the punishment, it’s better if your child understands the consequences of not doing their chores properly first. Telling them that not doing their laundry properly will lead to them not having any clean clothes for school or that leaving their rooms dirty could lead to them getting sick can be effective at dissuading them from shirking their duties. Punishments, or the threat of punishments should be a last result. Typically, the threat of removing privileges like their allowance, or opportunities to hang out with friends are more effective than just the threat of a time out or the fear of corporal punishment. Change Up the Rewards Depending on the child, sometimes the same rewards over and over can bore them. They can bore you too. So make sure you change up the rewards every once in a while. Maybe instead of going to the park one week, you’ll take them to the movies instead. Changing up the type of incentive you’re giving them will keep them from being complacent as they’ll be receiving a variety of experiences that can stimulate them. Observe Your Kids and Get to Know Them The most important thing to do as a parent for your child with ADHD is to observe their behavior. Take note of what they find exciting, what frustrates them, and what sorts of strategies they are receptive to. A parent needs to remember that not every negative action their child does is out of defiance. Sometimes it’s because they are feeling overwhelmed, or frustrated. It’s also important to remember that like every other person, your child will have good days and bad days. Some days they will gladly be able to do their chores with minimal supervision, while other days you will need to use these strategies. Patience is paramount during these times, as the structure is something your child will need and having a calm authority figure will help refocus your child. Housework is important for a child to learn at a young age. It provides them with a sense of responsibility for their own room and eventually workspace and it teaches the importance of keeping a shared space like a home clean. It’s also a worthwhile chance to teach them the value of work. These are all lessons that are necessary when they reach adulthood and the most effective time to learn these lessons is as a child. Teaching these lessons to a child with ADHD can be challenging; but by carefully observing your child and taking their habits into consideration, you can create an effective strategy to teach them these life skills to help them prepare better for their future. Learn More About ADHD and Available Resources Aside from tips on making a strategy for your child, it’s important that you learn as much as you can about their condition and, of course, reveal ADHD as early as possible with the help of our ADHD Test & Self-Assessment. Parents can find resources from The Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance for more information about ADHD. The Center for ADHD Awareness Canada also provides valuable information that can further assist you as well. Disability Credit Canada Can Help With Disability Applications Did you know mental impairments can qualify for disability benefits? At Disability Credit Canada, we help Canadians secure CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. Contact us for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2019-11-25 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/5-new-developments-in-diabetes-treatments/ Diabetes: A Global Epidemic In 2014, the World Health Organization reported 422 million people are suffering from diabetes. With over a million people dying from the disease in 2016. The WHO now considers the condition to be an epidemic and has declared Nov. 14 World Diabetes Day and the entire month of November Diabetes Month in an effort to inform the public at large about the disease, its causes, and the diabetes treatments that are currently and will be available in the future. While in general, diabetes can partially be treated by lifestyle and diet changes, in the more intense cases, these interventions aren’t enough. This is why medical professionals and organizations around the world have been working to improve diabetes treatments both in effectiveness and accessibility. Here are just 5 of the biggest improvements over recent years. The United Nations Announces Plan to Reduce Insulin Costs In commemoration of World Diabetes Day, the United Nations announced that they are planning on beginning a pre-qualification program for insulin manufacturers. This program, previously proven effective with critical medicines for the treatment of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV, aims to lower the cost of insulin and provide the market with more generic options for the treatment. This will be done through the World Health Organization screening the insulin produced by manufacturers to assess their safety and efficacy. A successful program of this kind will spell great news for sufferers of diabetes who rely on regular insulin injections as they will have much more ready access to treatment due to lowering costs. This is also good for government programs like Canada’s various provincial insulin pump programs as easier to access, cheaper insulin means that these programs will be able to properly provide diabetes treatment to more people. Scientists are Developing New Non-invasive Ways to Monitor Blood Glucose Levels in Diabetics The typical way that diabetics keep track of their blood sugar these days is through pricking their finger and drawing blood to use for a checker. This method can be painful and inconvenient. It’s also a concern for people who are averse to needles. This is why researchers of various companies have been in the process of developing non-invasive solutions for years now. In 2013, the GlucoTrack was unveiled, providing an innovative and non-invasive way of monitoring blood glucose levels. The device uses ultrasonic, thermal and electromagnetic sensors clipped to the earlobe to provide the user with trackable data. Since then, the technology has only advanced further, getting smaller and easier to use. In recent years, there is research going into eye-based glucose monitoring devices as well. NovioSense is in the process of developing a device that can track glucose levels through a person’s tears. It involves a small device inserted under a person’s eyelid. The company has shown that this method provides just as much accuracy as current methods of continuous glucose monitoring and clinical tests have shown their efficacy and ease of use, with patients reporting little to no discomfort. Another path that researchers have taken in developing new methods is by using a new technology. Graphene-based sensors are being explored by a team in the UK. These researchers have designed a patch that takes over the function of a pricking device. It uses minute amounts of electricity to draw out the fluid between blood vessels through hair follicles and test it for glucose levels similar to the way current blood pricking methods do. The prototype is able to provide an accurate reading in 15 minutes, and they are hoping to further develop this technology to provide constant monitoring throughout the day. Pharmaceutical Companies are Developing Better Drugs for Diabetes Treatments Diabetes treatment is usually continuous. Whether a patient requires regular injections or needs to take medications to assist in the maintenance of their blood glucose levels; sometimes both at once. As such, pharmaceutical companies are hard at work developing new drugs that are more efficient at keeping blood sugar levels in check. Novo Nordisk recently gained FDA approval for a new drug that has proven to be more effective than what’s currently on the market. The new medication is an oral form of the company’s previous injectable semaglutide. Trials had shown that it was effective at reducing the number of injections down to only one a week. Poxel, a French pharmaceutical company meanwhile has been having great success with clinical trials in Japan with one of their leading drug candidates imeglimin. This revolutionary new drug aims to help maintain blood glucose levels by protecting the mitochondria itself. The mitochondria is an important part of the metabolic process by providing energy to the cells. Through this way, the drug helps treat metabolic diseases like diabetes. Insulin Producing Implants and Immunotherapy Methods are Being Developed The Diabetes Research Institute is in the process of developing an implanted mini-organ of sorts that is able to naturally produce insulin for the body. In 2016, they announced that one of the pilot patients from their program has reported that they no longer needed insulin treatments. Another company, Viacyte has developed and found success in continuing clinical clinical trials for something similar. A retrievable, implanted device with cells that can develop to produce insulin. Other researchers are also developing new immunotherapy methods. A Belgian company, Imcyse, is in the process of clinical trials to create a treatment that destroys the immune cells that attack insulin producing cells in Type 1 Diabetes patients. A French pharmaceutical company, Neovacs, is also looking into other vaccines meant for autoimmune diseases like Lupus and adapting them to develop a potential vaccine for Type 1 Diabetes. The Artificial Pancreas: Automated Diabetes Treatments For diabetes sufferers who no longer are able to naturally produce insulin, such as those who have been dealing with Type 1 diabetes for years, treatments can significantly affect their lifestyle. This is why for some researchers, the concept of an artificial pancreas is worth pursuing. A properly automated artificial pancreas will be able to keep track of a patient’s blood glucose levels throughout the day, check if it gets too low, and provide an appropriate amount of insulin automatically. Researched looking into the viability of this technology believe that we can reach an artificial pancreas within a decade, citing a number of major hurdles that need to be overcome. With research going into getting over these critical issues. Faster, more effective insulin that can quickly be absorbed by the body alongside a person’s meals is being developed. Allowing for balanced absorption between the two. Researchers are also seeking to use other hormones like amylin, which Type 1 diabetes sufferers lack. This hormone slows down meal absorption and if used alongside a more easily absorbed version of insulin, can come to a better approximation of a healthy person’s pancreas. The hope is that with advancements in medication as well as more powerful algorithms running the scheduling for treatment throughout the day, an artificial pancreas will be able to perform the same functions as a healthy individual’s pancreas. Hope for the Future People currently suffering from Diabetes have a lot to look forward to in the coming years in terms of diabetes treatments. These advancements can help people out tremendously, reducing the time they spend tracking their blood glucose levels, the pain of constant insulin treatments, and even the possibility of early detection and prevention for Type 1 diabetes. Patients will be able to ease their minds because their treatments are easier to follow and become less frequent, giving them back time to pursue their ambitions and spend more time with their loved ones. Diabetes May Qualify For Disability Benefits Our mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. In this endeavor, Disability Credit Canada have worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians and we recognize the difficulties they face in their everyday life. --- - Published: 2019-10-03 - Modified: 2026-02-06 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/stress-and-the-autism-parent/ For any family dealing with a child or family members living with a disability, stress is an inevitable occurrence in their lives. This fact is even more apparent for families with members diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Studies have shown that parents taking care of children with ASD experience higher levels of stress than parents dealing with children with other disabilities. Another study shows that parental stress is a predictor of behavioral issues in children with the disability, making it very clear that the parent’s mindset can adversely affect the treatment and continued growth of their child. It’s important that we understand where these stresses can come from and how to deal with them in a healthy way. These causes can be personal, familial, and external and dealing with each of them has its own sets of challenges. The Stress of Perception Autism Spectrum Disorder is often thought of as a severe disability that is only ever a negative. It’s not difficult to have this mindset as the disorder does cause a significant change in the parents’ lives as well as their expectations for their children. This leads to emotional stress caused by deep feeling of regret that parents may feel that their child can never live a “normal” life like the majority. However, there are a number of significant positives to a child living with ASD: the child’s particular interest leads to expertise in that area; they are more keen when it comes to smaller details; and their bluntness leads to refreshing honesty. It’s not easy to focus upon the constant need for guidance and the need to teach ASD Children basic skills that “normal” folks are already accustomed to. But to simply view that side of it will only serve to stress a parent out more and is doing a disservice to a child with amazing potential. The Stress of Caretaking Parenting is already a full-time job, one further exacerbated by the unique needs of taking care of a child with ASD. This can lead to sleepless nights and exhausting days that further add to the normal, everyday stresses of modern life. Caretaker burnout causes apathy, anxiety, and depression which leads to an overall lowering in the quality of care that a parent can render for their child. The parent’s own physical and mental health is paramount to maintain consistent, positive care for their child. It’s okay to be a little selfish; to take some time out of the day alone to reenter and remind the parent that they’ve been doing their best. It’s also important to remember that they don’t have to be alone in the care of their child. There is sometimes the mindset that parents should be the sole caretakers and advocates for their children. While it is true that parents are probably the best at taking care of their own children, letting family members and friends care for their child with ASD is totally fine when you need to take a break. Support groups can also be a very useful tool for parents seeking advice from people with more experience taking care of children with disabilities. These gatherings can allow parents a healthy, safe way of processing the hardships and stresses of caretaking. The Stress Upon Siblings For families with multiple children, it’s often overlooked that the siblings of children with ASD also have their stresses to worry about. Things that adults may not find important are significant to their own lives and social circles. Being inconsiderate of these can lead to significant strain in the relationship between the siblings, and between the children without ASD and their parents who they may feel are focusing on their autistic sibling too much. Most of these stresses upon the siblings of the family can be alleviated by helping them understand the nature of Autism Spectrum Disorder and how it affects their sibling. Integrating siblings into the care and support structure of the child with ASD can help ease parental stress, can be a way for siblings to strengthen bonds as well as let them become advocates for their autistic sibling to their social circles, increasing awareness of the condition. There are resources available for parents who want to pursue this as well. Financial Stress The care of a child with ASD comes with it financial stress as well. The need for appropriate behavioral therapies can be a significant strain on the financial stability of the family. That’s even before accounting for the fact that in the process of taking care of their child will take over time that would have otherwise been spent earning money. Not to mention planning for the financial future of the child as well. The financial costs of taking care of a child on the spectrum are possibly the most visible source of stress for the family. For Canadians, these stresses can somewhat be alleviated by several government programs: The Disability Tax Credit is available for parents seeking to recoup some of the costs of caring for their child by reducing the amount of income tax they need to pay. The Child Disability Benefit is an extension of the already existing Canada Child Benefit meant to assist parents in providing further care needed for their children. The Registered Disability Savings Plan allows parents the opportunity to plan financially for their child’s future. The careful management of stress is extremely important for the well-being of the entire family, especially if the family is taking care of a child with ASD. Providing a stable home for the child can only help in their further, positive development. October is Autism Awareness Month and throughout the month there are a number of events and seminars aimed at helping everyone learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder, its advocacy, and care. --- - Published: 2019-09-27 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-employment-awareness-month-advocacy-and-technology-for-an-inclusive-workplace/ What is DEAM? October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) for several Canadian provinces. This yearly month-long campaign is meant to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities in the Canadian workplace as well as to advocate for further inclusivity in their hiring and training. This campaign was adapted from the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a United States federal initiative started in the 1980s with the same goals in mind. Canadian Advocacy Efforts during DEAM The Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) is one of the organizations involved with the advocacy of people with disabilities. Established in 1999, their yearly campaigns during Disability Employment Awareness Month include community engagement by encouraging people to support local businesses that hire and train people with disabilities and sharing success stories about employers who have found success in hiring them. Their campaign also includes encouraging local businesses to join the Mentor Ability program where a disabled job-seeker is paired with a mentor for a day for them to experience life in a workplace environment. Beyond their work during the month, they also hold a yearly conference called the National Supported Employment Conference every June which is celebrating its 25th year in 2020 as well as providing support and resources for employers interested in hiring people with disabilities with references on best practices. Technologies for People with Disabilities in the Workplace Alongside advocacy, another important aspect of getting people with disabilities into the workplace is accessibility. This is a significant issue facing workplaces, even ones that might be eager to hire and train people with disabilities. This is where technological advancements are most useful. The development of these innovations is supported by the Canadian Government through the Accessibility Technology Program: a 5 year long funding program started in 2017 with a budget of 22. 3 million dollars aimed at assisting companies with the design and development of new technologies aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities in general, primarily within the digital industries. Some of the projects currently in the works that the program has funded that may lead to significant advances in accessibility for the workplace include: Neil Squire Society The Accessibility Technology Program has provided 3. 06 million dollars in funding for the Neil Square Society’s Lip Sync development. Lip Sync is a mouth-controlled device meant to allow people with little to no use of their arm to navigate a cursor across a touchscreen using their lips and minimal head and neck movement. The device consists of a long joystick with high sensitivity that allows for the movement of the cursor on the screen and a hollow mouthpiece for the user to be able to signal the cursor to perform left or right mouse clicks by blowing or sipping respectively. A tool like this is significant as it allows people with disabilities to be able to interface with a touchscreen, one of the most ubiquitous pieces of media hardware currently being used. OCAD University 1. 86 million dollars has been provided through the program to OCAD University to assist in the design and development of Coding to Learn and Create, a project meant to teach children with developmental disabilities basic programming and coding concepts in a collaborative visual and artistic. manner. This includes resources for teachers to adapt this technology into their teaching style when using this new technology. The project has a prototype available to the public to try out and the project encourages users to collaborate in the development of the teaching tool and associated resources. This sort of project is significant as it presents children with disabilities with the idea that they can learn just as well as their fellow students, just in a different way. This is a boost to their self-esteem and can lead to further growth and a more independent future in the workplace. Reality Controls Inc. The Accessibility Technology Program has awarded 47,000 dollars in funding for the development of Reality Controls Inc. ’s Control: Master Pro app. This app allows the user to record a string of commands to save in the application to reduce the number of repetitive tasks used to navigate an Android device. The app is particularly useful for people with issues regarding their hand dexterity as it reduces the number of steps they would need to perform more complex tasks on their touch device such as navigating multiple screens of apps to open their calendar or switch between productivity apps on their device. HumanWare Technologies Inc. HumanWare Technologies has received 1. 06 million dollars in funding for its New Braille project. The company is one of the leaders in the development and distribution of visual aids for people with deteriorating eyesight as well as Braille readers and printers. This project aims to further develop their existing technologies to lower the cost of Braille devices. Visual impairment is a significant hindrance in the workplace and the need for lower-cost devices to assist people with this disability will only open more opportunities as employers are more able to afford this accommodation and in general, allow for easier access to these visual aids. Why is Employment for People with Disabilities Important? Yoko Ishikura in the World Economic Forum talks about the reasons why she and people in general work. She says that people work because of five factors: identity, ability, relationships, autonomy, and financial freedom. These reasons for work are the same for all people, regardless of whether or not they live with a disability. Ishikura talks about how work forms a part of our identity. When you meet someone for the first time, you get asked “What do you do for a living? ” fairly frequently as part of the first few probing questions. People partially identify who you are by what you do there are associations made between the type of person you are and the type of work you do. She further explains that unemployed people lose their self-respect. The lack of employment for people with disabilities denies them this chance to form a crucial part of their identity and comes with this stigma that comes with unemployment. People also work because it is a way for them to discover themselves; to find out what they enjoy and what they are good at. Work is a way for people to hone their skills. The lack of accessibility to work for people with disabilities prevents them from seeking out what they are genuinely good at. This has also led to a misconception that most people with disabilities are somehow untrained or uneducated when Canadian adults with disabilities are 66% as likely to have a post-secondary education compared to other adults. Jobs help us form connections with other people as well. Meeting new people when we work expands our horizons and in general, makes us a more open-minded and tolerant person. Having more people with disabilities in the Canadian workforce is not only good for their social health but also for Canadians who are fortunate enough not to suffer from the same. It can serve to disprove the misconceptions people have of them. Doing work also gives people control over their lives. Ishikura talks about how feeling like we have a stake in our work leads to better productivity and a more fulfilling feeling toward work. We think that this extends to life as well. One of the major fears of all people is the fear of losing control. Such a fear is exacerbated by those who live with a disability because in some cases, their situation was something out of their control in the first place. Finding meaningful work can serve as a stabilizing force and can lead to a better outlook on their own life. Lastly, financial freedom is inextricably linked to this feeling of having control over your life. Like it or not, autonomy in the modern day requires some form of financial stability. Unfortunately, according to the CPPA in 2018, some 400,000 disabled Canadians are not afforded an opportunity for financial freedom because of their situation. This means that the Disability Tax Credit, which is meant to assist Canadians with disabilities, may not even be available to them. Furthermore, while some may receive the support of family, the lack of income also prevents disabled Canadians from accessing life-sustaining medicines or therapy. Conclusion People with disabilities have the same reasons and desires to seek fulfilling work as all people do. If that is so, then they should also be afforded the same opportunity to gain employment and flourish as individuals in the Canadian workplace. The work done by CASE in advocating for inclusive employment and their efforts to integrate disabled Canadians into the workplace through the Mentor-ability program works hand-in-hand with the technological advances being researched and developed by the Neil Square Society and other institutions to eventually lower the physical barrier to entry and allow disabled Canadian their rightful place as part of the diverse Canadian workforce. Disability Credit Canada aims to assist as many disabled Canadians as possible to avail of the Disability Tax Credit to improve their lives by recouping their medical costs. If you would like to learn more about the Disability Tax Credit, you can find a comprehensive DTC guide here; and if you are currently caring for a child living with a disability, there is a guide on the Child Disability Benefit here. --- - Published: 2019-09-16 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/top-rated-apps-for-diabetes-management/ Disability Credit Canada mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. We’ve worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians suffering from mental and physical disabilities and we recognize how impactful your condition can be on you hence we regular advocate for rights of Disabled Canadians. What is Diabetes? Diabetes as an ailment has been with humanity since ancient times with the first recorded diagnosis coming from Ancient Egypt around 1550 BCE. With insulin treatment for managing diabetes only being developed by Canadian doctors Frederick Banting and Charles Best in the early 20th century. As a disease, diabetes is characterized by abnormal blood glucose levels caused by the inability to make (Type 1) or to make use of (Type 2), insulin by the human body. This issue is usually caused in Type 1 diabetes due to an improper immune response by the body that causes damage and death to beta cells, the cells that produce insulin, in the pancreas or by certain genetic or lifestyle factors in the case of Type 2 diabetes. How Can Apps Help You Keep Track of Your Diabetes? Living with Diabetes means that understanding, tracking and controlling your food and nutrition intake, daily activities and blood sugar interact is crucial. It can be exhausting thinking about the amount of carbs you have consumed, how many insulin doses you need to take, or how your blood pressure has changed. While taking notes of these activities can be done the old-fashioned way with a pen and a piece of paper, there are innovative technologies that offer a place to log your data, and save you some quality time. We have created a list of some of the Web's most trusted Diabetes managing and tracking apps that will assist you in consolidating your health information into one place, and help you make an informed and better choice for your life. Best Diabetes app for iPhone & Android mySugr Keeping track of your health data is never fun. MySugr, with its bright and interactive interface, will help you make the most out of the activity. With the app, you can input and track blood glucose levels, medications, meals, and carbohydrate intake. If you're an iPhone user, the app also syncs with the Apple Health app to collect your physical activity and step data points. It can also sync with Accu-Chek glucose meters and give you an estimated hemoglobin count. Once your data is collected, they can be formed into charts, and are easy to send to your doctor, so you can work together to adjust your treatment and better manage your diabetes based on real, accurate information. Sugar Sense If you are looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use blood glucose tracking app, Sugar Sense might be the one. With a few taps of the screen, you can enter your blood glucose, along with meals, medications, and weight, the app also creates graphs and reports so you can track your progress in a readable, visual way. Sugar Sense also gives an estimated A1C, the main interest when checking blood glucose. Moreover, Sugar Sense syncs with a diet app made by the same developer: My Diet Diary Calorie Counter, which we'll talk about later. Diabetes Connect Diabetes Connect is all about customization so you can better track and understand your condition. If there is any feature in the app that you don’t need, you can easily switch it off to keep the interface clean and simple. Track your weight, blood sugar, meals, insulin injections, medication and more in one spot and sync it across several devices, so your data is always on hand. You can access your data on a web browser for better viewing as well. Apart from balancing your diet, Diabetes managing apps can help you better maintain your health Health2Sync This is not just another app that tracks your blood glucose and provides reports, Health2Sync has a special feature where you can invite your family and friends to become your partners on the app. Not only they can see how your blood sugar has changed, but they can also send you messages of encouragement to motivate you on your journey. This app is a helpful reminder that having Diabetes doesn’t mean you’re alone. Diabetes:M Diabetes:M is more than just a logging app, it is a fully-featured diabetes managing app that has some of the most useful and outstanding functions: test time reminders, a nutritional log and tracking system, integrations with fitness apps, and blood sugar trend mapping. The app also offers an insulin bolus calculator based on the nutritional information you add. The app is adaptive, so you can stay on track whether you track it on your laptop, your tablet, your phone or your smartwatch. If you upgrade your subscription, you can add multiple profiles, so you or a family member or a friend can keep a lookout for each other’s progress. Fooducate Featured on The New York Times and ranked Apple’s Best Health & Fitness App for iPhone, Fooducate is the app that does it all. Fooducate is here to support you in figuring out which foods are best for keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range, because not all foods — or even carbs — are created equal. Scan or search for foods and see Fooducate’s grade of its calorie quality. The app makes it easy for you to track and discover more information about the foods you put in your body, including added sugar content, hidden ingredients, and provides you clear insights using colorful charts and graphs. MyNetDiary Calorie Counter PRO This app is a calorie counter made with diabetes in mind. In addition to everything you’d expect from a calorie tracker — including the ability to sync with your fitness devices — MyNetDiary has space to track A1C, blood pressure, medications, symptoms, blood glucose level, net carbs, and total carb count. Comprehensive tracking and in-depth reports will help you understand how your diet, exercise, and lifestyle affect your health. This app syncs to the Sugar Sense app mentioned earlier as well. BG Monitor Diabetes BG Monitor is a diabetes tracker that keeps everything in one spot. Track your blood glucose, insulin, and carb intake. Input your target numbers, and the app automatically calculates your insulin for you. With this technology, logging your activities and progress is made much faster and easier. You can leverage data analytics to chart your trends, make smarter choices for your health, and share your information with your family and friends in a snap. By programming multiple reminders into the app, you can rest assured that this innovation will help you with diabetes management, so you can spend more time with your loved ones. Beat Diabetes As a newly diagnosed patient, knowledge about your new condition is as important as tracking it. This beginner-friendly diabetes managing app can help bring you up to speed with its bright and easy interface. Beat Diabetes provides plenty of diabetes 101 information, from the foods to avoid, to simple ways to increase your physical activity; you’ll find balance and confidence in no time. Learn the complications to watch for and stay up to date with treatment options, from medical to Ayurvedic. Without the hassle of bringing the blood glucose everywhere, Diabetes managing apps are conveniently installed on your phone Diabetic Diet This app is a lively resource, making it a useful tool for people with diabetes and pre-diabetes alike. Diabetic Diet app provides a library of knowledge on food, nutrition, healthy eating and weight loss tips for diabetes. Whether you have the condition or care about someone who does, this app can help you make an informed and proven decision, based on knowledge and choose the foods that serve you well. If you are into bite-sized information, find them in the reading material where content is broken down to straightforward, informative, and useful do’s and don’ts. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been on this journey for quite a while, help is always available. These apps give you’re the authority over your condition, as well as make this journey easier for you and your loved ones. Since 2018, health educators have had access to American Association of Diabetes Educators - a brand new website that will include rigorous reviews of diabetes apps, so they can help you navigate around this new technology and suggest the best-performing apps. Disability Tax Credit for People with Diabetes In 2019, Diabetes Canada reports estimate that close to 11 million Canadians, that's close to one-third of the country's entire population, are either prediabetic or are currently living with the disease, with more and more cases arising every year. Worldwide, there are 422 million people who suffer from this illness. Beyond what you can do yourself with these diabetes managing apps, provincial governments of Canada have established programs such as the Ontario Insulin Pump Supply Program and Pharma Care in British Columbia to help fund some of the costs for insulin and related medications. Furthermore, Canadians with diabetes, both type 1 and 2, and their supporting persons may be eligible to receive the Disability Tax Credit. We have helped several applicants access the refund they were qualified for. Check out Disability Tax Credit for People with Diabetes for extensive information on this topic. --- - Published: 2019-08-27 - Modified: 2025-11-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/2019-winner-of-dcci-scholarship-for-canadian-students-with-disabilities/ Disability Credit Canada is committed to helping young disabled Canadians achieve their goals in higher education or vocational training towards employment and we are proud to be offering the 2019 “DCCI Scholarship for Canadian Students with Disabilities” to Katarina Vuorensivu from Surrey, British Columbia. Disability Credit Canada received a remarkable number of applications from students from all over Canada and we were thrilled to have read such inspiring stories from students with lofty dreams regardless of their impairments. 2019 winner of DCCI Scholarship for Canadian Students with DisabilitiesAfter 2 weeks of careful revision of documents and essays, we have chosen the winner - Katarina Vuorensivu, a Health Science first-year student at Simon Fraser University. Katarina, who is on the Autistic Spectrum Disorder, has moved us with her eager to learn about symptoms of various neurological disorders. She believes that her autistic experience can be of great help in pursuing a career in neuroscience. Katarina's understanding of her own condition has driven her to have empathy for people who suffer from the same condition and to work in medicine and research. "People with ASD are more like others than not, and though I have my quirks and challenges, these don’t define me. " - Katarina says in her essays explaining why she chose to study Health Science. My own experience of ASD and my care for individuals with neurological disorders have a synergy that I hope leads to becoming a compassionate and dedicated doctor and researcher. Katarina's determination and past educational achievement has convinced us that she is able to work towards her dream and achieve meaningful accomplishment in the future. "I'm not an autistic person who also wants to become a doctor. I'm a person who wants to become a doctor ... that also happens to have ASD. "We want to share this exciting news with everyone, as well as to bring hope to students who are living with a disability, that help is always available, and that with your own determination and passion, you can achieve great things! Disability Credit Canada believe knowledge and education should not be limited, the DCCI Scholarship for Canadian Students with Disabilities will be offered as an annual scholarship, the winner will be awarded $1,000 towards their tuition to an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution. Entry for DCCI Scholarship for Canadian Students with Disabilities for 2020 is open now. Apply here --- - Published: 2019-05-24 - Modified: 2026-02-06 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/how-autistic-can-individuals-bring-value-to-the-workforce/ Understanding the autism spectrum disorder challenges in the workplace For people living with autism spectrum disorder, getting a job comes with specific challenges. In Katherine Shadwick’s case, going through a job interview is more daunting than most. According to Katherine, a geological engineering graduate, who is on the autism spectrum, having trouble connecting with the subtext of what is being said, has hindered her ability to get a foot in the door. After partnering with a professional services firm that helps connect people who are on the spectrum with employers and facilitates the interview process, Shadwick found a job as a software tester at Vancity credit union. "They see if your personality is a good fit, and then they give you some pre-employment classes and additional testing, and then they match you with an employer," Shadwick said. "I never did an interview directly with Vancity. " She's speaking about her experience — and ways to improve the workplace and job market for people with different abilities — at a Spectrum Works job fair in Richmond, B. C. , on Monday. According to a 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability, adults with autism have the lowest employment rate in Canada at just 14% — compared to the general population at 93%. Heather Linka, a neurodiversity employment consultant and employer coordinator with the job fair, works with people including Shadwick to break down employment barriers in the IT sector. Adjustments in the hiring process and accommodations in the workplace can be put in place for what she calls "intentional autism hiring. " "We recommend things like skill-testing questions or a more casual meet-and-greet environment rather than the interview," Linka said. Linka also emphasized on the importance of clear communication in the workplace. A new and improved way of assessing ASD individuals Shawn Bolshin is also an individual on the spectrum. For the past two years, he's been working for CIBC's information security department in Toronto, where his uncanny knack for detecting hard-to-spot breaches in the bank's online network has made him a rising star. But for all his abilities, CIBC wouldn't have hired Bolshin if it weren't for Specialisterne, a Danish company with a global mandate to help employers make the most of untapped autistic talent. Specialisterne does that by recruiting people on the autism spectrum for companies in need of skilled workers. "Most of our recruits don't like job interviews," says Alan Kriss, who runs the company's Toronto office. Specialisterne holds workshops where candidates are given a complex task such as building a robot and then testing it. How they manage the exercise, Kriss says, can reveal a lot. Specialisterne's goal is to brand and sell the autism advantage and help 25,000 autistic adults in Canada find jobs. Momentum is building. So far, Specialisterne has helped nearly 100 people with autism in Canada find work over the past four years. The number may seem small, but Kriss says it's huge given these people stood much more limited chances before. Why Autistic Talent Is an Advantage for Employers The business case for connecting with untapped autistic talent sold John Sicard, CEO of Kinaxis, a software company based in Ottawa. Five individuals with autism, including his 23-year-old son Nick, work at Kinaxis. His son, who is a software tester, inspired Sicard to partner with Specialisterne. "One of those individuals graduated top of his class in computer science, couldn't find work for years until he discovered us and he's an absolute rock star working for Kinaxis," says Sicard. Sicard says if businesses don't intentionally hire people with autism, it won't happen. He says it's no different than breaking down stigmas around race and gender. How Disability Credit Canada Supports Families Living With Autism Disability Credit Canada is glad to see Autistic individuals welcomed and making great impact in the workplace. We're looking forward to seeing more exciting and inclusive news from our community and we are dedicated to offer the support in applying and getting Disability Tax Credit. --- - Published: 2019-05-21 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd-a-real-canadian-problem/ What is Fetal Alcoholic Spectrum Disorder? Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is associated with the bewildering number of symptoms. FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. Based on the most current research, the estimated prevalence of FASD in the general Canadian population is 4% (Camh). FASD is a brain-based and therefore, invisible injury. While individuals may share common features, every individual is unique with their own challenges. A true story of a Fetal Alcoholic Spectrum Disorder individual Meet Paul Thompson, who finally got diagnosed at the age of 46, after spending years struggling to fit into society and believing he has a brain disorder. After meeting the Jansens, a couple who committed to helping others and advocating for Canadians with disabilities, Thompson started to get his life back on track and go on to advocate for individuals suffering from FASD. More than a million Canadians share Thompson’s condition, caused by exposure to alcohol in the womb. FASD is seen throughout society regardless of socio-economic status or ethnicity. People with FASD have varying mental and physical difficulties and often face challenges later in life, including difficulties with substance abuse, mental health, the legal system, independent living, and education. There is no cure for FASD, but early intervention can offer critical strategies for symptoms ranging from mild speech and memory deficits to severe cognitive delays. Without support, however, outcomes can be devastating: unemployment, homelessness, addiction, and abuse. According to some estimates, up to a quarter of inmates in Canada may also be affected. How has FASD affected lives? But while FASD has been well documented for more than 40 years, it remains among the most misdiagnosed developmental disorders and is often missed altogether. The cost to individuals is obvious. Experts estimate there is a steep cost for taxpayers as well, about $1. 8 billion a year as a result of both lost productivity and added strain on the health-care and justice systems. Without a diagnosis, many of the behaviors a child with FASD exhibits — aggressiveness, for example, or continually repeating the same mistakes — can be misunderstood and are often mishandled. By contrast, a diagnosis of FASD can unlock vital access to educational support, financial aid, housing, and employment programs. The emphasis on early intervention can also obscure the reality of living with an irreversible disorder: the need for support doesn’t end just because you turn 18. Across the country, even adults with a formal diagnosis of FASD are often stuck on long waitlists for services. Others aren’t able to access services at all, because their IQ or adaptive functioning skills are too high for provincial requirements. Disability Credit Canada is passionate about helping Canadians with disabilities. We’ve helped hundreds of Canadian families with accessing Disability Tax Credits and refunds that they were deemed eligible for. To get a free assessment, call toll-free: 1-844-800-6020. --- - Published: 2018-11-08 - Modified: 2025-12-19 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/initiative-towards-changing-laws-related-to-multiple-sclerosis/ Canada has one of the highest rates of Multiple Sclerosis which is a disease that attacks the central nervous system and the symptoms of the disease cause weakness that includes impaired speech, extreme fatigue, and vision problems. The disease is classified as an episodic disability because the symptoms appear and disappear. Fort McMurray-Cold Lake MP David Yurdiga introduced a motion before the House of Commons that will protect people who suffer from multiple sclerosis and other episodic disabilities. He ensured that this motion would have a safety net protecting people suffering from this disease. The reason behind him taking this step is that he is affected personally because his wife Kathy lives with multiple sclerosis. His wife worked as a bookkeeper but once she was diagnosed with MS she could no longer work. "I was instantly disabled, I went from a healthy working person to a person who couldn't function. " Said Kathy A much-needed change in the government policy Almost 77,000 people in Canada have the disease and according to The Conference Board of Canada, 60 percent of people suffering from multiple sclerosis are unemployed. So, the MS Society is supporting the initiative taken by Yurdiga completely and has already surpassed the first step towards success as it passed the first reading on 2nd November 2018. To know more about the initiative read here. People suffering from MS want to work but they are not able to continue working as it causes extreme fatigue they can be provided with jobs with flexible arrangements that can keep them employed and support their families. “Most government programs, like EI and the disability tax credit, have high eligibility requirements that don't offer enough flexibility for people living with MS and episodic disabilities” said Julie Kelndorfer, director of government relations for the MS Society. A change in the government policy is much required as everyone is not as lucky like Kathy as she had a family-run business that was able to accommodate her and support her needs. Furthermore , Kelndorfer says "We know that people with MS want to work but they struggle to continue to work" A step towards success If the initiative taken by Yurdiga is passed by the House of Common then the standing committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities will start reviewing all the policy changes that could benefit people with MS and other episodic disabilities. Disability Credit Canada helps disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit, Long Term Disability, and CPP Disability Benefits. Read the guidebook for more information. --- - Published: 2018-09-10 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/dialing-a-hotline-number-is-not-the-way-to-prevent-suicide/ Disability Credit Canada helps many Canadians with Mental Disorders such as anxiety, depression and PTSD so, today September 10, 2018, is Suicide Prevention Day and we at Disability Credit Canada want to throw light on the ways to identify symptoms of mental illness and the various ways of prevention. After every high-profile suicide, we see tons of messages all over the internet sharing the Hotline Number which can be used for Suicide Prevention. Why people are active on Social Media sharing the suicide hotline number only when there is a tragedy? Is this the solution? It definitely requires a better cure to heal the wound and it should be a continuous healing process that should not wait for another tragedy to occur. Ways you can help prevent suicides and not just sharing the hotline number We are a part of society and it is the responsibility of every individual to help each other in times of need. “It’s less about what you say and more about how you encourage them to talk more and give them a response that’s nonjudgmental and really supportive” said Christine Moutier, chief medical officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Behavior changes occur starting from a very small change like sitting away from your friends and keeping yourself away from the activities you love. This is a stage where a person needs attention and being a good listener to them can help an individual enormously. It would be better to go out for coffee with them and listen to their problems rather than sharing the hotline number on the internet which may disappear after a certain point of time. Active listening when a person is in a low mood or anxious can really help the person who is experiencing mental health complications. Furthermore Moutier says “We need to deepen the mental health literacy of our nation, to the point that people become self-aware of the triggers and improvers of their own mental health like they are with their physical health” Mental health issues can appear from a very early stage when an individual is as young as a toddler. Good parenting is required which can help an individual understand the ways they can keep themselves happier diverting their minds from the activities that can make them feel lonely and turn out to be suicidal or lead to depression. “We need to continue to work toward educating people that mental health issues are real and may require more courage to seek help than other diseases because of the stigma,” said Ana Moreno, co-founder and clinical director of Family Recovery Specialists, a facility at Delphi Behavioral Health Group in Miami. To know more about the ways to prevent suicide and mental health issues read here To Prevent suicide, we need to do more than just share a hotline number. Sharing your feelings can revive your mind Hotlines are definitely a vital resource for suicide prevention and it has been decades The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Samaritans have been helping the people of the society since its launch in 2013 but it has been found that most of the people dialing the number are not even suicidal and they are just going through a psychological health issue mainly through depression, sadness and anxiety. At this stage more than dialing a hotline number talking to a loved one and sharing the feelings would help release the stress. After all, it is the duty of society to have a feeling of responsibility towards each other. Disability Credit Canada helps many to claim a disability tax credit Disability Credit Canada helps Canadians suffering from mental disabilities receive a disability tax credit from the Canadian government. Read the guidebook for more information What is Child Disability Tax Credit & do you qualify. --- - Published: 2018-05-24 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/is-ontarios-education-system-intellectual-disability/ Everyone in Ontario has the right to good education and opportunities that help them be successful in their lives. But for people with mental or physical disabilities, Ontario’s education system has become a barrier for them. 45% of students with disabilities are often excluded from their classrooms for disability reasons. They are not included in any of the field trips, they experience bullying and they don’t get accurate support and tools which help them learn. How it impacting student with an intellectual disability? As per Community Living Ontario, “Data was compiled from survey results of 280 parents or guardians of students who have an intellectual disability who were enrolled in Ontario’s public education system or who had graduated in the last five years. 33 in-depth interviews were subsequently conducted to gain a greater understanding of the students’ experiences in school, including academic, social and extracurricular opportunities, as well as various aspects of their relationships with the school. ” Overview of the survey results and interviews are grouped into five categories. “Parents described the painful loss of educational and social opportunities their child experienced, as well as their own issues,” mentioned that Dr. Sheila Bennett, Professor in the Faculty of Education at Brock University, who also co-wrote the report. “This included loss of work time, enhanced stress levels, financial strain and frequent disruptions. It was clear from our work that exclusion was one of the most painful and trying instances for parents. ” Challenges faced by special needs student Despite their legal right they still face many challenges. It’s not only the students with disabilities who face the difficulties but also the parents. Often parents are asked to keep their children at home and are asked them to pick them up early from school. Dr. Sheila Bennett also added “Despite the general dissatisfaction, there were some notable benefits that accrued to students in more inclusive settings. For instance, students in inclusive settings were far more likely to be included in extracurricular and unstructured school activities, meaning that they had a much greater opportunity to socialize with their peers outside of the traditional classroom. It was also evident that students in an inclusive high school setting were far more likely to be enrolled in for-credit courses, allowing them to more fully reap the benefits of our education system. ” You can download the report here Result of Survey The research discloses parents who are overwhelmed, under emotional and financial stress trying to support their children, and in constant dispute with schools and boards. Luke Reid, report co-author and Staff Lawyer at ARCH Disability Law Centre said “The full inclusion of students who have an intellectual disability remains an unmet goal for our education system, even though school boards have clear obligations to ensure that students can fully access all the benefits of the education system. ” He added that the research captures a lot of the problems faced across the special education system for all groups. Conclusion We suggest that change in the Education Act were required, along with strong and responsive education standard in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The report’s authors also encouraged the Government of Ontario and local school boards to undertake similar efforts to understand the challenges of students who have disabilities. Disability Credit Canada encourages the Government of Ontario to take the required step to help the disabled students have a better and a bright future. We help disabled Canadians apply and receive the disability tax credit from the government of Canada. To start with, you can check Child disability tax credit guide and Disability Tax Credit Guide to see if you are eligible or you can call us on our toll free line and receive a free no obligation assessment today. Request for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2018-05-17 - Modified: 2025-11-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/please-offer-me-a-seat-program/ Our mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. In this endeavor, we have worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians and we recognize the difficulties they face in their everyday life. To upgrade the accessibility for disabled customers who need to sit down while traveling in busses, subways, or streetcars, the Toronto Transit Commission has launched a new approach “Please offer me a seat” which will help disabled people. This program will offer “Please offer me a seat” buttons and cards to riders who need a seat, especially for those people whose needs may not be so visible to request a seat. We often think that priority seats are for people who are either pregnant, differently abled, or elderly people. But that is not the case; many people have disabilities that are visible and invisible. Few people may have a temporary need for a seat example if someone had surgery. This initiative taken by TTC will ensure that a person with a disability will not have to ask for a seat but will get one immediately when they have “Please offer me a seat”. Please Offer Me a Seat Program by TTC'sIn an interview with The Star News, Jae Brown a regular TTC passenger who suffers from epilepsy said he’s reluctant to ask for a seat because he’s shy. “There have been times when I’ve been standing when I’ve been wishing that, yeah, I should have a seat,” he said. “I could have an epileptic seizure at any time, and I would need to be (sitting). ”As Jae Brown mentioned sometimes it’s hard for people with disability to open up and ask for a seat. They often feel shy and uncomfortable. He also mentioned that he picked up a button Tuesday morning at College Station. He just hopes that it will make his commute easier from Etobicoke to downtown. “Hopefully it’s going to help make it a friendlier city,” he said. “I think our city needs some of that right now, people working together to make a great city for everyone. I think the buttons will help. ”This move by TTC can help someone who is in need of a seat without having to disclose their conditions. “Please offer me a seat” can help those individuals if they want others to be aware of their needs. The button also has a wheelchair symbol on it. Liana Hildebrandt another passenger who was interviewed by The Star News said that she tried the “Please offer me a seat” button and mentioned that she did not have to say a word for a seat. A man standing next to her looked away from his tablet and woke up the slumbering commuter, who freed his spot for Hildebrandt. A day earlier, she had the same kind of experience during her journey from Etobicoke to midtown Toronto. She was not sure if the button would work but she was astonished when a stranger got up and gave up their seat after spotting her “Please offer me a seat” button. “Without even having to make eye contact, or speak to anyone, a woman in one of the blue seats stood up immediately and gave me her seat,” the 40-year-old said. In the end, I feel that this “Please offer me a seat” button is a good initiative taken by TTC for people with disabilities who do not want to ask for a seat but will get a seat once someone notices the badge. A badge can make a real difference to the people who are undergoing any medical treatment either long-term or short-term. Disability Credit Canada ViewDisability Credit Canada appreciates the effort taken by the TTC to make it accessible and easier for disabled people who use TTC regularly. We at Disability Credit Canada help disabled Canadians apply for and receive the disability tax credit from the government of Canada. To start with, you can check the disability tax credit eligibility guide to see if you are eligible or you can call us on our toll-free and receive a free no obligation assessment today Request a free assessment. --- - Published: 2018-05-09 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/its-time-to-getloud-about-mental-health-awareness/ Over 20 percent of the Canadian population suffers from mental health issues that affect their lives in a meaningful way preventing them from living life to the fullest. Mental health is an invisible disability and many people who suffer from mental health issues suffer alone as it goes un-noticed by their families, peers and friends but we know that 1 in 5 people in Canada face mental health problems and it’s time to join together and help our loved ones get the help they need and remind them that there is hope. Mental Health Awareness #GETLOUD The most common mental illnesses are Depression, Anxiety disorder, Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder & post-traumatic stress. Depression: Depression is a medical illness that negatively affects a person who faces severe despair and dejection. Here are the symptoms of Depression: Loss of energy. Feeling sad or having a low mood most of the time. Not feeling worthy enough to live. Unable to focus on anything. Thought of suicide or death. Anxiety disorder: This is a reaction towards stress or fear. Anxiety disorder may cause physical symptoms too which includes increased heart rate and shivering. Symptoms of Anxiety disorder: Unable to sleep. Heart palpitations. Unable to stay calm. Finding difficulty to breathe. Panic disorder: People with Panic Disorder are terrified and have attacks, sudden rush of discomfort and a fear of something bad is going to happen to them. The symptoms are: Sweating. Chest pain or discomfort. Dizziness. Feeling of chocking. FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE DISABILITY TAX CREDIT! Get a free assessment Obsessive compulsive disorder: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an enduring and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts and behaviors that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over again. The symptoms for this are: Excessive cleaning. Fear of germs. Aggressive thoughts towards self or others. Post-traumatic stress: This is an emotional well-being condition that is triggered to a person through a terrific event. These are the symptoms for post-traumatic stress: Nightmares. Anxiety. History of Mental Health Awareness Week Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual national education campaign to spread about the actuality about Mental Illness. May 7-13th is considered as the week of (MIAW) and it is the 67th Mental Awareness Week and we proudly celebrate this week as we #GetLoud. It was in 1951 when the mental health week came into picture. It’s been 66 years since this awareness has been raised and is not only for people to help and get support of the illness but also to #GetLoud and speak up about their issues and make them believe that they are not alone in this journey. We Canadians embrace this week and help our loved ones to overcome any kind of disorder. Events Held There are a number of events that are happening in Canada where we can enroll ourselves or our loved ones and help them. May 9th – May 10th (8:00 am to 4:00 pm): CMHA Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor Training (Calgary). How can we help? There are numerous ways to treat a person who has mental illness. Few of the ways might be to consult a doctor or a psychiatrist, who can provide both therapy and medicinal treatment. Treatments can also include: Psychotherapy. Group therapy. Hypnotherapy etc. We at Disability Credit Canada help disabled Canadians apply for and receive the disability tax credit from the government of Canada. To start with, you can check Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Guides & Resources to see if you are eligible or you can also call us on our toll free line and receive a free no-obligation assessment. --- - Published: 2018-04-26 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/new-immigration-law-for-people-with-disabilities/ Good News for Disables: End to discriminatory immigration law for people with disabilities. Canada has again taken a stand on protecting the rights of all people. What is the new Changes in the Immigration Policy for Disabled children Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen’s announcement of the changes in Canada’s immigration policy brings hope of security and joy to disabled children and their families. Hussen said Canada will no longer consider the disabled as a “ burden” when it comes to immigration. He also adds that a section of immigration law that refrains people from settling in Canada because of a burden on medical and social services is outdated and needs some special regulation according to Canadian values. So the ministry has come up with these special reforms that are committed to serving every Canadian irrespective of their disabilities. Hussen said that every decision is made considering input from the provinces and territories that comprise most of the costs of medical and social services. And this change in 38-1C was one among them that was in consideration for a long time. He explains how the current rules are based on assumptions that the disabled person is a burden on society but their actual value, skills, and qualities that are of great benefit to society and country are always been undervalued. The current system also violates the clauses of Article ! 8 that provide disabled people the right to freedom to choose their residence and nationality, the right to “ liberty of movement”. The Council of Canadians with Disabilities believes that the current policy has a stereotypical view of persons with disabilities and devalues their and their families' contribution to Canadian society and has been calling for this change for a long time and wants the government to drop requirements from the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to make sure that disabled people are included in making a new and more inclusive laws. And these reforms are a great help for them to modify society and give a disabled person his own identity and a fresh start in the world of equality. Comprehensive Disability Tax Credit Resource Guide According to CCD, there was an utmost need for reforms because the Committee believes the Immigration Act, discriminates against persons with disabilities and does not meet the equality guarantees of the Charter. They also believe the Immigration Act supports long-held stereotypical views of persons with disabilities as being less deserving and a burden on society. CCD believes that the current law devalues Canadians with disabilities and does nothing to recognize the contribution persons with disabilities and their families can and do make to Canadian society. New hope for Parents with Special need Children Hussen said this current system was majorly impacting the economic immigrants who were already working and creating jobs in Canada but were denied of their residential rights because their children or spouses may have disability. He cited the case of professor at York University who was denied permanent residency because his son had Down syndrome and the another case of business family who was rejected because of a child with epilepsy. Hussen said these people are not a burden for country but they add up to country’s economy and growth. “These newcomers can contribute and are not a burden to Canada. These newcomers have the ability to help grow our economy and enrich our social fabric. ” “After getting the good news – I was driving so I had to be careful – I was pretty excited,” said Samrat Saha, 38, whose family was denied permanent residency in Canada last May because his six-year-old son, Rajarshi, has autism. According to a rough research by the government this policy can help almost 80 per cent of all applicants that were denied residency under the current law. The history of denial proves that this law does not admit anyone with disability even though the caregiver were capable enough to support their disabled member. In 2000, multimillionaire David Hilewitz and his son was denied immigration because his son has a mild developmental disability. Maria Victoria a temporary worker from philippine was denied of her residency and attempted to deport her after she was paralyzed in an accident. About 177,000 economic immigrants admitted to Canada every year 1000 are denied by medical inadmissibility policy. Hussen said these changes in immigration policy expected to provide service to majority of these people. Read more at Global News Hussen said that the government was focused on protecting health and social services but now they have emphasized the need of welcoming disabled immigrants and he said "Our government wants to ensure that the implementation of this policy aligns with our values regarding the inclusion of persons with disabilities into Canadian society," This decision has gained support from all parties. MPs from all parties agreed that this provision needs a change. But it still has some critics Liberal MP Nick Whalen called this policy “egregious”. He said “Allowing these 1,000 applicants into our country and cleansing our own souls wouldn’t put any real jeopardy to the social services or the health care system,” Whalen said. “I do not see how changing the threshold and excluding fewer people changes the fact that excluding anyone is prima facia discriminatory and violates Canadian values. ” Although many critics talks about this policy affects that will further demolish health care system but we are forgetting the benefits that the US system has over the Canadian system when it comes to those that Canada deems to be “medically inadmissible”. Canada has a progressive immigration policy and that would not have been possible if government would not lift bars off people with disabilities and illness from immigrating to Canada. Because the current policy was not only inhumane but it also violates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities. Many families are still in shock that Immigration Canada has reversed their decision and approved their family’s permanent residency. Karissa and Jon Warkentin a couple from Manitoba had a six-year old daughter who was diagnosed with epilepsy. This couple had already invested $600,000 in Canada with a dream of running hunting and fishing lodge but the denial for their permanent residency because of their daughter’s disability left them helpless and in devastating condition. But this new policy by government has given a big relief to them and many other families. The immigration committee is expected to come into affect soon with a full report on final recommendations. Disability Credit Canada View on new Immigration Policy for Children with Disabilities Disability Credit Canada vows changed laws of Immigration for Disabled people and is delighted to see tangible progress of disabled to move from margins to mainstream of Canadian Society. We offers our helping hands and are always ready to help our fellow companions repealing off discriminatory basis. Resources for Parents Affect Autism empowers parents to bring out your child's authentic self through a respectful, developmental approach Mobile Apps for Children with Special needs 10 mobile Apps to help individuals on the Autism spectrum 2018 Edition 13 Best Mobile Apps for Individuals with ADD/ADHD 2017 Edition 14 Assistive Technologies for Individuals with Learning Disability Helpful Resources for People Suffering from Disability Top 9 Mobile apps to help People with Disability Long Term Disability Claims and Appeal Common Medical Conditions Eligible for Long-Term Disability Benefits --- - Published: 2017-11-29 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/top-16-famous-people-with-disabilities/ Table of Contents Disability is a term that is used to describe the weakness of an individual based on their physical or mental health. Disability among individuals can occur either at birth, caused by mischance, or created after some time. Individuals suffering from Disabilities Many individuals suffer from different kind of hardships. However, these hardships shouldn't be the reason for them to cut themselves out from the rest of the world. This also includes those that suffer from disabilities. It’s not only just normal individuals that suffer from disabilities, even CEOs, artists, athletes etc suffer from it. Mentioned below are some well-known individuals that suffer from different kinds of disabilities. Top 16 Famous Personalities with Disability Stephen Hawking Stephen Hawking is an English Theoretical Physicist and is well known for his high achievements. He’s known as a celebrity in academics and is a recipient of various appreciations: Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and lifetime member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Even though Hawking is suffering from a motor neuron disease, he did not back down and let his dreams slide away. He is a true inspiration for those who suffer from motor neuron disease. I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road. - Stephen Hawking Franklin Delano Roosevelt Franklin Delano Roosevelt also known as FDR was a U. S. president that was able to help manage the country effectively throughout World War II. FDR is still viewed as an awesome president now and the whole time he was in office. Likewise, FDR was a wheelchair user. At the beginning of his political career, he contracted polio as he was drinking water at a campground. He was wound up noticeably starting from the waist. Even though his illness wasn't made open until years later as he was afraid of the general society questioning his competency, FDR was an amazing president who proved that paralysis is not a hindrance to being a great leader. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. - Franklin Delano Roosevelt John Hockenberry John Hockenberry is an American columnist and creator. He is a four-time Emmy Award Winner and three-time Peabody Award Winner. Hockenberry is known to be among the best writers that suffer from spinal cord injury. He worked with Dateline during the late 1990s making him one of the first few journalists to have worked on an American Television Network while being wheelchair. Additionally, he has written a book known as Moving Violations: War Zones, Wheelchairs and Declarations of Independence and also has been a part of a radio show known as The Takeaway as a host. An object imbued with intent — it has power, it's treasure, we're drawn to it. An object devoid of intent — it's random, it's imitative, it repels us. It's like a piece of junk mail to be thrown away. - John Hockenberry Steve Jobs Steve Jobs is a well-known name around the world for his great achievements in his field of technology. Jobs is the founder of Apple Inc. which designs and builds iPhones, MAC, Apple Computers, Apple TV, etc. However, the Apple founder suffers from dyslexia. Even though dyslexia might make it hard for Jobs to read, it still hasn't been able to stop or slow him down on his aspiration to innovate. Ralph Braun Ralph Braun is the founder of Braun Corporation which is one of the leading manufacturers of accessible wheelchair vehicles. Braun was an individual who succeeded in bringing change and freedom of mobility for those individuals who suffer from disabilities. Braun himself was born with a muscular dystrophy. The first wheelchair-accessible van was created in 1966 as Braun started his career. He created the first accessible minivan and was able to bring his vision forward as hope for other individuals. Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven was a music composer by profession. Even though he was deaf, he did not let this come his way and went on to become one of the biggest composers of his time. He was under the guidance of Mozart and studied Piano. Beethoven is well known for his excellent and uncertain improvisations. What you are, you are by accident of birth; what I am, I am by myself. There are and will be a thousand princes; there is only one Beethoven. Rick Hansen Rick Hansen is the founder and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation and an advocate for those individuals who suffer from disabilities. Hansen is known to be a Paralympic athlete and has dedicated his life to disabled individuals so that he can remove barriers from their lives. Hansen suffered from a spinal cord injury and thus was paralyzed from the waist down. My disability is that I cannot use my legs. My handicap is your negative perception of that disability, and thus of me. - Rick Hansen Helen Keller Helen Keller was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. Keller is the first person to have earned a college degree despite being blind and deaf. The Play and Film “The Miracle Worker” is based on Helen Keller and shows various parts of her life including her teacher Anne Sullivan who was successful in developing a language that could easily be understood by Helen. Helen has successfully written 12 published books that also includes her autobiography. Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it. - Helen Keller Marlee Matlin Marlee Matlin is a very successful actress who is deaf. She is an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actress for her portrayal in the movie “Children if a Lesser God”. Matlin has been deaf since she was 18 months old due to a genetically malformed cochlea. Since her portrayal in the movie, she has been on many TV shows and reality shows. It was ability that mattered, not disability, which is a word I'm not crazy about using. - Marlee Matlin John Forbes Nash Jr. John Nash was a renowned American Mathematician who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia. Nash started developing signs of schizophrenia after a few years since he was out of college. However, despite his illness, he didn't stop himself from loving and practicing mathematics. He developed some outstanding geometry and partial differential equations that are still considered as outstanding. People are always selling the idea that people with mental illness are suffering. I think madness can be an escape. If things are not so good, you maybe want to imagine something better. - John Forbes Nash Jr. Frida Kahlo Frida Kahlo was a well-known painter who suffered from polio. Even though she suffered from a physical disability, she didn't stop from becoming one of the most loved and celebrated painters in Mexico. Kahlo’s painting includes "self-portraits, landscape, and figment of imagination". I am not sick. I am broken. But I am happy to be alive as long as I can paint. - Frida Kahlo Marla Runyan Marla Runyan is a professional runner who has been suffering from Stargardt disease since the age of 9. This particular disease left her blind for her entire life. However, this could not stop her from becoming a runner as she rose to become a national champion 3 times in a row in the women’s 5000-meter race. She has been winning various awards, medals, and trophies at national and international sporting events. I think what I represent is achieving what you want in life. It's a matter of your attitude. Some people have a negative attitude, and that's their disability. - Marla Runyan Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder is a musician, singer, and songwriter who was born blind. The reason for Wonder’s blindness was his being born 6 weeks early which caused his blood vessels not to reach the front. However, this did not stop Wonder from becoming a successful musician. Wonder signed his first album at the age of 11 and has more than 30 U. S. hit songs. Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision. - Stevie Wonder Christy Brown Christy Brown was a poet, painter, and author by profession. Brown suffered from cerebral palsy and until the age of 5 was not even able to respond according to his will. It was only after some time that his left foot was responsive. He is well-known for his autobiography “My Left Foot”. was too young to know if my heart misbehaved itself in any way ― Christy Brown, My Left Foot Bram Cohen Bram Cohen suffered from Asperger’s Syndrome. However, his syndrome kept him busy within the “world of patterns, puzzles, and computers”. He helped him when he came up with the idea of a disruptive technology and created BitTorrent. BitTorrent allows individuals to transfer large sums of information over the Internet. Cohen illustrates how a disability can help individuals to do something different and unique from others. Henry Ford Henry Ford was the first man to build the first practical automobile and also successfully created a middle class in America. He suffered from dyslexia. However, this did not stop him from going forward with his dream. When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. - Henry Ford In Summary Above mentioned are famous personalities around the globe. They are an example of those who tend to give up on their dreams due to different kinds of hardships they suffer, especially those who suffer from disabilities. Individuals suffering from disabilities can take inspiration from these personalities and turn their weaknesses into their strengths. Moreover, these individuals are entitled to also apply for disability tax credits based on the type of disability they suffer from. Reach out To Disability Credit Canada for a free assessment today. Our dedicated agents are here to help you access the Canadian disability benefits you deserve. Helpful Resources for People Suffering from Disability Ultimate CPP Disability Guide Long Term Disability Claims and Appeal Common Medical Conditions Eligible for Long-Term Disability Benefits --- - Published: 2017-11-13 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/10-best-assistive-technologies-add-adhd/ Table of Contents Best Assistive Technologies for ADD/ADHD Assistive technologies are a helpful tool that allows individuals to work on tasks effectively. It doesn't require individuals to take the help of others to work effectively. Similarly, these assistive technologies also help those who are suffering from disabilities. It can help them in various ways such as walking, eating, writing, reading, sleeping, hearing, etc. Just like this, individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD can make use of these assistive technologies in order to carry out their tasks according to their will. This article will discuss some of the assistive technologies that are available today for individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD. What really is ADD/ADHD? Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disability that usually occurs in children or teens but can also continue into adulthood. It is recognized as a mental disorder of children where the children can or may be hyperactive and unable to control themselves or their behavior. Some of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD include getting easily distracted, not being able to finish tasks on time or not following instructions, not listening, not paying attention, forgetting about daily tasks, having problems organizing or managing stuff, etc. Download free Parenting Tips for children with ADHD infographic How Can Assistive Technologies Help? Assistive Technologies can help individuals in a variety of ways, especially those who are suffering from some kind of disability. Assistive technology can help individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD live their lives more effectively than they were to live without it. For example, it can help them read, write, walk, listen, read, see, cook, etc. Assistive technologies have proved to be beneficial for any individual, irrespective of whether they suffering from a disability or not. Top 10 Assistive Technologies for ADD/ADHD Droptask Droptask is an assistive technology that helps individuals get their things done. If individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD are having a hard time getting their things done, then they can use Droptask to help them out. Some key features of Droptask would be mapping out each project cycle using Kanban-style boards to showcase different stages of the projects, a built-in calendar to manage schedule and plan for upcoming work, uploading the file, setting reminders, and sending in messages in one space, connecting with other assistive technologies such as Google Drive, Gmail, Evernote, Dropbox, etc. This assistive technology is perfect for students, teachers, office workers, and construction workers who suffer from ADD/ADHD to get their things done faster and reliably. Wunderlist Wunderlist is an assistive technology that is built to help its users work more productively. Wunderlist allows its users to make a to-do list of all personal or professional stuff whether it's planning a holiday, shopping list, or work projects. This type of assistive technology is best for those suffering from ADD/ADHD as they tend to forget stuff or have a hard time remembering it. Some of the key features of Wunderlist are that it allows its users to plan for anything, allows them to set due dates, and reminders, and assign to-do lists, allows them to collaborate with other individuals by sharing the list and working collaboratively and accessing from anywhere on any device. Moreover, this assistive technology can help students and office workers track their work or others work on various projects and assignments. XMind XMind is friendly software that makes it easier for its users to be more productive. Individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD, particularly students and office workers can use it to get their work done easily. Some of the key features of Xmind are mind mapping, creating business charts, brainstorming, presentation mode that allows users to view and present their ideas, slide-based presentation, Gantt view, fresher workspace UI, clip art, and much more. This assistive technology can help get work done faster and more productively. Download free Myths & Facts about ADHD in Children infographic Learning Ally Learning Ally is a technology that is designed for individuals who are facing difficulties while reading. This is a perfect technology for those individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD as it allows them to read effectively. Learning Ally is an assistive technology that is designed for students and other individuals who learn through listening. Students suffering from ADD/ADHD can use this technology to complete their homework or assignments, while adults can use it for work purposes. Some of Learning Ally’s key features is customized audio speed, text size, word highlighting, bookmarking notes, jumping to different pages or chapters, and much more. It's highly recommended for students suffering from ADD/ADHD. Ghotit Real Writer and Reader Ghotit Real Writer and Reader is an assistive technology that is available on Windows that can help individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD. Ggotit Real Writer and Reader enables itself to integrate itself with other familiar Windows applications such as Chrome, Microsoft Office, Firefox, etc. Furthermore, this assistive technology can be used as a standalone text editor. This means that individuals can use it to edit their texts. Some of the key features of Ghotit Real Writer and Reader are a contextual spell checker, severe spelling correction, misused or confused word correction, grammar checker, self-algorithms, word prediction, and much more. This type of assistive technology is best for students who suffer from ADD/ADHD as they find themselves in a position where they may or may not need help with their assignments, projects, presentations, etc. Notability Notability is an assistive technology that allows its users to take notes more effectively. Those suffering from ADD/ADHD may find themselves in a position where they are unable to concentrate which ultimately causes them to take poor notes. This assistive technology is best for those who tend to forget stuff more often along with students, teachers, and office workers. Some of Notability’s key features include combining handwritten notes, and photos and typing single notes, exploring ideas with different tools available through the software, finalizing details by zooming on specific areas or combining big pictures, etc. Isolator Isolator is an amazing assistive technology that is made for individuals to concentrate on their work. This assistive technology is a perfect tool for those suffering from ADD/ADHD as it allows them to concentrate on their work rather than other things. Isolator is a small menu bar application that is turned on when you don’t want to be distracted. It will cover up the desktop and all of the icons on it and other windows of all the other applications that might be open so that the user can concentrate on their work. After the user is done their work, they easily turn the Isolator off. Time Timer Time Timer is an assistive technology that is built for those who easily lose track of time or get distracted by what they are doing. Individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD can use this assistive technology to help them keep track of their time. One of the key features of this assistive technology is its 60-minute visual timer that includes a re-disk to show exactly how much time is left, it includes no ticking noise like other timers but does include an alert option for those who would like to use it. Time Timer is perfect for students, teachers, and even parents who either suffer from ADD/ADHD or have some close that is suffering. Students can use it when they are working on their homework or doing some other activities so that they can time themselves or practice timing themselves to get certain tasks done. Furthermore, teachers or professors can use it to time themselves or their students in a classroom setting along parents can use Time Timer to discipline their kids or help them build a habit of finishing their tasks on time. WizCom Tech Pen WizCom Tech Pen is an assistive technology that is built for those individuals who need help with tough words or vocabulary. Individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD can use this assistive technology to improve their vocab, especially students and teachers who may need it for themselves or others as they interact in a classroom setting. Some of the key features of WizCom Tech Pen is that it allows its users to scan the word or line of text and then read it out to them, helps in reading fluency and comprehension, and speaks and shows letter by spelling, synonyms, and definition of scanned words or line of text includes a translation of English to Spanish and much more. wordQ wordQ is an assistive technology that helps individuals by predicting the words that the users want to type thus improving their vocabulary and written expressions. This assistive technology can help assist students suffering from ADD/ADHD to produce correct sentences and paragraphs on a word processor. wordQ can integrate itself into applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Outlook, Gmail, Twitter, Facebook, Google Docs, etc. This means that students along with others who may need help with their grammar are able to use wordQ on other platforms without having to worry about their spelling. Some of the key features of wordQ are that it works even if the word is spelled wrong, offers a list of words similar in meaning to add variety to the user's writing, gives examples for words that sound similar, and text reading software that reads the text out loud in a clear and pleasant voice that the user highlights, using text speech when the user writes or when grammar sounds off and bad punctuation disrupts the sentence structure and much more. Students suffering from ADD/ADHD can make use of wordQ software to work on their projects and assignments effectively. Children Suffering From ADD/ADHD Children suffering from ADD/ADHD which is considered a mental illness and entitled to receive ADHD Benefits through the Child Disability Tax Credit and Child Disability Benefit Canadian Government. ADHD disability benefits in Canada can help the child live a bright and prosperous life. Parents or guardians of the child can apply for Disability Tax Credit on behalf of their child by submitting the form T2201 to the CRA, For more information give us a call at our Toll-free number @ 1-844-800-6020. In Summary As people suffer from disabilities, they tend to work or function differently from others around them. The same goes for those who are suffering from ADD/ADHD. Some disabilities may be seen while others cannot. Therefore, those suffering from disabilities require extra attention, love, and care from their family, friends, and colleagues. However, some of those individuals don’t want to burden others because of their disability while others just want to give themselves a chance to be able to stuff normally like others around them do whether it’s reading, writing, running, managing, etc. This is where assistive technologies play their role. These assistive technologies help individuals carry out their daily tasks on their own and that too perfectly. The above-mentioned are a few assistive technologies that individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD can make use of to work effectively and efficiently. However, other individuals suffering from other disabilities or those suffering from none can also make use of the fabulous assistive technologies. Check out our other Resources meant to help for Children Suffering from ADHD/ADD. Ontario Disability Tax Credit information and eligibility 14 Assistive Technologies for Individuals with Learning Disability 13 Best Mobile Apps for Individuals with ADD/ADHD 2017 Edition Top 9 Mobile Apps to help People with Disability At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim the CPP Disability tax credit. Check out our other Resources The Ultimate CPP Disability Guide Long Term Disability Claims and Appeal Common Medical Conditions Eligible for Long-Term Disability Benefits Disability Tax Credit Provincial Guides --- - Published: 2017-10-23 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/tax-plan-for-diabetes-hitting-disable/ The Canada Revenue Agency received backlash for denying individuals suffering from Type 1 diabetes disability the right to receive disability tax credit despite having doctor’s certifications that entitle them to be eligible. According to the letter for Revenue Minister Lebouthillier released on Sunday, Diabetes Canada and other therapeutic associations grumbled that it will become extremely difficult for individuals suffering from Type 1 diabetes to qualify for the disability tax credit, which by the way is worth an average of $1,500 per year. During May, the revenue department stopped approving disability tax credits for individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes who had previously claimed it in the previous years. What is the latest complaint about Type 1 diabetes disability? This latest complaint regarding the government’s tax policy comes after the Liberals were forcefully asked to “reset” the “proposed” tax measures weeks after facing severe backlash and vocal opposition from “small business owners, farmers, doctors, and backbench Liberal MPs”. The conservative critics describe the CRA’s treatment of diabetics as another case of a Liberal government drive to build income by pressing conventional Canadians. Ms. Hanson(Conservative MPs, Diabetes Canada's director of federal affairs, Kimberley Hanson) evaluated that already somewhere in the range of 80 percent of grown-ups with Type 1 diabetes were endorsed for the disability tax credit, however now for all intents and purposes, all are being rejected. She assessed that there are up to 100,000 Canadians who experience the ill effects of Type 1 diabetes and could meet all requirements for the expense credit. Ms. Hanson distinguished how there has been a significant increment in claims in the previous two years, owing to some extent to the development of privately owned businesses that plan applications for a charge. Yet, guarantees still need to incorporate a confirmation from a specialist or medical attendant professional that the diabetic must spend no less than 14 hours every week on life-supporting treatments. CRA's View on this matter CRA clarifies how many activities are needed to manage type 1 diabetes such as meals do not fall under the category of “life-sustaining therapies”. Mr. Power said that there may be some sort of confusion among “medical practitioners” as to what activities qualify. "It's important to note that there has been no change to the eligibility criteria for the related to diabetes," CRA spokesman John Power said in an e-mail. "The CRA has not changed its decision-making process with regard to DTC eligibility criteria. " At Disability Credit Canada, our expertise lies in helping disabled Canadians access disability benefits. Connect with us for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2017-09-06 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/mobile-apps-individuals-with-autism/ Table of Contents Top 10 Mobile Apps For Those have autism spectrum Disability Credit Canada's mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits, Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. We’ve worked with thousands of Canadians suffering from mental and physical disabilities and we understand how impactful your condition can be on you and your family hence we regularly advocate for Disabled Canadians. Are your loved ones on the autism spectrum? Are you looking for mobile apps that may help your loved one with autism? Well, you came to the right place. This article will discuss 10 mobile apps that may be helpful to individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. The mobile apps discussed in this article will not only save your time and autistic individual’s time but also make you and them more independent. For example, this article talks about autism apps for nonverbal, apps for autism social skills, free communication apps for autism and apps for autism spectrum disorder. Moreover, there are also autism apps for adults to enjoy. Autism Explained? Autism is a neurological condition that begins to effect behavior in early childhood. Autistic individuals typically have difficulty relaying and receiving emotions. Patients are often viewed as socially awkward and have difficulty with speech and communication. The need for repetition, whether it is a specific behavioral patter or ritual, is another common feature in patients with autism. The following is a list of mobile apps that may be helpful to use by those with Autism. These apps will help them to carry out their daily activities, learn and improve their communication skills. They may be able to make them more independent and confident. So why the wait, look at the apps and figure out which one best suits your or your loved ones need. Time Timer Time Timer is an award-winning app helpful for autistic individuals to manage their times effectively. High Functioning Autism individuals may use this app to set times for each activity. Through this they may be able to complete more of their activities in a specific time frame. The Time Timer app has specific colors, functions and more stuff that the users may use to customize the timers they put on. This will allow autistic individuals to differentiate between what activities they are involved in. The app is easy to use by many individuals. You have to touch or drag to create a timer. The timers can be for until 99 hours. This will allow people to set a timer for the tasks that are time consuming. You can play the timers again and again for the routines. This will allow autistic individuals to do the same or similar tasks in the given time frame. Another feature is that users get to choose if they want to display the times in horizontal or vertical view. Autistic individuals may choose which view suits them better and be comfortable with the app. (IOS) AACORN AACORN is an AAC app available to help children that suffer from nonverbal autism. AACORN has an easy to use interface for children to enjoy the app with fulfilling experience. It designed the content to meet the requirements of small hands of children. Often autistic children may get exhausted by trying to improve their communication skills by improving their vocabulary. However, they may not know which word to use when and this may drain out their energy and drive to learn. AACORN creates a happy environment for autistic children to learn more vocabulary. The app predicts words children may want to use by analyzing their behavior and creating a word tree. Through this the vocabulary of autistic children would improve. The children may not need to go through a difficult time thinking of what words to put next during a conversation. Proloquo2Go Proloquo2Go app is perfect to be used by autistic individuals. The app has various features that can help individuals with an autism spectrum disorder to carry on literacy activities. Proloquo2Go app includes vocabulary function and editing function. The app allows users to edit the button and personalize pages according to their requirement. This will help the individuals to be more comfortable while using the app as it would be more personal. The app can also improve the language development of autistic individuals. They use motor training for individuals to learn vocabulary easily. This will help autistic individuals to increase their vocabulary that they may use while they speak with others. This app is helpful for autistic individual to improve in their communication skills and socialize with people effectively. (IOS) Model Me Going Places Model Me Going Places is a great app that may improve the communication and social skills of autistic children in a community setting. Model Me Going Places app is recommended for children with Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 2 years to 8 years old. The app is easy to use as the children only have to watch videos of other children who are aged 2 years to 8 years. The children in the videos travel to different places in the community in order to socialize more effectively. Through these videos, autistic children would see what other children their own age is able to meet people and move around the community, this will motivate them to do the same. They may get confidence by looking at these videos and be inspired by how these children communicate and learn from them. The videos are not too long, they last for only two to four minutes so your child may not get bored. The video also uses components like music that may get children with autism interested. This may encourage them to watch the videos attentively and enjoy at the same time. The app also provides a summary of the locations the children visited during the end of the video so you and your child may not miss out on anything important. This will also refresh your child memory of what was shown in the video. (IOS) MyTalk Tools Mobile AAC MyTalk Tool Mobile AAC is a great app if you are looking for one to improve on communication skills for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder . MyTalk Tools Mobile AAC app helps individuals speak what they want through words or images. It’s up to the autistic individual’s choice of whether to use pictures, speech or words to communicate with other individuals. Through this the autistic individual would feel in power and communicate efficiently with other people. The app is also easy to use by users. Therefore, autistic individuals can use the app independently without anyone’s help. This will save the caregiver and the autistic individuals time and make them more independent. The users are also able to personalize the app by adding their own photos and learn about organization. Through this, autistic individuals can learn and improve their communication skills together. Pictello Pictello as the name suggests is the platform where autistic individuals may share their stories with others. Autistic individuals may use this platform to communicate with their loved ones and tell their stories. The app helps individuals read easily. Autistic individuals may read by themselves without anyone's help and enjoy the story. The users may create their stories on Pictello and share it with Pictello and non-Pictello users. Through this, autistic individuals may be able to freely communicate virtually with other individuals that may slowly improve their communication skills. The autistic individuals may like to use this app as it gives them free control on how they want to make their stories through many features. The app also could be used in 29 languages. This will allow autistic individuals to use the app more efficiently in their language. They will also be able understand the context of the app better as well. Toca Store Taco Store is a great app for your autistic children to engage in business communication freely along with other activities. Toca Store app consists of a store where your children can be owners and run it themselves. Through this your children will be able to communicate with customers and yield to their specific needs. They can learn behaviors about the business setting and how to act on certain situation. For example, communicating with customers. This will help them learn about how to communicate with other individuals when you are in the position of power. They may also learn of how owners need to communicate when dealing with customers. In the app, your child can choose of whether he wants to be a customer. When they are a customer, they have to purchase stuff. Therefore, he/she can engage in meaningful conversation between the buyer and the seller. Your child may get an idea of what the customers conversation are about. For example, the price and features of the product they wish to purchase. Next time they go to a store they may be motivated to engage in such conversation with sellers if given the opportunity. Through this their communication skills may improve and they may be encouraged to socialize more often with strangers. iCommunicate iCommunicate is an app that may be used by autistic individuals to organize and socialize with other people in the community. iCommunicate app allows individuals to make schedules, communication boards, speech cards and much more. These features will allow individuals to stay on task and communicate effectively with other individuals. The users are allowed to record their own voices for the boards or images. Autistic children may be comfortable by using the app in their own voice. Caregivers may also record their voice for the person with autism to hear later on when they require it. Through this, caregivers do not have to be around for autistic individuals all the time. They may become more independent and confident in their behavioral and communication skills. The app also offers text-to speech functions with voices available in many languages. The autistic users will be able to use the app comfortably in the language of their choice. They may also understand and comprehend the material better through this. Emotions and Feelings Autism Social Story Emotions and Feelings Autism Social Story app would be great to use by those autistic individuals who have trouble expressing themselves. Emotions and Feelings Autism Social Story app provides a visual platform for individuals to communicate their emotions to other individuals. It contains a social story which portrays the types of emotions and feelings human experience. This app will be helpful for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder spectrum disorder (ASD). Through this app, autistic individuals can identify emotions to express themselves and judge what others individuals are feeling by their emotions. This will be very helpful for them during conversations as they can tell where the conversation is going with the other individual. For example, they may console a person who is sad and engage in effective conversation with them. They can also express something they like or don’t like to other people effectively. Aiko & Egor: Animation 4 Autism Aiko & Egor: Animation 4 Autism app may be used by children facing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by See Beneath. Aiko & Egor Animation 4 Autism app has an easy to use interface for autistic children to use without any complications. The app uses animation and underwater cartoons in the app may allow your child to engage efficiently with the app. It also includes videos that parents and children may view together through two ways. The first is through play video where you can watch the clips or whole episodes. Through this your child may feel as if they are watching a cartoon and have fun. It may encourage them to communicate with their family members about the episode. The other way is to learn together where you can watch the videos with brief bubble time in between. Through this, children with autism may pay more attention to the videos they are watching in order to succeed in the bubble time. This will help autistic children grow in their learning and communication skills. In Summary Autism in individuals may prevent them from communicating effectively with other individuals. It is also important to monitor their behavior from time to time. Therefore, this article discussed some app that are available on your smartphone that may be helpful to improve the communication skills and behavior of an autistic individual. The apps discussed are either free or for purchase on and could be downloaded on your devices like the Ipad. Hope you will find the right app to use for the individuals with autism to improve their skills. Children on the autism spectrum Individuals who have an autism have more than just apps to assist them in their lives. Check out our other Resources meant to help for Children with Autism. Ontario Disability Tax Credit information and eligibility 14 Assistive Technologies for Individuals with Learning Disability Top 9 Mobile apps to help People with Disability 13 Best Mobile Apps for Individuals with ADD/ADHD 2017 Edition --- - Published: 2017-08-22 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/13-best-apps-help-individuals-add-adhd/ Table of Contents Mobile Apps for Individuals with ADD/ADHD Disability Credit Canada's mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits, Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. We’ve worked with thousands of Canadians suffering from mental disabilities and we understand how impactful your condition can be on you and your family hence we regularly advocate for Disabled Canadians. Suffering from ADD/ADHD symptoms? Or is it someone close to you who needs others to help to remember stuff or manage their time? Don't worry, we can help you out. This article discusses ADD/ADHD and different apps that individuals can use to help themselves. What is ADD/ADHD? Attention deficit disorder (ADD)/Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) refers to a mental illness in Ontario that affects both children and adults. It hampers the learning process and impedes social and cognitive development. In Canada, roughly about 300,000 or more Canadians are diagnosed with this disease each year. Some symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. How Can Apps Help? With the advancement in technology, various good apps have been designed and developed to help individuals suffering from the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. These top-rated apps can help benefit children and adults in Canada in many ways. For example, there are time management apps to help manage time, checklist apps to help individuals keep track of their work, organization apps to help organize tasks or projects, relaxation apps to help relax or meditate, and even apps for children's learning. Below are a few apps that I find extremely useful for those suffering from ADD/ADHD. Fabulous: Motivate Me! Relax, Meditate, Sleep Fabulous: Motivate Me! Relax, Meditate, Sleep is an editor’s choice application available on Google’s Play Store. Those suffering from ADD/ADHD can use Fabulous: Motivate Me! Relax, Meditate, Sleep app to build healthy habits that are both mentally and physically better for them. Fabulous: Motivate Me! Relax, Meditate, Sleep is a relaxation app that helps its users increase their energy level, sleep better, use behavioral economics to identify where they are stuck, rewire their brains, and much more. NeuroNation – Brain Training NeuroNation – Brain Training is an award-winning application by Google for the best app of the year. NeuroNation –Brain Training helps its users by enhancing its user’s life with scientific brain training. Those suffering from ADD/ADHD face difficulty remembering and thinking stuff, easily lose concentration, and much more. With the help of the NeuroNation – Brain Training app, they can overcome these weaknesses. NeuroNation – Brain Training allows its users to stay focused, improve memory, think faster, sharpen mind and much more. Todoist: To – Do List, Task List Todoist is an application that is available for both IOS and Android devices. Todoist is a to-do list app on the App Store and Google Play store and is the right fit for those suffering from ADD/ADHD. It provides them an opportunity to manage tasks and projects from anywhere. Students, Teachers, Parents, employees, and others can all use Todoist and even access it from home, school, office, or any other place. Todoist is also available across 10+ platforms which makes it easier for its users to access the application. Some of the key features of the Todoist app is creating sub-projects out of larger projects, creating sub-tasks from bigger tasks, sharing and collaborating with others on different projects, getting reminders about important tasks or projects via email, SMS and push notifications, and much more. Skillz – Logical Brain Skillz – Logical Brain is an android app that can help individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD improve their memory skills and help their brain exercise. Skillz – Logical Brain is a brain game that enables children of all ages to differentiate between different colors and help them develop their skills. Skillz – Logical Brain app is designed for all age group. This means that students suffering from ADD/ADHD can use this application along with their teachers in a classroom to help out their students and parents who can use it at home to help their kids develop their skills and exercise their brain. Some of the key features of Skillz – Logical Brain app is improving the user's memory, increasing accuracy, increasing speed, helping learn color coordination and much more. Productivity Challenge Timer Productivity Challenge Timer is a productivity app that allows its users to be more productive, focused and save their valuable time. Individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD can use the Productivity Challenge Timer to pay more attention to their tasks and be more productive and focused towards them. Productivity Challenge Timer can be used by students, teachers, parents, employees, and others that enable them to challenge themselves to work harder and help them keep track of their work habits. Some of the key features of the Productivity Challenge Timer application include tracking the user’s productivity over a period of time, earning achievement and losing or earning a rank based on the user’s performance. Due Due is an IOS app that helps its users write down their task and sets up reminders. As individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD tend to forget stuff and fail to recall important tasks, they can use Due to help them do it for themselves. Due is a time management app that comes up with “12 Quick Access Times” that allows users to quickly set up their reminders to the time of their choice. It automatically reschedules the reminders as repeat reminders for its next interval (only if the user sets the reminders as repeat reminders). Additionally, Due also enables its users to create timers that they can easily reuse again and again. The best part about Due is that it permits its users to access their reminders and timers from their IPhone, IPad and Mac. Asana Asana is a free app that enables its users to easily collaborate with team members in order to keep track of their work. Individuals who suffer from ADD/ADHD have a hard time collaborating with other individuals and also face difficulty keeping track of their tasks. With the help of Asana, individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD symptoms can easily collaborate and communicate with their team members, quickly update and add their work on to the application as soon as possible and also keep track of their work. Asana is a great application for students in college and university to collaborate with other teammates for their group projects and assignments. Employees can also make use of Asana to collaborate with other co-workers. Mindnode MindNode is an IOS application that makes it easier for individuals diagnosed with ADD/ADHD to make mind maps. MindNode allows its users to create a virtual representation of their ideas and brainstorm along with sharing and organizing their thoughts. Individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD can easily track their thoughts and go back to where they started form easily without having to start all over again. MindNode technology is a great tool for students, artists and project managers that allow them to be more creative and free with their thoughts and ideas. Evernote Evernote is an app that helps its users work more effectively. It's a planner app that allows its users to organize their work such as allowing them to take notes in a variety of formats, attaching Microsoft Office docs, PDFs, Photos, and much more. Evernote also enables its users to Sync and comment on the content from any device and also provides its users the opportunity to communicate, collaborate, discuss, and share its content productively with others. Evernote makes it easier for individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD to organize their work in one place that is not only accessible from any other device but also sharable. iRewardChart reward chart is an app that is designed to help parents keep track of their children’s good behavior and then reward them accordingly. Parents of Kids suffering from ADD/ADHD symptoms can use this application with their children to help them understand how good behavior brings in good rewards. iRewardChart application consists of two versions, the pro, and the lite. The lite version of iRewardChart is a free version with the limitation of adding up to 1 kid and 4 tasks per week. Parents can assign custom tasks and custom rewards for their kids that can motivate them to portray positive behavior. Rescue Time Rescue Time is an Android app that helps users keep track of their time. It is an automatic time and attention tracker that helps individuals and teams create good habits and eradicate bad ones. Individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD can make use of Rescue Time application to help them keep track of their time and help them develop good habitual behavior. Some other features of Rescue Time include reporting the user's voice call time, time spent on a website, setting alerts and goals, productivity reports of the user’s progress, and much more. ADHD Tracker 1. 0 ADHD Tracker 1. 0 is an application designed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help parents and teachers keep track of their kids who are or were suffering from ADHD. ADHD Tracker 1. 0 is a tool that helps monitor the behavioral patterns of children aged 4 to 18 at home and in the classroom to help parents and teachers gain a better understanding of the ADHD effects on their child’s mental and physical health. Remember The Milk Remember The Milk is an IOS and Android app that remembers the to-do list for its users instead. Individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD have a hard time remembering things and tend to forget them. The Remember The Milk application can help these individuals by remembering the tasks for them. Not only that, Remember The Milk application reminds its users of their tasks via text, email, IM, Twitter, and Mobile notifications. Moreover, Remember The Milk users can share their to-do lists with other individuals to get the tasks done faster. Users can also prioritize their tasks, due dates, lists, tags, and much more according to their liking. The best part about the Remember The Milk application is that it allows its users to integrate with their Gmail, Twitter, Google Calendar, Evernote, and other applications. Above mentioned are a few application that can help those individuals in Canada that are suffering from or were suffering from ADD/ADHD. These applications can help those individuals overcome their weakness such as remembering tasks, organizing their work, collaborating or communicating with teammates, improving memory, improving behavior, improving brain efficiency and much more. These applications don’t necessarily have to be used by only those suffering from ADD/ADHD, they can also be used by others that are related to those suffering. For example, parents, teachers, friends, fellow co-workers and others can make use of these apps to help those suffering from ADD/ADHD. The best part about these applications is that it is accessible from anywhere whether it is home, classroom or office. Children Suffering From ADD/ADHD The costs of treating ADD/ADHD can be significant with individual costs estimated at nearly $4,000 per year. Considering that ADHD medications such as Adderall can cost nearly $300 a month it should be no surprise that in severe cases the costs of treating ADHD can become an enormous burden on a family’s finances. Children suffering from ADD/ADHD which is considered a mental illness and entitled to receive ADHD Benefits through the Child Disability Tax Credit and Child Disability Benefits Canadian Government. ADHD disability benefits in Canada can help the child live a bright and prosperous life. Parents or guardians of the child may have Disability Tax Credit eligibility if they submit form T2201 to the CRA, For more information give us a call at our Toll-free number @ 1-844-800-6020 . So these are a few applications that I feel would benefit adults in Canada and children suffering from ADD/ADHD. If you have any other applications that can help them, then please do let us know by emailing us. Adult Suffering From ADD/ADHD Did you know that adults can also have ADD/ADHD? Every single adult who suffers from its symptoms had it since they were a child. ADHD in Adults could be considered as a Disability and there is a tax benefit for them that's called a Disability tax credit. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability tax credit. Check out our other Resources meant to help Persons with Disabilities. 14 Assistive Technologies for Individuals with Learning Disability ADHD and your child Infographic -What you can do to help your child 2017 ADHD Infographic – Myths &Facts Top 9 Mobile apps to help People with Disability --- - Published: 2017-08-10 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/14-assistive-technologies-individuals-learning-disability/ Table of Contents What are assistive technologies for learning disabilities? Disability Credit Canada mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credits, CPP Disability Benefits, and Long-term Disability benefits In this endeavor, we have worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians and we recognize the difficulties they face in their everyday life. Are you or your close ones facing a difficult time learning due to disability? Well then, don’t worry as we have listed out a few solutions that will help you learn better and faster. This article discusses learning disabilities and different learning technologies that are available to help you or your close one with learning issues. What is a Learning Disability? Learning disability occurs in individuals who find it difficult to learn stuff compared to people of their age. Disabilities like dyslexia, deafness, ADHD/ADD, and other mental illnesses may cause learning disability in an individual. Assistive technologies refer to technology that helps individuals conduct certain tasks efficiently. Assistive technologies help individuals with learning disabilities perform tasks that another individual of their age is able to perform without the use of those technologies. There are different types of assistive technologies available for individuals with learning disabilities. These technologies could be used by them to understand the environment and function efficiently. This article will discuss some of the technologies that may be useful for individuals with learning disabilities to read, write, listen, and much more. You may also be eligible to apply for child disability tax for your children. Technologies for Learning Disabilities for Individuals Audible Audible is an essential assistive technology that may be used by individuals with reading problems. It is the leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment on the Internet, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day. Audible content includes more than 215,000 audio programs from leading audiobook publishers, broadcasters, entertainers, magazine and newspaper publishers, and business information providers. Audible is also the preeminent provider of spoken-word audio products for Apple’s iTunes Store. Individuals who have dyslexia, ADD or any other disability that may prevent them from reading could make use of this technology to listen to books available through an application on any device they want. In addition to books, disabled individuals may listen to award performances as well. By listening to books, both disabled students and adults would be able to read what their peers are reading as well. There are many books available at Audible for you to find a perfect fit and get started. Read more Kurzweil 3000 This is an amazing technology that allows users to engage in many activities efficiently. This technology would be helpful to many individuals who are unable to read or write due blindness disability, concentration problems due ADD/ADHD, and any other disability that may prevent them from learning. This software incorporates tools that would help disabled users read, write, and learn. It could translate text into over 70 languages for individuals. Students may use this in the classroom to complete coursework. Read More AngelSense AngelSense GPS assistive technology was designed to cope with the challenges of wandering, and it can be used to build life skills that allow a higher level of independence, at home and in the community, without compromising safety. By providing a safe way for parents to give their children more freedom and do things more independently, AngelSense is a valuable tool for setting and achieving broader goals. When incorporated into treatment plans, the skills learned by using AngelSense help to ease the stress and pressures of change with the added safety that ensures special needs children can reach their personal goals and sustain them. PXC 550 Wireless This is an adaptive technology that allows users to eliminate or reduce certain noises. This will help people with learning disabilities ADD, or any other disability that may prevent them from concentrating. This technology allows individuals to listen to music. Individuals may also use it to concentrate on their tasks. Students with a learning disability could make use of this technology for classroom purposes. They may use them while writing their essays or studying for a test. This would be helpful for them to get a better mark. Other adults with learning disabilities may use it to focus on their daily activities as well. This will help them get the job done faster as they will not be distracted by unnecessary sounds. These assistive technologies is equipped with an easy-to-use control panel and voice system to choose your own personal settings. Disabled individuals would not have to rely on others to use the system. It has a 30-hour life battery, allowing users to use it for long periods of time and complete their tasks. It is wireless and has Bluetooth that allows you to connect with more stuff than before. SuperTalker Progressive Communicator This is an adaptive technology that may help individuals with learning disabilities due to or other disabilities. This technology allows people to record information for about 16 minutes to listen to it later on. You could record up to 64 messages in total. Students may use this assistive technology in a classroom to record what their teacher or professors are saying to understand the lecture better later on when they need it. Other individuals with learning disabilities may use it to record important information they may need. This will be helpful for individuals with learning disabilities to better comprehend the subject matter during communication with other individuals. Read more Snap&Read Universal This is a text-to-speech assistive technology tool that is effectively utilized by those individuals who have reading problems. Reading problems may be prevalent in individuals due to certain disabilities such as blindness or other mental illnesses. Many children and adults with learning disability may use Snap&Read Universal to gain better insight into the written context. The software would read the text written out loud to the user. This would help the individuals to better comprehend the subject matter. It has the ability to translate the text so individuals with a disability can understand the content in their desired language. You can also use the tools through this technology for PDF as well. You can try out the software for free to see if it best suits your needs. Read More Co:Writer Universal Co: Writer Universal is word prediction software and is an amazing tool that many individuals can use. Children and adults who have difficulty in writing may use the program to conduct their writing activities. This software may be helpful to individuals who have a learning disability, autism, dyslexia, or any other disability that prevents them from writing effectively. The software may be easy to use by many individuals. In addition to helping them write, the software would improve their grammar and writing style. It also integrates speech recognition software that allows the device to be more functional in helping the users. Mathtalk Mathtalk allows individuals to solve math equations. Mathtalk software is helpful for many individuals especially students with learning disability as they do not need to write anything to solve math equations. An interesting feature of the software is that it uses speech technology to help individuals solve math problems instead of making them write, type, or click. Therefore, it would be easy to use for many individuals facing disability issues. Mathtalk is available for purchase by their vendor. Spanish Talking Calculator Spanish talking calculators by independent living aids an assistive technologies that have a speech technology that would read out the numbers inputted. This would be helpful for students and adults with learning disability to help solve math problems. It is just like a natural calculator that performs functions and operations a user inputted and shows the content in large numbers. However, the extra feature of reading out loud gives an advantage to Canadians with dyslexia, ADHD, ADD or any other disability. They do not need to use online software to solve math problems that may be a problem due to certain conditions. Students with learning disabilities may carry it around with them and take it to class. Independent living aids provide a variety of other talking calculators that you may use. Inspiration It is an assistive technology that many students and adults with learning disabilities could use as graphic organizers or mind maps. Individuals come up with many ideas that may be hard to organize and comprehend. Especially for children or students who face learning disability issues, graphic organizers and mind maps may be helpful. The students could use them to help in their studies. The tool could help to organize information visually. Inspiration is a tool that can be downloaded on both mac and Windows. The product helps individuals organize ideas into visual form to better understand the concept and come up with new ideas. Inspiration is easy to use and could be helpful to many individuals. Ginger Ginger is a great assistive technology system that is used to check spelling and definitions of words. Many individuals facing learning disabilities may not be able to read or write properly due to blindness, dyslexia, ADD, or other disabilities. This technology would be helpful to improve their writing as it would correct their mistakes as they write. It would also read out the content that you have written. Through this, the individuals may know that they are typing it wrong and learn simultaneously. Especially for students, these assistive technologies may help them in their studies to write essays. Disabled adults may use this technology in their workplace where they may have to engage in writing activities. It offers many extraordinary and helpful features and is downloadable on your devices. Read More WatchMinder This is an assistive technology that may be used by many individuals with learning disability to manage their information through a watch. It may be hard for individuals facing ADD, dyslexia, and other disabilities to manage information in one place. For individuals with learning disabilities, this technology is perfect and convenient for managing their work schedule, home schedule, and many other things. Students may use this technology to manage their study schedule and school schedules as well. This would save them a lot of time. The watch vibrates and gives the users a reminder about what to do. It is easy to use as it uses on-screen programming to use the device. Watch minders is a great tool to manage day-to-day activities by disabled individuals. Conversor Personal FM Assistive Listening Device with TV Amplifier This is a great assistive technology that can be used effectively by individuals with learning disabilities. Through this technology, individuals with hearing issues would be able to hear what a person is saying as it decreases unwanted sounds and focuses only on specific sounds. The user could hear clearly by using a microphone that is part of the technology. This technology could also be used in classroom settings by students through which they may be able to better comprehend the course material. Adults may also use it when they attend work seminars to understand the material being communicated. It uses T-coli instruments and allows users to hear sounds that are about 150 feet away. Through this adaptive technology, disabled individuals would be able to hear the sounds they want more clearly. TrackerPro This is an assistive technology that may aid individuals with learning disabilities. This technology may be used in the classroom by students to help research for their essays or study for tests. It may also be used by adults at work to engage in activities that require computer usage effectively. This technology would allow individuals with learning disabilities to explore more about the world without any geographical limitations like other people. With these assistive technologies, individuals would be able to use the computer to their full advantage like others do. TrackerPro uses a camera to place a dot on the forehead of a person using it. The mouse of the computer moves according to the dot movements. It works exactly like any other mouse, but the specialty is that it works without using one’s hands. Read more MobileConnect This is an assistive technology that may be used by people with learning disability. Many individuals with learning disabilities may find it hard to listen to sound over long distances. This technology allows you to connect to Wi-Fi and listen to sound over long distances through your smartphone. Disabled students may use this technology in the classroom to listen to what the professor is saying. Adults may use it to hear sound from long distances as well like in a seminar. Through this technology, disabled individuals may hear sound more efficiently and clearer than before through their smartphones. IN SUMMARY Individuals with learning disabilities are unable to perform certain actions compared to their age group. However, learning disability effects in individuals could decrease by using assistive technologies. These technologies help special needs individuals to conduct daily activities like reading, writing, hearing, and much more. The article discusses some technologies that may be helpful for individuals with learning disabilities to perform the same tasks as other people of similar age. They may go to school and work despite having a learning disability due to these assistive technologies. Individuals with a learning disability are eligible for many disability tax benefits from the Canadian Government. Parents could apply for Child Disability Benefits on behalf of their kids while adults can apply for Disability Tax credits and CPP Disability Benefits. --- - Published: 2017-07-20 - Modified: 2025-12-19 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/peoples-experiences-fibromyalgia-challenging-condition/ For decades millions of people have been living with a challenging and painful condition known as fibromyalgia. When the condition first appeared, many people were told they were simply getting older, or these were the normal aches and pains of daily life. All too often it was misdiagnosed as something else. So, what is fibromyalgia? Check out our guide for Disability Tax Credit Guide for Canadians Suffering from Fibromyalgia Understanding Fibromyalgia-Challenging Condition According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Skin Diseases, (NIAMS) fibromyalgia is: “a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue. People with fibromyalgia have pain and tenderness throughout the body. People with fibromyalgia may also have other symptoms, such as: Trouble sleeping Unrefreshed sleep Depression Widespread aches and pains Morning stiffness Headaches Painful menstrual periods Tingling or numbness in hands and feet Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called “fibro fog”). The NIAMS states that the cause of fibromyalgia can be many things, but scientists don’t yet completely understand the condition. Some believe repetitive injuries could be involved, others suspect a genetic source for the illness, and some relate it to a traumatic event or accident. No matter what the source is finally revealed to be, people with fibromyalgia face numerous challenges to pick up their lives once the condition sets in. Getting Diagnosis Fibromyalgia-Challenging Condition One of the constants in the reports of people who connected with this writer was that doctors typically told them they’d probably had fibromyalgia for many years. But, attaining a diagnosis isn’t easy. According to research conducted by the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia is often difficult to diagnose because it mimics other conditions. Therefore, doctors are often stymied by the convergence of symptoms which could be other conditions. Also, many people with fibromyalgia often have co-morbidity with other conditions. To complicate matters even further, there is no specific test for fibromyalgia. No imaging test or blood test can confirm or deny the presence of fibromyalgia -Challenging Condition Why Fibromyalgia Is Difficult To Treat First, there are so many widespread symptoms related to fibromyalgia, that the doctor can sometimes be overwhelmed by how to assist their patients with this condition. Second, many doctors have little to no understanding of fibromyalgia and tend to prescribe anti-depressants and/or pain medication and send the patient home. This isn’t nearly enough to help someone and could aggravate the situation. The person may believe this is sufficient but become despondent when they realize it’s not working. Doctors may respond by simply increasing the dosage of the medications, which causes additional problems such as prescription addiction or dependence. To treat fibromyalgia proactively, there needs to be a team approach. The team should ideally be assembled by either the doctor or a physiotherapist. Sometimes teams can be assembled at a pain clinic that specializes in the treatment of fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions. Some people have found relief through alternative and/or complementary medicine and treatments. These include: Homeopathy Herbal medicine Acupuncture Chinese medicine Reflexology As with all conditions, it’s imperative to do some homework to find a treatment that works for the individual. People Living With Fibromyalgia Speak Up In the preparation of this article, there was an opportunity to speak with and interview several people who live with fibromyalgia. Consistency in these was that fibromyalgia can be coped with, but it’s never easy. While we know fibromyalgia is not progressive, we also know it tends to last throughout the person’s lifetime. However, that will NOT always be the case. Some people will experience remission, or find themselves pain-free through specific treatments. But, this is the exception rather than the rule at this time. One person stated they now live pain-free, but all the others interviewed maintained they cope with various strategies. Some of the strategies currently being used are: Lyrica: A prescription drug that helps some but not everyone Cymbalta: A prescription drug to help with the onset of depression. Again, it helps some, but not everyone Medical Marijuana: Taken as a sublingual oil, several people reported this as being very helpful with the pain of fibromyalgia(Alternative therapies ). Intravenous Lidocaine and Ketamine: Helpful, but only for a short time Anti-inflammatory diet Most individuals who responded to a request for an interview reiterated some of the same strategies: Don’t let the condition control you, or define you Try different strategies if one isn’t working. What works for one person doesn’t work for everyone. Be straightforward with your doctor; let them know exactly what you’re dealing with Try to maintain a positive attitude even though it’s difficult. Giving in to negativity could worsen the situation. Don’t overdo things when you feel well, as this could lead to a relapse. Do what you can. Get plenty of rest. Exercise and stay as active as possible. Try not to focus on it, or talk about it all the time. Allow yourself to live your life as fully as possible. Develop a support network. The network can be comprised of many people such as friends, family, treatment practitioners, and online groups. Several people reported the online network for fibromyalgia is very good and highly supportive. This kind of networking is very positive because it’s online and available 24/7. Try not to burn out your caregivers or supporters. There is such a thing as “caregiver fatigue”. While people mean well, they are not always available to provide the support someone needs. This is why a support network should be comprised of many different types of people. Find someone to talk about it with. This should ideally be a professional counselor or therapist who understands the challenge of coping with chronic pain. This provides a time for the individual to express all of their frustrations and concerns in a safe and supportive environment. Check into as many support networks as possible. Many are online, but some might be right in your community. Find as many ways as possible to bring joy into your life. When one copes with chronic pain, it can be all too easy to give in and allow the pain to take center stage. Try not to allow this to happen. Get together with friends. Watch your favorite shows. Cheer on your favorite teams, but try not to give in. Fibromyalgia isn’t easy but there are many people out there also coping. Let them know you’re out there too and find positive ways to connect. Did you know fibromyalgia qualifies for disability benefits? At Disability Credit Canada, we specialize in helping disabled Canadians obtain CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. Contact us for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2017-06-12 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/top-9-mobile-apps-help-people-with-disability/ Top 9 Mobile apps to help people with Disability Today there are mobile apps for practically everything and everyone. New apps are being developed all the time for people who have a disability. These highly specific apps are designed to make life easier, and more fulfilling beyond just financial assistance through disability tax credit, and certainly, support inclusion and independence. So, who is creating these apps and what can they do? Let’s take a look. Talkitt This app gives a voice to people with speech disorders. “The Talkitt app translates unintelligible pronunciation into understandable speech, allowing people to communicate using their own voice. ” For individuals whose voices are affected by conditions such as ALS, traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy and others, Talkitt is a way for them to finally have communication freedom. Be My Eyes This is an app designed to support persons who are blind or have low vision. The app is not a translation software or voice recognition, but rather, it connects people with low vision, or people who are blind with sighted volunteers. At present, there are 35,000 users on this site, and 500,000 volunteers. It’s well on its way to becoming a great success. Avaz – This app is specifically for children on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Developed in India, it enables kids to communicate using pictures. It can be used by kids and adults. It has a picture and keyboard modes to support both types of communication. It may prove to be highly empowering for those kids who live with speech/communication challenges. RogerVoice This app is for people in the Deaf Culture, or for persons who are Hard of Hearing. This clever app transforms speech into readable text, so that a person can read what another person is saying on the other end of the phone. It launched in 2015 for Android devices. Google Talk Back Since this one is free, it might be worth a try. This app is for people with visual disabilities, and it’s an accessibility feature built into Androids. The app is designed to assist people in interacting with their various devices. While it’s considered very basic compared to other apps, it has vibration and spoken feedback. Since it’s pre-installed on the device, it’s definitely worth a try. Help Talk This app is also free so that’s a bonus right off the top. The purpose of this one is to assist in communications for people who are unable to communicate orally. It’s currently available in 12 languages and has an SOS button to text someone if the person requires immediate assistance. NotNav Here is a novel app, which was created by blind people for blind people. It’s actually a simple GPS navigation guide to use when walking around. The app DOES NOT replace using a guide dog and shouldn’t be thought of as doing so. Dragon Dictation This app is wonderful for people who have limited or no use of their arms. It works by converting speech to text on a tablet or smartphone. It’s reported to have a high degree of accuracy and is very helpful with social media interactions. Wheel Mate Finding accessible facilities can often be challenging in the urban environment. Here is an app to help you out. In particular, this app assists individuals to locate accessible parking and bathrooms when they’re on the move. The world of mobile apps for people with disabilities is changing every day. New ideas are being patented and developed. There is a great deal of hope in that people’s lives are being opened up in ways that were previously impossible. Now, the possibility is here. Helpful Resources for People Suffering from Disability 10 Mobile Apps for individuals suffering from Autism Spectrum 2018 Edition 14 Assistive Technologies for Individuals with Learning Disability 10 Best Assistive Technologies for ADD/ADHD 13 Best Mobile Apps for Individuals with ADD/ADHD 2017 Edition --- - Published: 2017-06-09 - Modified: 2026-02-06 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/new-changes-ontario-autism-program/ Many parents throughout Ontario have often struggled to acquire the services and support their children require when they are diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder. There are still many people who don’t understand what ASD is, and so parents and their kids struggle both to cope with the condition and to educate those around them. But, recent changes to the services offered by the Government of Ontario may be providing some relief. What Is "ASD"? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly referred to as Autism, is a complex developmental brain disorder caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. ASD is characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors and is considered to be a lifespan disorder. An estimated 1 in 68 diagnosed children is on the autism spectrum. With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. New Services And Support Are On The Way The fact is that many families rely heavily on government-funded services. When a family suspects their child may have ASD, there is a long journey ahead of them; basically, they must move from suspected diagnosis to diagnosis, to consulting with various doctors/experts regarding treatment, who qualifies for therapy and who doesn’t, and a whole host of other crucial decisions. For years, these parents and their children have faced red tape in planning and acquiring the support they need. Here are some of the details of the new guidelines: The long-awaited new Ontario autism program announced Thursday is aimed at fixing that frustrating process and making sure children and youth until age 18 get the help they need when they need it, said Michael Coteau, minister of children and youth services. “We are not defining services by the age of the child or youth, or by the severity of the child’s autism,” Coteau told a news conference unveiling details of the new program, which rolls out over the next year and includes an investment of $533 million over five years. Ontario Autism Program The new program is excellent news for parents who have a child with ASD. Bruce McIntosh, president of the Ontario Autism Coalition was quoted as saying he was thrilled with the announcement. The program will be administered by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Previously, many kids who were deemed “too high-functioning” found themselves being denied essential government support. That is one of the key changes for this new program. Currently, there are approximately 40,000 kids and teens with ASD in Ontario, and 23,000 of them are still waiting for the necessary services and support. In addition to the reduction of waiting times, and support available for kids at all levels of the spectrum, there will also be an increase in the number of hours per week, they can receive support. However, parents shouldn’t rush out and celebrate just yet. The program won’t roll out until 2018, and there is still no firm decision on how the government will deal with current waiting lists. This program is crucial because there has been great chaos in the community over this issue. The new autism program follows 15 months of chaos for many families of children with the developmental disorder. In a surprise move in March 2016, the province announced a new $333-autism program that made children 5 and older no longer eligible for intensive treatment from the province. The controversial age cap, aimed at cutting wait times and providing treatment at younger ages, when it is most effective, backfired because it affected 3,500 children and left distressed parents suddenly without the help they had been promised. The campaign was called #autismdoesntendat5 by the Ontario Autism Coalition which spearheaded the protest. It’s clear the protest worked because now treatment and services will be determined by clinicians and not program guidelines. This is definitely a hopeful sign for children with ASD in Ontario and provides them with a new way forward. --- - Published: 2017-06-06 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-pension-application-process/ Introduction In this three-part series, the focus is on the CPP Disability Pension application process. This is something Disability Credit Canada knows a great deal about, and their expertise has been valuable to many Canadians. As millions of Canadians cope with a disability, some can continue working and earn a full salary, while others are not so fortunate. For them, the CPP Disability program is the next step in securing some form of regular income. The pension is not a perfect cure by any means, as the amount of funds is extremely limited. Depending on whether you live in Canada, the funds might not last very long at all. For example, it is far more expensive to live in Toronto, ON. , than in Regina, SASK. Eligibility Many do not understand the process, and for this reason, a high percentage of applicants find they are turned down with their original application. Here is the basic requirement for eligibility: “to be eligible for CPP disability payments, you must be between the ages of 18-64, not already receiving CPP retirement payments, made recent contributions at the time you stopped work, and have a disability that is “severe and prolonged” as defined by the CPP legislation. ” Although the above definition serves as a basic understanding of the eligibility issues, it is certainly not all-inclusive. There are additional concerns such as if a person worked in another country, how much a person contributed, and when. These questions need to be answered by a qualified professional who has an extensive background in CPP applications. One of the primary issues of eligibility is whether or not a person is actually “disabled enough” for the pension. This is, in some ways, an arbitrary process. For example, for many years people with mental health issues were less likely to be considered than they are in the present. There are also new conditions arising all the time. A good example would be fibromyalgia, which for many years was considered to be a questionable diagnosis. But, today, fibromyalgia is becoming better understood by doctors as a result of extensive research. However, even if someone has the onset of a condition, it doesn’t necessarily translate into being approved for a pension. The CPP conditions state that the disability must be both “severe” and “prolonged”. But, what does the term severe mean? Does the person have to be in severe pain all the time, or severely limited? Sometimes these criteria are not always completely clear. The fact is, many people qualify for government programs because of disability, but that doesn’t mean they will be approved for the pension. “The law defines a severe disability as one which prevents you from doing your former job, or any other job, on a regular basis. A disability is prolonged, when it is likely to be long term, of indefinite duration, or is likely to result in death. ” Common Application Mistakes One of the most common mistakes people make in the application process is the failure to provide a sufficient amount of information. It is extremely important to be thorough and tell them everything. All applicants need to meet with their G. P. to discuss the application and coordinate their efforts. The application should also know exactly what the doctor plans to say in their portion of the application. In addition, the doctor should be advised that rather than simply signing the form and sending it off, they should attach all relevant information such as test results, physiotherapy reports, discussions with the applicant, and all consultations with specialists. As well, if the applicant has been treated by a specialist, those reports should be attached. In other words, CPP must receive a complete and clear picture of how the applicant’s life is being affected. Also – the doctor should never suggest that the applicant could work in a different job because that’s going to be an automatic refusal. Disability Credit Canada Disability Credit Canada can help applicants through the murky waters of the CPP application process. This is important because with expert advice a person has a much greater chance at being approved. The staff can sit down with you and guide you through the process. In this way, you will understand your chances of being successful rather than doing it on your own. The primary issue in the decision to apply for CPP disability is whether or not an individual can function at any job regularly. This would include the factor of being accommodated for one’s disability. However, even if one is denied the pension, then there is a process of review. A person must apply for reconsideration which is a new review of your application. The best way to engage in the application process is to sit down with the application and read it through. Make sure you know everything that is required. Get all your documents together. Have photocopies of everything in case something should get lost. Once all the documents are compiled, it might help to write a first draft. Say all the things you feel are pertinent to your situation, and then edit out anything that sounds repetitive. The fact is the statements need to be clear and concise. Remember, these people have never met you, and don’t know anything about you. So, if you leave crucial information out, then that could be the difference between acceptance and rejection. Once you’ve created the draft, have it read by an objective reader. In this way, you’ll know if the statements you’ve written make sense. Then, take the draft and edit it down to the key facts and that should be your statement. Read more about: Long-Term Disability Coverage through the Canada Pension Plan --- - Published: 2017-05-13 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-and-depression/ Disability and Depression The idea that some people find it difficult to cope with the onset or an ongoing disability while others cope extremely well isn’t a new concept. Yet, in our modern world, where we have new conveniences and technology to make life far easier for a person with a disability, why do some people continue to find it hard to cope? The experience of living with a disability Each person who lives with a disability not only experiences, their disability differently than others but also copes with their disability in their way. For some people, it’s a minor inconvenience, while for others, it’s highly intrusive and extremely difficult to cope with. Here is an excellent statement from one individual as to how people can become affected by their disability. “I know that depression and disability often go hand in hand. It can be a lifelong struggle filled with much suffering. I believe there to be so many factors that will and can affect people's ability to cope, or not, within these stressful confines. Loss of mobility at any level can obviously greatly impact someone's life and therefore also mood. It is a great loss when you discover your inability to function the way you used to be able to, whether it be cleaning your floors, running with your kids or going out dancing with your friends. Pain can be another great contributing factor to depression in a person with a disability. Are they in constant daily pain? Are they in more pain when they put forth extra effort to maintain normalcy (ie. Sitting/walking/outings)? Must they take pain medications that can exacerbate and/or cause depression? It goes without saying, that employment struggles and/or financial issues will play a dramatic part in one's ability to cope. I feel, that along with finances, isolation and purpose will be the top factors regarding how well someone with a disability may or may not be able to cope well in their life. ” What Causes Depression? The truth is, that depression is an enormous issue in our society. We must talk openly about mental health issues and do our best to raise awareness and educate people about depression and other mental health issues. The onset of a disability is far different that someone who has a congenital disability. The latter has had years to learn how to adapt, cope, use supports (if and when necessary), and create a life that doesn’t focus on their disability. But, the onset of a disability can be a traumatic experience. In some ways, there is a mourning period to grieve for that which the person has lost. The standard progression of the mourning period is: Shock Denial Depression Adjustment/Acceptance Unfortunately, some people get caught in the depression stage and don’t move on to the adjustment/acceptance stage. For many of these people, disability becomes the primary focus of their life and they remain depressed over what they perceive as an unfair situation. Some people might even experience an expanded series of emotional stages represented here : Shock Anxiety Bargaining Denial Mourning Depression Withdrawal Internalized anger Externalized aggression Acknowledgment Acceptance Adjustment The continuing stigma around mental illness & depression One of the major issues regarding depression is the continued stigma in our society regarding mental health issues. Some people simply don’t want to hear the complaints or concerns of others. This is especially true for people who tend to cope well. While they often claim to be understanding and compassionate, they might also form judgmental opinions based on their own ability to cope with the disability. But, depression is real, and it affects millions of people around the world. There is an urgent need to de-stigmatize depression and support people who cope with this debilitating condition. Socially, people often find that others will distance themselves when they speak about their depression. They may even hear complaints such as; “what have you got to be depressed about? So many people have it much harder than you. ” This critical stance only deepens the sense of loneliness, isolation, and desperation so many people with depression cope with on a daily basis. The following quote on stigma comes from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Stigma has been described as ―a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the general public to fear, reject, avoid, and discriminate against people with mental illnesses‖ (President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, p. 4, 2003). When stigma leads to social exclusion or discrimination (―experienced‖ stigma), it results in unequal access to resources that all people need to function well: educational opportunities, employment, a supportive community, including friends and family, and access to quality health care (Link & Phelan, 2001; Corrigan et al. , 2004). These types of disparities in education, employment, and access to care can have cumulative long-term negative consequences. why do some people cope better than others? The truth about coping is that it all comes down to support. People with strong family, social, spiritual, and financial support tend to cope far better than people who don’t have those levels of support in their life. In fact, it is the lack of support that often causes people to commit suicide. Suicide ideation is often based on the reality that a person’s depression or situation is greater than the resources they have to cope with it. This comes down to the reality that many people simply don’t have the support or resources they require to cope. And so, depression takes hold of their lives and for many, it feels as if there is no escape. Resources It is not inherent in the disability experience that someone will experience depression. But, for those who do, there is a need for understanding, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude. If you are someone or know someone who is experiencing depression, here are some excellent resources: The Canadian Mental Health Association --- - Published: 2017-04-27 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/mental-illness-canada/ People with mental illness would seem, on the surface, to have all the support they require in a country like Canada where there is universal healthcare. However, the truth is, that people with mental illness face a number of challenges and barriers to accessing the full spectrum of support they require to live a full life. First, although psychiatric services are covered under universal healthcare, there can often be a very long wait to see someone. This is especially true in a small town, or rural area, where there are very few licensed psychiatrists, and where people often have to travel a long distance to see someone. Another problem is that not everyone is comfortable with the psychiatric model of treatment, and would prefer to see a psychologist or social worker. But they are not covered under government healthcare, and the cost can be prohibitive for many people. The next barrier that is surely a considerable problem for many people is access to newer medications. Once again, these are not covered under healthcare, and they too can be prohibitively expensive. In fact, all of a person’s medications must be paid for by the individual, and this can become problematic for people on a low income. Therefore, some people simply forego medication altogether which can mean their symptoms increase and their condition deteriorates. In 2013, The Globe and Mail wrote an informative piece on this topic and stated: “An estimated 1. 2 million Canadian children are affected by mental illness. Yet, only one in four gets appropriate treatment” In 2015 a survey was conducted by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada @MoodDisordersCa which received 2,245 responses from Canadians across the country. Two of the top key findings related to access to care: Of the top two priorities suggested for government action, a total of 91% of respondents indicated that increasing access to mental healthcare professionals, (e. g. psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, etc. ) was their top priority, while 88% reported the need to focus on increasing community mental health services. These statements support the research findings mentioned in The Globe and Mail in their 2013 article noted above. The survey also reported that people who have extended coverage through their employer tend to fare much better than their counterparts who only have provincial coverage. Concerns were also expressed about the services available in both hospitals and walk-in clinics. In 2016 the Canadian Psychological Association published a paper entitled; “Psychologists Practicing to Scope: The Role of Psychologists in Canada’s Public Institutions”. One of the primary challenges and barriers to the provision of timely and appropriate services for persons with mental health issues was stated thusly: “Decisions to refer patients within systems to other health care providers – specialist physicians as well as other kinds of health providers – are often also the exclusive purview of the “most responsible physician”. This provision creates another bottleneck to care and could reasonably be expanded to the “most responsible clinician”, thereby recognizing the competence and authority of other regulated health care providers to initiate referrals” As this report notes, one of the most significant barriers for Canadians with mental health issues continues to be that admittance and triage rest solely in the hands of physicians. This means that even if a person is being treated by a qualified Clinical Psychologist they will have to be referred to a psychiatrist to be admitted into a hospital because this is the way the system functions. The report also made the following recommendations: Reduce the time needed for emergency room assessment of risks of harm to self or others (certification assessment) Reduce decision time in determining the need for admission to inpatient mental health services Remove bottlenecks where patients wait for mental health and behavioral health assessment and diagnosis (triage) Facilitate quicker access to needed services because more people can be triaged more quickly Ensure availability of care at critical points in illness affecting health outcomes that serve to reduce the negative impact on productivity, inflation of third-party insurance costs, and negative impact on the economy Reduce the burden of care on family physicians in the provision of community-based health services Facilitate the delivery of seamless interdisciplinary healthcare within public healthcare institutions Enhance greater equity in access to mental health care for Canadians adequate mental health services for Canadians is very poor. People are not being diagnosed or treated in adequate time, people lack access to the services they require, services are often prohibitively expensive, proper services are unavailable in certain areas, and people are not accessing or able to pay for the medication they require. This is a terrible indictment of our system which is failing far too many Canadians who cope with mental illness. While awareness campaigns are important to address the issues of education and understanding, this is completely unhelpful if people aren’t getting the treatment and support they desperately need. Clearly, Canada’s healthcare system is failing people with mental health issues. The concerns addressed by the Canadian Psychological Association need to be taken seriously and addressed immediately. Too many people’s lives and well-being hang in the balance. In addition to these concerns, Canada must address the trauma caused by residential schools to the First Nations People of this country. Their specific needs must be addressed. These communities have ongoing needs for appropriate mental health services that are culturally appropriate and designed for and by the communities themselves. Access to these services is a critical issue in this country. Canada prides itself on offering universal healthcare but that is perhaps no longer the truth. Mental health services are equally important to other healthcare services and it is unthinkable that they continue to be of lower concern to those who enact the policies in this country. Should Minister Carla Qualtrough enact a Canadians with Disabilities Act, it must also address the needs of persons with mental health issues and challenges, otherwise, it will be another inadequate piece of legislation. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim the disability tax credit. Give us a call today to get a free assessment. Helpful Resources for People Suffering from Disability Ultimate CPP Disability Guide Long-Term Disability Claims and Appeal Common Medical Conditions Eligible for Long-Term Disability Benefits --- - Published: 2017-04-17 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/down-syndrome-downside-of-advanced-prenatal-screening/ Prenatal Screening and Down Syndrome: Stigma, Choice, and Support Your chest tightens and your throat constricts. The low buzz builds into a sharp ringing in your ears and drowns out your words. But you know you said it aloud because the doctor nods. You know you said it aloud, but you don’t feel any better. “Down syndrome,” you re-read the neat black words. What now? Down Syndrome Detection Rates in Prenatal Screening According to Prenatal Screening Ontario, “of every 100 pregnancies with Down syndrome, about 80-85 will be detected (80-85%)” within the first-trimester screening. The accuracy rate is impressive and reliable and reflected in a review published in the medical journal Prenatal Diagnosis which reports that 67-85% of women choose to terminate their pregnancies upon learning that their baby has Down syndrome. Every 100 pregnancies with Down syndrome, about 80-85 will be detected (80-85%) within the first trimester screening. Regardless of women’s rights, personality, morality, and the minefield that is familial and social conviction, a decision is to be made. And like all decisions, to be on one side is to alienate oneself against the other – to become a lightning rod for vicious attacks of character and value. While statistics run high on abortion among women carrying babies diagnosed with Down syndrome, it is ultimately irrelevant to individual decisions. And ultimately, no matter what the outcome, it is highly stigmatized in the public eye. Abort a Baby With Down Syndrome? For women who choose to abort a baby with Down syndrome, mental, emotional, and physical distress are the least of their worries. Outside of the clinic, their decision is questioned, condemned, and even ridiculed, particularly if they have expressed a strong desire to carry the child to full term. Despite concrete reasoning on their behalf – ranging from possible health complications to lack of resources and financial difficulties – it is never good enough to justify their right to a personal resolution. While statistics run high to abortion among women carrying babies diagnosed with Down syndrome. Perhaps the most damning perception is the popular belief that those who choose to abort a baby with Down syndrome are simply undeserving of children. Labeled as lazy, heartless, and reckless, women who chose abortion based on prenatal screening undergo enormous social antagonism. It is as if the notion of motherhood is tied exclusively to the physical birthing and nurturing of a child, not the difficulties of discerning the best action for the child given the circumstances that they are in with the knowledge that they have. Those who choose to abort a baby with Down syndrome are still mothers – they are simply mothers that understand one of the true definitions of motherhood. Choosing to Carry a Baby With Down Syndrome Here, it’s important to distinguish that motherhood is defined differently from woman to woman, it’s highly personal and nuanced. Abortion based on prenatal screening might be unthinkable to some individuals and that is an equally conscious and valid decision. Such a choice does not “burden society” or cause “unneeded stress” as per the common thought. The so-called “unfortunate consequences” are not only a public perception, but wholly wrong given the rich and rewarding lives children with Down syndrome can lead. Advocating for a Special Needs Child What’s more? Aside from constantly advocating for their special needs child to guarantee equal treatment and opportunities, women who choose not to abort a baby with Down syndrome are subtly encouraged to abstain from having future children. Choosing to have a child with Down syndrome is akin to confirming a diagnosis of an infectious sexually transmitted disease – abstinence is highly recommended. In the end, the carefully thought out decision to not abort a baby with Down syndrome is regarded as passive acceptance of fate and genetic complications, not an active role in doing what’s best for their child based on the knowledge and circumstances that they have. Regardless of political, religious, and social ideals, advanced prenatal screening is not a moral test to be passed or failed. Women who choose to abort a baby with Down syndrome have the same justified reasoning as women who choose not to abort. It is not black and white, or even shades of grey – the choice to abort a baby with Down syndrome is a multicolored and multifaceted decision that is unique to every woman. Regardless of political, religious and social ideals, advanced prenatal screening is not a moral test to be passed or failed. Support, Inclusion, and Resources for Families In this modern age, either choice should be validated and supported by their respective and opposing communities. Despite the acute discrimination and prejudice against women faced with the decision to abort, the reality is that there is no better time to be faced with such a decision than the current time. Liberal in thought and with incredible advances in family planning technology, those who choose abortion are guided by professional expertise and care. Likewise, for children born with Down syndrome, mainstream education has made the inclusion and acceptance of children with special needs not just a promise, but a standard. It is not black and white, or even shades of grey – the choice to abort a baby with Down syndrome is a multicolored and multifaceted decision that is unique to every woman. Above all, faced with such a complex and socially stigmatized decision, all women must be aware of the resources available to them on either side of the choice. Whether it is psychological counseling or financial assistance, they have the right to secure what is best for them, their child, and their family. While it might never be an easy decision, it needs to be supported wholeheartedly by all. Disability Benefits and Financial Support in Canada We at Disability Credit Canada are committed to assisting disabled Canadians in securing CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. Contact us today for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2017-04-15 - Modified: 2026-01-23 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/men-with-disabilities/ Men with disabilities have long faced a plethora of issues with respect to body image, relationships, sexuality, employment and financial stability. Even in an age when women are fully present in the workforce (although still earning less money on the dollar than men), men continue to cope with the image of the ‘primary earner’, ‘the provider’, and similar stereotypes. But, men still find they must live up to the images that confront them on a daily basis – the image of the ‘well-made’ man, the physically fit metrosexual, the sexy single man, and the solid married, family man. If a woman walks into a bar and has a choice between a man who uses a wheelchair, and the man standing next to him, would she make a choice based on ‘notions of ableism’? Or, would she wait until she actually has the opportunity to meet and talk with both men? DiscriminationIn Part 1 of this series, the focus was on women with disabilities. The research world-wide continues to support the premise that they face double discrimination; that they are at far more of a disadvantage than a man with a disability. That does not however imply that men with disabilities don’t also face their own challenges and barriers. In the example of the woman in the bar, it is likely that a high percentage of women would first go for the man they perceived of as ‘able’. Why? Because society continues to portray the average man as being fit, healthy and handsome – that implies able. Manhood and MasculinityIn very real ways, men face distinct forms of social pressure to be a certain kind of man and to uphold society’s outdated notions of manhood and masculinity. At no time, should we ignore or even lessen our efforts to substantially reduce and hopefully eliminate violence and abuse of women with disabilities. Still, it is also true that men with disabilities have been demonized, abused and assaulted. I know dozens of disabled men who have suffered serious violence or sexual abuse who have been afraid to tell someone for fear of being disbelieved, blamed or ridiculed. Marginalizing the issues of disabled men in the service of a one-sided gendered approach ultimately undermines the good work of the disability rights movement during the last 50 years – it shifts the focus from a humanitarian movement to a largely sexist one from within its own culture. Read More In 2011 The Journal of Preventive Medicine published a study on the sexual abuse of men with disabilities. While the topic of abuse of women with disabilities is being widely studied and recognized, the situation for men with disabilities is not as well known. Men with disabilities are at a heightened risk for lifetime and current sexual violence victimization," according to lead investigator Monika Mitra, PhD, Research Scientist, Center for Health Policy and Research, and Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School. "The most notable finding is that the prevalence of lifetime sexual violence, completed rape, and attempted rape against men with disabilities was comparable to that against women without disabilities, and past-year rates for men with disabilities exceeded those for women without disabilities. " Read MoreMental IllnessFor men with mental health issues, the barriers are often significant. As discussed in a previous article series on mental illness in Canada, there continues to be a high prevalence of stigma in the lives of people coping with mental illness. Men may feel this to be especially difficult given that there are still additional stigmas for men who reveal themselves to have a weakness of any kind. Ideas of masculinity and sexuality may be considerably difficult for a man with a disability. Some would suggest that the notion of masculinity has begun to evolve and society no longer believes in the concept of the ‘rugged man’ as the ideal. Many would like to believe that this notion of masculinity is no longer important. But, is that actually true? Conceptually speaking, the common definitions of masculinity and disability are like oil and water and as such, in practice, each tends to assume something different about the person: disability as limited to the other and masculinity as proof of the self. Because disability has often been constructed as the ‘other’ in our society, it often eclipses other aspects of a person’s identity. For example, once the late actor and activist Christopher Reeve became a quadriplegic as a result of a horse-riding accident, he was invariably described as having a disability and everything else became secondary. The same has been true for actor Michael J. Fox who has Parkinson’s. He has helped to raise millions of dollars for medical research yet every article first lists the fact that he copes with Parkinson’s (even though this is already well-known). an actor, father, and husband all somehow fit into the description of him later in the articles. Disability becomes an all-encompassing way of viewing a person no matter how much they accomplish, or how recognizable they are. Networking & FriendshipAnother aspect of our society is the value on independence. Anyone who has to ‘ask’ for assistance or support is somehow deemed to be weaker or ‘less able’. Yet, society also recognizes the importance of networking, connecting, friendship, moral support, and togetherness. For all these values, a man with a disability somehow has to navigate the two worlds and do so without asking for support – he must be the rugged individual, the capable metrosexual who is invariably successful and stable, yet also own the disability and accept that people will see him as the ‘other’. Gender and disability is not an easy topic, nor is it fully covered here. These ideas are simply the tip of a much deeper and more complex situation. Even with the evolution of roles and insights into gender and identity, masculinity is somehow still connected to ideas of power and autonomy, whereas disability is still connected to notions of dependency. These constructs will not easily be broken down. But, with the power of the disability rights movement continually on the rise, there is at least hope in the future for men with a disability. Disability Credit Canada is dedicated to helping disabled Canadians obtain CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. Reach out for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2017-04-07 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disabled-and-queer/ Disabled and Queer In the second part of this series, the focus is on the intersectionality between ‘being Queer and having a disability’. The following quote is from Bob Guter, editor of Bent: A Journal of CripGay Voices. As we pursue love and work and physical autonomy while being ignored by our nondisabled gay brothers, as we struggle to feel whole in the face of slurs, stares, and outright discrimination, is it any wonder that managing our identities leaves us neither the time nor the energy for activism? Or is that position merely an excuse for ethical sloth? LGBT Disability In an era where identity is a hotly contested issue almost everywhere including Parliament (and its counterparts in other countries), social media, television, film, and music, to be queer and have a disability is to live in a world where being ignored is almost commonplace. A search on Twitter revealed two groups that explore these domains – LGBT Disability @lgbt_disability and Disability LGBT @DisabilityLGBT. Twitter has approximately 300 million registered users, so the fact that only two groups exist (or at least identify) as queer and having a disability speaks volumes for the lack of attention to the needs of this community. Social Construct of Disability The social construct of disability has provided a new paradigm for our perceptions of different bodies. Disability becomes the barrier that societies create in order to prevent complete equality and inclusion. Impairment becomes that which is located in a person’s body. To cope with society’s prejudicial beliefs and ongoing lack of complete equality and accessibility is one distinct battle. When you add the issue of coming out to one’s family, friends, colleagues, and others, there are two crucial spaces for understanding and creating one’s identity. Some people come out first as queer, whereas others are more aware of having a disability before any notions of their sexuality. “Disability came before any kind of sexual awakening, and the only way I can remember certain parts of my life is when I use the awakening of my disability as a checkpoint. I remember I was starting a new school at my church and I was crushing on a female friend who went there. I never told her. ” - Chiara “Queer first. I didn't know that mental disabilities were disabilities until I was in college. I just thought I was a fucked up person. They are as extricable as any other aspects of my identity. ” - billie rain Being Queer The intersectionality of being queer and having a disability first became recognized at a San Francisco conference organized by San Francisco State University. Entitled Queerness and Disability, it acknowledged the genuine need of people in these communities in this way: “... a shared understanding of disability as neither tragic nor pitiful, but rather as an integral part of who we are, the social conditions of ableism as big a concern as the bodily, cognitive, sensory, and/or emotional impairments we face... It’s a radical act, a daring act, a brand new act for queer crips to talk about sex. ” Another powerful statement offers insight into the experiences of being queer and having a disability: On one hand, as queers, we are perverse, immoral, depraved, shaped as oversexed child molesters or as invisible creatures, legislated out of existence. Intersectionality of Disability And Gender When we study intersectionality of disability and gender it offers us a window into the experiences of people who have been shunted to the side even by the very movements which are designed to provide empowerment, connections, brotherhood/sisterhood, and companionship of identity. Both the disability rights movement and the queer pride movement must acknowledge the importance of how these two areas of identity meet and impact each other. People with disabilities continue to deal with societies that do not prioritize accessibility and equality. Even in Canada where we have a Prime Minister who is fully supportive of the rights of people with disabilities and the LGBT community (in fact, he walked in both the Pride Parades of Toronto and Vancouver), the struggles continue for people in their individual lives. Both queerness and having a disability are still stigmatized in our society, as we fight ableism and homophobia. For centuries people with disabilities have been thought of as asexual and somehow uninterested in the notion of sexual desires, erotica, and sexual intimacy. This ridiculous notion constructs people with disabilities as children who are happy to just be noticed and not have to deal with the complexities of relationships, marriage, partnerships, and sex. People with disabilities must continually educate others on what should be a commonly acknowledged fact – they experience the same sexual needs and desires as anyone, whether or not they are heterosexual or LGBT. A Queer Disability Anthology QDA: A Queer Disability Anthology edited by Raymond Luczak and published by Squares & Rebels Press is one of those books that will help to educate people and enlighten them to the reality of being queer and disabled. One of the most poignant quotes from Luczak is this: Ultimately, QDA is an appeal to the common humanity that binds us all — or should bind us all. We all want love. We all want to belong. As Luczak writes so beautifully in the introduction, “Here we are, coming out not only as queer and disabled but also as human beings in these pages ... Stop keeping us at arm’s length. Interact with us. Make friends. Maybe you’ll fall in love. (Hey, you never know! ). ” The notion of the able body has historically been linked to industriousness. Able is categorized and connected to the idea of vitality, health, capability, and wellness. Disability has been historically defined as the person lacking something in themselves which prevents them from being ‘fully able’. While this construct is slowly breaking down, when it intersects with queerness which continues to be a topic of debate in many countries, the body disabled and the body queer are pushed together. Whether or not society can ever fully free itself of Middle Age myths and fantasies of what constitutes an ‘able individual’, people who are also queer fight the identity battle on two fronts. One need only look at events in the U. S. today to see how vulnerable the queer community can be even in modern times. As well, the decades-long fight for equality and accessibility is now witnessing an erosion of those rights as the ADA faces strong challenges and funding for much-needed programs will likely be slashed. Queer—disabled people must have the support of the movements which fight for their rights separately but on a joint platform. Until both of those movements somehow integrate and accelerate their efforts, the people who identify as queer and disabled will be the ones fighting on the front lines. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability tax credit. Read our Disability Tax Credit ultimate resource guide. --- - Published: 2017-04-04 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/kids-and-teens-with-disabilities-to-confront-bullying/ Practical Strategies for Coping and Confronting Bullies In the first part of this series, the focus was on an exploration of bullying and how it impacts the lives of kids and teens with disabilities. Here we focus on practical strategies for coping with and confronting bullies. First, no one needs to be silent about bullying; this only empowers them to keep on hurting people. The people to speak to are: Parents Older siblings Teachers Counselors Sometimes even adults don’t take reports of bullying seriously. The best way to deal with this is to keep a list or journal of incidents. Be as detailed as possible so that when you do talk to someone you can be clear about what took place. Don’t wait too long before you speak to someone. Chances are the bullying will escalate. Try not to spend time around the person who has been bullying you. Seek out other friends and kids/teens to be around. Strategies for Kids and Teens With Disabilities to Confront Bullying The following strategies could prove to be helpful: Explain the concept of bullying – what can happen, what it sounds/looks like, and make sure your kids fully understand. Teach them not to react – bullies feed on the reactions of others – they tend to prey on vulnerable people. Try to establish a mentoring situation – another student who will partner with your kid – bullies tend not to be effective when peers intervene. Spend time with your kids and explain the ins and out’s of cyber-bullying – they need to understand the different ways in which the Internet can be both a fun, entertaining place, but also unsafe. Work with teachers and other educators to provide anti-bullying awareness training, prevention, and intervention strategies at schools and community centers. Make sure you understand everything that is already being done at your kid’s school and support those efforts – don’t assume efforts or measures are not in place. Review your county’s Code of Conduct to familiarize yourself with all of its measures. Do not under any circumstances allow a school to ignore specific complaints about bullying – sometimes a teacher or other school staff member may not wish to get involved, or they don’t believe the allegations for some reason. Be persistent. Write everything down. Get legal help when necessary. Make sure your kid gets all the support they need – counseling, peer support, understanding, compassion, and talk it out with them and handle all problems as quickly as possible Teach your kids how to use the Internet safely – they must understand that some websites, forums, and chat sites can be dangerous Speak with your kids about their experiences with others – try not to let them get away with saying “everything is fine” if your instincts tell you otherwise. Recognizing the Signs Your Child Is Being Bullied The U. K. has published a wonderful guide on this topic. In this excellent workbook, parents are encouraged to recognize the signs their kids are being bullied: Becoming withdrawn Coming home with cuts and bruises Refusing to go to school or a youth club – anywhere where the bullies are. Doing less well at their schoolwork Changes in their mood – becoming depressed, angry, unhappy Changes in their behavior, for example, wetting the bed Cyber-Bullying and Kids With Disabilities The topic of cyberbullying has earned a reputation for being one of the more pernicious and difficult forms of bullying to cope with. It is not possible to simply walk away from the Internet as it serves an important role in communications on multiple levels. Kids and teens regularly use the Internet for school, entertainment, and their social lives. The ramifications of cyberbullying can and have been devastating. There have even been suicides as a result of this horrific form of hate. Six specific cases are worth reading about if only to be fully informed on the subject. One of the more common problems related to cyberbullying is the desire and tendency for young people to retaliate. This is a mistake and will only cause the bullying to intensify. An overview of the literature on the research into cyber-bullying and disability provides this important insight into the nature of the problem: cyberbullying differs in several ways that make it a serious problem. First, it can be anonymous and need not involve the power imbalance of other forms of bullying. Second, cyberbullying potentially has many more observers. Hostile or insulting comments and embarrassing photos posted on a social networking site or sent in messages can spread quickly and widely. Third, cyberbullying is harder to regulate and supervise because it occurs outside the presence of adults at schools. Cyberbullies have access to electronic media at almost any time and any place. The challenge of coping with cyberbullying is a terrible knowledge of how widespread the comments and/or photos can go. Kids and teens can suffer a terrible sense of shame, humiliation, and embarrassment mixed with anger, confusion, and frustration. Parents feel compelled to do ‘something’ that can comfort their children and save them from any further harm. Sadly, the Internet empowers bullies even with new laws in place that prosecute them when they’re found. The lines between someone’s real identity and their virtual identity become blurred, and it’s often difficult to track down someone who knows how to use the technology to hide in cyberspace. The Need for Anti-Bullying Policies and Social Change “By definition, bullying involves an imbalance of power in which the victim lacks the resources to respond in a way that stops the hurtful behavior. ” The persistence of bullying in our society suggests the need for immediate and ongoing changes to adopt best practices which can address this problem. Schools and agencies must have anti-bullying programs and policies plus the structure to support them. Teachers, counsellors and staff should be trained to understand and recognize the problem. But, there is a need to transform our social environments so that bullying is not just illegal or ‘wrong’ but strongly discouraged. Society has a responsibility to create an environment on a large-scale in which bullying will not be tolerated. There needs to be an improved process for tracking and reporting incidents not only in schools but other environments such as cyberspace. Only then will kids and teens with disabilities find it easier to cope. Disability Benefits Support for Families in Canada We specialize in helping disabled Canadians secure CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits at Disability Credit Canada. Reach out for a complimentary assessment. --- - Published: 2017-03-30 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/bullying-kids-teens-with-disabilities/ Our mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credits, Long Term Disability Benefits & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & benefits. In this endeavor, we have worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians and we recognize the difficulties they face in their everyday life. An issue of epidemic proportions is affecting kids and teens with disabilities around the world; the bullying of kids and teens with disabilities. Per a WHO survey, Canada ranked a dismal 27th in its anti-bullying efforts. Bullying morphs into many forms – acts of physical bullying/abuse, cyber-bullying – online harassment, and bullying, According to the National Bullying Prevent Center, @PACER_NBPC: Students with disabilities are much more likely to be bullied than their non-disabled peers Bullying affects a student’s ability to learn The adult response is important Bystanders have power – more than 50% of bullying stops when peers intervene As we explore this issue, it is vital to recognize that some individuals with disabilities are fully capable of standing up for themselves and ‘fighting back’ if necessary – even in a physical confrontation. But, that is not the case for all kids and teens with disabilities. Bullying is often defined as: Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children. It involves a real or perceived power imbalance and the behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Read more Some of the factors which lead to situations where kids and teens can be bullied are: Level of emotional or physical vulnerability of the individual with the disability Environmental situations that foster intolerant attitudes and beliefs Social skills of the kids and teens involved Kids with conditions such as ADHD, and ADD and those on the Autism Spectrum are often more at risk Kids with serious allergies are often made fun of and harassed by other kids who perceive them as weak and vulnerable Kids and teens with obvious physical issues such as Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy More bullying occurs in primary than secondary schools In-person bullying will take many forms: Physical and/or verbal bullying and harassment Taunting an individual – making fun of their ‘differences’ or ‘challenges’ Ostracizing/excluding/shunning them from social activities Inappropriate sexual comments Name calling Insults Threats Rumor spreading Gossip Racial slurs Victimizing Stealing food such as snacks and lunches Kids and teens with disabilities face these dangers each day, and although a tremendous amount of public awareness, information, and education exists around bullying, the problem persists. In one Australian report, families reported that schools made excuses for the students who bullied others claiming that they were “just being teenagers”, or “they were provoked”, or “it’s not such a big problem”, “it’s a really difficult problem and we’re doing our best”. A Canadian report produced by the McMaster University-based Center for Childhood Disability Research @canchild_ca states that bullying has become such a prevalent problem here in Canada that The Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network (PREVNet) was established. This is a national network of researchers, community organizations, and governments that aims to prevent and stop bullying in Canada. The network has become Canada’s national authority on bullying. One of the first steps parents must take is to familiarize themselves with the signs of bullying. A few of these signs are: Fearful of going to school Complaints of feeling unwell – constant headaches Difficulty sleeping – nightmares Lonely, isolated, few friends Bossy and manipulative behavior Acting out at home with anger and frustration Easily frustrated and quick to anger Injuries, bruising or damaged clothing/articles Bullying should not be misinterpreted as simply a ‘problem at school’. It is a major health problem. Children who are bullied are at greater risk for a high degree of serious health problems and consequences: Children who are bullied suffer from a higher degree of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies Children who are bullied tend to miss more school, show less interest in their studies, and even earn lower grades Children who are bullied are often highly traumatized which can last well into their teens and adult years Children who are bullied often suffer from low self-esteem, and low self-confidence, and often live more isolated, lonely lives Children who are bullied often develop a series of eating and other disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, poor eating habits, Bullying is rarely a one-time situation. Bullies rely on their ability to continue bullying others over some time. It is a form of abuse and will also likely escalate. If a bully begins by insulting a fellow student with a disability and faces no repercussions, they are more likely to bully again. Over time the incidents will intensify and possibly transform into physical violence. As the bully realizes they can get away with this dysfunctional behavior they will continue the negative pattern. Kids and teens with disabilities require specific education about bullying. They need to know how to recognize it, how to respond to it, how to shut it down, and how to report it. Above all, they need to learn not to allow themselves to become victimized. If an individual has communication or language issues, they may be especially at risk because of the challenge of standing up for themselves and communicating the risk to others. Bullies usually select weaker and relatively defenseless students as their targets. This is why they will often target peers with disabilities. The bully understands the individual is perhaps less able to fight back or stand up for themselves. Their profile as a stronger student to gather other students to engage in group bullying which can be especially dangerous. Group bullying can quickly escalate into a situation where someone can be seriously hurt or even hospitalized for injuries. Kid and teens with disabilities often attract the attention of students and others who view them as an easy target for the person’s anger and frustration. The longer the situation persists, the greater the likelihood that there will be serious repercussions for both students/individuals. Bullying needs to be reported as quickly as possible so that teachers, parents, and others can implement a positive solution. If not, both the bully and the victim will suffer. The victim is at risk for serious injuries and even suicide (which is explored in the next article in this series), and the bully is at risk of becoming a lifelong criminal. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability tax credit. Read our Child Disability Tax Credit Guide --- - Published: 2017-03-28 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-effect-of-disability-on-woman-in-canada/ Women and Disability: How Gender Intersects With Disability, Poverty, and Violence As a woman with a disability, I am, of course, interested in the intersection of gender, politics, and disability. In this 3-part series, the following topics will be explored: Women and disability Pride and disability – The LGBTQ community of people with disabilities Men and disability It is a fact of research that more women than men are declared to be a ‘person with a disability’. The question for this article and this series, is how and why does gender intersect with the discourse on disability? The research also indicates women are less likely to have access to key services such as rehabilitation, more likely to be poor, and less likely to have paid employment. Another serious issue is that women with disabilities are more likely to experience domestic violence/abuse. Psycho-Social Challenges Women With Disabilities Face There is ample evidence that women with disabilities experience major psycho-social problems that remain largely neglected including depression, stress, lowered self-esteem, and social isolation (Nosek and Hughes 2003). A 2015 report published by the U. N. recognized that women and girls with disabilities are “ invisible, both to the advocates of women’s rights and of disability rights and this has increased their vulnerability. ” The report also acknowledged that women with disabilities are more likely to experience abuse, violence, and marginalization. Women With Disabilities, Aging Populations, and Increased Vulnerability As our populations age (especially in North America), but life expectancy increases, the likelihood of people experiencing some form of disability also increases. Just as all women face the specter of gender discrimination, women with disabilities face this at even higher rates. We are less likely to be employed, financially stable, participate widely in social activities, enjoy overall good health, and have a strong support network. These factors, in turn, lead to higher degrees of vulnerability and psychological stress. Thus, while it is also true that the international community has begun to address the issue of violence against women, generally, the specific issue of violence against women and girls with disabilities, in particular, needs more responses and specific attention. Empowerment, Equality, and Representation for Women With Disabilities In the fight for empowerment for girls and women, those with disabilities must not only be physically included but consulted at the highest level. The needs of girls and women with disabilities are, in many ways, similar to their peers, but there are also specific needs such as accessibility in all its aspects that must be considered. We also belong in the fight for equality, recognition, and empowerment. Reproductive Rights and Forced Sterilization On the issue of reproductive rights, girls and women face some of the same, yet uniquely different needs. There have been centuries of forced sterilization of girls and women with disabilities, and those with intellectual disabilities are especially at risk. Feminist Action and Disability Leadership Many of us seek an intersectional approach whereby women with disabilities assume leadership roles in the development of the agendas of worldwide feminist action and networking. The women’s movement must own the diversity of its constituents and this is finally beginning to happen. Groups such as the Gender and Development Network @GAD_Network are involved with the challenging task of vocalizing the issues related to gender and disability. A long-time Canadian group, D. A. W. N. @DAWNRAFHCanada has been an icon in the activist movement for the rights of women with disabilities. This seminal action-oriented group formed in 1985 and two of its founding members, Joanne Doucette and Pat Israel are women I greatly admire. Women With Disabilities in Developing Countries In developing countries face considerable barriers and challenges. These have been linked to issues such as the male-dominated world of sport, class, culture, body image, and dress in addition to religious, traditional, and cultural beliefs regarding the role of women. In 2015, Handicap International @HI_UnitedStates published the following report - Making it Work initiative on gender and disability inclusion: Advancing equity for women and girls with disabilities. Unfortunately, in the world, little attention is given to the situation of more than a half billion women and girls with disabilities, this despite evidence indicating that they are more likely to experience violence than their peers without disabilities. Domestic Violence, Gender-Based Abuse, and Accessibility Needs There has been an increase in attention on the serious matter of domestic violence and gender-based abuse. In this area, there is a definite need for increased policies and programming targeted directly at girls and women with disabilities. The programs and safeguards set up for girls and women are not necessarily at all suited to the needs of those with disabilities. Thus, shelters, hospital programs, women’s services, Internet sites, and the police must ensure they have information available in print, Braille, large print, audio cassette, and Sign Language Interpreters available to potential clients. Without these, the barriers remain in place and girls and women are prevented from seeking and attaining the help and support they need. Human Trafficking and Girls With Disabilities In my own previous article on the Trafficking of People with Disabilities, the research acknowledges that girls with disabilities are far more vulnerable to human trafficking in developing countries. Human trafficking is also gaining more attention and young girls are the primary target for these heinous criminals, although young boys are abducted and sold as well. These young girls often have a target placed on them by their own families who have decided a girl with a disability is unworthy of their time, energy, and resources, and most of all their love and protection. Understanding Disability as Social Exclusion Further, concerning the notion of disability itself, it is time all of society understands that 'disability' does not mean impairment but refers to the disabling barriers of prejudice, discrimination, and social exclusion. The British Council of Disabled People recently adopted the following definitions: 'Disability is the disadvantage or restriction of activity caused by a society which takes little or no account of people who have impairments and thus excludes them from mainstream activity. (Therefore, disability, like racism or sexism, is discrimination and social oppression). This must become a universal definition. Society must no longer locate the idea or the construct of disability inside a person’s body, but rather in and of society itself. The History of Disability Marginalization The importance of this new paradigm or social construct (which has been gathering momentum since 1990 ) cannot be overstated. Author Fiona Strahan highlights the history of disability as the source of the marginalization that continues today: The marginalization of people with disabilities derives from the period of the industrial revolution, when they began to be regarded as useless for generating productivity and hence profits, like broken machines. This is compounded by the exaggerated individualism of modern western society where it is almost a crime not to be self-sufficient and independent. This article allows for only a brief review of this complex topic which is deserving of greater global attention. Disability Benefits Support in Canada Disability Credit Canada is here to help disabled Canadians secure their entitled CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. Contact us for a free evaluation. --- - Published: 2017-02-13 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/life-millennials-with-disabilities/ How Millennials' adapting to Disability So, I am a Millennial living with a disability. I often think about how my life is different from a person with disabilities in my grandparents’ (Silent) and my parents’ (Baby Boomer) generations. The Silent Generation and Disability The Silent Generation was focused on their careers due to the critical need to live through and recover from the impacts of war and the Depression era. They were also encouraged as a society to conform to social norms and expectations. So people with disabilities were often kept at home, more readily sent to institutions, and did not have any of the supportive services that exist today – even the chance, like children without disabilities did, to attend school. Baby Boomers and Disability: Integration and Social Change Baby Boomers were different than the Silent Generation and are often associated with a rejection or redefinition of traditional social values. So it makes sense that they got the ball rolling on embracing integration into the society of people with disabilities. Parents, like my parents, wanted me to have all the opportunities to achieve my full potential and did a lot to do that. It does remind me that although a lot was made possible for many including myself, there has been positive change but there is a long way to go. Millennials With Disabilities in Canada The Millennial Generation “born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s speak their minds when needed and invest their time and money in education, work to fulfill their personal goals and aspirations because they have worked hard for them”. How can Canadian society make more necessary positive changes to support Millennials with disabilities? Being an accomplished, university-educated, and independent Millennial is a far cry from where I know I would have been if I was born in the Silent or Baby Boomer Generation. I know I am very lucky. Modern Challenges Millennials Face These accomplishments are great but like my Millennial counterparts and particularly those with disabilities, these opportunities and accomplishments have come with other challenges that are similar to previous generations or are new because of the Millennial Generation. Having the responsibility of student loans, rent, rapid global and technological change, and an increasingly unstable, competitive job market have become challenges that many Millennials have faced. This has become an even greater challenge for those Millennials with disabilities. Millennials With Disabilities and Workforce Transition Many Millennials with disabilities are in a transition period; this means they are trying to integrate themselves into the workforce and living independently following the path forged by Baby Boomers. This means that they are focused on themselves and their goals in an environment that is hugely competitive in abilities and with individuals of multiple generations”. Stigma and Stereotypes About Millennials With Disabilities The Millennial Generation has come to be known as the ‘me’ centered generation. With this backdrop, and growing up in an integrated culture with accessibility and adaptive supports, Millennials with disabilities are also known as part of the generation that is the “most outspoken, educated, individually focused and entitled”. Millennials with disabilities also face “stigmas associated with being disabled. Such stigmas include feelings that individuals living with disabilities are both inferior and ignorant, or they deserve to be pitied. These stigmas are skewed because one of the only things Millennials with and without disabilities strive to achieve is to be accepted by society”. The Need for Support From Older Generations Just like the Silent Generation interacting with the exasperatingly disruptive Baby Boomer Generation so it goes with the Millennials. Older generations and other members of society need to work with the Millennials with disabilities and provide support so they are able to become active and contributing members of society. “These supports should include work and living opportunities outside of their homes. This generation has had the most opportunities for self-advocacy, individualized planning, and the abilities to use their own voices in the history of the disabled community”. Also, previous and upcoming generations need the support and involvement of Millennials with disabilities to help them adapt and address the opportunities and challenges of those with disabilities. Ways Millennials With Disabilities Have Adapted to Challenges Here are some ways that Millennial with disabilities have adapted to challenges: Baby Boomers vs. Millennials Generations such as Baby Boomers “would have probably done the same if they had the tools and attitude that the Millennial Generation has today. Unfortunately for them, they were born too soon to advocate for large societal changes. The Millennial Generation has had the privilege of growing up with amazing technological developments. Millennials who are living with disabilities have the opportunities to get a university or college degree, travel independently, get the jobs they want, and live where and how they want as if nothing can hold them back. Those apart of the Millennial with disabilities have been very outspoken and has ensured people that Millennials with disabilities will successfully integrate themselves into local communities and the Canadian workplace”. Customizing Their Environments The part of the Millennial Generation that is living with a disability, has learned to customize their environments to fit their needs and new technology is providing the ability to do so. There has been more flexibility and freedom in areas such as education because of technological advancements. These advances have facilitated many changes in policies relating to providing services as individualized as possible”. The Millennial Generation is open-minded and promotes inclusion; “they have grown up in classrooms, playing sports and participating in other social activities with peers who have intellectual and other disabilities. The current generation of Millennials with disabilities is the most accepted population in history. Their able-minded and bodied peers who are civic-minded and philanthropic, most of all believe they are equal and should be treated with respect”. Millennials With Disabilities Have Dreams and Goals Too Family members, friends and other members of society have been told that they too can have dreams and can make their own choices and decisions and have taught Millennials with disabilities that they too are deserving of these things. “These preferences can include; who they spend their time with, how they spend their time, and where they spend their time. They have also learned that they have a choice, and technology has given them more opportunities to communicate their choices. This creates a better ability to find out what is important to the Millennial Generation and how they are and need to be supported. All humans reserve the right to make bad choices after hearing good advice; Millennials with disabilities deserve the same opportunities”. Opportunities for Millennials With Disabilities As Millennials with disabilities communicate how they want to live; there needs to be resources and opportunities available that assist people with disabilities achieve the way they choose to live and “help them have the control to maintain it. The Millennial Generation doesn’t believe in being shackled to tradition or location, which is ideal for young adults with physical disabilities who want to participate but were previously unable to due to physical limitations and access to physical locations”. Challenges for Millennials With Disabilities Several of the challenges Millennials with disabilities can arise because of their choices. “The programs that have and were created to assist the disabled population are old and out of date. The funding sources are too generic and do not allow enough customization and control by the individual. Due to the people, agencies, and government programs that have been implemented to assist people with disabilities, the budgets and programs do not take every individual and their disability into account. The current funding and programs set aside to assist people with disabilities need to be revamped and new funding needs to be created and set aside specifically for people with disabilities. Agencies and programs need to also revamp their community-based services and supports to assist people with disabilities. Person-centered planning needs to be a billable service focusing on management care, independent plan of assessment, and authorized services, which ensure that the social, environmental, and physical needs of the Millennials with disabilities are met”. Social Media and Connection for Millennials With Disabilities An important issue that previous generations with disabilities have always had to face is “exclusion or the segregated environments they often live in, they were often disconnected from their communities or the general population. On the other hand, the Millennial Generation is extremely ‘connected’ through social media and other communication apps; this new technology brings Millennials with disabilities into the mainstream more easily. In many cases, Millennials are not connected in real-time, face to face, but are social in virtual space. This is an asset to those with disabilities who find it more difficult accessing physical spaces due to their disabilities”. Conclusion: Positive Change and an Ongoing Journey So you can imagine, discussions with my grandparents and parents about the similarities and differences between our generations have been interesting and colorful. The discussions naturally identified the aspects shared in this blog. It is encouraging to know that there is positive change ahead for Millennials with disabilities but I know that is will not always be an easy journey! Disability Benefits Support in Canada At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability tax credit and CPP disability. Give us a call today to get a free assessment! --- - Published: 2017-02-09 - Modified: 2026-01-16 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/mental-illness-canada-part-1/ Part 1: The On-going Stigma of Mental Illness Disability Credit Canada's mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Long term Disability Benefits, Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. We've worked with thousands of Canadians suffering from mental disabilities and we understand how impactful your condition can be on you and your family hence we regularly advocate for Mental illness. This three-part series will focus on the ongoing issues faced by people with mental illness in Canada, and around the world. The series will cover the following topics: The continuing stigma of mental health issues Service barriers– lack of coordination and people with mental health falling through the 'gaps', ending up in prison, homeless, Mental health and employment – what can employers do to encourage the hiring of people with mental health issues? In this article, the focus will be on the ongoing issue of the stigma of mental illness. It might help to begin by separating two concepts that are often confused with each other – discrimination and stigma. Discrimination is unfair treatment due to a person’s identity. Stigma is the negative stereotype and discrimination is the behavior that results from this negative stereotype. While there is no doubt that the issue of discrimination is also crucially important, the stigma surrounding mental illness is the lead-in to discrimination. Therefore, in a practical way, addressing the issue of stigma is the first step. The source of the stigma around mental illness is related to the centuries of misunderstandings, and lack of basic knowledge about mental illness. The psychiatric profession began to develop in the late 19th century with men such as Freud and Jung, but it hasn’t been until the mid-late 20th century and early 21st century that we are gaining true insight into understanding the ways in which people are affected by mental illness. For centuries, people were shoved into asylums and anyone with a mental illness was generally thought to be either feeble or dangerous. There is currently a plethora of awareness campaigns that have been mounted in Canada and across the world with respect to understanding mental illness. In Canada, The Bell Let’s Talk Campaign @Bell_LetsTalk began in 2010 and is highly successful with Olympic athlete Clara Hughes as their national spokesperson. This high-profile campaign has raised millions of dollars for mental health treatment, support, and awareness. However, even with famous spokespeople and raising large amounts of funds, the stigma of mental illness persists in our society, and as a result, one must ask “why”? How is it that society continues to struggle? One possible answer offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association @CMHAOntario puts at least some of the responsibility on the entertainment industry. Even today, people with mental illness are often portrayed as dangerous, evil, criminal, and generally unstable. This makes for dramatic television and film plots, but it’s not accurate to suggest that all people who commit crimes struggle with mental illness. In addition to plots for weekly series, the media often sensationalizes those who commit crimes and focus on their mental illness when one exists. These portrayals often lead to continued misperceptions and misunderstandings. The fact is, the stigma around mental illness continues to have a profound effect on peoples’ lives. People who cope with mental illness often find themselves denied housing, turned down for employment, and social circles reticent to include them as equal members. Many people with mental illness often live on the periphery of society and not as fully valued members. On the other hand, an increasing number of people have decided to be very public about their struggles with mental illness. Some of the more famous individuals who have been open about this struggle include: K. Rowling has spoken openly about coping with depression when she was younger Drew Barrymore has admitted she coped with depression and suicidal thoughts as a teenager Carrie Fisher spoke about her struggles with Bipolar Disorder during her lifetime Sylvia Plath spoke about her struggles with depression and coping with electric shock therapy Elyn Saks, the well-known law professor has written extensively about coping with schizophrenia Abraham Lincoln is well-known for having coped with depression and thoughts of suicide John Nash, the late economist and winner of the Nobel Prize famously dealt with schizophrenia This is a very small list of the famous people who have coped with mental illness. For some of them, such as the late President Lincoln, any public discussion of his depression would have led to the end of his political career. But, is the same true today? How would the Canadian public react if a man or woman running for the leadership of a major Canadian political party revealed they coped with depression, or bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety to the point they required medication? The likelihood is they would be immediately discounted. Far too many people would worry about whether they could cope in a crisis. Yet, President Lincoln already proved that a high-profile leader could cope with their mental illness and still be a courageous, insightful, and strong national leader. Mental illness continues to be one of those issues which society struggles with in many ways because of the “historical social construct of mental illness”. Society has not yet fully accepted that mental illness is like any other illness which can be treated and enable the person to fully cope with life’s challenges. After a five-year study, the Mental Health Commission of Canada concluded the following: Change is possible. Stigma can be significantly reduced. People with mental health problems and mental illnesses can be treated respectfully and equally. To make this happen requires the collective effort of all Canadians — at home, at work, in schools, in the media, and on the frontlines of healthcare. The Commission found that several specific types of initiatives seem to work best. They are: tailored education and awareness progress rather than the “one size fits all” approach. Any agency or organization seeking to educate their workforce should have training designed specifically for their needs. This training should include people with the lived experience of coping with mental health issues, and some form of follow-up to ensure people benefit from the training. The CMHA recognizes two forms of stigma – external stigma and self-stigma. The latter is when individuals with mental illness feel a sense of shame or embarrassment concerning their illness. As a result, many choose to try and conceal their condition and even refuse treatment which causes more difficulties for them in the long run. Stigma can not only make life difficult, it can destroy someone’s life. Some of the ways stigma impacts a person with a mental health issue can be: Delayed access to treatment that promotes disability and impedes recovery; Weakened social support; Hindered social integration; The prevention and obstruction of the performance of social roles; Reduced quality of life; Diminished self-esteem; Increased unemployment. There is no immediate answer as to how society can let go of the stigma that continues to follow the lives of people coping with mental illness. Both people with mental illness and those without must work together to move forward to create a stigma-free society. At Disability Credit Canada, we help many disabled Canadians claim disability tax credits. Give us a call today to get a free assessment! --- - Published: 2017-02-07 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disabled-prisoners-canada/ Disability Credit Canada's mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. We’ve worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians suffering from mental and physical disabilities and we recognize how impactful your condition can be on you hence we regularly advocate for the rights of Disabled Canadians. One of the topics that is rarely discussed either among activists or anyone for that matter, is that of people with disabilities who must serve time. Prison time is challenging enough without adding the pressure of having to cope with one’s disability. The individual may have relied on various treatments and/or medications for their disability, but the question remains as to whether or not disabled prisoners are receiving proper treatment in Canadian prisons. In 2010, a paper was submitted to Ontario's Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services by the Alliance for Equality for Blind Canadians. One of the issues that arose in that report was a strong concern over people with mental health issues in prison. An article entitled, "Mentally Ill Offenders Swamping Prisons," by Kirk Makin in the Globe and Mail, Nov. 18, 2010, reported:“The Ontario Review Board – a provincial body responsible for offenders found not criminally responsible for committing offenses – had more than 1,500 patients under its purview last year, a four-fold increase from 1992. Almost 300 offenders are added annually, dwarfing the numbers who are released. ”The question of course is: “Why are the rates of persons with mental illness rising in provincial and federal prisons? ”“Factors behind the phenomenon include new Canadians who suffer mental collapses as they try to cope with relocating, faulty mental health legislation, and police who lay charges rather than wait for a hospital to find a forensic bed... ”In another report presented to the U. K. House of Lords in 2013, this startling statement was made:“Prisons now hold the single largest population of the mentally ill in Canada. Prisons around the world are becoming the asylums of the 21st century. Inmate populations also have high rates of brain injury and learning disability... 31% of the inmate population is a carrier of Hepatitis C; 5% are HIV positive. ”This is not solely an issue related to men. DAWN, the Disabled Women’s Network conducted an in-depth research project in 2003. “ with the closure of psychiatric institutions and increasingly overtaxed and under-resourced community-based services, Canada is now witnessing a marked increase in the number of women with cognitive and mental disabilities who are being criminalized... The practical reality is that mental health needs are equated with risk. 20 Women in maximum security who experience behavior difficulties are more likely to be placed in administrative segregation. As a result, women who are suicidal or have mental or cognitive disabilities are often isolated, deprived of clothing, and placed in stripped/barren cells. ”These facts provide a disturbing picture of the lives of people with mental illness and cognitive disabilities in Canadian prisons. People with disabilities who are at risk for, or who are already incarcerated need advocates who understand their needs and will stand up for them within the criminal justice system. The two laws that govern the rights of Canadians (and they also apply to persons who are incarcerated) are the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is the latter document, the Charter which provides all Canadians with equality under the law. This gives incarcerated individuals the right to press for proper treatment and sue for discrimination. The Supreme Court of Canada “ characterizes equality as a dynamic concept whereby the "accommodation of differences... is the essence of true equality. "In 2014, a book entitled Disability Incarcerated Imprisonment and Disability in the United States and Canada was published. It is an excellent expose of the prison systems in both countries and their response to the needs of disabled prisoners. At this point, disability rights activists need to place attention on this matter. There needs to be a thorough, updated review by provincial and federal governments to address this matter. The first order of business is an assessment of the disconnect between mental health services and the criminal justice system. Something is deeply wrong in our social services system with such a high rate of people with mental health issues ending up in provincial and federal prisons. There should be a standard process for evaluating people who come through the criminal justice system who have mental health issues, and how they can best be served. The person may not have been aware they were committing a crime; they may have been taken advantage of by others; or they may have been in a desperate situation. Also, people with mental health issues who end up incarcerated must have proper treatment inside the prison. Canadian prisons must not be allowed to be transformed into 19th-century asylums. In 2003, DAWN sounded the alarm concerning the treatment of women with disabilities in Canadian prisons:"Federally sentenced women with mental and developmental disabilities are being blatantly discriminated against under Section 17 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act which equates ‘mental disability' with a security risk" says Yvonne Peters, a human rights lawyer from Manitoba who authored the report presented by DAWN (DisAbled Women's Network) Canada. "Corrections legislation perpetrates negative stereotypes and assumptions which characterize mental disability as dangerous. The decision to assign a security level is made by treatment teams, which include correctional officers, who are not mental health professionals. "While Canadian society continues to make positive strides towards a more equal and inclusive society, people with disabilities continue to be vulnerable in significant ways; perhaps no more significantly than as disabled prisoners. When one adds the factor of disability into incarceration, the question becomes; “how can we as a society create the means to provide the equality, dignity and inclusiveness for all people within the Canadian criminal justice system? ” The present situation indicates we are falling well short of that goal. As the numbers of women and men entering the Canadian prison system continues to rise, there must be an immediate assessment of the needs of disabled prisoners, otherwise we cannot claim to be a society that cares for all its citizens. --- - Published: 2017-02-07 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/schizophrenia-pop-culture/ Schizophrenia in Pop Culture: Phobia, Paranoia and Psychosis Asylums, prisons, and backwater towns all make great television. They showcase the odd, the inhuman, and the supernatural, compelling viewers to tune in week after week. Aside from plot twists and dark humor, usually, one character captivates the audience and quickly gains status as the fan favorite. It is rarely the protagonist but rather the head case. From Crazy Eyes in Orange is the New Black to Haywire from Prison Break, the lovable misfits, their mistreatment and incredible resilience inadvertently romanticize mental illness and perpetuate damaging stereotypes. Schizophrenia, a serious mental illness, is usually the disability of choice. How Schizophrenia Is Portrayed in Pop Culture Portrayals of schizophrenia in pop culture are a caricature at best. Rather than an honest representation of how mental illness affects the way one understands and interacts with the world, it is presented as a constant and irreversible state of psychosis. Neither the essence nor subtle nuances of schizophrenia are translated onto screen. Schizophrenic episodes are exaggerated to be violent and irrepressible when in reality the common symptoms range greatly and entail problems communicating, concentrating or thinking, numbness, restlessness, changes in motivation, and the ability to complete daily tasks. While people with schizophrenia also experience hallucinations and delusions, it is not nearly as dramatic and extravagant as pop culture would like the public to believe. Common Misconceptions About Schizophrenia Perhaps the most devastating misconception perpetuated through pop culture is the notion that people with schizophrenia have no place in normal society — if it is not the hallmark of old age and senility, it is the caged insane. In reality, schizophrenia can happen to anyone. According to the Centre for Excellence in Community Mental Health, “About 1 of every 100 people develops schizophrenia; 1 of every 50 develops some other psychotic illness. ” Chances are that most people have already met, if not interacted with, a person with schizophrenia. Not exactly as memorable or traumatizing as expected to say the least. The Reality of Schizophrenic Episodes While characters like Crazy Eyes and Haywire are distinctly hostile and aggressive with little warning or triggers, “for about half the people diagnosed with schizophrenia, their symptoms develop gradually, over months or years. ” In fact, according to the Textbook of Schizophrenia, the prodrome period – a period during which the person’s behaviors are markedly different before developing episodes of full psychosis – can last on average from 2 to 5 years. The timeline is significantly slower and steadier than the sudden downward spirals of quirky, unstable antagonists. What’s more? Such severe schizophrenic episodes do not come about instantaneously through provocation but through perceived stress or stimulus such as job loss, death of a loved one, or changes in a relationship. Additionally, with the right medication, treatment, and crisis planning, triggers are easily identified and their impact is considerably reduced. Social Stigma and Discrimination Truly, the nature of schizophrenia is complex and highly variable. This, coupled with overtly sensationalized misrepresentation of mental illness in pop culture, is the reason that many people with schizophrenia choose not to disclose their mental illness. Enormous social stigma, misinformed judgment, or discrimination are common for those living with schizophrenia. Ironically, one can observe that the media and misunderstanding affect their daily lives and interactions with the world around them as much as the mental illness itself. Once recognized as a schizophrenic, no matter the level of severity or frequency of schizophrenic episodes, the individual is commonly perceived as a highly dangerous outcast. The label can have devastating effects on the person’s ability to form a close relationship and maintain steady employment as even in moments outside of psychosis, they are regarded as ‘insane’. Indeed, there is no shedding the negative implications of mental illness for people with schizophrenia despite the impressive positive impacts they make within their respective communities. Living Independently With Schizophrenia Although pop culture would like us to believe that people with schizophrenia tend to live in institutions — be that prison or hospital — the majority live independently. Up to 80 percent of people with schizophrenia live with family and are considered to be functioning, active members of society. Many have even surpassed the low social expectations and become masters in their field such as Russian ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky and Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash. People with schizophrenia are regularly overcoming obstacles and struggling against the relentless stigma of mental illness. The Importance of Support and Disability Benefits However, if there is one thing pop culture is right about, it is the lack of institutional support that people with schizophrenia have access to. As a sufferer of a non-visible disability, fear of judgment, discrimination, and even institutionalization makes it hard to seek help. Therefore, love and support from family and friends can easily make a long-lasting and positive impact on those living with schizophrenia. More often than not, reminding them to take medication, encouraging participation in relaxing activities, and helping them apply for disability tax credits is all they need. Just as Crazy Eyes and Haywire truly come to life amongst a group accepting of who they are, people with schizophrenia deserve the same tight-knit support network to help them achieve their full potential. Claiming Disability benefits for Schizophrenia At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability benefits. Give us a call today to get a free assessment! --- - Published: 2017-02-02 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/familty-plan-dementia-caretakers/ Five years ago, I was unexpectedly thrown into the role of part-time caretaker when my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It was a daily anguish that was very difficult to come to terms with and is, of course, still a struggle. Loving a parent with dementia has been an adjustment, to say the least, and among the many things I’ve learned along the way, one is very important and often overlooked. So much stress and confusion can be avoided when one has a family caregiving plan. Having a plan is a proactive way for Canadians to anticipate the needs of their loved ones with dementia and plan for the progression of the disease. After my mother wandered in downtown Toronto and got lost (as 60% of Alzheimer’s sufferers eventually do), she ended up being found 20 kilometers away and needed to recover in the hospital for three days with pneumonia. I realized that planning for the possibility of events like this was an important part of her care—and our family’s. The Current Senario Medical advances over the past few decades mean that our lives are being extended longer than ever, yet treatments for the severe health consequences that sometimes accompany aging, like Alzheimer’s, haven’t kept up with this trend. Canada is facing a future of skyrocketing cases of dementia. Currently, 564,000 people in Canada are living with dementia, and this is expected to almost double by 2031. At present, 1. 1 million people are affected directly, or indirectly by the disease. Yet, despite the booming numbers, many people who are affected by it don’t have a caretaking plan. What is a family caretaking plan? At its basic level, a caretaking plan is simply thinking ahead and forecasting the needs of a loved one with dementia and the effect the disease will have on the family. It involves ongoing conversations with family and loved ones, discussing things like expectations and roles, and making a strategy that people can rely on to guide them when faced with any difficult situations the disease might bring. Why have a family care plan? As humans, we are creatures of optimism, which means that many of us fail to anticipate any possible negative events in our lives. We Canadians know the issue of dementia is certainly in our nation’s future, yet many Canadians haven’t thought about or planned for the aging process—neither for themselves nor their loved ones. Families can use a family caretaking plan to help them look objectively at the situation they’re in. It can help by: teaching you about the disease building a support system easing financial burdens anticipating and preparing for dementia-related- difficulties anticipating and preparing for a dementia-related decline reducing care-taker stress reduce the likelihood of experiencing a dementia-related crisis It also ensures that our loved ones will get the best care going forward, because it plans for the various scenarios someone with dementia might face (wandering, falling, communication difficulties, financial strain, new living arrangement, etc. ), and has strategies and techniques to deal with them. Caretaker stress Many caretakers experience significant sacrifices and emotional difficulty while caretaking. The toll caring takes can easily lead to neglecting one’s own needs. Having a strategy can ease our stress as caretakers and better prepare us to handle what’s coming. Having a realistic understanding of the demands of being a full- or part-time caretaker is a helpful way to manage expectations and reduce the likelihood of caretaker burnout. Know the benefits of planning ahead It’s not a crisis if you planned for it. This is one of the most important ideas I wrapped my head around while visiting the hospital for days after my mother had her wandering episode. When we operate from the experience of panic, fatigue, or crisis, we often make misguided decisions we later regret. Planning ahead helps us to make decisions ahead of time that come from a rational, level-headed thought process. While there are no hard and fast rules for creating a family care plan for a loved one with dementia, these are some general guidelines to consider. Your family caretaking plan might include: Opening up the conversation with family Caretaking can be a tough subject to broach, especially with family members who aren’t very open about the subject matter, or who are having difficulty adjusting to aging as it is. Many people are scared to talk about things like long-term care facilities, but starting a dialogue is a crucial first step. These conversations are best had as ongoing check-ins, instead of one-time talk. Remember that everyone needs adjusting, and even those who are resistant to discussing care planning can eventually come around with time. Having a wandering plan Recently while at a dementia workshop, I overheard this: “There are two types of dementia patients. Those who have wandered, and those who will. ” Wandering is a very common dementia behavior, and is a potentially dangerous one. If not found within 24 hours, 50% of those who wander are found dead or seriously injured. Being prepared through things like caretaking shifts, Medic Alert bracelets, and having information ready to give police in the case of an emergency are good ways to proactively approach the possibility. Planning for stages of decline and increased care needs Though there is still so much unknown about age-related dementia, we do know the general pattern of decline. It is a degenerative disease that tends to follow a similar pattern, and we can use this to predict the stages of our loved ones. There are various stages of decline, and understanding where your loved one falls on the spectrum requires attentiveness and ongoing assessment. As our loved one declines, we will have to make decisions about adjusting things like accommodation (the loved one moving in with family, family moving in with them, bringing in outside help for daily tasks, retirement homes, etc. ), as well as how we communicate with them, and how we deal with their behavioral changes. Financial planning Dementia and its related costs can be expensive for family members, which is why financial planning is so important. This planning will include caretaking costs and also might include wrapping up our loved one’s own finances if they are no longer able to do so. This will include things like appointing a substitute decision-makers for assets and property Estate planning Managing bills Managing senior’s financial affairs and investments Predicting how long the senior’s money will last Keeping yourself balanced and building a support system At first, when my mother’s foggy memory and unusual behavior were something our family tried to rationalize and make excuses for, it was harder to cope with. When we started to feel comfortable acknowledging it, and talking about it openly as a family, it felt like a huge relief. Suddenly I was able to share with friends and colleagues about my difficulties and I was able to build a supportive system of people who I could discuss it with, and rely. Building a support system was one of the most important steps I took in my journey as a caregiver. We, caretakers, don’t have to go through the experience alone. Alzheimer’s Society Canada is a wealth of information and offers workshops and support groups. Though it’s a difficult subject to speak about, even to think about, planning our caretaking strategy is an important one to face head-on, because when we plan for it, it becomes much easier for ourselves and easier for our loved one with dementia. We at Disability Credit Canada are committed to assisting disabled Canadians in securing CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. Contact us today for a free assessment --- - Published: 2017-01-27 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-rights-advocacy/ Disability Rights Advocacy: The Power of Social Action The birth of the disability rights movement is often attributed to Ed Roberts, a man who was also a quadriplegic living in Berkeley, California in the 1960s and a student at U. C. Berkeley. Ed was the first student with a high-level disability to attend the university and subsequently became a disability rights activist and the father of the independent living movement. In a time when powerful legislation has passed in numerous countries, and concepts such as universal design, barrier-free, and social inclusion are becoming fact, disability rights advocacy continues to play a significant role in people’s lives. The movement proves the importance of social action in our lives, and the necessity to be involved with something greater than ourselves. The Birth of the Disability Rights Movement: Ed Roberts and Independent Living Ed Roberts became a defining figure in disability rights activism. His experience at U. C. Berkeley, and his role as the first student with a high-level disability to attend the university, helped shape what later became known as the independent living movement. His legacy continues to influence disability rights advocacy today. Disability Studies and the Social Construction of Disability Professional Michael J. Prince of the University of Victoria wrote: Disability studies scholars and students are producing, critiquing, and disseminating artistic, comparative, historical, and theoretical forms of knowledge on disability and normalcy. Academe evaluates policies and practices as well as assists in bringing to wider audiences the narratives of people and communities. When done in an emancipatory manner, such research enlightens and empowers. The disability discourse today is dominated by the social construction of disability, which has sought to reframe the experience of having a disability from a medical condition to a social construct in which knowledge is historically situated and embedded in cultural values. Why Disability Rights Advocacy Still Matters Today Disability rights advocacy is one of the key constructs and strategies crucial to the lives of people with disabilities around the world. The act of engaging in social action empowers both individuals and groups to enact positive and meaningful change. “Leadership by persons with disabilities in both consumer-driven organizations and other disability organizations has been seen as essential for the evolution of supports and services in Canada. ” One of the premier acts of disability rights activists is to assume these leadership roles to redefine and reshape the world into a social and physical environment that is fully inclusive and embraces total equality. Leadership, Political Voice, and Social Inclusion The mobilization of people with disabilities into an active political voice legitimizes the rights of millions of people who have historically been denied those rights and even marginal participation in their societies. Today, however, the voices are not solely about participation or even independence. The movement progressed from that level some time ago. Presently, social action in the disability rights movement is focused on the previously elusive goal of complete equality in every aspect of life; to no longer accept being participants, but instead ascend to the role of decision-makers. Disability Representation in Media, Advertising, and Public Life People with disabilities deserve to see themselves reflected in the images that society produces via multiple media outlets such as print media, television, film, the Internet, and advertising. Numerous companies have begun to realize the purchasing power of people with disabilities. The reason for this? The power of social action on the part of disability rights activists. In the journey towards complete equality, our voices must be continually heard loud and clear. Equal Opportunities: Employment, Government, and Public Decision-Making We demand equal participation in our society which implies equal opportunities for employment, investments, government positions, and recreating a world in which our needs are just as primary as those of anyone else. Social activism is also about influencing the decision-makers and creating a dialogue that expresses our interests and needs. Disability rights is a civil rights issue and a human rights issue. This movement not only redefines the way people think of the “disabled body” or ideas of “impairment”, but also restructures peoples’ basic assumptions about the way they’ve historically viewed the ‘nature of disability’. Disability Rights Legislation: Canada, the ADA, and the Need for Ongoing Activism Although we live in a time where legislative action is being enacted, Canadians still wait for national legislation to protect our rights. While Americans have the ADA, they also face the specter of a new Secretary of Justice who complained about the country having to spend too much money on the integration of kids with special needs. These kinds of statements threaten the tenets of the ADA which must be protected. Unfortunately, several Supreme Court decisions have chipped away at the fabric of the ADA which only demonstrates the constant need for activism on these issues. Barriers Between Equality and the State’s Vision A seminal issue for the disability rights movement is to continue to highlight the barriers between how people with disabilities perceive complete equality and the vision of the state. The foundation of our activism is that of a rights-based discourse. People with disabilities are advocating for the very right to be fully inclusive members in our societies. Why Disability Activism Must Be Loud, Visible, and Unapologetic We don’t demonstrate because we want to; but because we have to. We have to raise our voices loud and proud in the anthem that will bring us ever closer to being fully part of every society in which we live, and that’s everywhere. We can’t worry about whether peoples’ feelings are being hurt, or feel their toes are being stepped on. Centuries of isolation, institutionalization, demoralization and the demeaning status of the ‘unwanted cripple’ have led us to this point. Social Action and Civil Rights: A Personal Reflection People with disabilities must create spaces in society for our voices to be heard in the most effective ways. Activism and social action are twin partners in the journey. My late father was a social activist for the rights of teachers and later in his life, for seniors. His outspoken nature propelled him into the role of being heard on a national level. Civil rights can be a troubling and challenging discourse, but also an illuminating one. Conclusion: The Disability Rights Movement Is Still Essential People who have been traditionally undermined and pushed aside can strike down those barriers with their voices raised in a chorus of genuine desire. Our desire is full equality and this is why the disability rights movement is just as important today as it was in the days of Ed Roberts. We must be the framers of our own lives, the ones to determine our journeys, describe ourselves in our own words, and follow the path traveled by the great civil rights leaders before us and those yet to come. Get Help With CPP Disability and the Disability Tax Credit At Disability Credit Canada, we focus on helping disabled Canadians secure CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. Contact us for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2017-01-27 - Modified: 2025-12-10 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/living-invisible-disability/ Our mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for disability benefits like Long Term Disability Benefits, Disability Tax Credits & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. In this endeavor, we have worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians and we recognize the struggles they face in their daily life. Dr. Ralph Jones, a Chilliwack-based doctor penned an important article on living life with an invisible disability. Living life with a disability can often be a challenge, but a person whose disabilities are not necessarily obvious faces additional barriers; the fact that people do not necessarily understand the person is coping with a disability. Some of the disabilities that are often unseen are:Chronic painDeafnessLearning disabilityMental illnessHead injuriesChronic FatigueEpilepsyLyme DiseaseFibromyalgiaThoracic Outlet SyndromeCancerNon-cancerous tumorsArthritisInflammatory Bowel DiseasePeople who cope with an invisible disability often find themselves in a situation whereby they need to talk about their disability because of the barriers they face which are not obvious to others. According to a recent U. S. -based survey, 74% of Americans with disabilities do not use technical aids or assistive devices. “In other words, 74 percent of Americans who live with a severe disability do not use such devices. Therefore, a disability cannot be determined solely by whether or not a person uses assistive equipment. It is quite unfortunate that people often judge others by what they see and often conclude a person can or cannot do something by the way they look. This can be equally frustrating for those who may appear unable but are perfectly capable, as well as those who appear able, but are not. ”All too often one of the primary barriers or challenges people with an invisible disability cope with is negative attitudes and derogatory comments from others who know nothing about the nature of the person’s situation. For example, as a person with spinal arthritis, I often get comments such as:“You look fine; what’s the matter? ”; “Well, why don’t you do something about it? ”; “Can’t the doctor do something? ”; “Can’t they just give you medication for that? ”; “I can’t see anything wrong with you. ” These are just a few of the comments people have thrown at me when they learn about my disability. All too often people believe that since we live in a world with many spectacular technologies and medical devices people shouldn’t have pain or cope with a disability. It is a common misconception. There is no cure for everything, and there is not always an answer for every single condition in the world. Another aspect of this same problem is the Internet. The proliferation of both factual and non-factual information on the Internet often does more harm than good. People read an article by “someone” (often the credentials go unchecked) and think they know the answer for another person. This is denigrating and disrespectful to people with disabilities such as myself who cope with an invisible disability. The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) provides the following information:“The term invisible disabilities refers to symptoms such as debilitating pain, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive dysfunctions, brain injuries, learning differences, and mental health disorders, as well as hearing and vision impairments. These are not always obvious to the onlooker, but can sometimes or always limit daily activities, range from mild challenges to severe limitations, and vary from person to person... International Disability expert, Joni Eareckson Tada, explained it well when she told someone living with debilitating fatigue, “People have such high expectations of folks like you , like, ‘come on, get your act together. ’ but they have such low expectations of folks like me in wheelchairs, as though it’s expected that we can’t do much” (Joni). A 2008 Toronto Star article highlighted the issue with an article on a woman by the name of Carolyn Matthews. After a devastating car accident, Carolyn who was a police detective sustained a traumatic brain injury. The ramifications of the injury were memory problems that persist to this day. For people with an invisible disability navigating the world can be a challenge. When I go out to do my errands, it’s painful to walk up and down the steps on the streetcar, in buildings, and try to reach for items on higher shelves, as well as simply go about my day. People say things to me like; “Be glad it’s not cancer”, or “At least you’re alive and you’ve got your health”. Millions of people do not have good health and that is the very nature of their situation. People often assume too much about others. The assumptions people make can also be debilitating and isolating. All too often people are told to “be strong”, or “buck up”. They give examples or scenarios of other people they know are strong and cope well. Ten things NOT to say are: 1) “You have what? I’ve never heard of it. ”2) “You need to exercise more. ”3) “Aren’t you feeling better yet? ”4) “Maybe an anti-depressant would help. ”5) “But you look just find, you don’t look sick. ”6) “You are taking too much medicine. ”7) “You need to change your diet. ”8) “It’s all in your head. ”9) “Losing weight might help. ”10) “If you had a more positive attitude. ”However, everyone has a different way of coping. The truth is, however, that not everyone has the same support network. Some people have financial resources that others do not and so they have access to a multiplicity of treatments not covered by universal healthcare such as: acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, naturopathic care, chiropractic, or physical therapy. None of these are covered and can cost thousands of dollars when added up. Here 10 things you CAN say to a person with an invisible disability:1) How are you doing today? ”2) “Is there anything I can do to make things easier for you? ”3) “I am here for you, whatever you need. ”4) “It must be very difficult to have a disease where you feel so awful on the inside but it doesn’t show on the outside. ”5) “I am so sorry that you are going through this. ”6) “I wish I could take away your pain. ”7) “I hope you are feeling better soon. ”8) “I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ”9) I may not completely understand your disease or what you are going through, but I would like to. ”10) “I am sorry I judged you before understanding your disease and what you are going through. ”Next time you meet someone and learn they have a disability, try to imagine how you would feel if someone were judged for having a condition or situation beyond their control. People with invisible disabilities are, like everyone else, doing the best they can. Yes, we certainly live in a more tolerant world, and the situation is improving all the time. But, there are still challenges and barriers. The biggest barrier continues to be people’s attitudes. --- - Published: 2017-01-23 - Modified: 2026-01-28 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/celebrating-artists-with-disabilities/ Disability Credit Canada's mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. We’ve worked with thousands of Canadians suffering from mental and physical disabilities and we understand how impactful your condition can be on you and your family. All too often the discourse on disability gets very caught up in all the work we as advocates seek to accomplish. While this is understandable, it’s also true that we can forget to celebrate the people with disabilities who have already accomplished a great deal. Over the centuries, there have been many people with disabilities who refused to allow this to prevent them from their artistic dreams. A few of these are well-known to the public such as Sarah Bernhardt, Beethoven, and others. But, who are the artists with disabilities today who can inspire us as they focus on their creative talents? One of the most famous, of course, is Academy-Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin. She is the first woman from the Deaf Culture to win this award. Some other artists with Disabilities to celebrate: Cher: Multiple award-winning actress and singer has dyslexia, a learning disability that makes it difficult for her to read Django Reinhardt: Famous Roma guitarist who struggled with a deformity in his left hand to become one of the most famous musicians of all time Renoir: Famous painter coped with severe arthritis Teddy Pendergrass: Quadriplegia Jackson Pollack: Mental illness Howard Hughes: Tourettes Syndrome David Beckham: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Hugo Weaving: Epilepsy This is by no means an all-inclusive list, but rather a brief set of names to illustrate the fact that an artist does not have to be limited by their disability, and having a disability does not mean one cannot pursue their artistic dreams. Canadian artist, Eliza Chandler, director of Tangled Arts + Disability comments on this fact: “Typically when galleries and theatres think about including disabled people, it is as an audience,” Chandler says. “Thinking about how to have wheelchair users in your audience is different than thinking about how we might include disabled people as producers of culture—as performers and artists and musicians,” Chandler notes that, on the upside, there is increasing interest from museums and other organizations about improving accessibility—but it needs that crucial shift in perspective. “While there is this big push to make things accessible, I think it is quite focused on the audience more than artwork. ” The current reality in Canada as it is in many countries around the world is that a high percentage of people with disabilities are either unemployed or under-employed. But, this doesn’t hold true for everyone. Another inspirational story: “Mary Verdi Fletcher was born with Spina Bifida. She came from a house of actors and dancers and was determined to become a dancer herself. Impossible, you say? She is a tiny woman with strong arms who uses a manual wheelchair. Working in the face of such discrimination, she took classes in dance, and over time she founded Professional Flair and Dancing Wheels. Today this wheelchair dance company tours the world and trains dancers with disabilities that would seem to restrict their ability to dance. ” Today, we see more people with disabilities on television shows, in film, and as artists in other creative endeavors. Perhaps it is time that the community of advocates for disability rights begins to celebrate these successes. Indeed, it is not about the lack of talent but rather the way society perceives us as creative artists and the opportunities for us in the creative world. “As we look at careers in the arts, the talent of artists with disabilities should not be the first question. Instead, our first concern should be changing a society that does not encourage and nurture those talents, and enabling more people with disabilities to express themselves artistically and professionally. ” In the U. K. there is a unique initiative taking place called The London Theatre Consortium. The purpose is to: engage in a pilot project (thanks to funding from Unlimited) opening doors and getting artistic directors to talk directly with disabled actors, directors, writers, and more to change what we see on our nation’s stages. Join the debate via the #Equalstages. ” In the U. S. there is the National Center for Arts & Disability. This initiative provides several key areas of support for artists with disabilities, such as grants, resources, information, a library, a directory of artists for people to access (such as producers or directors), an online art gallery, links, and a place to submit work. These kinds of online portals are crucial for artists who may have limited mobility or financial restrictions that prevent them from pursuing their artistic endeavors more publicly. There is a constant need for these kinds of initiatives, but also, there is a need to celebrate. In San Francisco, in March 2016 there was an auspicious event entitled Celebrating a Vision: Art and Disability. Events such as these need to be duplicated the world over but perhaps, especially in countries such as Canada, where we have the resources to do so. The Province of Nova Scotia announced an initiative entitled Celebrating Nova Scotian Artists with Disabilities. In B. C. there is the Society for Disability Arts and Culture. In Edmonton, Alberta there is an initiative called Celebrating Persons with Disabilities. In a previous article in this series of articles for Disability Credit Canada, I wrote about the push for a Canadians with Disabilities Act. It is my firm belief that one of the sections of such an act should be the strategies and funding to support and encourage artists with disabilities. While it is nice to be supported, artists require funding to realize their creative goals. The art world is already saturated with so many people applying for art grants that it is difficult for anyone to attain them. However, targeted funding is one way for the Canadian government to ensure that artists with disabilities can become full members of the Canadian artistic/creative community. As with other aspects of life, artists with disabilities are uninterested in hand-outs, but rather real opportunities that make a practical, meaningful difference in their lives. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability tax credits. Give us a call today to get a free assessment! --- - Published: 2017-01-20 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/accessible-home-barrier-free/ Our mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit, Long Term Disability Benefits & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. In this endeavor, Disability Credit Canada have worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians and we recognize the difficulties they face in their everyday life. Purchasing, building, or renovating your home to fit your needs and eliminate barriers can be a big investment. The Canadian Government has implemented many programs and services that will assist in the process of buying; renovating or adapting your home to best fit your needs. Creating a house that is barrier-free, accessible, and accommodates all individuals living in the home is important. Houses can easily be modified to be accessible. Tips on how to make your home accessible and where to start:Universal design:Homes can always be changed to accommodate people’s needs. An accessible home that is designed, constructed or modified to meet the needs of people will “be safer and more accommodating to the people who live in these homes”. Creating an “effective accessible design and construction can allow people with disabilities live in an accessible home that fits their needs. Adapting a home to fit the needs of people with disabilities extends the time living in a home and usability of a home, which creates the opportunity of aging in place for people with disabilities and other family members”. The idea of ‘aging in place’ has become a popular option for families and individuals “who choose to remain in their home and neighborhood as they age. Planning and implementing changes to home as individuals’ needs change allows for periodic home customization based on changing requirements and reduces the need for future costly renovations”. Adaptable housing: “As the needs of homeowners change, there’s a growing demand for versatile housing. Housing with flexible features that can accommodate occupants’ changing requirements easily and inexpensively will be in high demand. An adaptable home can be a standard-looking unit with features that can meet the specific needs of residents as their needs change, without costly home renovations or structural changes”. FlexHousing:“FlexHousing incorporates the option to make changes to your home easily and with minimum expense to meet the evolving needs of its occupants. This allows families or individuals to access more affordable housing, stay in their home longer and can help make these units more affordable for owners and renters. FlexHousing allow homeowners to adapt their existing house easily and economically rather than move. Any home can be a FlexHome—a suburban bungalow, high-rise condominium or a townhouse. FlexHousing is based on the principles of adaptability, accessibility and affordability:Adaptability: Means thinking ahead during the construction of the house. This saves time, money and stress later on by avoiding the need for renovations, for example, roughing in plumbing to accommodate future needs for bathroom conversions, or providing an unfinished space in a new home that can be converted later. Accessibility: Means creating a home that is user friendly to people of all ages and abilities. For example, wide doors and stairs, low windows and easy-to-grasp lever handles. Affordability: May mean investing money up front in order to save in the future. While the up-front costs of an accessible home may be greater compared with a normal home, homeowners benefit from the investment in the long term. For example, structural reinforcement of walls allows for the future addition of grab bars and other support features”. Why is making an home accessible important? :“One in six Canadians (14. 3%) live with a disability, and one-third of all Canadians 65 years or over have mobility problems”. A majority of people with disabilities would like to live in their homes as long as possible. Today, many single-family homes are “unaffected by accessibility requirements. Building codes include barrier-free design requirements for public buildings; they do not enforce barrier-free requirements for single-family homes. Resources are being wasted on not creating accessible homes that would meet the needs of people with disabilities. If money and resources would be invested in building homes that would meet their needs, it wouldn’t be necessary to make costly modifications to make the home accessible for persons with disabilities”. Factors that make up an accessible home:“Easy access to the house for friends or family with mobility difficulties, those with young children using strollers, those carrying large items, furniture or equipment. Housing becomes more age-friendly for more homeowners. Reduced costs for home renovations at a time of mobility changes. Reduced risks of fall or injuries. Homeowners can return to their accessible home following a change in mobility. An accessible home can be purchased and sold to a wider demographic. Use of technology in the home: “The use of technology and automation can create living spaces that are convenient, energy-efficient, minimize the potential for accidents and result in a home that is adaptable to life’s changes. Persons with disabilities want the choice and independence to move throughout their homes safely. Technology enables persons with disabilities to carry out activities within their home without assistance. Devices such as switches or voice-controlled devices can assist them in opening/closing garage doors, doors and windows, lighting, home security, appliances, phones etc. Technology assists in improving the safety, usability and make life easier for people with disabilities”. These technologies allow people with disabilities to:“Be more independent and give you greater control of your home environment;Make it easier to communicate with family;Save you time and effort;Improves your personal safety;Alerts you to emergencies through audio and visual cues; andAllows you to monitor your home when you are away”. Meeting your needs: When moving into an existing home or a newly built one, its important to make sure that the home is fully accessible. “The design of an accessible home, whether it is a renovated or newly built home it should take into account the need to evacuate in an emergency. At least one accessible exit should be accessible from each floor of the home. Making a list of what works well for you and whoever you are living with and what does not. Depending on your list, decide what are the key elements of making your home accessible. You also assess how you’re best going to meet your needs. Are there technologies available to address the problems? Is there a need for personal assistance or attendant care? Would the problem be alleviated by renovating your home? ”What are your options? : “When extensive accessibility improvements are required, the question of whether it is better to renovate or build a new, custom-designed home needs to be considered. Here are a few options to consider:Pre-designed accessible housing: There are few sources of pre-designed accessible housing available in Canada. Some builders are now incorporating accessible features into homes, such as larger bathrooms with roll-in showers, and can accommodate ‘add-on’ accessibility features, such as residential elevators”. Custom-designed housing: “If you are considering a custom-designed accessible home, you should hire a design professional who is knowledgeable and experienced in the design of accessible homes. It is also a good idea to involve an occupational therapist in the design process to assist in determining your current functional needs and provide guidance on future requirements”. Government Grants & Programs for Accessible Housing in Canada Across Canadian provinces, there are several grants and programs that assist in creating modifications that will make your home more accessible. Visit these links for more information:British Columbia: Home Adaptations for Independence ProgramAlberta: Residential Access Modification ProgramSaskatchewan Home Repair Program—Adaptation for Independence ProgramOntario’s Home & Vehicle Modifications ProgramManitoba: Home Adaptations for Seniors Program & Residential Adaptations for Disabilities ProgramOntario RenovatesOntario’s Healthy Home Renovation Tax CreditQuebec: Residential Adaptation Assistance ProgramNew Brunswick: Housing Assistance for Persons with DisabilitiesNova Scotia: Housing Programs for Persons with DisabilitiesNova Scotia: Disabled Residential Rehabilitation Assistance ProgramNewfoundland: Home Modification ProgramPEI Home Renovation ProgramNorthwest Territories Housing Corporation: Repair and RenovationsNunavut Solutions Grant for People with Mobility Related DisabilitiesYukon Territories: Accessibility Enhancement GrantsAt Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadian's claim tax credits. Give us a call today to get a free assessment to find out about your eligibility. --- - Published: 2017-01-13 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/trafficking-people-disabilities/ Why People With Disabilities Are More Vulnerable “As defined under U. S federal law, human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. Victims are forced, defrauded, or coerced into trafficking. Even if victims initially offer consent, that consent is rendered meaningless by the actions of the traffickers to exploit them for labor, services, or commercial sex. ” While people with disabilities have made many strides in living more independent and inclusive lives, there are still challenges to living with a disability. One of them is a vulnerability to human trafficking. This insidious crime is actually one of the biggest money makers in the world – traffickers earn billions of dollars through trafficking people for labor and sex. Why People With Disabilities Are More Vulnerable to Human Trafficking Specific reasons why some people with disabilities would be more vulnerable to trafficking: Social powerlessness Communication skill deficits Diminished ability to protect oneself due to lack of instruction and/or resources Inability to detect who is safe to be around Unfortunately, this aspect of human trafficking is poorly understood and under-researched. Children With Disabilities in Underdeveloped Countries Are Most at Risk Children in underdeveloped countries are perhaps the most at risk. When these children are born to impoverished parents, the parents lack the resources to support them appropriately, and they are vulnerable to traffickers who offer them money for their children. Young girls and boys are forced into prostitution and/or labor. Common Characteristics and Tactics of Human Trafficking The common characteristics of human trafficking are controlling and limiting the victim’s movements, threatening to harm the victim or his/her family, physically harming the victim, promises of employment or housing, controlling the victim’s finances, exorbitant travel and recruitment fees, the withholding of victim’s visas and other identifying documentation, threatening deportation. (Hidden in Plain Sight, 2010) Traffickers generally use force, fraud, and coercion to traffick individuals. Disability Pensions and Government Subsidies as a Trafficking Target One of the strong motivators is to steal peoples’ disability pensions and other government subsidies. It is all too often that the families of the individuals are themselves involved in the crime, or a caregiver who has been hired to work with someone. An infamous case took place in the U. S. in 2009 in The United States v. Kaufman. Arlan Kaufman, a Doctor of Social Work, and Linda Kaufman, a nurse ran a facility for twenty years. During that time, they stole from their residents, forced them to perform heinous acts, and exchanged recorded sex acts. Lack of Disability Support Increases Vulnerability Worldwide There are still many countries where the kinds of support available in countries such as Canada, the U. S. , the E. U. , and other developed countries, are completely unaware. In these areas of the world, people with disabilities become especially vulnerable. A person with a disability may not have any recourse or support to report the abuse they have experienced. As such, their abuse goes completely unnoticed. They are therefore more vulnerable to traffickers who understand that such a person is less likely to raise the alarm over their abuse, and even if they do, it’s unlikely anything will be done about it. Real Examples of Disabled Trafficking Victims In 2011 Newsline online reported "a 20-year-old disabled man Sajad Chadar was rescued by the Khairpur police as he was being kidnapped. Chadar was the victim of a gang involved in the abduction of individuals with disabilities for purposes of trafficking to Iran and other Gulf countries where they are forced into beggary. " What police found was over two hundred disabled and child trafficking victims Forced Begging and the Exploitation of Disabled Children In her book Trafficking for Begging: Old Game, New Name author Iveta Cherneva states that in forced begging situations a handicapped child earns three times more than a healthy child. A website under the title of Conspiracy of Hope details the statistics and the facts of international human trafficking and provides a great deal of valuable information on how persons with disabilities are taken advantage of. Author and journalist Benjamin Skinner spent four years underground as he investigated slavery and trafficking. The author stated that, to this day, he is haunted by the fact that he was offered a young girl with Down Syndrome in exchange for a used car. While difficult to read, the book is an important addition to the literature on this horrendous situation. Migrants and Refugees Are Also at Risk Another point of vulnerability is the high number of migrants in the world. People fleeing countries such as Syria are at risk for human trafficking. Migration for a person with a disability can be a frightening situation as they lack the resources and support that non-disabled people might have. However, even non-disabled migrants are at risk for human trafficking. The Need for Research and Government Protocols There is a definite need for up-to-date research on this topic especially as it relates to people with disabilities and how to provide protection and support from the insidious practice of human trafficking. Governments and organizations in developed countries need to take the initiative and develop protocols to protect people with disabilities from this crime. While it occurs in higher numbers in under-developed countries, it is happening right here in Canada, and other developed countries as well. We cannot claim to be creating a fully inclusive society if all people are not protected from this form of abuse and violence in their lives. Human trafficking continues to be a heinous crime that must be stopped. Organizations Helping Survivors of Human Trafficking Here is a list of important groups helping people who have been trafficked back to safety: Little Footprints @LFBSCharity International Justice Mission @IJM My Refuge House @myrefugehouse Project Rescue @ProjRescue Compassion International @compassion Made by Survivors @madebysurvivors Love 146 @Love146 Free the Slaves @FreetheSlaves Not for Sale @NFS Shared Hope @SharedHope Disability Benefits Support in Canada At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim disability tax credit. Give us a call today to get a free assessment! --- - Published: 2017-01-10 - Modified: 2025-12-29 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/abuse-people-with-disabilities/ One of the enduring challenges faced by people with disabilities is that of abuse. People with disabilities face several forms of abuse like: Physical - abuse can range from hitting and pinching to forcing someone to eat faster than they are able. Sexual - abuse such as inappropriate touching during toilet routines or sexual assault. Financial - abuse includes withholding money or stealing money. Emotional/Verbal – abuse including threats to leave the person alone, name-calling Neglect - involves failure to provide the necessities of life such as proper food, medicine, or a safe, clean shelter. An information sheet published by the Government of Alberta states that people with disabilities are 50% more likely to be the victim of some form of abuse in their lives. Some individuals have a higher risk than others. Factors that impact the level of risk are: Level of disability Availability of a support network Isolation Dependency The sad truth is that abuse isn’t always a one-way situation. Sometimes two people abuse each other and it is the nature of the relationship that has become abusive. People with disabilities can have a high number of various caregivers and support team members. It is often the people closest to them who are abusing them. Persons with disabilities, like other victims of family violence, are most often abused by people they know. This may be a caregiver in the person’s residence, a spouse or common-law partner, another family member or a professional with whom they have some contact as a patient or client. While many advances have been made in areas such as equality, inclusivity, universal design, and accessibility, people with disabilities shouldn’t have to keep facing this absurdly high level of abuse in their lives. People who abuse persons with disabilities can be anyone and are usually someone they know such as a family member, caregiver, friend, staff in a facility or landlord. A 2012 report published in the U. S. revealed startling statistics regarding the prevalence of abuse in the lives of people with disabilities. The rate of reporting varied among specific “disability communities” (PWD and families). Some 55. 4% of victims with autism reported abuse, while 52. 8% of those with a speech disability, 44. 2% of those with a mental health condition, and 39. 5% of those with a mobility disability did so... More than 73% of people with disabilities who took the survey reported they had been victims of bullying. Most of these victims had experienced bullying on multiple occasions, with 38% saying that their victimization had lasted for years on end. It is a challenge to analyze the reasons why abuse and bullying are so prevalent in the lives of people with disabilities. A key to this issue is that it is an international issue. People with disabilities around the world cope with this problem. Many do because they are dependent on the care of others. Some people with disabilities may not have the physical capability to fight back, or even call out for help. These factors render them far more vulnerable than others. One of the first proactive steps people with disabilities can take is to engage in risk reduction. People need to understand where the risks are and find ways to reduce or eliminate them. For example, with respect to the issue of caregivers, it’s vital to take the time to interview them thoroughly, ensure their references are valid, and conduct a background check including a criminal background check. This may have a paranoid sound to it, but it’s better to be thorough upfront than deal with the abuse. An excellent resource for this is Dr. Nora Baladerian’s book on risk reduction entitled A Risk Reduction Workbook for Parents and Service Providers. A second step is for people with disabilities and their spouses/families to know their legal rights. In Canada, there’s a plethora of valuable information on the web. D. A. W. N. The Disabled Women’s Network has worked diligently to educate and support women with disabilities around the issue of abuse. Reasons why Persons with Disabilities are more vulnerable to violence. The victim may not be able to call for help, protest, or getaway. They may be dependent on others for care which means that people, including strangers, have legitimate access to their homes and bodies. A complaint by a victim may jeopardize or interrupt essential services. People with disabilities may not develop adequate boundaries or may have had their boundaries undermined because they are so dependent on others for their daily functioning. They are afraid they may not be believed, and that the caregiver may be seen as more "credible". There is a need for disability rights activists to speak out more urgently on this issue. There is no way people with disabilities can live completely equal and inclusive lives if they continue to face such high levels of abuse. Disability rights activists have a responsibility to work with the government, social services, and other organizations to reduce the risk of abuse in the lives of people with disabilities. This is not an easy goal to achieve as disability rights activism still faces a high degree of challenges to address to achieve full equality. It may also be time for educators at all levels of education to integrate this subject into the curriculum, especially as a vital topic in Disability Studies such as this one currently being taught at Brock University - "Child sexual abuse -- Prevention -- Study and teaching". A discourse on abuse must be developed as part of the overall dialogue on and efforts to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) abuse, sexual assault, and bullying in our society. Helpful Resources for People Suffering from Disability Ultimate CPP Disability Guide Disability Tax Credit Guide Disability Tax Credit Provincial Resources --- - Published: 2017-01-10 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/children-with-developmental-delays/ From babbles to the slap of sandals on pavement, the first three years of a child’s life passes like a colorful, unstoppable whirlwind. And like any good whirlwind, it brings about rapid changes with great distinction and significance. How a child develops in those first three years stays with them for the rest of their life. Developmental milestones are truly a cause for celebration. Although each child develops at their own steady pace, expected times of development are not to be ignored. Developmental delays are best detected early to address the needs of their future progress. It can occur in one or many areas such as gross or fine motor, language, social, emotional, or cognitive abilities. It is an ongoing major or minor delay and one of the most commonly misunderstood disabilities in children and adults. While a diagnosis from a developmental and behavioral pediatrician or pediatric neurologist is the first step to ensure continued growth and progress, it fails to eliminate the enormous social stigma children with developmental delays face. For those with visible genetic developmental delays such as Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other birth defects, the playground can be a harsh and unwelcoming environment. Even if it is a slight delay in speech or cognitive abilities, children with developmental delays are commonly mistreated by their peers. Deemed the weirdo, the outcast or even the school idiot, it is no surprise that they struggle with self-confidence and social anxiety from a young age. The years seem to stretch from that first slur or nasty nickname. Children with developmental delays experience ongoing hurdles and unprecedented discrimination that haunt them for the rest of their lives. These bad building blocks commonly manifest as depression, agoraphobia, and other mental illnesses in early adulthood. The damage is truly irrevocable and heartbreaking, not only for the child but the parents and caregivers of the victims. Parents of children with developmental delays report higher levels of parental stress than parents of typically developing children. While the child’s behavioral problems are a source of stress – as with all parents – the majority of parental stress stems from external factors. Those caring for children with developmental delays experience consistent parent-shaming and social isolation, and commonly suffer from poor self-confidence, depression, and financial difficulties. Playground politics often extend to parents of children with developmental delays as they are stigmatized for their so-called ‘inability’ to control their children. Unsolicited advice and criticism from other parents with typically developed children only further the divide and showcases the incredible unfounded judgment that comes with having children with developmental delays. Indeed, the pressure and demand to have a ‘normal’ child results in significantly restricted social lives. Uninvited to birthday gatherings and unable to attend PTA meetings due to tiring schedules, parents of children of developmental delays are regularly isolated. Enjoyable excursions such as picnics, movies and visits to the zoo are difficult to navigate with children of developmental delays and can be profoundly alienating. Should the rare decision be made to take time off to oneself, the necessary arrangements are equally hard to come by. Family members and babysitters, as trustworthy and well-intentioned as they might be, are usually unaccustomed to caring for children with developmental delays over an extended length of time. If the child should have medical aids and/or require special attention, the options are even more limiting. The time and care necessary to ensure a comfortable environment and facilitate growth for children with developmental delays can be all-consuming. Unsurprisingly, for many parents, constant worry and parental stress force them to stay at home to provide for their child’s needs. Full-time, and even part-time, jobs are physically draining and challenging to maintain with night shifts as their primary caregiver. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal on Developmental Disabilities, “parents of children with delays reported significantly lower income than parents of children without delays. The average income bracket for families of children with delays was $35,000 - $45,000, whereas the average income bracket for families of children without delays was $65,000 - $75,000”. Without a high earning potential, overworked and socially isolated, one can say that parents of children with developmental delays truly weather the bulk of the disability, like an unyielding umbrella caught in a whirlwind. Children with developmental delays deserve everything that a child without delays has and more. Although it is important to focus on their quality of life, medical needs and social integration, the greatest gift is unyielding love and support. Parents will give freely and selflessly, and as a community and a country, we need to do the same. Parental stress is the one of the biggest and most easily managed obstacles when it comes to nurturing children with developmental delays. Compassion and understanding are the first steps of many, with emotional, social, and financial support quick to follow. Together, let’s ensure that they see the rainbow after the whirlwind. --- - Published: 2016-12-09 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/healthcare-accessibility-disability/ Canadians take it for granted that we have a system of universal health care. Even though the system has become somewhat eroded in recent years, for the most part, Canadians have access to world-class medical care. For the most part. People with disabilities experience a different world of health care, and in particular, practical challenges to accessing the same health care millions of other Canadians take for granted. The four traditional barriers are: Physical barriers Attitudinal barriers, Expertise barriers Systemic barriers. A Toronto-based study found that over 32% of people with disabilities experienced physical barriers accessing healthcare facilities, while a Canadian study found that ”20% of patients with disabilities felt that physicians overattributed health problems to their disability while another 20% felt physicians under-attributed... Research on how people with disabilities are perceived by family physicians shows that doctors perceive people with disabilities to be more challenging than other patients (Bachman, Vedrani, Drainoni, Tobias, & Maisels, 2006). ” A 2012 study by the Canadian Disability Policy Alliance found that barriers to healthcare for people with disabilities continue to persist. “The most prevalent patient-level barrier cost, particularly the costs of transportation to appointments. For those patients with limited financial resources, and often without independent means of transportation, traveling any distance by taxi is not an option. If accessible public transportation is available, it often will not exceed certain boundaries, so geography becomes an issue. ” Healthcare accessibility is a challenge for those individuals who choose not to reveal their disability before meeting with a doctor for the first time. They perceive themselves to be in good health or may have a healthcare issue that is completely unrelated to the presence of a disability. But, they find that when doctors meet them, some are reluctant to treat them. In particular, some practitioners prefer not to work with patients who cope with chronic pain or mental illness, because they find the individual takes up “too much of their time”. Here are some of the recommendations for basic healthcare accessibility: Floor spaces and hallways are free of equipment and other barriers. Counters and service windows are low enough for everyone to reach, including people who use wheelchairs. Alarm systems can be both seen and heard. Staff and health care professionals can use sign language or have access to someone who can use sign language. Videos on the web have captioning or written versions for people with hearing loss. Print materials and signs are large-size fonts for people with low vision. Raised lettering and Braille are used on signs, such as those on elevators. The reality is, that the offices of most GPs and specialists do not have anywhere close to this level of healthcare accessibility. Even in Ontario, where the ODA is in place, most of these basic forms of accessibility do not exist. For people in the Deaf Culture, healthcare accessibility can be an even greater challenge. For example, hospitals, walk-in clinics, GPs, and specialists do not keep an Interpreter on staff. When an individual requires the services of a doctor, they must arrange the Interpreter ahead of time. But, what about in an emergency? Then, they are in an enormously difficult situation trying in vain to communicate with hospital staff. Again, a very basic level of accessibility should be the presence of at least one Interpreter on staff in all hospitals and walk-in clinics. For people who are blind or have low vision, navigating a large hospital can be a nightmare. They are expected to find their way around with literally no one to assist, and the lack of materials in braille or large print. If Canada is to create a Canadians with Disabilities Act, there must be provisions for how people with disabilities access the healthcare system. Training on disability-related issues should be mandatory for all individuals entering nursing or medical school. At the very least, there is a need for our doctors and nurses to understand how disability-related issues impact an individual and the common misconceptions they might make when they treat an individual with a disability. A recent article in the Canadian Journal of Disability Studies reports that “Health care is a human right yet access barriers to health care remain one of the major challenges among people with disabilities. One of the several reasons accounting for this is that there is little evidence on access barriers to healthcare among people with disabilities. ” There are additional and serious problems such as an inability or difficulty moving onto and off medical equipment (such as an MRI or CT scan), staff with no ability to communicate with individuals who have language difficulties, or people from the Deaf Culture. “For instance, Thew et al. (2012) and Iezzoni et al. (2004) found that deaf patients experience “fear, mistrust and frustration” in healthcare settings when they experience problems with instructions for physical examination, telephone communication, and difficulty communicating with staff. This is likely to result in incorrect diagnosis and improper treatment. ” In 2010, the College of Family Physicians and Surgeons stated that people with disabilities have far greater difficulties finding a family physician in Ontario, and they also stated only 17. 5% of Ontario physicians are accepting new patients. Premier Wynne has not lived up to her promise to develop a Health Care Accessibility Standard. As of this date, the premier has still not moved forward with this initiative. The AODA Alliance is devoted to the attempt to ensure Wynne keeps her promise. The Alliance also points out Wynne’s government studied the issue for almost two years, then turned around and asked for public input. The unfortunate reality is that Premier Wynne broke her promise never to weaken any accessibility provisions or protections. In summary, people with disabilities continue to struggle with healthcare accessibility in Canada, and one of the reasons is that politicians like Premier Wynne don’t deliver on their word. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians apply for disability tax credits, Long Term Disability Benefits, and CPP disability Benefits, Give us a call today to get a free assessment! --- - Published: 2016-12-09 - Modified: 2026-01-23 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/definitive-guide-accessible-transportation/ With the winter weather right around the corner, many people want to plan a trip to somewhere warm and sunny. Everyone has a bucket list of places they would like to visit in their lifetime. Planning a vacation can be difficult and time-consuming for abled-bodied individuals but it takes a bit more thought when people with disabilities want to take a trip. Traveling with a disability needs to accommodate accessibility requirements in order for people with disabilities to enjoy their vacation! Here are some tips and tricks to help plan an enjoyable vacation: Research & plan your trip: "It’s important to research and gather information about your trip before you decide to go. Using a travel agent or transportation company as a resource can ensure all of your needs are met. For example, if you have specific needs such as information in an alternative format, ask the travel agent or transportation company what they have available to meet your needs (for example large print pamphlets or an electronic format). It’s important to voice your travel needs. Services vary depending on where you’re visiting. Ask questions and compare answers, this will allow you to have control over your trip’’! As a traveler with a disability, you should feel comfortable and not face any obstacles while traveling, or how or on which fare. It is important to plan your trip ahead of time and know how to ask for assistance when needed. Here are some steps you can use: Have a few possible destination options from your travel bucket list in mind or as the travel agent for suggestions; “Determine your needs; Research information before you make decisions; Identify which travel and transportation companies can meet your needs; and Get written confirmation about your accessibility arrangements when booking your travel”. Traveling Within Canada Canada has set up regulations for accessible transportation for people traveling with a disability. Accessible transportation companies that assist people with disabilities need to follow the Canadian accessible transportation regulations. “The Personnel Training for the Assistance of Persons with Disabilities Regulations” require transportation companies to train their employees on how they can best provide services to those traveling with a disability. Traveling outside Canada “Travel standards and rules do not always apply outside of Canada. In some places, traveling with a disability is accessible but in many other places, it is not very accessible. You will need a passport, as it is an essential document for international travel, but in some countries, you may also need a visa, health certificate, and proof of vaccinations. If you use a service animal, you should ask ahead about needing an international health certificate and proof of vaccinations for the animal. If you need to have any medications with you, ask how they will be handled at security checkpoints. Some products sold over the counter in Canada may require prescriptions in other countries, including the United States. You may not be able to bring your medications into the country without a prescription. It’s important to ask what you can and cannot take with you”. Check out what other’s experiences have been with international travel. What are the best countries for accessible transportation from their experience and what countries would they avoid? Implementing your travel plan Once you have planned your trip and made your reservation, make sure to mention your disability and the services you need. You can arrange assistance at any point along your trip, such as: Mobility aids: “Many transportation vehicles have limited space to accommodate people traveling with a disability. Some companies require up to 48 hours' notice before travel, especially if you use a power wheelchair, scooter, or another type of mobility aid. Some transportation companies may not be able to accommodate large mobility aids. If this occurs the company should inform you of alternate arrangements. When you're planning your trip, ask these questions: Can I board with my own wheelchair? Are there tie-downs for safety? Can mobility aids be stowed on board, or must they be checked? Is there an on-board wheelchair? Can the on-board wheelchair get in and out of the washroom? Which seats are accessible? (For example, movable armrests, proximity to the washroom, close to the entrance)? If you require ground transportation to or from the terminal, it is advised you arrange this is advance. A ground transportation company can easily transport folding wheelchairs, walkers and other small mobility aids. If your mobility aid is too large and the company cannot accompany you, they are expected to offer an alternative at no extra cost”. Medical clearance: When travelling medical clearance isn’t usually needed. When traveling with a disability, you do not need to disclose the details of your disability, but there are exceptions. “For example, if you use a wheelchair or scooter or require an oxygen tank, you may need to discuss your disability with the transportation company you are using. Be clear on exactly what services you need and ask about what services are available”. Service animals: When traveling there shouldn’t be a charge for your service animal. “You may need to confirm with the company providing your transportation that your service animal has been trained for its role, show the company its training certificate, and to ensure that your service animal is properly harnessed. You can ask the company to make sure there is enough floor space for your service animal to remain at your feet. Check to make sure you know about the different regulations for your service animal when traveling, especially to another country. Vacation time: You’re vacation has begun! You’ll be at your destination soon! There are some issues that could arise along the way, starting with your ride to the terminal. If you aren’t traveling with friends or family, check ahead for information about parking areas, drop-off and pick-up areas, and other accessible transportation services. “Terminals provide this information by phone or on their websites. You should plan your ride ahead of time”. Navigating through the terminal: “Getting from the terminal to the boarding area can be challenging. Boarding areas can be far away. There may be long lines at the check-in counters and security checkpoints”. Here are some ways to get assistance while traveling: Finding assistance: “Inside large terminals, there is a help desk where you can find information and ask for help. Now some terminals have automated information kiosks. They are expected to provide assistance to those traveling with a disability. If you arranged for a friend or family member to assist you through the terminal ahead of time, an employee that will provide your escort with a temporary pass through security zones will escort you”. Checking-in: At the time of check-in, “confirm that you will receive the services you requested. Bring the document that confirms the services you requested in case anything isn’t clear. You can ask the staff to assist you through the terminal all the way to your seat. If you have a service animal, ask to be guided to an area where it can relieve itself, if needed”. Mobility aids: Depending if you're using a wheelchair or other mobility aids, the transportation company you’re using may need time to prepare properly before the trip. “Between check-in and boarding, you may need to transfer to a boarding wheelchair. You may ask to delay this if necessary, ask for help to make your way to the boarding gate. You may ask how your mobility aid will be stored. If you're traveling by train, the company you're using may ask you to transfer to a smaller wheelchair if your mobility aid won’t fit into the rail car. Trains also have limited storage and not all trains can store mobility aids. You may need to transfer to a seat, or take another train if your mobility aid is too large”. Security screening: You may be required to go “through a security screening process depending on the type of travel you’re using. Screening officers may want to see your boarding pass, and may ask to see any prescriptions you need to bring on board. In Canadian airports, it is under the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) officers who screen passengers entering the secure zones and boarding areas. Wider mobility aids may not fit through screening areas, and some passengers with disabilities need to avoid metal detectors. There also may be special procedures for service animals”. Boarding: “Transportation companies offer travelers with disabilities a specific time for them to board before other passengers. This ensures you have time to settle in your seat before other passengers board. If you wish to pre-board and have an invisible disability, identify yourself to an employee since they might be unaware of your needs”. Here are examples of protocols for boarding different modes of transportation. Check into the boarding protocols in advance so you know what to expect during your vacation adventure: Air: Airports have covered bridges between the terminal and plane. Some airports require passengers to go “outside and use a staircase to board the aircraft. If you cannot use stairs or need help, let your transportation company know when you’re making your reservation”. Rail: “If you need assistance, at least 48 hours before your travel is needed, the railway company will help you at the ticket counter and to board the train. Larger stations usually have a crewmember available to help you if you make a request ahead of time. In the passenger car, some aisle seats may have movable armrests to make it easier to get into and out of seats”. Ferries: “Ferries often have two or more decks that are connected by stairs. Some have wheelchair-accessible elevators. If you need assistance, ask the crew for help”. Buses: “Many buses have lifts or ramps for boarding and allow you to travel with your mobility aid. Other buses have low-level floors that allow access from the curb, other buses may not have boarding devices. If you need assistance, let the transportation company know at least 48 hours in advance. The transportation company will ensure that an accessible bus service meets your needs”. Arrival: “You have arrived at your destination! Now it’s time to collect your luggage and exit the terminal. You can ask staff to assist you from your seat through the terminal. Many large communities have a variety of accessible transportation such as taxis, buses, and rental cars. The best thing to do is arrange your transportation ahead of time. Most importantly, relax, and consider the travel to and from your destination as part of the whole vacation adventure! Here’s to vacations that are great fun and filled with lasting memories for all! For accessible transportation travel ideas check these links: National Sports Center for the Disabled National Ability Center Flying Wheels Travel Tourism Whistler Accessible Cruises We hope this guide on accessible transportation gives you all the tips/tricks as well as resources you need to have a fun-filled vacation! --- - Published: 2016-12-06 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/addiction-mental-illness/ Is Addiction a Mental Illness? Understanding Addiction, Disability, and Rehabilitation Waiting for the kick. Then the ecstasy and peace that follows. The way the world melts away and chest bones become light and hollow. Addiction is a toxic, paralyzing love affair. When one is labeled an addict that becomes the whole of their identity and existence. Can Addiction Be Considered a Mental Illness? The stamp of addiction is truly debilitating as it invalidates everything that sparked and contributed to the breaking point. Addiction rarely stands on its own, it’s often the ugly manifesto of deeper, unresolved mental illness. Alcohol and drug abuse commonly stem from untreated depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unsurprisingly, those that suffer such mental illnesses, seek escape and solace from their reality. In giving up control through alcohol and drug abuse, they can accept the loss of control resulting in mental stasis and relief. Addiction is, ironically, a method of self-rehabilitation. The Neurological Impact of Long-Term Alcohol and Drug Abuse Perhaps the bitterest irony is how addiction mirrors rehabilitation. Those who suffer from addiction experience permanent changes in behavior, attitude, and thought much like those in addiction rehabilitation — it is a 180-degree change in the wrong direction. Indeed, consistent alcohol and drug abuse can result in irrevocable damage to mental and physical capability. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that long-term drug taking “can eventually lead to profound changes in neurons and brain circuits, with the potential to severely compromise the long-term health of the brain can cause impairment in cognitive function. ” Additional research published in Clinical EEG and Neuroscience journal further supports the claim stating: “Substance users show abnormalities on measures of brain functioning, which is linked to changes in nonrecognition over time. Abnormalities have been seen in brain structure volume, which matter quality, and activation to cognitive tasks. ” Addiction as a Disability Under WHO Definitions According to the World Health Organization, “Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in body function or structure”. Those suffering from alcohol and drug abuse are struggling with long-term cognitive and learning disabilities. Contrary to popular belief, addiction is not a choice, it is not a silly late-night desire to feel good. Addiction is the loss of control over one’s behavior and thoughts, it could even be classified as a degenerative brain disease if not a mental illness. Withdrawal Symptoms and Loss of Control Should one ever be doubtful of the serious implications and disabling nature of addiction, witnessing the slow, painful process of addiction rehabilitation is enough to garner a change of perspective. The symptoms of withdrawal are a powerful testimony to the utter helplessness of the addicted individual to the wrath of addiction. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, racing heart, and sweating are merely the beginning. Severe emotional and mental reparations such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, poor concentration, and social isolation are highly common and difficult to overcome. Withdrawal can even take a dangerous turn to include grand mal seizures, heart attacks, strokes, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs). Those with addiction have as much control over their alcohol and drug abuse as they do their damning symptoms of withdrawal. Social Stigma and Discrimination Against Individuals With Addiction Even if one refuses to acknowledge addiction as a disability, it is well documented that those who suffer from addiction are treated no better than those with disabilities and/or mental illness. People who suffer from addiction face enormous social stigma. Individuals with a history of alcohol and drug abuse are commonly rejected by employers, denied access to various facilities and generally excluded from social housing services. Since addiction is an invisible and episodic disability, ensuring unwavering equal treatment is challenging. Relapses, no matter how short-lived and infrequent, become grounds for immediate termination and discrimination. Consistently ostracized, those suffering from alcohol and drug abuse rarely seek addiction rehabilitation for fear of revealing their demons. The Financial Barriers to Addiction Rehabilitation Nonetheless, addiction rehabilitation seems like the only logical solution. Addiction rehabilitation in reality, however, presents many hurdles of various difficulty and complexity. With outpatient counseling programs ranging from $50 to $200 per hour in simple cases, the cost of addiction rehabilitation only skyrockets from there. Inpatient addiction rehabilitation in well-known centers can reach steep costs of up to $65,000 in treatment fees. Even if one was to forgo the lengthy stay, the prices remain formidable. An investigation in Financial Post reports that “Bellwood Health Services in Toronto is $17,339 for a 4. 5-week program (this includes family programming and one-year of aftercare for patients). Homewood Health Centre in Guelph costs $330 a day for a private bed or $280 for a semi-private bed and addiction programs generally last 35 days. " Addiction rehabilitation can easily submerge an already struggling family into debt. Now, addiction is certainly beginning to sound more and more like a mental illness. Is Addiction a Mental Illness or a Choice? Although one can argue that addiction should not be considered a disability on the grounds of individual motivation and behavior, the cognitive and learning disability incurred during long-term alcohol and drug abuse presents significant evidence that addiction is indeed a mental illness. However, despite its controversial nature, all can agree that those suffering from addiction should be treated with dignity, patience, and compassion. Addiction rehabilitation should be accessible and affordable, and resources for those who are financially struggling are readily available. True peace and relief will surely come shortly after. Disability Benefits for Addiction in Canada At Disability Credit Canada, we're dedicated to helping disabled Canadians obtain Disability benefits such as CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability support. Reach out to us for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-11-30 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/amputation-cut-loss-disability-strikes/ Living With Amputation: Physical Trauma, Mental Health, and Social Stigma Amputation does not judge based on age, health, or the circumstances of one’s birth. It could happen to anyone with incredible swiftness and devastation. From thighs to knuckle bones, amputation is disabling and all-encompassing, inflicting physical trauma, psychological stress, and social discrimination. Although critical illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and arterial diseases are common culprits, people without pre-existing health conditions are not immune. Cut infections – particularly on the lower extremities – severe burns and frostbites can also result in permanent disabilities. Even if one is cautious and thorough by nature, careless drivers, unguarded and/or broken machinery, and patriotic duties are the ever-chaotic harbingers of physical trauma. It’s truly an unpredictable and unprecedented disability that can derail the most unsuspecting. The Prevalent Attitude Toward Amputation Aside from the naïve “It won’t happen to me” attitude toward amputation, perhaps the most common misconception is that amputation is strictly physical – after all, it is simply the removal of a part from the whole. Here, to better understand the debilitating loss, the whole is to be defined as: “The physical, mental, emotional and social status of the individual”. Indeed, on a merely physical level, it is the separation of flesh from flesh, however, within the brain, the effect is amplified from function to dysfunction. Psychological and Emotional Effects of Amputation New amputees experience feelings of denial, shock, self-loath, helplessness, and disconnection to name a few. Difficulties concentrating, social anxiety, stress, and depression reflect the darker side of amputation, affecting daily activities and pursuits. While psychological and emotional responses to amputation vary greatly, it typically arises from how little control they feel they have over their lives. With many amputees describing their early feelings as akin to being on a roller-coaster ride, they must have the support, structure, and resources they need to accept and engage in their new reality. Rehabilitation, Routine, and Returning to Daily Life Normally, after working through the initial sense of grief and loss, amputees are encouraged to occupy themselves. Usually, this involves engaging in enjoyable activities and creative goals such as reading and discovering new ways of tackling daily chores. For many, it is about resuming their regular schedules including going to work and gossiping around the water cooler. To re-familiarize oneself with society through employment is crucial to self-healing, growth, and acceptance. Stigma Around Amputation and Public Misconceptions Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding amputation is significantly different from other physical and mental disabilities. While genetic blindness and autism are recognized as intrinsic disabilities out of one’s control, amputation is commonly perceived as self-inflicted and even deserved. No parent has ever pointed to a person with Down syndrome and angrily warned their children that such a disability will befall them should they not listen to instructions as they do with a passing amputee. People with amputation are treated as spectacles – a walking accident and forewarning for normal society. Thus, despite overcoming serious physical, psychological, and emotional struggles, they are aggressively marginalized due to their manageable disability. Employment Discrimination After Amputation Social discrimination against people with disabilities is illegal under The Canadian Human Rights Act, but that does not deter employers from rejecting applicants and returning employees with amputations. In fact, it breeds sneakiness. Promises of employment after traumatic and/or surgical amputation usually prove to be empty, misconstrued, and short-lasting. As Orthotics and Prosthetics Community revealed through a study conducted with 1,000 industrial amputees at the Ontario Worker’s Compensation Board, “Although 65% of the amputees reported that the accident employer had offered continuing employment, only 21% returned to their pre-amputation job”. Upon further research, it was discovered that “More than half of the subjects identified negative repercussions of their amputation including reduced potential salary increases and fewer opportunities for job promotion. Forty-four percent reported that job security was adversely affected by amputation. One-quarter of the amputees employed at the time of this review noted that they had experienced periods of unemployment lasting more than six months since the amputation. ” For those without claims, the story is even more heartbreaking. If one was not ‘let go’ due to company downsizing, it was because of their sudden decrease in work quality and efficiency. Masked behind the comforting lie that all employees are evaluated under the same standards regardless of ability, employers can easily justify their discriminatory practices. What’s more? Amputees’ lack of employment, financial security, and independence is often misunderstood as not trying hard enough. The notion of the noble amputee sacrificing and pushing beyond their limits is damaging, to say the least. The pressure to reform society as a whole against unrelenting social discrimination is nothing short of psychological abuse. Support, Resources, and Life After Amputation Surely, expectations are high – be active, be happy, be employed – begetting an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, but amputees need not achieve it all at once nor by themselves. Family, friends, and countless resources are available to them every step of the way from accepting physical restrictions and overcoming psychological distress to finding employment and fighting social discrimination. For a roller-coaster ride experience, it’s important that they know that the feelings and struggles are temporary and that whole or not, they are undeniably enough. Disability Benefits for Amputation in Canada At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians secure benefits like CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. Contact us for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-11-28 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/alternative-therapies-guide/ Table of Contents Over the past several years, research has shown that more and more Canadians with disabilities are using alternative medicines or therapies to treat or manage illnesses and to promote healthy living. Many different therapies and healthcare approaches fall under the category of alternative medicines or therapies. Several different practices have been labeled as alternative medicines or therapies. Some of these practices/approaches include therapeutic massage, relaxation therapy, herbalism, Chinese medicine, chiropractic/functional neurology, homeopathy, conductive education, and physical or occupational therapies to name a few. This blog will explore some of the different approaches that can assist people with disabilities. Definition of Alternative Medicines or Therapies The medical dictionary defines alternative medicines and therapies as “ a large and diverse set of systems of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention based on philosophies or techniques other than those used in conventional medicine. Such practices may describe alternative medicines or therapies, existing as a body separate from and as a replacement for conventional medicines. Alternative medicines or therapies are characterized by their focus on the whole person as a unique individual, on the energy of the body and its influence on health and disease, on the healing power of nature and the mobilization of the body’s own resources to heal itself, and on the treatment of the underlying causes, rather than symptoms of disease”. Types of Alternative Medicines & Therapies Acupuncture: What is Acupuncture? “Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that has been used for centuries. It is based on the theory that energy, called chi, flows through your body and strengthens the body’s immune system by increasing white blood cell count, manages pain by releasing endorphins, and improves sleep by modifying physiological functions of the brain”. What is Acupuncture used for? People use acupuncture to relieve pain and treat certain health conditions. Studies have found that the results of acupuncture can be useful for stroke rehabilitation; headaches/migraines; Fibromyalgia; lower back pain (for people who have lower back pain, acupuncture may help reduce pain and disability related to back problems); disorders of the bones; muscles; joints and nerves; dizziness; sleep and stress disorders; neck and shoulder pain. Massage Therapy: What is Massage Therapy? “Massage therapy is an alternative therapy that can be used for the treatment of acute and chronic conditions. Massage therapists use modern and traditional massage techniques to treat people who may have illnesses, are injured, have a disability, or need physical rehabilitation”. What is Massage Therapy used for? Massage therapy can help many different conditions and can be beneficial for conditions such as anxiety and depression; back, leg, and neck pain; dislocations; headaches/migraines; chronic pain; physical disabilities; Fibromyalgia; strokes; inflammatory conditions; Parkinson’s; stress and stress-related conditions; anxiety and depression. Active Release Therapy: What is Active Release Therapy (ART)? “ART is an alternative therapy that is a soft tissue method that focuses on relieving tissue tension through the removal of adhesions that can develop in tissues because of repetitive use. This technique treats disorders that may lead to weakness, numbness, tingling, burning, etc. ” Purpose of ART The purpose of ART is to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. The active release technique is designed to accomplish three things: To restore free and unimpeded motion of all soft tissues To release entrapped nerves To re-establish optimal texture, resilience, and function of soft tissues Benefits of ART There are many benefits of ART for people with physical disabilities. Some of these benefits include: Increased Flexibility—Studies have shown that just one ART treatment can help increase flexibility. Improves Range of Motion—ART treatments can help improve range of motion and mobility for those with musculoskeletal disorders or injuries and episodes of chronic pain. Reduces Chronic Lower Back Pain—ART can help break up scar tissue and release-compressed nerves to relieve back pain. Botox: What is Botox? “Botox is used commercially to treat multiple painful medical conditions including migraines, spasticity and cervical dystonia. Botox is included in a class of medications called neurotoxins and when they are injected into muscles, it blocks the nerve signals that cause the tightening of muscle, leading to muscle relaxation”. Purpose of Botox Botox injections is an alternative medicine used to treat conditions that affect how the body functions. Some examples are: (chronic migraines some people experience migraines more than 15 days a month, Botox injections may help reduce headache frequency); chronic muscle twitches; Cerebral Palsy-Associated Limb Spasticity; and Upper and Lower muscle spasms. Graston Technique What is Graston? “Graston Technique is a unique instrument-assisted soft tissue modality (technique), clinicians address soft tissue build up. Graston helps increase or maintain range of motion”. What can Graston Treat? Achilles Tendinitis (ankle pain) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain) Cervical Sprain/Strain (neck pain) Fibromyalgia Tennis Elbow Lumbar Sprain/Strain (back pain) Knee Pain Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain) Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (shoulder pain) Scar Tissue Shin Splints Homeopathy What is Homeopathy? Homeopathy is an alternative therapy that “is a natural system of medicine that uses highly diluted doses of substances to stimulate the body’s healing mechanism to promote health. Homeopathic medicines or remedies are based on the discovery that natural substances are capable of curing the same symptoms the remedy is capable of curing”. What can Homeopathy Treat? Homeopathy can treat a wide variety of conditions. Many conditions can benefit from homeopathic remedies. These remedies can help those who deal with chronic pain, bumps and bruises, etc. Chinese Herbal Medicine Chinese Herbal Medicine “Chinese herbal medicine is an alternative therapy technique that uses medicinal herbs to prevent and treat diseases and ailments to promote health and healing. Chinese herbs and medicinal substances are important because they promote longevity and treatment of different diseases”. What can Chinese Herbal Medicine Treat? Abdomen pain, nausea and vomiting Back and Spine Body itching Swelling Asthma Neck pain Spasms Digestive problems Stroke Heart Disease Respiratory Disease Reiki What is Reiki? “Reiki is a Japanese technique that promotes healing. Reiki is done by laying hands and is based on the idea that an unseen ‘life force energy’ flows through us and is what causes us to be alive”. What Happens During a Reiki Treatment? “During a Reiki treatment, people feel a wonderful glowing radiance that flows around them. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being”. Wheelchair/Seated Yoga What is Wheelchair/Seated Yoga? Wheelchair/seated yoga is “modified yoga that can be done while seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible for people who can’t stand or lack the mobility to move easily from standing to a seated position. While seated on a chair or in a wheelchair, people can do versions of twists, hip stretches, forward bends, etc. ” What are the Benefits of Wheelchair/Seated Yoga? Improved flexibility Increased strength Greater lung capacity Reduced levels of stress, tension, and anxiety Improved mental clarity and focus Improved sense of well-being Improved feelings of connection, less isolation More restful sleep Wheelchair/Seated Poses: Cat pose (backstretch) Cow pose (front stretch) Side stretch (obliques and lats muscles) Twists (back) Eagle pose (back and shoulder stretch) Forward bend (low back, hips and hamstrings) Hip stretch Leg stretch Hydrotherapy What is Hydrotherapy? Hydrotherapy is an alternative therapy that uses the “principles of water to allow exercise and to alter exercise intensity. Increased temperature and hydrostatic pressure promote the increase in circulation and flexibility and decrease swelling. A hydrotherapy pool is heated to around 35 degrees Celsius. This allows for relaxation and promotes pain relief and encourages circulation”. Benefits of Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy can assist in treating several types of soft tissue and bone injuries as well as neuromuscular conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Cerebral Palsy, etc. The benefits of hydrotherapy include: Pain relief Reduction in muscle spasms Strengthening of weak muscles Increase in circulation Improvement of balance and coordination Re-education of paralyzed muscles Forms of Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy includes anything from floating in the water and the benefit from the increased temperature and relaxation properties to exercises. One method of hydrotherapy is known as the Bad Ragaz Ring Method. It is a method of muscle re-education where people float in specific patterns of resistance, endurance, elongation, relaxation, range of motion, and tonal reduction. The buoyancy of the water can be used as a tool to assist movement or to increase the difficulty. For example, when exercising the legs, marching in the water can be used to help in achieving the marching motion. It will provide resistance against pushing the legs down. Attaching a float to the legs can increase resistance. Therapeutic Horseback Riding/Hippotherapy What is Therapeutic Horseback Riding/Hippotherapy? Therapeutic Horseback Riding or Hippotherapy is an alternative therapy that improves the physical and mental well-being of people with disabilities. “Riding provides exercise, recreation, and a sense of achievement. Riding also provides independence from mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches or canes allowing access over the uneven ground into fields and forest where new sights, sounds, and smells stimulate the senses”. Purpose of Therapeutic Horseback Riding/Hippotherapy The purpose of therapeutic horseback riding/Hippotherapy is to improve balance, coordination, mobilization of stiff joints and muscles, prevention of contractures, improvement of circulation, relaxation of spasticity, development of self-esteem and independence, and recreation. Who can benefit from Therapeutic Horseback Riding/Hippotherapy? Some of the disabilities that can benefit from therapeutic riding lessons are: Cerebral Palsy Muscular Dystrophy Multiple Sclerosis Scoliosis Autism Arthritis Amputations Spina Bifida Epilepsy Brain Injury Developmental Disabilities Down’s Syndrome Dwarfism Blindness Hearing and Speech Impediments Various Social or Emotional Disabilities Learning disabilities Conductive Education What is Conductive Education? “Conductive Education is a program that combines physical rehabilitation and education to help children and adults with neurological motor disorders or who have had a stroke or brain injury. Conductive Education works on the brain to change the body. Participants are taught skills and techniques to help them overcome the challenges of their disability—they learn how to apply these strategies to everyday life, becoming more independent”. Who Benefits from Conductive Education? Conductive Education was designed for people with neurological motor disorders, Conductive Education offers an alternative group-setting approach to rehabilitation for people living with Cerebral Palsy Spina Bifida Multiple Sclerosis Parkinson’s Acquired Brain Injury Interactive Metronome (IM) What is IM? “Interactive Metronome (IM) is an assessment and treatment tool used by therapists and professionals who work with people with neurological conditions that affect cognitive and motor functioning. IM provides objective methods for measuring deficits and tracking improvements. IM is an evidence-based, engaging therapeutic modality that improves cognitive and motor skills. The design of the program ensures that the people using it recognize their progress as it is happening, increasing their motivation toward therapy and their ultimate recovery. IM is used to improve:” Attention Coordination Language processing Reading and math fluency Control of impulsivity/aggression How IM Works The brain with the IM along with functional therapy interventions, “IM is not only addressing users abilities that has an impact on their achievements and independence, but it's also retraining the timing between the areas of the brain that are underlying many of the problems people are working on in therapy. This creates a more efficient treatment and better overall treatment outcomes. IM is a game-like auditory-visual platform that engages people and provides up-to-date feedback on milliseconds to promote synchronized timing in the brain. Users can customize and increase the difficulty and time of the motor movements by setting them to be higher and faster, which will test the person’s cognitive processing, attention, and decision-making. IM is the only neuro-motor therapy tool that can be used on any person across the therapy spectrum, even those who require hands-on assistance due to physical and/or cognitive impairments”. Music Therapy What is Music Therapy? Music therapy is “the skillful use of music and musical elements used by music therapists to promote, maintain and restore mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities”. Who benefits from Music Therapy? “Music therapy is an alternative therapy used with individuals of various ages, abilities and musical backgrounds in institutional, community and private practice settings”. This includes: Acquired Brain Injuries Aids Autism & other Persuasive Development Disabilities Developmental Disabilities Hearing Impairments Emotional Traumas Mental Health Neonatal Care Obstetrics Neonatal Care Pain Control Palliative Care Personal Growth Physical Disabilities Speech & Language Impairments Substance Abuse Teens at Risk Victims of Abuse Visual Impairments At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians secure benefits like CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. Contact us for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-11-25 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/media-representations-disability/ Media Representations of Disability: Stereotypes, Progress, and Why It Matters Media representations of disability have been fought with challenges and successes. For years, we were the token cripple, the person to be pitied, or a deformed person to be fearful of, or even a secondary character who was somehow to be viewed as comic relief. In more recent times, there have been the ‘brave’ portrayals, and ultimately even more ‘realistic’ ones in films such as, My Left Foot, Mask, Coming Home, The Bone Collector, and Children of a Lesser God, and Away From Her. On t. v. there have been strides made with characters in E. R. , House, Breaking Bad, the United States of Tara and many more. An excellent list can be found here. The Ongoing Challenge of Disability Stereotypes in Film and Television The challenge to media representations of disability is the tendency to sink into old and worn stereotypes. These familiar character arcs include people who whine and want to die, people who are heroic and overly courageous, people who need the “able-bodied friend” to teach them life isn’t over, people who cure themselves through sheer force of will, and people filled with murderous rage and hate because of their disability, people who become superhuman or superheroes and other classic simplistic views of persons with disabilities. Why Accurate Media Representation of Disability Matters In the long run, however, what does it matter whether people with disabilities are portrayed with absolute accuracy in films and television? According to reports published by the CBC @CBC, Canadians with disabilities have far more challenging issues to address: low levels of unemployment, continued lack of accessibility and inclusion, high rates of poverty, wage gaps, and education gaps. Truthfully, media representations of disability matter and it matters a great deal. To a large degree, media representations offer us an opportunity to see ourselves reflected in the zeitgeist of the times. For years, there were no people of color on television, and Native Americans were depicted in horribly inaccurate roles such as the enduring “Tonto”. These distortions infiltrate society create misperceptions and reinforce negative stereotypes. Lack of Diversity in Disability Portrayals Kayla Brown of Washington University initiative, Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology @doituw offers a wonderful analysis: “The characters with disabilities we do see on TV are typically white males. In addition to the lack of racial and gender diversity, many disabled characters are fueled by stereotypes of "overcoming" their disability or being inspirational to others. While there is nothing wrong with a character being an inspiration to others, it should not be the only purpose that they serve in the narrative. ” Cultural Impact and Deeply Embedded Disability Stereotypes The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund is a US-based organization with the following mandate: advancing access to technology, securing the rights of children with disabilities access to education, improving access to healthcare and social services, and improving access to the built environment and transportation. They note that the stereotypes and fears people have of persons with disabilities have become deeply embedded in our culture. The images we see in the media influence our ways of thinking and our behavior. We can acknowledge the fact that the Disability Rights Movement has made real strides since the 1960s when it first became fully active. However, we must also acknowledge the reality of how far we have yet to go. Problematic and Misleading Portrayals of Disability Media representations of disability continue to be one of the most problematic issues concerning the development of film and television projects. “The under-representation of disabled people in the media or the misleading portrayal of disabled people has far-reaching consequences on the disability community, not least when they are portrayed as a "Superhero" or "tragic Villain"... The depictions of disability as a sin, evil, and tragic have widely been disseminated throughout society by religious teachings and beliefs. This along with the historical focus on impairment and physical deformities, have contributed to the way media portray disabled people. ” Media representations of disability have traditionally been about a rather simplistic portrayal of the individual, rather than a complex, multi-layered character creation. This has resulted in unrealistic character arcs and storylines which are, at their best often ridiculous, and at their worst, truly insulting. Oftentimes, disability is played for laughs, which is, of course, only prejudicial humor and the lowest denominator of character development. For example, movies such as Dumb and Dumber portray two brothers who are meant to be Siamese Twins, but they are merely two foolish men who simply act in a ridiculous and immature manner. Movies such as these are meant to be the humorous side of disability, but the result is an unintelligent parody with disgraceful representations of disability. Positive Progress in Disability Representation Recently, however, there have been hopeful signs, such as the inclusion of models with disabilities in the famous event known as “Fashion Week” in New York City. Jillian Mercado is a model and designer who also happens to have muscular dystrophy. Jillian challenges the norms of beauty and grace as she is also a wheelchair user. In 2015, in New York Fashion Week, for the first time, a model who is also an amputee was one of the models. Actress and activist Marlee Matlin became the first actress from the Deaf Culture to win the Academy Award for her performance in Children of a Lesser God. Marlee’s success has been important because she’s also been a highly visible actress on television and will soon make her Broadway debut. While these successes should be heralded and appreciated, they are few and far between. Far too many performers with disabilities find it difficult to break through to the mainstream. The Responsibility of Media Creators In the long run, women and men who create videos, film, television, commercials, print, and multimedia advertising bear a responsibility to take people with disabilities seriously as integral members of the human mosaic. Although in some cases, our bodies may appear different, we might use adaptive technology or assistive devices, our stories are everyone’s stories. People with disabilities need to be integrated into the universe of storytelling in all mediums. But, these need to be realistic portrayals, and the only way that will occur is if the storytellers themselves take the time to learn. Disability Benefits Support in Canada At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping Canadians claim disability Benefits. Give us a call to get a free assessment! Disability Credit Canada's mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. We’ve worked with thousands of Canadians suffering from mental and physical disabilities and we understand how impactful your condition can be on you and your family. --- - Published: 2016-11-25 - Modified: 2026-01-23 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/accessible-transit/ Disability Credit Canada's mission is to help disabled Canadians qualify for Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefits and then maximize their tax refunds & credits. We’ve worked with thousands of Disabled Canadians suffering from mental and physical disabilities and we recognize how impactful your condition can be on you hence we regularly advocate for the rights of Disabled Canadians. Back in the 1980s and early 1990s, I was involved with an outspoken group of social activists advocating for an overhaul of our transportation system. The TTC I know today, and the system that existed then are entirely different. Today, there are low-floor buses, elevators in subways, Brailled information in subway stations, and new, accessible streetcars are on the way. But, in the analysis of this system, the question must be asked: “How accessible is transportation in Toronto? ” Do we truly have what can be called accessible transit? Accessible Transit - A daily struggleIt is very tempting to look at the TTC and applaud it for how much the situation has improved in the last decade to fifteen years. A broader spectrum of people can certainly utilize the system, the level of access has increased, and the system itself is overall far more friendly than ever before. Some of the distinct and long-awaited changes to the system are:Low-floor buses on many of the major routesInstallation of elevators in many subway stationsThe anticipated addition of accessible streetcars to the systemReduction of people dependent on WheelTransStation stop announcements on trains and public address announcements on buses, subways, streetcars, and RT linesStair upgrades and color-contrasted stair edgesThe installation of tactile strips at the edge of the platforms in subway stationsA 24-hour information line on the status of subway elevatorsSubway door chimes and flashing lightsDesignated Waiting Areas increase safety levelsPlatform video screens in all subway stations provide visual informationHandbook for Accessible TravelAccessible transit however isn’t only about elevators in subway stations, Designated Waiting Areas, and low-floor buses. It is an attitude, a mindset that provides a foundation for the design and creation of a system that is meant to be used by everyone. The AODA – Accessibility for Ontarians Act has set out a series of goals the TTC must meet by the year 2025. The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Ontario (@SCI_Ontario) is currently involved in a campaign to see that the promises made regarding accessible transit come to fruition. This comes from the website for Community Living Toronto. In 1990, the TTC set a goal to make all subway stations accessible. Eventually, the TTC committed to full station accessibility by 2020. Subsequently, it introduced a new “target” of 2024. Three years ago, the TTC revealed it would only achieve subway/RT accessibility by 2025, the year mandated by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005). Sadly, this spring the TTC reneged on its commitment to full accessibility and revealed it intends to contravene the law. It has no intention of making all stations accessible. Its current plan leaves 17 stations inaccessible in 2025 and provides no commitment that these stations will ever be accessible. After 35 years, the job will not be done. Accessible transit is a hot topic because it’s about the basic mobility people require to live their lives. For years, I advocated on behalf of accessible transit because I believed it was the right thing to do. Now, as a woman whose mobility has decreased due to the onset of arthritis, I use the elevators in subway stations, and I’m grateful for the kneeling buses, but streetcars are hell for me, especially when I must take a cart and purchase groceries. I have become increasingly limited in my ability to travel as it’s painful to take long trips. But, using the TTC would be far more amenable to me if the streetcars were accessible, and all the subway stations had elevators. The days when the elevators are out of service to force me to walk up and down stairs, something I’m less and less able to do over time. Other individuals with disabilities cope with these same challenges. Furthermore, there is the ongoing issue of when the new, accessible streetcars will be available. To date, only one is in operation on the Spadina line. Accessibility advocate and lawyer David Lepofsky (@DavidLepofsky) said there are still several “big-ticket items” the agency needs to address however, most significantly the fact that only 34 of 69 subway stations are fully accessible. Compounding the problem is that facilities at the accessible stations aren’t always reliable, he said, which can strand people who use mobility devices. “People who go to work in an office building and have to ride an elevator every day don’t wonder, “Gee I wonder if the elevator is going to work today... You just go in and the elevators work,” he said. “That’s not the experience with TTC elevators and escalators and so on, and that’s been an issue for years. ”As with other groups of people in society who have long been disenfranchised, people with disabilities must fight for every success we make in our society. The lack of initiative on this issue is alarming because accessible transit should be viewed as a universal right. What other groups of people in society are disconnected from the transit system in the same way as people with disabilities? The truth is – none. According to a 2016 report, $249 million has been spent on accessible transit features for the TTC. Given that the goal of a barrier-free system is only eight years away, this amount may seem impressive, but it’s insufficient to create the system Torontonians deserve. It is important to keep in mind that while certain retrofits such as elevators in subway stations, power-operated sliding doors, ramps, and signage are essential, there are people with many types of disabilities who find the system less than accessible for their needs. The following quote expresses the issue in a succinct way:"Persons with disabilities know best what barriers they face in their own contexts, and how these affect their lives. " Catalina Devandas (@SR_Disability)The point of this statement is to highlight the harsh reality for people with disabilities in this matter. The system must be designed with people in mind and in the broadest context possible for people with disabilities. For example, what are the specific needs of persons from the Deaf Culture? Do people with neurological disabilities or psychiatric disabilities have specific needs that have yet to be addressed? Accessible transit in this broader definition becomes far more complex. The Canadian Hearing Society (@CHSCanada) published a report on accessibility for persons in the Deaf Culture and began with a review of the history and impact of ableism. The point this review makes is that language is powerful too in any society. The way people speak about persons with disabilities is often key to the foundations of their deeper beliefs and principles. The report states the following: “Ableism describes prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviors toward persons with a disability. Definitions of ableism hinge on one’s understanding of normal ability and the rights and benefits afforded to persons deemed normal. ”Some of the features that would translate into accessible transit for people from the Deaf Culture are:Education/training for TTC employees on servicing persons who are Deaf or hard of hearingVisual display information systems on all lines, buses, subways, streetcars, and GO trainsEnsure all TTY phones available in public places have proper seating and lighting for appropriate useFM infra-red and audio loop sound amplification systems to be made available in all subway stations. These systems assist people with hearing loss by bridging the sound to the individual’s ear, helping to overcome problems of distance and background noise with which hearing aids cannot copeVisual fire alarms and other emergency informationThe journey towards complete accessibility for the TTC is still years away, and the reality is, that the TTC may, or may not remain committed to the goals as set out by the AODA. Another large group of people who often face barriers in using public transportation are persons who cope with mental illness. There continues to be a great deal of misinformation and stigma around mental illness, irrespective of large initiatives to educate and inform people and generate greater awareness. The well-known agency in the United States known as SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (@samhsagov) has covered this topic in a report published in 2004. “For mental health services consumers, the difficulties frequently are compounded because they often are ineligible for programs serving people with other types of disabilities. The transportation barriers that face mental health consumers fall into five categories that can be called the five A’s: Affordability, Accessibility, Applicability, Availability, and Awareness (Adapted from the Beverly Foundation, 2004). ”Access to transportation is essential to access employment, health care, social services, and recreation facilities, as well as connecting with family and friends. Poor, or lack of access to transit reinforces social isolation which will only further harm a person coping with mental illness. One of the strongest issues faced by persons coping with mental illness is that they experience an inordinately high rate of poverty. This further isolates them from the mainstream of society. The Canadian Mental Health Association (@CMHA_NTL) rightly recognizes accessible transit as one of the primary issues for people coping with mental health issues. “People with lived experience of mental health issues or addictions (PWLE) may experience discrimination or accessibility barriers in many areas of life, including health services, employment, housing, education, and transportation. ”The CMHA also correctly raises the issue regarding the connection between mental illness and poverty. “Poverty affects nearly 1. 8 million Ontarians and is both a cause and a consequence of poor mental health. People can experience economic hardship as a result of a variety of difficult life situations, such as divorce, a death in the family, loss of job, etc. The resulting loss of income may lead to poverty in other essential resources, such as housing, education, and employment. ”Accessible transit has not yet been achieved in Toronto, but there’s a large question as to whether the TTC will make the AODA deadline. An article published only a few months ago laid out the considerable barriers that challenge people with disabilities trying to access the TTC. Jessica Geboers penned an article about the difficulties of accessing the TTC as a woman with cerebral palsy. In conversation with Marcia Yale, National Secretary for the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians, and a member of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (@ccdonline) Transportation Committee as well as her organization's alternate representative to the Canadian Transportation Agency's Accessibility Advisory Committee. Ms. Yale has a great deal of experience in dealing with transportation concerns. Her frank comments were responses to questions on the challenges to accessibility in the TTC, as well as whether the TTC will be able to meet the AODA-mandated guidelines. Ms. Yale commented that it took two human rights complaints just to force the TTC to announce stops on the buses, streetcars, and subways. She recalled how prior to that, she often missed her stops as she was forced to try and reach the driver for information. Ms. Yale noted that it was a shame that human rights complaints had to be filed to get the TTC to make these changes. While she recognizes that there are now tactile strips on platforms, strips to locate escalators, and braille signage in elevators, this is the total of what the TTC has accomplished. There are no braille signs to indicate where a person is, or how to reach the escalators or elevators. Persons who are blind or have low vision are constantly forced to ask people where they are which is frustrating and makes a person feel far less independent. From Ms. Yale’s perspective, the TTC could do so much to make the lives of people with disabilities easier when trying to access the system. Ideally, braille signs should be set up right near the printed information and placed at about four feet from the ground. People would know where the information is located and expect to find it there. In addition, there should be braille signs on the platform level. Visual information displays that announce the arrival of the next train and offer updates on delays should be in audio; otherwise, they are only helpful to a portion of the people and not everyone. Ms. Yale also stated the following: “I can’t see them getting elevators in all the stations due to when some of them were built. Some of those stations... I don’t know where they will put in an elevator. ” Because not all subway stations are accessible, she believes “wheelchair users find it a nightmare... you could get stuck anywhere. ”Advocate Geof Collis added his concerns. “I am getting worn down by the process and the politicians that just pay lip service, I think they are trying to wear us down sowe'll just go away. ” He agreed with Marcia Yale that it is “unlikely” that the TTC will meet the AODA guidelines by the stated deadline. The TTC was contacted and spokesperson, Kadeem Griffiths provided the following response: TTC complies with all AODA requirements that are in force to date. Concerning subway station accessibility, a report went forward to our TTC Board last month with a status update confirming that TTC intends to make all remaining subway stations accessible by 2025 through our Easier Access Phase III program. “The scope of work of the Easier Access program will provide accessibility to the remaining subway stations. An accessible path will be provided from street level to subway platforms with the installation of elevators, automatic doors, ramps, fare gates, and wayfinding features. ”Concerning the new streetcars, Griffiths provided the following: “Low-floor accessible streetcars are starting to operate on Toronto’s streets, on the 510 Spadina, 509 Harbourfront, and 514 Cherry routes. TTC plans to have accessible streetcars operating on all routes by 2019. Note that some older inaccessible streetcars will continue to operate during busy periods until 2024, mixed in with accessible vehicles, to accommodate increasing streetcar ridership. ” He also wrote that eight routes will have new accessible streetcars by 2019. They are:511 BathurstSpring 2017 505 DundasFall 2017 501 Queen2018 504 King2018 512 St Clair2018 502 Downtowner2019 503 Kingston Rd2019 506 Carlton 2019 With regards to concerns by persons who are blind or have low vision, his response was: “TTC currently provides information in Braille in and around elevators. Centre subway platforms have tactile wayfinding paths for customers with vision impairments to follow to stairs, escalators, elevators, and the Designated Waiting Area. The subway platform edges also have yellow warning tactile attention indicators. In 2017 TTC staff will be looking into new emerging smartphone-based wayfinding technologies that could assist customers with vision impairments to determine if any of these would be appropriate for implementation in the subway system. ”In the final analysis,Questions remain as to whether or not the TTC is doing enough to create a fully accessible system. The report that Griffiths provided outlines a huge list of barriers and challenges to the full accessibility of all subway stations, including the need to acquire land and work on stations that are so small, that the inclusion of an elevator may be extremely difficult to almost impossible. The modifications made for persons who are blind or have low vision have already been in the system for some time. They do not help people navigate the actual stations. They do not make it easier for people to know where they are and where they need to go. This author questions how smartphone technology can be the answer to these outstanding and serious access problems. Also, concerning the new, accessible streetcars, the TTC admits that they will only be available on eight lines. This is hardly full accessibility. There are eleven streetcar lines, and it seems the TTC has yet to roll out its plans for the remaining lines. Accessible transit is not a certain amount of subway elevators, a few accessible streetcar routes, or low-floor buses on some routes but not on others. It is nothing less than full accessibility for everyone who uses the system. Until the TTC owns up to this reality, then everything it’s doing is good and going in a positive direction; but, it’s not an accessible transit system, and it shouldn’t make the claim that it is. Everyone who pays to use that system, and the high taxes we pay for its upkeep and refurbishment means it belongs to all of us, and all of us still can’t completely use the TTC. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim Disability Tax Credit. Give us a call today to get a free assessment. Helpful Resources for People Suffering from DisabilityLong-Term Disability Claims and Appeal Common Medical Conditions Eligible for Long-Term Disability Benefits --- - Published: 2016-11-24 - Modified: 2026-01-28 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/marvel-comics-disability/ Doctor Strange tops the Box Office charts for its second week of release making a gross of $153 million dollars so far. This may not be a surprise to many. It is the most recent film in the highly successful Marvel Comics film franchise and has a cast that includes several A-list celebrities, such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejifor and Tilda Swinton to name a few. The movie also includes tantalizing 3-D graphics and CGI effects. However, these are not the only reasons Doctor Strange is being talked about. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is an arrogant yet charming neurosurgeon. After a car accident impairs the function in his hands due to irreversible nerve damage, Strange goes to a variety of lengths to “fix” his hands. Strange comes across a man, Jonathan Pangborn (Benjamin Bratt) who was a paraplegic but is now able to mysteriously walk. Pangborn directs him to Kamar-Taj, a small community in the Himalayas. In Kamar-Taj, Doctor Strange meets the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) whom mentors Strange in mysticism. Strange learns about the astral plane and other dimensions in the universe. Hollywood films have been scrutinized about their diversity or lack thereof. Last year’s Oscars the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite was trending as it was the second year in a row the Oscars only had white actors and actresses in four of their prominent categories. Questions of whitewashing prominent character leads have also been circulating tabloids, media outlets and amongst fandoms. The upcoming movie Ghost in the Shell starring Scarlett Johansson as The Major received significant backlash from fans as the actor in the original manga and 1995 anime is Japanese. Doctor Strange was also placed under scrutiny as they cast the Ancient One as Scottish actress Tilda Swinton rather than an Asian actor whom the character usually is. Where does disability fit in this discussion? In Doctor Strange the Jonathan Pangborn and Doctor Strange characters are not played by actors living with disabilities or the character’s specified impairments. But able-bodied actors playing disabled character roles is not new. For example: Sean Penn played a man with a developmental disability in I am Sam (2001); Jamie Foxx played blind singer Ray Charles in Ray (2004); Eddie Redmayne played Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything (2014); and Julianne Moore played a women living with Alzheimer’s in Still Alice (2014). These performances are met with an Oscar nomination or critical acclaim from the Hollywood Foreign Press rather than critical scrutiny for why these roles are not being portrayed by actors living with these disabilities or illnesses. Both Jonathan Pangborn and Doctor Strange also seek to find a “cure” for their disability and impairments. Which is also not a new tale. However, while Pangborn seems to be able to walk, Doctor Strange never “fixes” the impairment in his hands. Doctor Strange achieves remarkable feats but nearing the end of the movie Doctor Strange looks down at his shaking hands. There could be several reasons for why Doctor Strange never receives the original functionality he had in his hands. Perhaps if Doctor Strange was “cured” he would return back to the medical field and not protect the Earth from other dimensions. However, I would argue that Doctor Strange learned to accept and live with his impairment. And therefore he did not need to find a “cure. ” There are other super heroes living with disabilities in the Marvel Universe. For example, Iron Man/Tony Stark played by Robert Downey Jr. In Iron Man (2008), Stark is wounded by a grenade and needs an electromagnet in his chest to stop the shrapnel shards from reaching his heart and killing him. Stark later builds a more powerful arc reactor and armour to help him in combatting the corruption in military weaponry. Additionally, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is explored in Iron Man 3 (2013). Iron Man 3 takes place after The Avengers (2012). A pivotal act in The Avengers is when Iron Man stops a nuclear missile from hitting New York by taking it through a wormhole. After Iron Man successfully detonates the missile away from Earth, he plummets down the wormhole. On earth the Hulk saves him from crashing to his death. Throughout Iron Man 3, Stark has panic attacks, physical and mental distress and insomnia due to his flashbacks from these scenes. Interestingly, disability is also used as the scapegoat in Iron Man 3. Daredevil is a successful series with its first season being released on Netflix in 2015 and with a scheduled third season to air in 2018. It is based off the comic book character by the same name. Daredevil/Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) is a practicing blind lawyer and a vigilante at night. Additional to his visual impairment his other senses are heightened. While there is still a long way super hero films can go to explore disability. The notion that a person living with a disability can be a person living with a disability and doing extraordinary acts are more progressive than ads that show persons living with a disability as extraordinary because they are living with a disability. Along giving the audience 120 hours of ignorant bliss, movies say a lot about the current political climate and what people care about. Additionally super hero films display to the younger generation what a super hero can look like and what makes a person extraordinary. So movies need to be questioned about whether they are being inclusive and equitable in their character depictions because these representations show who are deemed important. At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians claim Disability Tax Credit. Give us a call today to get a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-11-11 - Modified: 2026-01-23 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/accessible-transit-independence/ Millions of Canadians rely on public transportation every day. Governments are actively promoting using public transit as one of the ways Canadians can do to reduce our carbon footprint. The lack of accessible transit creates barriers for people with disabilities who rely on public transit to get to where they need to go. Removing the existing transit barriers will advance universal accessible public transit and para-transit systems and provide guidelines for accessible transportation across Canada. This will allow transit systems to fulfill the duty to accommodate the transportation needs of people with disabilities while enhancing their opportunities to actively participate in their communities. These guidelines need to involve accessible vehicles, door-to-door transportation, accessible bus and train stops and stations, accessible bus shelters and transportation information that can be understood by all people with disabilities. Provinces across Canada have introduced legislation that requires public and private organizations to be accessible to all members of a community. For example, “Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians Act (AODA), has instructed that public transit agencies need to meet the accessibility requirements under various standards, including the Accessible Transportation Standards. The Transportation Standard requires transit agencies to put in place a set of measures, including accessible plans, specific accessible transit vehicles equipment standards, accessible boarding and de-boarding of accessible transit vehicles, service improvements in specialized services, such as integrating accessible services between communities, hours of service, booking procedures and on-time pickup. Providing these services is important as the population ages and for those with disabilities. Implementing these practices across accessible transit will ensure that the transit needs of people with disabilities will be met”. Accessible Transit Legislation Requirements Across Canada:Click on these links to see the accessible transportation requirements:British ColumbiaAlbertaSaskatchewanManitobaQuebecNew BrunswickNova ScotiaPEINewfoundland and LabradorNunavutNorthwest TerritoriesYukon Challenges to achieving accessible transportation across Canada: An important challenge that accessible transportation presents is that as the Canadian population continues to grow and age, so does the number of people with disabilities. While many people with disabilities are living independently and are mobile, this means there will be a greater number of people with disabilities needing to use accessible transportation to get to where they need and want to go. Another challenge in implementing a fully accessible transit system is making all bus and train stops accessible. For example, some wheelchair and scooter users may be unable to reach bus stops due to the lack of accessible curb ramps and sidewalks. Poor snow removal and ice can also be a seasonal obstacle for wheelchair and scooter users. Even though the Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government have mandated that buses, trains, and stops be accessible, the funds may not be readily available. This is also dependent on what area people are accessing transportation (ex. city centers vs. commercial areas vs. residential areas) and the type of area (ex. urban vs. suburban). When people with disabilities want to use para-transit door-to-door service, it usually requires booking three days or up to a week in advance. For example, if you were needing to take a para-transit to work but are asked to stay late for a meeting or work dinner, you may not be able to because you booked the para-transit to come at a specific time and they do not allow for last-minute changes. So for last-minute needs, this is not very convenient. In many cities and towns, para-transit may cost more than a regular bus or train. This may be because of the need to pick up passengers at specific locations such as their homes instead of the train or bus station. Also having more than one passenger to pick up per ride can affect the cost. Many taxi companies do have accessible vehicles or very few of them which makes it difficult to provide this service. It is much more expensive than the service provided through public transit systems. The vehicles that para-transit companies use can cost more to maintain because of their specific need. Due to all the costs of running para-transit, public transit companies may choose not to expand their services, this may be one of the main reasons why para-transit systems are not more accessible to people with disabilities. Improvement strategies for accessible transit:As the Canadian population continues to grow and age, investments in public transit are a necessity. Many transit companies throughout Canada have developed accessibility plans that include strategies to assist in improving and providing affordable accessible transit. Here are some examples of these strategies:Accessibility planning needs to be implemented in municipalities throughout Canada that focus on all aspects of the transit system. The accessibility plan needs to include policies and procedures that concentrate on these aspects of the transit system:“Accessible buses, street cars, trains, and other vehicles;Accessible routes and transfers between systems;Transit facilities, including stops, shelters, station platforms; andTransit information, including emergency procedures ”. Discuss strategies for implementing accessible transit with organizations that assist people with disabilities and ask for opinions on accessibility planning. Train, bus stations, and terminal platforms need to accommodate and be accessible for persons with disabilities using mobility devices and support animals. When renovating or building new bus and train shelters, accessibility plans need to be used to ensure spaces can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Walkways also need to have visual cues for people with low vision. Accessible vehicles need to be available to those with mobility issues, support animals, and assistive devices. Examples include:Buses and trains with ramps or lifts;Non-slip floor surfaces;Multi-sense stop displays for passengers;Flip-up seats in wheelchair locations; andSeparate stop request button and emergency response controls in the accessibility car, with light or sound indicators that are different from the general stop requestBoarding and de-boarding assistance need to be provided for the safety of passengers with disabilities. Visual information with audio and video components. For example, LED/LCD technology and computer screens are to be used to present information that is also announced, as well as pre-boarding and boarding announcements. Provide tactile cues such as tactile maps, Braille signs, and warnings along platforms and detection cues for people who use canes. Increasing and expanding the methods of conventional transportation to be more accessible can assist in decreasing the high demand for para-transit services. With conventional transportation becoming more accessible, this will encourage and motivate people with disabilities to be capable and successful in taking this mode of transportation reinforcing community inclusion and personal independence. At Disability Credit Canada, we pride ourselves on helping disabled Canadians claim CPP Disability and disability tax credits. Give us a call to get a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-11-07 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/parental-depression-effects/ Parental Depression: Effects on Children and Family To a child, Mom and Dad are everything. They are our teachers, our nurturers, our security, and our most foundational example of how to be a person. From language, spirituality, academics, and morality, our parents, or those who step in and take this role, introduce us to the world and are our most fierce supporters through every obstacle it has in store for us. Of course, as the family unit is quite a diverse system in our society, these forms of support are very different depending on the type of family, the values of the family, and the personalities of the individuals who comprise it. For a specific subset of these families, those with a parent or parents who suffer from some sort of depressive disorder (also called parental depression), the common systems of guidance and support are oftentimes very different from the norm. Parental Depression and Child Outcomes I can speak to this issue from both sides, as I grew up with a mother who has battled major depressive disorder for many years, but also have children of my own now and struggle with a much milder form of depression myself. As I discuss my experiences of family support in relation to parental depression, I wish to emphasize the unique challenges that both the children and parents experience in relation to parental depression and not appear as if I am implying that a depressed parent is not a capable parent or a good parent. Quite the contrary, being the child of a depressed mother I can speak to the incredible strength, endurance, and dedication to one's children that it requires to be able to balance the many responsibilities of parenthood while dealing with the symptoms of depression. As parents, especially of young children, I'm sure most of us try to protect them from the ugly parts of this world. We sensor their entire lives, from television and media to deciding who are acceptable people to interact with (no one wants their child to be friends with bad news Benny! ). We try not to let them see us argue with one another, or lose our temper, and we usually try to hide our bad decisions from them. This is the charade that is parenting, trying to prepare our children for the world by hiding its most dangerous aspects until we feel we have taught them well enough that they know how to handle it; we try to prepare them before we expose them. But my mom did not have this luxury, nor do I believe do many moms or dad with parental depression, because this mental health disorder does not patiently wait until the family is ready and capable of handling its presence― it just shows up and makes itself comfortable, permeating every aspect of life for that parent, and consequently, affecting their children as well. Understanding Major Depressive Disorder in Parents Depression is often misunderstood as a sort of extreme kind of sadness, and in many ways, this is a good summary. But this classification only scratches the surface of the complexity and intensity of the symptoms associated with major depressive disorder. Along with this persistent and intense sadness comes symptoms such as negative patterned thinking fixated on self-worth, past and current failures and suicide or self-harm, a decrease in appetite and energy, sleep disturbances, difficulty thinking and concentrating, irritability and agitation, anxiety and restlessness, and difficulty completing day-to-day activities. In some cases depression can lead to other physical and emotional problems as well, creating a vortex of symptoms surrounding the individual, eroding their ability to fulfill their parental, and other, responsibilities. Oftentimes the symptoms of depression can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two, and they can be reduced significantly so as to no longer affect the individual's daily life, or can even be eliminated. However, the treatment process takes time, and for some, it takes a long while before an effective treatment plan can be found, and in the meantime, families have to cope with the effects of parental depression. Growing Up With a Depressed Mother As an especially emotionally sensitive child, I was very aware of my mother's situation, and though she did her best to keep us from seeing her at her worst, there came a time when it could no longer be hidden from us. She stayed afloat through three consecutive caregiving burdens: her mother died of lung cancer, her father of complications following a stroke, and my dad, her husband, of cancer. Within a matter of about 5 years, my mother had nursed three of her most cherished loved ones on their deathbeds. She selflessly and tirelessly tended to their every need, putting her own emotional and physical health to the side, because these were to be the last moments in this world for her mom and dad, and for her husband. She made our school lunches, kept our clothes clean and folded, kept the cupboards full and meals on the table, and still managed to find time to be there for us emotionally. She was an absolute champion, as she still is. But this champion's mental health eventually began to feel the strain of the years of trauma and stress, and after my father passed and the funeral was over, her depression hit hard and fast. She had been battling the symptoms of depression for years, only I had no idea because she hid it from us, as parents tend to do. But the extremity of her depression made it no longer possible for her to do so, as her mild symptoms turned into major depressive disorder and she was no longer able to function. Our family had just watched my dad slowly die of cancer, so we were all dealing with some pretty powerful grief, but our mom was suffering from the most intense depression I have ever heard of. My brother and I were both teenagers by now, and pretty independent in terms of laundry and feeding ourselves, and we also had an older, adult brother who stepped into the parental role when our dad first became sick. But we all felt my mom's depression, and it was devastating to our whole family. The symptoms of my mom's depression were intense enough to drastically change her lifestyle in a matter of weeks after my dad's funeral. Of course, having spent the last three years as my dad's nurse― every single day of her life— and he was now gone, her daily responsibilities changed drastically. With fairly self-sufficient teenagers, two adult sons, and no longer a patient to tend to, my mom must have felt lost. And in creeps the debilitating depression. Her sadness and grief were overwhelming, her physical energy was non-existent, and, combined with her chronic pain disorder, her emotional and physical health was deteriorating rapidly. Soon, my poor, sweet, strong mother could not even get out of bed. Though I know beyond a doubt that this impacted my brothers as well, I can only speak to how it felt for me as a young teenager to have my mother hit so hard with rapidly worsening depression. It was first and foremost, heartbreaking. Always putting on a tough face for us kids, and always finding the time to talk to us about our dad, or anything else that was going on in our lives, I knew that this cost her a great amount of energy, and that underneath her tough façade was a woman who was just broken. And that was a very painful thing for me. More than anything I wanted my mom to be happy. I wanted her to have people in her life who made her smile and do things that she was passionate about. I wanted to hear her laugh, and not just because she was faking it for our sake, but because she was genuinely joyous inside. Parental depression, in my experience, changes the entire relationship. I used to see my mom as a mom, with her rules and her requirements, and her almost super-human energy and abilities, and not so much as a woman. Watching her depression take over her life, seeing her unable to do things she used to do, and knowing that she was sad and miserable inside, made me see my mom as an imperfect being, as we all are. For the first time, I saw her as a woman with her own feelings and emotions, and not just as “Mom”. I am not saying this is a bad thing, as we all come to a point in our lives where the parental relationship gradually shifts to an adult relationship, but for us, this change was forced on us, long before I hit adulthood. Parental Depression Effects on Child Development When your most central role model is no longer able to model what it is to be a healthy, functioning adult because of their symptoms of depression, this certainly has an effect. Though my mother never stopped being my most solid source of emotional support, she was unable to do many things that a mom does for their children at this age. I learned to budget and grocery shop, cook and meal-plan, and manage school and social responsibilities while my mother passionately supported me from afar. We did not go on family trips or outings, we didn't have meals together often, and we mostly tried to lean on each other if we could, for help with homework or other problems, so we didn't have to bother Mom. Our family had the closest, strongest emotional bonds I know of, but with our matriarch down, we struggled every day with regular functioning. Now, having gone over some of the trials I experienced living in a family with parental depression, let me tell you why I think that it may have been one of the most pivotal learning experiences of my life, and why I am proud to have lived with a mother battling depression. Depression and other mental health disorders are common occurrences in modern society, and the likelihood of being diagnosed with one yourself, or having someone close to you living with a mental health disorder, is quite high. Because of these experiences, I've had, I was significantly more prepared to deal with the symptoms of depression when they began to exhibit in me. As well, I have had many friends who have had experiences with depression, whether with themselves or loved ones, and have been able to relate to them on a very personal level about these issues, and because of that, have been able to offer support to them through these challenges. I have been left with a permanent awareness about people, that every one of us, even the strongest, or most super of moms, is vulnerable and weak, and is capable of breaking. I believe very strongly that this is why I have such a deep belief in being kind, loving, and helpful to people―always— because you never know what they are experiencing on the inside. I think that seeing my hero be taken down so hard has left me especially sensitive to others' emotional pain, and has encouraged me to become the genuine person I am. Lessons Learned From Growing Up With Parental Depression Of all the things I think I have learned from growing up in a family with parental depression, I think the lessons I am most grateful to have learned are the ones she taught me about dedication, perseverance, and emotional strength. I witnessed my mother's world turned upside down on her, all at once. I watched as her body began to weaken, her physical energy evaporated, and her daily pain became almost unbearable. But I also watched her survive it. I saw as she pulled herself up out of bed when we needed her, even though I knew she barely had the strength. I watched her put on a brave face and champion through important events, like my graduation, even though I knew she was heartbroken inside. I saw thousands of smiles that I knew were only half-hearted, but she managed them anyway. I remember countless words of encouragement even though she was so severely discouraged herself. I saw, up close and personal, the reality of battling an obstacle that comes from within, and how to never give up, no matter how bad it becomes. I learned that mental health issues do not happen to weak individuals, but that they can affect even the strongest. And probably most importantly of all, I learned that my mother is a fighter― a warrior, rather― who loves me more fiercely than I ever could have imagined. I am proud to have grown up with a mother who was depressed, thankful to have learned what it is to support a person with depression, and honored call myself her daughter. Parental depression, in our family, may have looked like weakness at times, but it brought out a strength and depth in each of us that we may not otherwise have known was there. Claiming the Disability Tax Credit for Depression in Canada At Disability Credit Canada, we help Canadians dealing with depression claim Disability Tax Credit. Give us a call today to get a free assessment and see if you qualify. Frequently Asked Questions About Parental Depression What is parental depression? For a specific subset of these families, those with a parent or parents who suffer from some sort of depressive disorder (also called parental depression), the common systems of guidance and support are oftentimes very different from the norm. How does parental depression affect children? When your most central role model is no longer able to model what it is to be a healthy, functioning adult because of their symptoms of depression, this certainly has an effect. Though my mother never stopped being my most solid source of emotional support, she was unable to do many things that a mom does for their children at this age. What are common symptoms of major depressive disorder in parents? Along with this persistent and intense sadness comes symptoms such as negative patterned thinking fixated on self-worth, past and current failures and suicide or self-harm, a decrease in appetite and energy, sleep disturbances, difficulty thinking and concentrating, irritability and agitation, anxiety and restlessness, and difficulty completing day-to-day activities. In some cases depression can lead to other physical and emotional problems as well, creating a vortex of symptoms surrounding the individual, eroding their ability to fulfill their parental, and other, responsibilities. Can a parent with depression still be a good parent? Quite the contrary, being the child of a depressed mother I can speak to the incredible strength, endurance, and dedication to one's children that it requires to be able to balance the many responsibilities of parenthood while dealing with the symptoms of depression. Can growing up with a depressed parent build resilience? Now, having gone over some of the trials I experienced living in a family with parental depression, let me tell you why I think that it may have been one of the most pivotal learning experiences of my life, and why I am proud to have lived with a mother battling depression. Because of these experiences, I've had, I was significantly more prepared to deal with the symptoms of depression when they began to exhibit in me. Can depression be treated successfully? Oftentimes the symptoms of depression can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two, and they can be reduced significantly so as to no longer affect the individual's daily life, or can even be eliminated. However, the treatment process takes time, and for some, it takes a long while before an effective treatment plan can be found, and in the meantime, families have to cope with the effects of parental depression. --- - Published: 2016-11-03 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/medical-marijuana-inaccessible/ Medical marijuana patient registrations keep climbing, but under the new Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), the plant-based medicine remains all too inaccessible. There are compounding reasons for patient’s difficulty accessing the medicinal herb. Despite the increasing number of patient registrations, Canadians have to navigate the stigma of therapeutically using what had previously only been considered a recreational drug. Add that to doctors’ lack of education around prescribing cannabis (something licensed cannabis producers are trying to change) and you run into difficulty for patient to legally access what is sometimes the best and the most natural medicine for them. Getting a license isn’t the only problem in accessing the medication. There is a big lack of insurance coverage and affordability for most medicinal marijuana users. Medicinal cannabis can be expensive, especially when a prescription can be several grams a day. While some of the licensed producers (such as Aphria and Bedrocan) offer compassionate pricing to reduce the cost per gram, many Canadians still can't afford their medicine. Cannabis is a versatile plant used for several medical purposes and in several forms. There are many reasons why patients might choose it over conventional medication, and in some cases, it is the only medicine that works. So it is no surprise so many Canadians are having a hard time making ends meet, especially since people with disabilities are already more likely to face poverty. So what conditions are typically treated with medical marijuana? Fibromyalgia Glaucoma Insomnia Anxiety and Depression Chronic pain Multiple Sclerosis and ALS Arthritis Nausea (particularly from chemotherapy) Epilepsy Autism Severe lack of hunger Parkinson’s disease Migraines that don’t respond to other treatments Palliative care What’s in marijuana and how does it help? Part of the reason there are so many conditions treated with this medicine is because there are numerous active compounds in marijuana that each have their range of effects. The ratios between these chemical compounds also vary between species (cannabis sativa and cannabis indica), strains, and sometimes even plant-to-plant. Firstly, there is THC. It the chemical that is responsible for the subjective “high” associated with the recreational use of the plant. It relieves nausea and vomiting, quells anxiety, aids sleep, and stimulates appetite, among its many other effects. Secondly, there is CBD, the second most-known chemical in cannabis. It does not have the psychoactive effects of THC and is used widely to relieve pain. It can also reduce seizures, have a tranquilizing effect, and inhibit tumor growth, among others. There are also other cannabinoids, like CBN, CBC, CBG, and more, present in lower quantities in the plants. These combinations of compounds make it difficult for marijuana to get a Drug Identification Number (DIN), the number used it distinguish prescription drugs from one another. DINs are also used by insurance plans to determine coverage. Without a DIN (or perhaps a new system for plant-based medications), cannabis users will continue to lack the insurance to afford their meds. What can help you afford the high cost of medical marijuana in Canada? Thankfully, there is some help available when it comes to affording this herbal medication. Marijuana plants and seeds bought from licensed producers are tax-deductible. If you are a veteran, Veterans Affairs Canada may be able to cover up to the full cost of your marijuana (for up to 10 grams per day). Some other costs aren’t covered by the government or insurance plans, such as vaporizing devices, herb grinders and other accessories. Vaporizers to safely inhale the healing compounds without breathing in smoke can be quite expensive, running into the hundreds. On the other hand, costly devices are safer for your lungs than inhaling smoke every day, so it is often just another burden medical marijuana users have to bear. Upcoming recreational legalization could in time also lead to over-the-counter cannabis supplements like CBD capsules and CBD oils, but supplements are not tax deductible or covered by insurance plans. There may be a day when more marijuana costs are covered. Ever since the Supreme Court ruled that patients should not be restricted to only dried buds to smoke, Health Canada began allowing the sale of cannabis oil extracts. Experts predict that this will eventually lead to insurance plans covering oil gel caps of THC and CBD since these will make it easier to ensure precise dosing. Other forms that are safer than smoking may also lead to coverage. These might include waxes, sprays, tinctures, and fresh leaves. One company, Aurora Cannabis, even patented a cannabis inhaler that gives users pressurized, metered doses of the drug, which is something insurance companies want to see when evaluating whether they should offer coverage. Until then, the best tool for accessing the sometimes cost-prohibitive medication might be the disability tax credit, should you use medical marijuana to manage an eligible disability covered under the tax credit. The disability tax credit is a welcome piece of governmental relief that has made a huge difference in the lives of the disabled and their families across the country. Sadly, as many as half of eligible Canadians are not taking advantage of the program, mostly due to the complicated application and approval process. If you’ve been thinking of using medical marijuana to treat your disability, but have been put off by the costs, take a look at the disability tax credit eligibility criteria on our site to find out if you’ll be be able to get the tax credit, which you can then use to pay for your prescription. Better yet, give Disability Credit Canada a call to get a free assessment and start your disability tax credit application. Together, we help you afford the costly medicine you need and access a lifetime of good health and economic peace. --- - Published: 2016-11-02 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/canadians-with-disabilities-act/ Canada likes to think of itself as being on the forefront of social issues. It was the country that pioneered multiculturalism as a policy in the 1970s, the late Lester B. Pearson was a formidable figure in the develop of the U. N. , and Canada passed a same-sex marriage law with the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act on 20 July 2005. This made Canada only the fourth country in the world to pass such legislation. But, what about national legislation to promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities? National advocates such as attorney, David Lepofsky have been promoting such legislation for many years now. A recent article in The Toronto Star expressed: “Qualtrough expects public consultations, the country’s first national conversation about accessibility, will provide valuable input for Ottawa’s legislation and other federal programs such as the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit, the Disability Tax Credit and the Registered Disability Savings Plan. " Accessibility, Inclusion, and Equality Accessibility, inclusion, and equality are contingent upon the conscience creation of a society which aims to be fully aware of its obligation to all citizens irrespective of abilities, gender, race, cultural background, or spiritual devotion. The social construct of disability provides the foundation for a discourse on the necessity to design a world which is inclusive of everyone. It does not ignore the presence of physical, emotional, neurological or other differences, but rather reframes them in such a way as to re-educate people on how to envision a world without barriers. The question we, as Canadians may want to ask ourselves is: “will the enactment of national legislation such as a Canadians with Disabilities Act help to create this fully inclusive society? ” A national act is only the precursor to change. The law must be drafted in such a way so as to be the foundation for social change. The Council of Canadians with Disabilities is one of many organizations advocating for such a law. In response to this need, P. M. Justin Trudeau has appointed one of his Cabinet Ministers, the Honorable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities to head a series of consultations across Canada as a key stepping stone in the development of this much-needed legislation. Attorney, David Lepofsky ( @davidlepofsky) has prepared several key materials on this subject matter; a 33-page discussion paper entitled; What Should the Canadians with Disabilities Act Include? A Discussion Paper, a nine-page paper and a two-page consumer-oriented brochure on the same topic. In the nine-page brief he wrote: “Canada's Charter of Rights and human rights legislation across the country impose impressive requirements to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Yet far too frequently, these exist on paper, not in the lives of people with disabilities. Canada's courts have reached important decisions on disability accessibility. Yet they far too often go unimplemented... A strong, effectively enforced Canadians with Disabilities Act (CDA) is needed to ensure that Canada becomes fully accessible to people with disabilities, insofar as the Federal Government can achieve this. In the 2014 election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commendably promised to enact the CDA, as did the New Democratic and Green Parties. Courts broadly interpret disability equality rights, including accessibility rights, in Charter s. and human rights legislation. Exceptions to them are interpreted narrowly. Despite this, far too often, organizations don't honor these rights. The CDA is needed to make those rights become a reality for people with disabilities, without their having to privately wage separate legal battles against each of the many accessibility barriers they face. ” As someone who has worked on disability-rights issues over the years, I have encountered and experienced the frustrations of people with disabilities on a multiplicity of issues. A barrier-free and inclusive world isn’t about encouraging people to be nicer or more generous. People with disabilities have no interest in charity or good will; we are, however, interested in the development of a society which promoted and supported from the very highest level to build a country which is inclusive in every aspect. While there are many good intentions here in Canada, our country lags far behind countries such as the U. S. and the U. K. , (known respectively as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Equality Act) both of which enacted federal legislation years ago. Accessibility of all goods, services, facilities and accommodations. We must enact the highest standards possible and create a broad definition of disability. One of the recommendations in Attorney David Lepofsky’s ( @davidlepofsky) discussion paper is the creation of an independent Canada Accessibility Commissioner who regularly reports to Parliament. Another recommendation is that the Canadian Human Rights Commission be directly involved in the development of national standards related to the proposed Canadians with Disability Act. This author agrees with both of these recommendations. It is time Canada stood up for the principles the country claims to believe in. People with disabilities must continue to advocate for such legislation until it is enacted. The development process must also see people with disabilities as equal partners in the creation of this key legislation. Another issue addressed in Lepofsky’s discussion papers is that of enforcement: “Effective enforcement of strong accessibility laws is needed to get obligated organizations to resist the powerful impulse to keep doing business exactly as they always have. It is wrong to assume that obligated organizations just need to be educated on accessibility's benefits, and then they will comply, driven by self-interest. Ontario experience shows that approach failed. Enforcement is pivotal to the Act’s success. Obligated organizations are far less likely to comply if they don't think they will face significant legal consequences. ” A national act is about commitment; the current Liberal government headed by P. M. Justin Trudeau offered this as part of his election campaign. It seems this promise is being honored and Canadians across the country now have an opportunity to join in the discussion. Consulting with Canadians on accessibility is available online and in-person consultations will be taking place as well. Public consultation will be open until February 2017. Canadians are getting involved in the discussion at #Accessible Canada. At Disability Credit Canada, we help disabled Canadian's apply for disability tax credit. Give us a call to get a free assessment! --- - Published: 2016-10-28 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/assistive-technology-independence/ Assistive Technology in Canada: Benefits, Examples, and Funding Programs Today, none of us could imagine living without the help of technology. Assistive technology is having a positive impact on the lives of people with single or multiple disabilities because it promotes independence by enabling them to perform tasks that have been a struggle to accomplish. The History of Assistive Technology Technological innovations focused on solving disability issues aren’t something new; it has been around for centuries. For example, Thomas Edison invented phonographs to record books for the blind. Devices such as audiobooks and door handles were created to assist people with disabilities. Apple’s iPhone is another example of a technological advancement that assists people with disabilities. The voice tool (Siri) on the iPhone as well as other applications makes the iPhone more accessible and user-friendly so people with disabilities can easily perform tasks. Several of the technological devices people use today were created with disabilities in mind. In Canada, there are “more than 1. 2 billion people with some type of disability. Currently, there are more than 4,000 assistive technologies that have been designed for people with disabilities. ” “For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible”. Definition of Assistive Technology (AT) There are several definitions of assistive technology. “The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines assistive technologies as any product produced or available and is used by or for persons with disabilities: for participation; to protect, support, train, measure or substitute for body functions/structures and activities; or to prevent impairments and activity limitations. This includes devices, equipment, instruments, and software”. Benefits of Assistive Technology for People With Disabilities Assistive technology provides people with disabilities with the support they need to accomplish their daily activities. This can be achieved with tools that help them be more mobile, communicate more effectively, see and hear better, and increase their participation in all areas of their lives. Instead of ‘fixing’ people’s disabilities, assistive technology provides the opportunity to live independently and gives them access to and the ability to participate in social, educational, and recreational activities. Canadian Assistive Technology Funding and Financial Aid Programs Several programs across Canada provide funding for people with disabilities who need assistive technology devices. Here are some examples of programs that provide funding for this purpose: Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) “The RDSP is a long-term savings plan to assist Canadians with disabilities and their families. This plan allows them to save for the future. For people with disabilities who already have an RDSP, they may also be eligible for grants and bonds. ” Disability Tax Credit (DTC) “The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. An individual may claim the disability amount once they are eligible for the DTC. This amount includes a supplement for persons less than 18 years of age at the end of the year. The purpose of the DTC is to provide for greater tax equity by allowing some relief for disability costs since these are unavoidable additional expenses”. Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP) “The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care runs ADP to help people who have long-term physical disabilities get needed equipment and supplies. ADP pays 75% of an approved price. If you receive social assistance benefits under Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Assistance to Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), you may be eligible to receive more money. Any Ontario resident who has a long-term disability and has a valid Health Card issued in his or her name can apply to ADP”. March of Dimes Canada – Assistive Devices Program The “March of Dimes Assistive Devices Program assists adults with physical disabilities who are in financial need to purchase assistive devices that increase their mobility and functional independence. The program can help to buy, repair, and maintain a wide variety of mobility or assistive devices. Some devices that may qualify for funding include”: Manual and Power Wheelchairs Scooters Replacement Batteries Walkers Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) Home and Bath Aids Floor Patient Lifts Basic Aids for Daily Living Repairs to Existing Device Easter Seals Society “The Easter Seals Society provides programs, services, and financial assistance to children and youth with physical disabilities to help them achieve independence, accessibility, and integration. Easter Seals provides financial assistance of up to $3,000 per year, per child to help purchase essential mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, ramps, or lifts”. Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) “The Ministry of Community and Social Services, ODSP provides income and employment support to eligible Ontario residents who have disabilities. Examples of Assistive Technology by Category Mobility Cane, Scooter, Walker, Manual and Powered Wheelchair Artificial leg or hand, hand or leg splints and orthotics Adaptive cutlery and cooking utensils and electrical kitchen appliances, button hooks and other dressing aids, shower chair, toilet seat, toilet frame, assistive feeding devices Vision Glasses, magnifiers, magnifying computer software White cane, navigation device Braille systems for reading and writing, screen reader for computer, talking book devices/programs, audio recorder and player Braille chess, balls that emit sound Hearing Headphones, hearing aids Amplified telephone, TTY, hearing loop Communication Communication cards with text, communication board with letters, symbols or pictures Electronic communication device with recorded or synthetic speech Dragon Naturally Speaking, Kurzweil, LiveScribe Recordable Pen Cognition Task lists, picture schedule and calendar, picture based instructions Timer, manual or automatic reminder, smart phone with adapted task lists, schedules, calendars and audio recorder Adapted toys and games Disability Benefits for Assistive Technology in Canada At Disability Credit Canada, we pride ourselves on helping disabled Canadians claim disability benefits. Give us a call to get a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-10-27 - Modified: 2026-02-25 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-poverty-challenge/ According to a Statistics Canada report in 2012, there are 3. 8 million people with a disability in Canada or 13. 7% of the national population. “The data also shows that chronic poverty is an everyday reality for people with disabilities and highlights the need for more attention to poverty reduction strategies such as increases to minimum wage, and income security through a more robust Ontario Disability Support Program that allows people with disabilities to supplement their earnings without the risk of losing benefits if they earn more. ” Thousands of Canadians with disabilities still live in poverty Canadians live in an age where people with disabilities have finally stepped out of the shadows and become far more visible. The country has outstanding role models such as CEO and motivational speaker Rick Hansen, attorney David Lepofsky who helped to draft the AODA, Sam Sullivan the former mayor of Vancouver, and Kent Hehr named Minister of Veterans Affairs in the federal Cabinet, headed by Justin Trudeau, on November 4, 2015. These achievements signal hope for the future, but hundreds of thousands of Canadians with disabilities, still live in poverty and life is a daily struggle. Some key concepts are worth an explanation: Absolute Poverty: Lacking the minimum requirements to survive such as food, water, shelter etc. Cycle of Deprivation: Explanation of how one aspect of poverty (poor housing) can lead to further poverty (poor health) building up to a cycle of which you cannot escape. Environmental Poverty: Living in an area of deprivation in terms of bad housing, bad education, etc. Marginalization: The process where people are pushed to the margins or edges of society by poverty, lack of education, racism, and disability Material Deprivation: Lacking money to buy things Subjective Poverty This relates to how people perceive their position about others in society in terms of their subjective attitudes with regard to poverty Poverty is not a disability issue, but rather a social one. To slay poverty in this generation, there is a need for social solutions, which encompass both social advocacy and government policies. Social advocacy has proven to be highly successful in transforming the lives of people with disabilities. The disability rights movement has, by all indications, been highly successful in that they are no longer shoved into institutions and asylums, and have more opportunities than ever to be independent, successful, and live a full life on their terms. To succeed as a social movement, the disability rights movement had to identify the ideas that exerted unobtrusive control over the premises and define the issues that concerned them. It needed to do so because these controlling ideas constituted a structure of policy and practice, i. e. , a plausibility structure that renders it plausible for ordinary, well-intentioned people to accept and put into practice ideas that the movement regards as oppressive. If one accepts the current theoretical foundations of the discourse on disability, then one accepts the view of Social Constructionism, as put forth by authors such as Susan Wendell and Michael Oliver. In 1990, Oliver famously wrote the following: “The social constructionist view perceives the problem of disability situated within the minds of non-disabled people individually as prejudice, and collectively as the manifestation of hostile social attitudes and practices based upon negative assumptions of impairment. The social creationist view perceives the problem of disability as the outcome of the institutionalized practices of contemporary society (Oliver, 1990). ” Thus to alleviate the connection between disability and poverty there is a need to recognize the issue must be addressed on the social level. The eradication of poverty requires a systemic response by all sectors of society – business, education, social services, and government. Without this integrated, holistic approach, there will constantly be band-aids being stuck to one area of the problem or another. The Canadian Council on Disabilities initiatives to address Poverty New initiatives to address poverty, including improving the Registered Disability Savings Plan and Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit. – Issues to be addressed in this area include removing barriers for those with an intellectual disability wishing to open RSDP Plans, expanding the Disability Tax Credit Definition, and making the CPP Disability benefit non-taxable. New initiatives to improve employment access, including specific targets for the employment of persons with disabilities in Labour Market Agreements with the provinces and expanding EI Sick Benefit. New initiatives to improve access, including the regulation of new information technologies to ensure access, and the creation of a Centre of Excellence that would provide best practice information to employers, businesses, etc. on innovative universal design options. Facts about disability and poverty in Canada: According to the Daily Bread Food Bank’s 2014 Who’s Hungry report, the number of disabled people using food banks in Ontario has doubled since 2005. Canadians with disabilities have a 4. 7 % higher poverty rate than the rest of the population. Disability and poverty aren’t about hand-outs, bigger pensions, or even more job-creation programs. The issue speaks to the heart of full inclusion and true equality for all people in Canada. As one of the world’s most highly developed and technologically sophisticated countries, Canada still has a long way to go to realize a fully inclusive society. Our new PM has a rare opportunity here, to start his time in office with empowering legislation such as the Canadians with Disabilities Act which should have as one of its priorities to eradicate the gaps for people with disabilities in Canada. The only way to end the connection between poverty and disability is to accept that it’s a systemic problem that requires a systemic solution. People with disabilities deserve opportunities for full employment, accessible housing, educational opportunities, and fully accessible transit. But, most of all there is a need to recognize one of the greatest barriers to equality and that is the persistence of poverty in the lives of people with disabilities. At Disability Credit Canada, we have helped many disabled Canadians claim disability benefits. Give us a call today to get a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-10-25 - Modified: 2025-11-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/sensory-disabilities-other-side/ Some of the most known sensory disabilities, such as blindness and deafness*, are the result of sensory impairments and there are schemes like Disability Tax credit and CPP disability benefits which can help alleviate some of the financial burden of sensory disabilities. But not all of them. There is a growing awareness of sensory disabilities in the other direction: hypersensitivity. People with these disabilities experience sensory overload which can make it impossible to access everyday spaces or accomplish daily tasks. (*Note: Not everyone with sensory impairments feels they live with a disability and it’s important to respect how they identify — they are the experts on their bodies! )What is sensory overload? Sensory overload is something that anybody can get. We all have our comfortable ranges of stimuli, like preferred music volume or phone screen brightness. When these are too intense, it can feel alarming, painful, irritating and tiring to process. If you have average sensory processing, you’re likely able to weather the overload and take action to make yourself feel more comfortable. But if you have a hypersensitivity, not only might the sensory overload incapacitate you, but even “normal” amounts of stimulus can trigger an intense reaction. This is because at this high level of sensory overload, the fight or flight instinct kicks in. In some instances, sensory bombardment has been used as a method of torture and coercion, most famously by the US Army when they blasted heavy metal for days to provoke the surrender of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega from a besieged embassy. While not necessarily this extreme, sensory overload can make going out feel like torture. What are the sensory hypersensitivities and how can these be a disability? There are many medical conditions that can cause hypersensitivities of the senses. One of the most known is autism spectrum disorder. Others conditions include migraine, sensory processing disorder (SPD) and environmental illness (also known as multiple chemical sensitivities). As sensory hypersensitivities can be so wide-reaching, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of other medical conditions that can make at least one of your senses feel too powerful. Spaces with lots of sensory stimulation can be inaccessible to people with hypersensitivities of the senses, but the unafflicted might never notice because the levels of stimulus are often normal or bearable to them. Since we use our senses to navigate the world every day, all aspects of life might suffer if there’s a hypersensitivity. Depending on your level of sensitivity, you might be able to prevent sensory overload by controlling your triggers, but once you leave your home, you are at the mercy of the world and the people around you. The question to ask yourself is: do your symptoms disrupt parts of your life and are they are barriers to participating in society? Does taking public transit feel inaccessible, due to passenger’s perfumes, loud conversations or being squished in confined spaces? Are you unable to focus at work, or relax at home, because of loud or fragrant coworkers, roommates, guests, neighbors? Is putting on clothes or sleeping on bed sheets near impossible because of the tactile sensations? — If you are able to withstand these, do you still find yourself falling behind at work or school as a result? These scenarios don’t even begin to do justice to how intense and debilitating sensory hypersensitivities can be. I would like to offer a personal anecdote of what sensory overload can feel like:One of my strongest senses is smell. When I am exposed to average or strong scents, the feeling can take over my whole body. It reminds me of a time I came close to drowning after swimming under a barrier at the surface of the water. The moment I realized I couldn’t bring my head out of the water, an intense realization that I might die flooded my body. Time slowed and instinct took over to give me the energy to make it back to where I entered the water. When I am exposed to scents, it feels like I am in the middle of a thick gaseous cloud and my brain won’t let me breathe it in, much like it wouldn’t allow me to inhale water. It feels like I need to find the surface of the water so that I can breathe again. My cortisol shoots up and I enter fight or flight mode. Sometimes it doesn’t get this bad; it might only give me nausea and a migraine, but sometimes, the scent makes me feel like I will actually die. Smell can be a strong sensory barrier, even to the most mundane activities. Fragrant hair products can prevent me from going to a hairdresser. The scented clothing detergent isle makes it difficult to buy toilet paper since they’re in the same isle. The most consequential barrier is that I have to leave my desk every time a coworker applies a scented hand cream or sanitizer, otherwise a headache will disrupt the rest of my day. Whether I stay or whether I go, either way I become less productive. The good newsThankfully, more and more workplaces, government buildings, schools and hospitals are beginning to go scent-free or scent-reduced to accommodate some people's olfactory sensitivities. While scent sensitivities might be the most accommodated, due to the high prevalence of migraine and environmental illnesses, it is heartening that sensory hypersensitivities are beginning to be recognized. Hopefully this recognition will translate into reduced sensory barriers across all the senses. Until all sensory disabilities are accommodated, there is at least the disability tax credit which can help alleviate some of the burden of sensory disabilities. If you or your child suffers from sensory hypersensitivities that are enough to disrupt one or more areas of life functioning, be sure to see a specialist for a diagnosis and assistance. Don’t forget to look into your eligibility to receive assistance through Canada’s disability tax credit program. --- - Published: 2016-10-24 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/ignorant-responses-anxiety-disorder/ Living with any type of anxiety disorder comes with many challenges in an individual's life. Speaking from experience, one of the most frustrating of these challenges is the general lack of understanding from the people around me about what an anxiety disorder is. I certainly do not require that people understand what it is to live with an anxiety disorder before they join my social group, or even ask that they try to understand it if they want to be my friend, but I do ask that if they don't understand it, that they do not make comments about how I handle that reality for myself. Over the years I've encountered hundreds of insulting assumptions and assertions about me about my anxiety. Some of them meant to intentionally hurt me, and some that seem to come from well-meaning, but ignorant, people. Regardless of the source, these types of comments always leave me with the clear impression that the person has no idea what anxiety disorders are. Allow me to give you a few prominent examples of these ignorant responses to discussions or displays of my symptoms of living with general and social anxiety disorder: “Just relax” Though this could be a well-intentioned response from someone who is witnessing me experiencing symptoms of anxiety, or listening to me describe said symptoms when recounting a story, it often does not feel this way to me. Of course, calming oneself and trying to manage the symptoms of anxiety is the ultimate goal of most individuals with anxiety, but being told to “just relax” can often seem condescending, as if I didn't know that the solution was “just” that easy. As if the symptoms I am experiencing can easily be erased if I had known this simple wisdom. Why didn't I think of that? ! Oh wait, I have. The nature of anxiety is that the symptoms are intense enough to surpass one's efforts to simply relax. Excessive fears and worried thoughts, increased heart rate, and a queasy stomach are outside the immediate control of a person who has an anxiety disorder. So, your quick advice to “just relax” can not only come off as condescending, but it also invalidates the severity of the experience of an anxiety disorder. “Don't let yourself get worked up about it” This piece of advice, though possibly given by a well-meaning speaker, is even more patronizing than the last suggestion to “just relax”. The word “let” is the most insulting part to me, because an anxiety disorder is not something that an individual either chooses or allows, to happen. The symptoms of an anxiety disorder can affect every aspect of an individual's life― irrational fears and worries about things that never bothered them before, a racing heart and nausea before meetings or outings that they used to enjoy, trouble sleeping, a decrease in appetite― these symptoms can completely transform a person's life, no matter how hard they try to prevent it. When you suggest that they have the power to stop the symptoms by not allowing themselves to “get worked up about it”, you are implying that they have the control to stop this anxiety, and just choose not to. There is a variant of this piece of advice, it's even more insulting relative “I just don't let myself get worked up about those sorts of things”. This one is just rude. But perhaps not intentionally. It could be that this person does not realize that the kind of anxiety associated with an anxiety disorder is not the same that one gets before a first date, or before a big exam and that an anxiety disorder has symptoms that are impactful enough to affect an individual's ability to function in their daily lives. This ignorance could be excused, if the person genuinely does not understand the nature of an anxiety disorder, and did not mean to belittle these experiences. However, if you are speaking to someone familiar with what an anxiety disorder is, then this person is just being hurtful. To say to someone who has a psychological disorder that these symptoms are simply something they've “worked up” and that you would just not allow that to happen to yourself, and they shouldn't either, is an incredibly insensitive comment to make. "Everybody has anxiety, you just have to deal with it" Yes, everybody does experience some form of anxiety in their lives. Most people get alarmed and anxious when they are at the top of a high cliff, if they encounter a wild bear, or get lost in a dark forest. Anxiety associated with these kinds of events is a normal, healthy part of human functioning. Anxiety has evolved with the human species and has acted as a sort of alarm system to alert us of potential dangers or threats to our health and survival. As mentioned above, it is also quite common for people to get anxious about an upcoming test or job interview, or when meeting new people, going to a new school, or starting a new relationship. Anxiety related to these types of events is also quite normal. Because we do not often know what to expect in new situations such as these― what questions will be on the test, or whether you will fit in at your new school― it is natural to have a little bit of anxiety around them. This is entirely different from the experiences of an anxiety disorder, where the symptoms are prolonged, and severe, and are preventing one from functioning in their daily life. To compare this experience to the excited anxiety children get in their tummies before Santa comes, or the anxious feeling before one's first date implies that these two experiences are the same, and they most certainly are not. This comparison belittles the severity of the challenges faced by an individual with an anxiety disorder and is an insult to their struggles. "Don't they have pills for that? " Ah, now we get to the people who do acknowledge that an anxiety disorder may be a serious condition. At least this is implied by their suggestion that you may need psychiatric medication. However, I honestly do not believe that anyone who says this to someone with an anxiety disorder is making a genuine, helpful suggestion as to how one might manage their symptoms. No, this is more of a “can't you just take something for that and stop it/stop talking about it” kind of remark. These people, you see, are experts, and know exactly what you must do to fix your anxiety. Oddly, most are not even doctors, yet, they know what is best for you (I hope the heavy sarcasm is coming through here). What comments like these often boil down to are attempts to dismiss your anxiety, or to offer you a simple, quick solution in an attempt to shift the focus of the conversation elsewhere. Or possibly, within groups of people who happen to look down on mental health disorders and psychiatric medications, which is not especially uncommon, to shame you. A variant of the familiar “Have you taken your meds today? ” jab. Though this list is not by any means exhaustive, it does generally cover many types of negative feedback I receive from my family, friends, peers, and acquaintances about expressions of my anxiety. I realize I laid on the sarcasm pretty thick at times and it may have seeped through that I am frustrated and annoyed by many of these responses, however, I want to be clear in saying that I do not necessarily hold a grudge against the individuals in my life who say these sorts of things to me. Most of them genuinely do not know the messages they are sending me when they are saying these things. They do not realize they are being dismissive of my experiences and being hurtful when they make these types of comments. That is until I make this clear to them. Some people know what they are doing and continue to do it (there are a few in every group, right? ), but most people who hear this are apologetic, and end up learning something from the conversation about the perspective of someone who lives with an anxiety disorder. If you struggle with anxiety or a similar psychological disorder I am sure you have had your own experiences of invalidating and insulting remarks from people in your family or social group. Though oftentimes it is not worth the energy, and other times the person is just clearly trying to be hurtful, sometimes these remarks can be viewed as an opportunity to educate; to tell a person who doesn't know that what they are saying demonstrates ignorance of your disorder and is quite rude and insulting. The people who matter will care, and will make an effort to stop. Enlighten the ignorant commentators in your life and ignore the rest, because who has time for other people's hurtful, stubborn ignorance, right? At Disability Credit Canada, we help Canadians diagnosed with anxiety disorders claim disability tax credit, CPP disability, and Long term disability Give us a call to get a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-10-20 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/canadian-migraineurs-disability-tax-credit/ Over four million people are suffering from migraines in Canada — and roughly half of them don’t seek treatment from their doctor. Since the only way to apply for the Disability Tax Credit is to have a Disability Tax Credit Certificate completed by your doctor, there’s no way these two million Canadians can receive the tax credit they may qualify for. Are you one of these migraineurs? What is Migraine? Migraine is a complex neurological condition that can involve mild-to-severe headaches, nausea, and sensory disturbances. It can be highly debilitating, its effects impacting every part of a person’s life. If you experience migraines, it can affect your productivity and your ability to work or even hold down a job. Quality of life is usually reduced too, given the malaise (and commonly co-occurring clinical depression) from the symptoms and their effects on personal and social lives. Common symptoms of migraine may include: Throbbing or pounding head pain, often on one side of the head Hypersensitivity to light, sounds, smells and exertion Nausea, vomiting and “abdominal migraine” Visual symptoms like blurry vision, blind spots and scintillating “scotomas,” which may cause a temporary visual impairment or disability, depending on where they’re located in the field of vision Symptoms usually last between four to 72 hours Attacks occurring one to four times per month, or more than 15 days a month for Chronic Migraines Why some Canadians don’t see a doctor for their migraines (and why they should): Many people with a headache or migraine will reach for the quick over-the-counter medication, rather than talk to a doctor. Sometimes they will just try to power through the pain. Even for those who do see a doctor, 58% of diagnosed migraineurs in Canada don’t take prescription medication for their migraines. This is not even counting the undiagnosed. Migraine can be progressive, with episodic migraines developing into chronic migraines. If you're used to popping a Tylenol for the occasional headache, you can get used to the process and easily buy a new bottle without realizing how much quicker it seems to empty. Dealing with the costs of over-the-counter drugs and supplements (both of which cannot be claimed for insurance or tax purposes) can build up over the year. Prescription medication, on the other hand, can be claimed, but even then, price is a barrier with each pill (zolmitriptan, for example, costs over $8 a pill, with some insurance plans only covering 12 pills a month). Meanwhile, Botox injections can eliminate migraines, but at a cost of roughly $800 every three months. It’s for reasons like this that migraineurs and their providers should inquire about the disability tax credit. Another reason Canadians with migraines might be hesitant to book doctor’s appointments or make a claim for a tax credit they need is stigma. As Dr. J. E. Park, a lead researcher on the stigma of migraine, said in 2010: “You can’t see it, so people don’t understand the condition, and co-workers and employers sometimes think the person is trying to get more time off for something unimportant because they don’t think the pain and suffering is real. ” Without feeling able to seek treatment or disability accommodations at work or financial accommodations like the disability tax credit, it can be difficult to keep up with your life — or hold down a job. How migraines affect your ability to work When you have a migraine, it can significantly affect your work performance — or attendance — in many ways. The disorder can be quite disruptive to work productivity and daily functioning. According to a Statistics Canada report, over 25% of migraineurs endured pain that prevented their activities or felt left out of things because of their neurological disorder. Fifty-three percent reported that their migraines sometimes prevented them from driving. Even more migraineurs (76%) had issues falling or staying asleep and waking feeling rested. The same StatsCan report cites previous studies showing a strong association between migraines and reduced productivity while at work (rather than from missing work). Try staying alert at your job with not only the chronic pain but the sleep deprivation as well. The president of the American Headache Society, Dr. David Dodick, says "There is such a thing as being 'present' at work, but not being able to function well. ” Dodick says that many migraine sufferers lose their jobs over it, and due to the stigma many are “afraid to admit they get migraines. " If this weren’t hard enough, sometimes work itself can trigger a migraine. Ignoring the common stress trigger, working in an office with fluorescent lights and bright, glaring computer screens can make you feel like you’re staring directly into the Sun. The perfume from your colleagues can make you sick to your stomach. Even a loud work atmosphere can intensify the pain of a headache, rendering you unproductive. There is still no known cause for migraine, although doctors do believe that migraineurs have a genetic predisposition to the disease. New medications are being developed and further research is being conducted, but until there is a cure, migraineurs will continue to face barriers to maintaining their employment, managing their personal lives and finances, and keeping up a comfortable quality of life. To help you (or your dependents) get proper medical treatment and a Filled T2201 Certificate from your doctor, it is helpful to record how much and how often your life is affected by migraines. Try maintaining a migraine diary, not only to spot trends and triggers but also to get the medical and financial assistance you need. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the CPP disability or long-term disability application process, call Disability Credit Canada to learn how we can assist you! --- - Published: 2016-09-27 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/higher-education-learning-disabilities/ People diagnosed with invisible disabilities such as ADHD, dyslexia, and any other type of learning disability are finding it difficult to pass through the education system like the general population. This is mainly due to the high cost as well as the lack of preparation going into college and university. A recent article in The Atlantic by Laura Castaneda shines a light on what students with learning disabilities have to go through to complete their education. There is support available in the form of Disability Tax Credits and Child Disability Tax Credit however many colleges and universities are now providing extra help for students with learning disabilities. Take a read at this excerpt from the article: Students with LDs, which also are referred to as “invisible disabilities,” are finding that college is within reach. More schools are providing better services to students with conditions ranging from ADHD to Autism Spectrum Disorders to target a growing market. And although the stigma attached to various conditions still exists, advocacy groups have helped reduce some of it, making it easier for students to seek support. But as with “typical” students, finding the right college “fit” is just as important—perhaps more so—for anyone who learns differently. Help and support for students with learning disabilitiesAs you can see, there is definitely help available for students with learning disabilities. Learning disability is something that is hard for people to understand and realize what the person suffering from it is going through. It not only affects the person suffering from it but also the ones who surround them and are part of their lives. This next excerpt from the article give a great perspective on what it’s like to be someone with a learning disability. Brain-based learning and attention issues such as ADHD and dyslexia affect an estimated one in five children in the U. S. , according to The National Center for Learning Disabilities. That means their parents, educators and therapists, and eventually, their employers, are affected as well. LDs stem from neurological differences in brain structure and function that “affect a person’s ability to receive, store, process, retrieve, or communicate information. ” The most common types affect reading, math, and written expression, and include ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and associated disorders such as auditory or visual processing deficits, executive function deficits, and nonverbal learning disabilities. As you can see, people suffering from learning disabilities are in desperate need of extra support to complete their education. One big issue for people suffering from learning disabilities is that the support provided usually is at the high school level and then in college, the amount of help and support provided drops drastically. This makes it very hard for someone suffering from a learning disability to transition from high school to college or university. This next excerpt from the article discusses the issue further. The reasons for the lower graduation rate include added costs and trouble satisfying the documentation requirements. In the K-12 system, for example, schools are required to test students and offer appropriate accommodations for free. At the college level, schools are not required to provide specially designed instruction to accommodate students with disabilities. But college students may be eligible for academic adjustments, program modifications, and extra services, usually for an additional fee. Students also must self-identify as disabled, and documentation of their disability must be provided. This means it becomes a very hard transition from high school into college which eventually leads to low graduation rates for people with learning disabilities. One concept talked about in the article is “transition planning. ” This means, preparing kids right from middle school to get them ready for college. That means that “transition planning” for students with LDs who want to go to college has to start much earlier—in middle school, said Ernie Rose, a professor of special education and educational leadership at Loyola Marymount University, in Los Angeles. “Students have to prepare for the kind of academic rigor that’s required at two- and four-year colleges,” he said. Middle school courses bridge to more demanding courses in high school, where the stakes get even higher. Students must take the right classes, especially in core subjects such as math, science, and, if possible, foreign language, said Joseph Madaus, the director of the Center for Postsecondary Education and Disability and the associate dean of the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. “Decisions made in the ninth and 10th grade related to course selection will have a significant impact on a student’s preparation and eligibility for college admission,” he said. Therefore, despite the amount of support available, it is also up to the kids as well as their parents to start early in getting ready for higher education. Colleges and universities will provide the support needed but at the end of the day, it is up to the student and their parents or caregivers to make sure they are able to deal with the rigor of higher education. At Disability Credit Canada, we pride ourselves on helping disabled Canadians apply for disability tax credits. Do give us a call to get a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-09-26 - Modified: 2026-02-06 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/autism-high-unemployment-rate/ Autism Diagnoses - how it beginsAbout half of the people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are diagnosed before they reach 5 years old. Some 20% are diagnosed before they reach the age of 2. Of the remaining 50% most are diagnosed before they reach the age of 10. So it’s rare for an adult to receive a diagnosis of ASD. But it does happen. An article over at the mighty deals with the author’s own adult ASD diagnosis and why anyone would bother seeking such a diagnosis as an adult. For a long time, I had difficulty answering a question that centered around the fact I received an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis at the age of 30. It’s a question I get on a regular basis: “Why would anyone would seek an ASD diagnosis as an adult? If you’ve made it that far, what’s the point? Finding the right response has been tough because people asking this can have a wide variety of intentions. Some people are simply curious. Some are skeptical. Other people are asking for themselves; they feel they may be on the spectrum and are sincerely interested in finding out whether or not they should pursue a diagnosis. The Lack of Empathy Adults With ASD Often FaceThe fact that the author finds so many people willing to question his or her motives is a curious thing in and of itself. After all, being supportive would be a much better and more helpful response. Unfortunately, the author’s experience is indicative of a general lack of empathy people with ASD often face from other members of society. In fact, a quick search of the internet reveals just how many people there are who insist ASD in an imaginary disorder. It’s more than a little disturbing. Why Autism Is Not “Imaginary” for Adults Living With ASDFor adults living with ASD there is nothing imaginary about their situation. Even if they’ve developed coping mechanisms that enabled them to reach adulthood before getting a proper diagnosis chances are those coping mechanisms did just as much harm as good. An overwhelming majority are unable to find employment and those that do, even if they have a high degree of specialized training, often find themselves forced to accept menial jobs. For families that have a child with ASD the picture is no brighter:ASD behavioral intervention alone can run as much as $100,000 per year per child. Average medical costs for those same children exceed $10,000 per year. When those children grow up there is little chance they’ll be able to contribute significantly to their own support. The Financial Reality of Autism for Individuals and FamiliesIt is estimated that the lifetime cost of dealing with ASD, even for those without a significant intellectual disability, is well over $1 million. And you can double that amount if there is an intellectual disability involved. When you consider that average person who works until they’re 65 will make something like $1. 5 million in their lifetime you can see why so many with ASD depend on the often life-saving financial relief provided by the Disability Tax Credit. Employment Challenges for People Diagnosed With AutismPeople suffering from autism are finding it more and more difficult to find jobs after finishing their education. Despite applying to hundreds of job adverts, it is not only difficult to get calls but also difficult to pass the interview process. Sometimes, just sharing the fact that one is diagnosed with autism can reduce the chances of getting employment despite being qualified for the job. A recent article in the Washington Post by Abigail Abrams shines a light on how difficult is it for people with autism to get jobs and how some programs by the big corporations can help deal with this issue. Take a read of this excerpt from the article which looks at the issues faced by Gloria Mendoza, who despite having a college degree finds it hard to get a full-time job. Gloria Mendoza is a typical 24-year-old. She has a college degree in computer science and music, she enjoys going to baseball games and movie nights, and she wants to find a fulfilling career. But after finishing school in 2014, Mendoza spent more than a year applying for jobs, with little success. She lived with her parents and worked in temporary positions while sending out résumés, but she rarely heard back. When she did, Mendoza said, her autism made it difficult to make it past an interview. Like many people with autism, she might answer questions slowly, share a blunt observation that other applicants would temper, or miss social cues. Traditional job-interview questions such as asking for strengths and weaknesses left her feeling overwhelmed. Moving people with autism into the workforceBig corporations such as SAP have created programs to help get people with autism onto their workforce. One such program is SAP’s Autism at Work where lessons are taught on technical skills as well as social skills. These types of programs are helping people with autism get into the workforce and also get the social skills needed to succeed. However, the unfortunate thing is that it only helps a small percentage of people suffering from autism. The main issue is the lack of support offered after someone passes through the education system. There is a set expectation that if you can pass the education system, you should be good enough to go out and get a job. However, it’s not always as easy as it seems for people suffering from autism. Take a read at this excerpt from the article to understand the issue further. “When people hit 21, they call it a cliff. The services really do fall off, particularly for individuals who have gone to college, because I think the expectation is that, ‘Well you’ve made it through college, getting a job should be the easy part,’ ” said Marcia Scheiner, who runs a program based in New York to help adults with Asperger’s syndrome — a mild kind of autism — find competitive jobs. The 2014 report found that two-thirds of young people with autism did not move on to employment or other education in the first two years after leaving high school, and for more than a third, this continued into their 20s. Young adults with autism were also more likely to be unemployed than their peers with other disabilities. Employment data is scarce for autistic individuals, but researchers have estimated that between 70 and 90 percent of autistic people are unemployed or underemployed nationally. Why Post-Education Support Matters for Autistic AdultsAs you can see, for people diagnosed with autism, after they pass through the education system, the amount of support offered is drastically reduced. This leads to people not being able to find a steady job despite being educated and qualified. Why Helping Autistic People Enter the Workforce Benefits EveryoneAccording to recent research, autism costs the United States as much as $367 billion in productivity and medical expenses. The best way to reduce this cost is to help move people with autism from the education system into the workforce. Programs from SAP are a step in the right direction. However, this needs to be done on a larger scale. There is a lot of talent and dedication out there in people diagnosed with autism, it is now up to the companies to realize this and give them a chance to show them their talents. This will eventually lead to a change in perspective in our society and educated and qualified people diagnosed with autism will not have to deal with unemployment. How Disability Credit Canada Helps With the Disability Tax CreditHere at Disability Credit Canada, we pride ourselves on helping Canadians apply for Disability Tax Credit. Do give us a call to get a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-09-21 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/down-syndrome-stereotypes/ 6 Common Down Syndrome Stereotypes and How They Are Being Broken A lot of people have a wrong perception of down syndrome. This is mainly due to the wrong image that is being fed by society. This leads to many people with prejudice and a lack of knowledge about down syndrome. A recent article in Huffington Post shines a light on these stereotypes and gives examples of how those stereotypes are being broken. Here is an excerpt from the article: When you have down syndrome, the first disability you have to face is the way people look at you. It’s based on received wisdom, society conveys misleading information about this extra chromosome and what it is supposed to cause. Each of us has prejudice in mind, this shows no ill-will but just a lack of knowledge on this subject. The 6 Common Down Syndrome Stereotypes The article takes a look at 6 major stereotypes about down syndrome and gives examples of people who have broken them. Stereotype 1: People With Down Syndrome Are Not Charming The first one is about people with down syndrome not being charming. This stereotype is broken by Madeline Stuart, who has achieved success as an Australian professional model. She has also walked the catwalk for New York Fashion Week. Madeline has proven that not only can someone with down syndrome be charming, but they can also play in the big leagues alongside different models. Stereotype 2: People With Down Syndrome Cannot Graduate The second stereotype is that people with down syndrome cannot graduate because they can never be good at their studies. Noelia Garella is not only a graduate but also currently works as a kindergarten teacher. The article talks about inclusive society and how education is a cornerstone. Being educated is the cornerstone of an inclusive society. It is likely that all people with down syndrome won’t succeed a higher education, however it is as likely that most students won’t be awarded the a Nobel prize. It doesn’t stop students from trying, why should those with down syndrome also give up trying? Stereotype 3: People With Down Syndrome Cannot Practice Sports The third stereotype is that people with down syndrome cannot practice sports. The article gives the example of Yulissa Arescurenaga who is currently a teacher of Zumba Fitness and has also received the “Premier Trail Blazer Award” for her work. Stereotype 4: People With Down Syndrome Are Always Happy The fourth stereotype is that people with down syndrome as always happy and cannot experience a wide range of emotions. The article proves that this is completely false. Like the rest of humankind, people with DS experience a wide range of emotions. They can be happy or sad. They can be angry or quiet. #Louise is not always smiling or in a good mood ... as you can see! Stereotype 5: People With Down Syndrome Cannot Be Successful People also believe that if you suffer from down syndrome, you cannot become successful. The example given in the article to prove this wrong is of Jamie Brewer, who is one of the principal actors of the famous TV show, American Horror Story. Stereotype 6: People With Down Syndrome Are Always Overweight The last stereotype that the article talks about is people with down syndrome always being overweight. This stereotype is proven false by Sarah Gordy. Take a read at this excerpt from the article: Sarah Gordy is a talented artist - comedian, dancer, and model. She is best known for her portrayal of Lady Pamela Holland in the 2010 BBC TV series of Upstairs. Her body is her working instrument. She works hard, and we can see it! Breaking Down Syndrome Stereotypes in Society As you can see, the six major types of stereotypes mentioned in the article have all been proven false. The examples given are of just one person. There are countless people suffering from down syndrome who are proving these stereotypes false every day. Unfortunately, it’s not only these 6 stereotypes that are common, there are probably many more stereotypes that people with down syndrome have to deal with. But the good thing is that these stereotypes are being proven false day by day and eventually, as people breaking these stereotypes get more exposure, society will have to change the way they think about down syndrome. Until that happens, we must do all we can to support them. Disability Benefits for Individuals With Down Syndrome in Canada At Disability Credit Canada, we take pride in helping disabled Canadians secure benefits like CPP disability, Disability Tax Credits, and long-term disability benefits. Contact us for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-09-15 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/paralympics-able-bodied-athletes/ The on-going Paralympics in Rio has so far been a great success not only for the athletes from around the world but also for the popularity of disabled sports such as wheelchair basketball, blind skiing, etc. A recent article in CBC news by Blair Sanderson shines light on how para-sports in Canada is bridging the gap between able-bodied and disabled athletes. The article talks about how some able-bodied athletes are actually taking part is wheelchair basketball. Take a read at the excerpt below: In the sport of wheelchair basketball, physical contact is the name of the game. The chairs themselves are built to withstand punishing hits, and Steve Sampson loves it. "It's fun. You're in a go-cart, it's very physical, you're bumping and banging, and it's glorious. So much fun. " And fun is why Sampson adopted the sport — even though he has full use of his legs. He decided to give the sport a try after seeing a game in person at the Paralympics in Beijing in 2008. He returned home, joined a recreational league, and eventually became an assistant coach for Canada's team, which will compete at this year's Paralympics in Rio. Paralympics helping to bridge the gap As you can see, able-bodied athletes are now taking part in para-sports which is helping bring the two types of athletes together, especially with the able-bodied athlete finding out what it means to live with a disability. It just helps able-bodied athletes appreciate para-sports athletes and the amount of hard work and determination it takes to be able to compete while living with a disability. Despite Canada allowing able-bodied players to take part in para-sports such as wheelchair basketball, it is not the case amongst some other countries like the United States. That's not the case in other countries, like the U. S. , for instance — where there's a strong feeling in many leagues that wheelchair basketball should be for athletes with disabilities only. But Sampson says here in Canada, we can't afford to take that position, because there are often not enough disabled players coming forward to play, especially in smaller communities. There are however some para-sports that only disabled athletes can take part in but require an able-bodied athlete to help guide them. One such sport is blind skiing. The article talks about how sometimes it gets hard for a disabled athlete to find that able-bodied athlete to be their guide. 17-year-old Brenda MacDonald is legally blind, and competed at last year's Canada Games. She's hoping to make the Paralympics in 2022. But without a sighted guide to ski ahead of her and call directions, MacDonald says it can't happen. She's been through four different people over the past four years. Typically, they're athletes who have recently retired from elite sport themselves. As you can see, with the contribution and support from able-bodied athletes, more and more disabled athletes can have a chance to represent their country at the highest level in Paralympics. For that to happen, para-sports such as blind skiing need more exposure and more able-bodied athletes need to take the initiative to help. When this starts to happen, athletes like Brenda MacDonald would not have such as hard time finding the right partner and she can compete to the best of her abilities. There are however some bad perceptions able-bodied people have about competing in para-sports. People think that if you are able-bodied, it is not right for you to compete in para-sports and you should stick to more mainstream sports. The article talks about one such instance where one kid, despite loving wheelchair basketball, was not allowed to play that sport due to his father refusing. "There was this one kid, he was 15 years old, he came out to one of my practices. He loved it," he said. "He got in the chair, he loved it like I do. But his dad, he was a hockey dad. And there was no way his son was going to play in a wheelchair. " As you can see, these types of perceptions need to be broken which can lead to more collaboration between disabled and able-bodied athletes. At Disability Credit Canada, we help disabled Canadians claim disability tax credit. If you would like a free assessment, do give us a call today! --- - Published: 2016-09-14 - Modified: 2026-02-06 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/diagnosis-adhd-spectrum/ ADHD Is One of the Most Common Childhood Conditions in Canada According to Statistics Canada, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common conditions in children. It also states that boys are three times more likely to develop ADHD than girls and the symptoms usually arise between the ages of three and five (Find out more about disability tax credit for ADHD). The number of children diagnosed with ADHD has been on the rise through the years. It has now become a rising issue for parents as well as teachers at school to deal with. A recent article in NPR by Anya Kamenetz talks about a recent editorial published in the Journal of American Medical Association Pediatrics which proposes diagnosing ADHD based on a spectrum instead of just parents and doctors filling out a questionnaire. The Problem With the Current Checklist-Style Diagnosis Take a read at this excerpt from the article: Parents, schools and doctors, he says, should completely rethink this highly medicalized framework for attention difficulties. "ADHD does a disservice to children as a diagnosis," Christakis tells NPR Ed. Here's why. Researchers are currently debating the nature of ADHD. They have found some genetic markers for it, but the recent rise in diagnoses is too swift to be explained by changes in our genes. Neuroscientists, too, are finding brain wiring patterns characteristic of the disorder. But the current process of diagnosis amounts to giving a questionnaire to parents and doctors. If they identify six out of nine specific behaviors, then the child officially has ADHD. "If you fall on this side of the line, we label and medicate you," says Christakis. "But on the other side of the line, we do nothing. " As you can see, the current way to diagnose ADHD depends on a few questions that doctors and parents answer and if the child shows 6 out of 9 behaviors, he/she is officially diagnosed with ADHD. The editorial by Dimitri Christakis however suggests that diagnosing ADHD should be done more on a spectrum. He states that for kids who might be suffering from ADHD but do not get the right diagnosis based on the questionnaire, it takes away his/her legal rights to support. Christakis suggests that the attention capacity of a child varies between individuals and between situations. What Experts Mean When They Say ADHD Should Be Diagnosed on a Spectrum Attentional capacity, Christakis says, is chief among a cluster of non-academic skills that education researchers have recently become very excited about: executive functioning, self-regulation, grit. Basically, these involve the ability to delay gratification, manage your time and attention and stay on a path toward a goal. Every child — every person — struggles with this sometimes. Reading to, singing and playing with young children, and making sure older children get a chance to move around, are interventions that can help all students to a lesser or greater extent. "Our job is to have every child maximize attentional capacity," Christakis explains. Why Accurate ADHD Diagnosis Matters for Disability Support A leading pediatrician, Mark Mahone, also agrees with Christakis regarding diagnosing ADHD on a spectrum. He suggests that pediatrics are also evolving towards actively supporting attentional functioning in everyone. Mark Mahone, a pediatric neuropsychologist at the Kennedy Krieger Institute for children with special needs, agrees with Christakis' concept of a spectrum for attentional disorder. "The current thinking in the field is that attentional capacity and skills do occur on a continuum or spectrum. " He also says that in general, pediatrics is evolving toward the idea of proactively supporting attentional functioning in everyone. Therefore, there is a growing need to provide support for children suffering from ADHD but for a child to get proper support, there needs to be a proper diagnosis. This means schools and doctors need to start looking at ADHD on a spectrum instead of the current linear way of thinking. We at Disability Credit Canada help Canadian families with kids suffering from ADHD claim Disability tax credits. Give us a call to get a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-09-06 - Modified: 2026-02-06 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/parents-autistic-children-school/ Back-to-School Stress Looks Different for Families With Autistic Children It’s back to school time and many households are dealing with the nerve-jangling ritual that comes along. However, there are many parents in Ontario with autistic children that have a different set of worries than a typical family does (Read more about the Ontario disability tax credit). A recent change in Ontario’s autism services for children is going to lead to an increased influx of children that require additional support. This has led many parents of autistic children to wonder if their children will be able to get the help they are entitled to. An article in the Toronto Star by Andrea Gordon and Kristin Rushowy shines a light on this issue. Take a look at this excerpt from the article. Recent changes to the province’s autism services for children will result in an influx of students coming to school who need additional supports, she added. But there’s a long way to go before those Ontario students get the help they are entitled to, whether it’s one-on-one educational assistants or more teachers trained to use the principles of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) that are effective for many children on the autism spectrum and others. Autistic children are being neglected at school There are many parents who are actively advocating for their special needs children receive the education and support that they are legally entitled to. Many cases have also shown that educators are neglecting children with special needs as well as having low expectations of them. Here is an excerpt from the article which shows the result of a report written by children and youth with special needs. A groundbreaking report written by children and youth with special needs last spring found many youth felt shut out by educators who had low expectations of them. A common complaint was that they didn’t get the critical supports they needed to learn and succeed, said the report, led by Ontario Children’s Advocate Irwin Elman. Ontario Schools Are Struggling With Funding and Support Staff Shortages Another problem faced in Ontario is the lack of support staff at schools and inefficient funding. A stunning finding by People for Education report mentioned in the article states that in 2014, half of Ontario’s elementary school principles asked students with special needs to stay home from school because of the lack of special education staff. The report also found that there is only one special ed teacher for an average of 37 special needs children. This is clearly a problem as a lack of special education staff coupled with the increased influx of special needs children in school this year can lead to many disappointed parents and many special needs children not getting enough support they require. Here is another excerpt from the article that shows the increase in the number of autistic children in Ontario. The number of Ontario students with autism jumped to almost 19,000 students in 2013-14 from fewer than 5,000 in 2002-03, according to Ministry of Education statistics. And that’s only part of the special needs population. Why Ontario Needs Stronger Special Education Support for Autism Therefore, it has now become even more important for the government to put more importance on special ed teachers and providing sufficient support for special needs children. This could be in the form of funding as well as school boards spending the funding in an efficient manner. Ontario Autism Coalition is one of many groups fighting for autistic children. For example, they recently fought the province over a decision that would have removed kids 5 and older from wait lists and out of intensive treatment which would have led them without the services they had been promised. Therefore, it is up to groups like Ontario Autism Coalition as well as the parents and the school board to tackle this issue and make sure that special needs children are given what they are entitled to which is education and support. How Disability Credit Canada Helps Families Apply for Disability Tax Credits At Disability Credit Canada, we help Canadians suffering from or caring for someone with autism get disability tax credits. If you have a child suffering from autism and would like a free assessment, do give us a call today. --- - Published: 2016-08-31 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/hardship-caring-intellectual-disability/ Many people are unaware of intellectual disabilities and how hard and challenging it can be not only for the disabled but also for the ones caring for them. Intellectual disability limits intellectual functioning as well as adaptive behavior. This includes many day-to-day activities that the disabled are not able to perform and require the assistance of others in order to go about their daily lives. Intellectual disabilities usually start before the age of 18. The parents or the ones caring for people with intellectual disabilities usually require a high level of commitment in order to take care of them. Intellectual disability prevents you from performing day-to-day living tasks: An article in the Sydney Morning Herald by Fiona Harari takes a look at the life of one mother caring for an intellectually disabled child and how caring for someone with this type of disability takes a lifelong commitment. A quote at the beginning of the article describes the situation perfectly. Parenting an intellectually disabled child: life forever on duty People with intellectual disabilities are a silent minority, often forgotten by a society that finds it too easy to look the other way. Their needs are overwhelming – and ongoing – yet their parents face a lifetime commitment. Intellectual disability is not something that the general public is much aware of. What people don’t realize is the amount of effort it takes to take care of someone with this type of disability and how much credit they deserve. To give you a slight glimpse into the life of someone caring for an intellectual disability child, here is an excerpt from the article: He is mostly silent, but not because of adolescence. He cannot speak, so instead of words he sounds out loosely formed single syllables, loud enough to be heard across a room and seemingly so confronting that a middle-aged man in a food hall once complained to Alex's mother that hearing them ruined his lunch. As you can see, it is things such as these are the norm for caregivers. The child in question here is Alex Browne and her caregiver Vanessa Browne. Alex has Sotos syndrome which has taken away his ability to perform daily life activities. An excerpt from the article gives you a better understanding of Sotos syndrome and how it affects someone. Alex has Sotos syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, sometimes called cerebral gigantism, responsible for his height, his advanced bone age, his impaired speech and his intellectual disability. Physically, chronologically and legally, he is an adult. But while many young men his age are at university or working, facing endless potential, Alex is immersed in an endless, limiting childhood. He cannot read or write, nor can he understand complex ideas, or follow more than basic instructions. Immune to danger and oblivious to the bits of lunch stuck to his face, he is the child-adult who cannot be left alone, who figures that two purple inflated balloons – the total contents of the packed sports bag sitting at the door to his group home – are all he needs for a weekend away. As you can see, an intellectual disorder such as Sotos syndrome can really make someone unable to take care of themselves. It becomes mandatory for someone to be around them 24/7. It takes a great commitment from the caregiver and it becomes even more difficult if they belong to a low socio-economic group. There is assistance available in terms of child disability tax credit for people in Canada. Research has shown that chance of living a rich life for people with intellectual disabilities is very slim. This excerpt from the article gives you a better look: Nearly 700,000 Australians have an intellectual disability, the majority of whom are unable to communicate successfully. "They are the only people with disabilities that are unable to speak for themselves," says Professor Christine Bigby, director of the Living with Disability Research Centre at La Trobe University. "They are continually, for the rest of their lives, going to be interdependent. " The odds of a rich life are slim. Restricted intellect means work opportunities are limited, and many are in the lowest socio-economic group, dependent in the long term on social security. And for all their interdependence, their circles of friends tend to be small and limited to others with intellectual disability and family members, further compounding their isolation. As Bigby says, what they really need are people who will do "not just the physical caring but the caring about". The burden usually falls on the caregiver or close relatives. Caregivers also sometimes have to stop working because they need to be there 24/7. It is important for people to realize how much commitment it takes to take care of someone with an intellectual disability. There needs to be more compassion for the disabled and the caregiver and friends and close relatives must do everything they must in order to reduce their burden. At Disability Credit Canada, we can help you claim the disability tax credit. Call us for a Free Assessment. --- - Published: 2016-08-26 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/invisible-disabilities-discrimination/ When people hear the word ‘disability’, they typically create the image of a person in a wheelchair in their mind. However, what many people are unaware of is the fact that disability doesn’t have to be visible. Millions of disabled people around the world show no signs of disability on the outside because their disability is usually linked to their internal body system. This makes it very difficult for people with invisible disabilities to explain their situation to others and why they are entitled to use disabled facilities as much as the visibly disabled. Invisible Disabilities - More awareness will lead to less discriminationA recent article in Metro by Simon Robb shines a light on how people with invisible disabilities face problems describing their situation to others and are usually subject to wrong judgment as well as discrimination. Take a look at this excerpt from the article to get a better perspective. Looking back, one of the hardest parts to deal with was people’s reactions to me using the disabled facilities – but I had little choice. I’ve had mother’s with small children tut at me, a member of staff at a supermarket asking me why I needed access to the disabled loo, and an embarrassing confrontation with an elderly man at a coffee shop. As you can see, a lot of people suffering from invisible disabilities are subject to wrong judgment and have a hard time explaining their situation to others. The article mentions that diseases like IBS, Crohn’s, and Ulcerative Colitis are still considered taboo subjects. However, these types of invisible disabilities make it very hard to live your daily life. This is why it is the right of everyone suffering from invisible disabilities to use disabled facilities. They should not be subject to wrong judgment and people need to understand that a disability doesn’t always have to be visible. One step towards making lives easier comes with the example of a toilet sign posted by ASDA with the text “Not every disability is visible – Accessible toilet. ” The sign also shows three symbols including a man in a wheelchair emblem as well as a standard man and woman. This is mentioned in the article by Simon Robb. Signs such as these are a great first step in educating the regular public about invisible disabilities. It also makes them more aware of the fact that even though someone might look healthy on the outside, doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering from any disabilities. It also makes the sufferer more relaxed knowing there are facilities out there for the disabled they can use as well without any guilt. Here is an excerpt from the article that gives the author’s perspective on how accessible toilets like ASDA can reduce discrimination faced by people with invisible disabilities. This is why disabled toilet signs, like the one in Asda, is imperative for people who look physically-abled, but beneath the surface suffer with health complications. I’m now in remission and haven’t needed to use a disabled toilet for several years – but there are people still out there who are faced with the same discrimination I was. Please don’t judge. Disabilities such as IBS, Crohn’s, and Ulcerative Colitis are just some of the invisible disabilities that many people are unaware of and don’t see it as a disability. However, for someone suffering from one of these diseases, it becomes a difficult situation for them when they use the disabled facilities but then have to explain to others of why they are entitled to do so. For example, many people are unaware that someone who is suffering from Ulcerative Colitis needs to use the washroom a minimum of 15 times a day. This makes it extremely difficult for someone who is suffering from the disease and also embarrassing at times. Therefore, life is difficult for the physically disabled as well as people suffering from invisible disabilities. What needs to happen is big companies, small businesses, and other types of organizations need to use ASDA as an example and start building accessible toilets for all types of disabilities, visible or not. A small step such as posting a sign like ASDA can do wonders as well. We are Disability Credit Canada pride ourselves in helping disabled Canadians recoup tax credits from the CRA. If you or someone you know is suffering from a disability, do give us a call for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-08-25 - Modified: 2026-02-06 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/hidden-side-of-autism/ People who don’t have or care for a child with autism, have a completely different picture of an autistic child than ones who actually care for one. These people are mostly exposed to autistic children through feel-good media stories. Stories such as an autistic child who gets to be a manager of a high school basketball team, a boy going to prom with an autistic girl, etc. However, these media stories don’t make everyone aware of the realities of an autistic child and how autism makes them do things that might not always be sweet or innocent. This is the hidden side of autism that very few people are aware of and mistake as just a nuisance. The hidden side of Autism no one talks about:There is a different side to autism that only people caring for one are aware of. A recent article in the Huffington Post by Bonnie Zampino explores the hidden side of autism and how the general public might see some behaviors as a nuisance but in reality, it is completely normal. In fact, the article takes a look at a recent lawsuit against these behaviors of an autistic child which other families saw as an act of violence. The article gives a great perspective of an autistic child to the general public and makes them more aware. Here is an excerpt from the article. Because for every boy with autism who manages his high school basketball team, there are 20 boys with autism who smear feces. And for every girl with autism who gets to be on the homecoming court, there are 30 girls with autism who pull out their hair and bite their arms until they bleed. And for every boy with autism who gets to go the prom, there are 50 boys with autism who hit and kick and bite and hurt other people. This is the autism that no one talks about. This is the autism that no one wants to see. We aren’t aware! Why “Feel-Good” Autism Stories Can Create Harmful AssumptionsAs you can see, the media only projects feel-good stories and that is the image people have about autistic children. So when these people are exposed to the normal behaviors of autistic children, they see it as a nuisance and end up thinking it is the parent’s or caregivers' fault. The article states clearly that people are just not aware of the hidden side of autism. This leads to a lot of wrong judgments about the autistic child as well as his/her parents or caregivers. How Autism Can Isolate Parents and FamiliesIt also becomes troubling for parents with autistic children. They constantly have to explain to others the behaviors of their child. Caring for autistic child also isolates them from other parents as it prevents them from taking part in many different parent-child activities. A perfect example is given by Bonnie Zampino in the article. Because I didn’t know what my son was going to do to other children, we stopped going to the park. We stopped going to the Mommy and Me class at the library. We started going to the grocery store at 6:00 a. m. when most people weren’t around. He didn’t go to daycare but had a sitter at home so he wouldn’t be around other kids in a daycare setting. I essentially isolated him in order to keep other people safe. Can you imagine what it’s like to be a mom and not be able to take your child to the park? Or have your child attend birthday parties? Or have play dates? We aren’t aware. Because of my need to isolate my son, I also isolated myself too. I watched from my window as other moms in the neighborhood sat in their camp chairs and chatted while their children played. I couldn’t join them because my son couldn’t be around the other kids. Once a mom asked if my son could come to their house and play with her son. Can you imagine what it was like to feel so excited and then feel so ashamed when, after explaining my son’s issues to her so she would be aware, that invitation was rescinded? Why Autism Awareness Needs to Go Beyond “Acceptance”Being a parent of an autistic child can take a lot out and this excerpt makes you appreciate those parents who sacrifice a lot in order to care for their autistic child. What needs to happen is for the general public to be more aware of the realities of an autistic child. People need to understand that with a little care, autistic children can become great friends with typically functional children. Bonnie Zampino talks about learning things that trigger aggression and how to avoid them. A little effort from both sides can lead to lifelong friendships. It can also help parents of autistic children prevent isolation and enjoy life like everyone is entitled to. How Greater Understanding Can Reduce Stigma and ConflictIncreased awareness will lead to increased understanding and increased acceptance. People will stop looking at certain behaviors as a public nuisance. There won’t be any need for a lawsuit; instead, parents will make the extra effort to accommodate autistic children. Best of all, more friends will be made! How Disability Credit Canada Helps Families With AutismAre you caring for or know someone who is caring for a child with autism? We at Disability Credit Canada can help you claim the tax credit and earn some financial relief. Call us for a free assessment. --- - Published: 2016-08-04 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/discrimination-learning-disabilities-questioning-schools-nurturing/ A world without boundaries, to be independent of mind, free of spirit, and steadfast of will – this has been perhaps the universal dream, free for all to wish the stars on no matter the status in life, the obstacles along the way, and the qualities and circumstances that make us unable to see these things the same way the rest of the world does. In reality, though, to see the world as a free space for growth, learning, and expression remains a dream for those deprived of the equal chance to make their defining mark – such as in the case of people with learning disabilities. More often, free thoughts and efforts are hampered by discrimination against learning disabilities instead of having these fostered and honed to introduce bright, fresh perspectives and a new way of doing things. School: the last place we ever thought would be guilty of discriminating And Brigid of the University of Moncton might just be living proof of that. School, what used to be a safe and nurturing learning environment may now be threatening her shot at the future she has dreamed of having, all because the university is now alleged to have perpetrated discrimination against learning disabilities in refusing Brigid more time to complete her requirements in certain courses of the nursing program she is currently enrolled in. Brigid appeals that her tactile learning method is the only way for her to effectively grasp new concepts and understand the lessons they’re taught – something her professors in the first degree she completed understood and gave her adequate time for. Life at the University of Moncton’s nursing program has been exactly the opposite for Brigid who goes on with her daily life with ADHD and anxiety, causing her to have learning disabilities she must cope with. Because of her learning disability, all she was asking for was more time to practice in her clinical courses something the university was quick to disapprove of, and thereby perpetrating discrimination against learning disabilities. The University of Moncton’s nursing program staff gave Brigid a failing mark in one of her clinical courses for failure to complete the requirements within a given time – the same time is given to her fellow students who had no learning disabilities whatsoever, very much unlike her. Even the university’s student federation extends the same grievance, citing all the school did was discriminate against Brigid, instead of providing a safe, free space for her to properly learn, exactly the opposite of the very essence of learning. The program staff refused to give her reconsideration by overturning her failing mark, and even refused to give her the little additional time she needed to complete the assignments and successfully pass the course. In the course of her appeal, the program staff threatened to expel her while making derogatory comments on her condition and subsequent inability to pass the course successfully. No matter how much Brigid wishes to just move on and continue with her education, she finds she is unable to do so, as no other school or program is able to accept her due to the failing mark on her record. With her failing mark and nowhere to go, Brigid is forced to spend twelve months out of school, and instead find ways outside the school system to champion her cause. The very environment she counted on to be a safe, nurturing space for free thinking and unhampered learning is the same institution that is now hindering her from living to her fullest potential, and even going as far as discriminating against her. Just like our old, backward days Brigid’s struggle makes us think of the progress we’ve made so far in championing equal rights and opportunities – ten steps forward, but now, some backward because of discrimination cases like hers. There may be more laws and mandates now that clearly state people with disabilities should be given equally accessible opportunities and due accommodation to compete with the rest of the market, but in reality, a lot of these efforts look better on paper and have stayed there, instead of translating to everyday living. As such, the struggle for equal opportunities and our efforts to fully eradicate discrimination must never waver. What most people who end up discriminating against those around them living with disabilities fail to see is that a disability – such as Brigid’s learning one – is not burdens that require extra, undeserved attention. It also doesn’t mean that people with disabilities will from then on need preferential treatment to survive among their perfectly healthy peers. Rather, living in a world that is free from any discrimination and truly strives to make learning free, safe, and enriching means recognizing multiple intelligences through providing time and nurturing with patience. This means exploring various learning methods and embracing fresh, new perspectives and methods that allow for a more holistic evolution of learning. It means never having to be confined in a box, and instead truly embracing diversity and growth we have never before seen, yet know that would be good for those around us with unique needs and challenges. It means making the world friendly and truly worthy of being a space populated by great ideas and change-making actions. Fight discrimination today and you and your loved ones will never have to live in doubt again The world that deserves to be populated by great ideas and change-making actions has no room for discrimination. The people you can trust and share your desire in living in a world truly without borders and sees potential beyond disabling conditions are eager to help you get started on making the shared dream come true. Help end discrimination against learning disabilities today. Stand with Brigid, stand with your loved ones. --- - Published: 2016-05-20 - Modified: 2025-11-20 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/navigating-cpp-disability-application-form/ With the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits program coming under increasing budgetary and legislative pressure, it’s never been more important to ensure that your CPP disability benefits application form is properly filled out and accompanied by strong and appropriate supporting materials that will bolster your case. In this post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive look at the most important aspects of the CPP Disability Application form itself as well as the other documents you’ll need to support it. Ensure the CPP Disability Application Form is Done RightYou can obtain a disability application form through the CPP website or by calling 1-800-277-9914. The total application package is composed of the following forms and documents:The CPP Disability Application Form Itself - This form will ask for personal information about you as well as any dependent children who are either under the age of 18 or between 18 and 25 and enrolled as full-time students. The Questionnaire for Disability Benefits - The majority of questions posed on this form are designed to allow you to describe the extent and fundamental nature of your disability. The Consent for Medical Evaluation Form - Also known by its full name The Authorization to Disclose Information - Consent for Medical Evaluation, this form gives CPP the right to obtain medical, work, and educational information about you. A Full Medical Report - This should be filled out by the doctor that has been providing you primary care for your disability; even if that is not your everyday physician. Child-Rearing Form - This form is for those who need to withdraw from the workforce and cannot make CPP contributions due to their child-rearing responsibilities. Below we provide more information on the particular forms. The Questionnaire for CPP Disability BenefitsThe more comprehensive your answers to the questions posed on this form the better. The following are some questions of particular importance. Question 5: The Date you stopped working - This date is used to calculate the first day you became eligible to receive CPP disability benefits. You’ll also need to explain the role your disability played in your decision to stop working. Find out more with our disability tax credit calculator guide. Question 18: Nature of your impairment - It’s crucial that you respond to this question thoroughly and that your explanation dovetails with the description of your condition as explained by your doctor. Question 20: Other health-related conditions - You are allowed to argue that it is the cumulative effect of the primary disability and other impairments that make it impossible for you to work. So go into detail about any other conditions you may have. Questions 23-25: Who has been treating you? - Name the various medical practitioners you’ve seen over the years while seeking relief from your disability. Include hospital stays related to your disability and try to remember everyone. Questions 26-29: Medications - List all medications as well as any other treatments you are taking or undergoing now or which you have taken or undergone in the past for your disability. Make sure to list any assistive devices you require. The Medical ReportIt’s important to speak to the physician who is most familiar with your disability and ask them if they will help with your CPP disability application form. Still, you’ll likely have more than 1 choice when it comes to picking a doctor to support your application:Your doctor (GP) - Your GP is likely the physician who knows you best and that would include being most familiar with your disability. The GP would also be best suited to provide supporting information on other impairments you have that affect your ability to work. A Specialist - A specialist has several advantages over a GP in that they can attest to nuances of your condition that a GP may not be qualified to provide an opinion on. The medical adjudicators at CPP may also be inclined to give more weight to the opinion of a specialist. Supporting DocumentsYou are allowed to submit other documentation along with the forms provided by the CPP. Examples of these would include letters from doctors or specialists, an assessment by a company doctor, records of hospital stays or anything else that supports your cause. Just make sure none of them contradict the notion that you are not able to work. Submit Your Application PackageBefore you submit your CPP disability application form package make sure you:Include all required birth evidence. Affix your signature and date everywhere they are required. Double-check to make sure all documents you want to be included are included. Put your SIN number on each and every page (that includes the Medical Report and supporting documents). For assistance compiling and submitting your CPP disability application form, contact the benefits professionals at Disability Credit Canada. We’ll help ensure that your application will never be turned down because of clerical or documentation errors. In these days of CPP’s more restrictive attitude having experience on your side can make all the difference. --- - Published: 2016-05-18 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-disability-tax-credit-cause-confusion-disabled-canadians/ It’s not uncommon for people exploring disability benefits to confuse the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits plan with the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC) but they are two entirely separate entities. The question we always find ourselves asking or being asked is, "Which one should I apply for - the Disability Tax Credit or CPP Disability Benefits? " The CPP is administered by the Human Resources and Social Development Department of the government and is the largest long-term disability pension plan of its kind in the country. The Disability Tax Credit program on the other hand is run by the Canada Revenue Agency and is a tax relief program. While both programs seek to aid the disabled in their fight to retain financial and social dignity they go about it in different ways which we’ll get into below. It’s important to note that while the CPP disability benefits and Disability Tax Credit are 2 different kinds of benefit programs they are neither mutually exclusive, nor does participation in one necessarily guarantee you acceptance into the other. CPP Disability Benefits or Disability Tax Credit? The CPP Disability Benefits Program The CPP’s disability benefits program is a contributory benefits program intended to help those unable to work due to a “severe and prolonged” disability. The CPP defines “severe” as any impairment that prevents you from being able to work. The CPP defines “prolonged” as a disability that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months, or one that is diagnosed as terminal. Participants receive a monthly payment that is determined in part by the amount of contributions they made to the CPP fund during prior working years. Although there are some exceptions, for the most part, if your level of contributions to the CPP fund does not meet statutory minimums you likely will not be eligible to receive disability benefits under the CPP plan. The two kinds of disability payments CPP will make are: Standard CPP disability benefit payments - This taxable monthly benefit will, as mentioned, be different for different people; depending on their contributions to the CPP fund during their working years. The CPP children’s benefit - A taxable flat rate payment made to dependent children who are less than 18 years of age or between 18 and 25 and enrolled full-time in an accredited educational institution. The Disability Tax Credit The DTC by comparison is a different type of financial assistance program. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency the DTC takes the form of income tax relief for qualifying disabled citizens. You may also qualify for retroactive relief which is available for up to 10 years. If you are judged to meet DTC guidelines for a “severe and prolonged” disability you will be given tax relief in order to free up money to help you deal with the extraordinary expenses that typically accompany a severe disability. If determined to be eligible for the DTC you could receive as much as $30,000 in annual relief. Other details include: DTC reduces federal and provincial tax liability in order to free up income for health-related expenses. DTC benefits are applied for by your filling out Part A of Form T2201 and your doctor filling out Part B. Eligibility will be based largely on the information on form T2201. DTC credit can be transferred to a spouse or common-law partner. Form T2201 can be submitted at any time of the year. If you are burdened with extraordinary health costs related to your disability the Disability Tax Credit can go a long way toward putting you on the road to financial recovery. Qualifying for the DTC can open doors to other benefit programs as well although your acceptance into those programs is not guaranteed. Crossover Disability Benefits Are Possible For those wondering whether they can simultaneously receive assistance from both the CPP Disability Benefits and Disability Tax Credit programs, the answer is “yes”’ (although again acceptance in one program does not guarantee acceptance into the other). In fact one can be used to optimize the results of the other. For example; should you receive $1,200 per month in taxable benefits from the CPP disability benefits program and then be accepted into the DTC program any taxes you paid on the CPP money you received would likely be returned to you. By combining the CPP and Disability Tax Credit programs then your CPP benefits would become effectively tax-free. Help is Available If you’ve been beset by a disability you believe to be both severe and prolonged don’t hesitate to apply for the Disability tax Credit or CPP Disability Benefits program or both. Either one will by itself provide a meaningful level of assistance. Working together they could set you firmly on the path toward financial stability, perhaps for the first time in years. You can also find out more information about CPP Disability Benefits Application here. Disability Credit Canada can help you make sense of your options and has a laudable record of shepherding our clients’ applications to both the CPP and Disability Tax Credit programs through to successful outcomes. Call us today for a FREE consultation and help with your Disability Benefits. --- - Published: 2016-05-14 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-child-benefits-parent-dies/ When a parent passes away it is commonly believed surviving children have few options when it comes to receiving benefits from the state. Typically it’s thought that the will alone is the document of last resort when it comes to providing helpful support for these dependent children. If, however a child was the dependent of a qualified contributor to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) program he or she will likely be eligible for CPP disability child benefits. Below we’ll lay out CPPD qualifications, eligibility requirements and more regarding this important provision of the CPP Disability Child Benefits after parent dies. CPP Disability Child Benefits After Parent Dies Eligibility for CPP disability child benefits is not confined to minor children as we’ll see below, nor is it dependent on a child becoming orphaned. In general if the deceased parent or legal guardian contributed to the CPP for more than 3 years the surviving child or children may well be entitled to the CPP children’s benefit. The children’s benefit is a monthly benefit that must be applied for. In other words, it doesn’t begin automatically upon the death of a parent or guardian. As such the application should be filed as soon as possible after the parent or guardian dies. Because there are age limits and back payment limits involved the longer the application process is delayed the fewer total payments the child will be eligible to receive. Who is Eligible for CPP Disability Child Benefits? If the deceased parent or guardian has met the CPP contribution requirements then their dependent child or children may be eligible for the child’s benefit if: They are less than 18 years of age. They are either the biological or adopted child of the deceased. They are “in the care and control” of the deceased at the time of death. They are between 18 and 25 and attending a recognized educational institution full-time. Who Receives Payment? In most cases the benefit will be paid to the person with whom the dependent child is living, should that child be less than 18 years of age. Should the dependent child be between 18 and 25 and a full-time student payment will be most likely made directly to the child. In some cases a child less than 18 years old and living on their own may receive the payment directly. How Much Might a Child Receive? CPP disability child benefits are monthly payments with the amount being reset annually. It is a flat amount that does not vary from child to child or family to family. As of this writing the payment is $234. 87 per month. If both parents of the dependent child are deceased and both met CPP contribution requirements the child may be eligible for 2 monthly payments. What if the child is married? If the dependent child is married they may not be eligible CPP disability child benefits. If, however they are between 18 and 25, married and a full-time student they may be still eligible. When do payments to dependent children stop? When a dependent child turns 18 benefit payments cease. If, however, the 18 year old child becomes a full-time student in a recognized educational institution they should immediately refile for benefits themselves and also file a Declaration of Attendance at School or University to restart benefit payments. Once in school payments will stop when they graduate, leave school, change from full-time to part time or turn 25. Is the CPP Disability Child Benefit Taxable? Yes. Taxes will be deducted from the monthly payment but may be returned if total income for the dependent child during a given year does not meet taxable thresholds. Applying for CPP Disability Child Benefit If the child is under 18 the person caring for the child should file an application for benefits on the child’s behalf. If the child is under 18 but has demonstrated an acceptable level of independence they may apply on their own behalf. A dependent child between 18 and 25 who is a full-time student should apply on their own behalf. An application form for CPP disability child benefits can be obtained on the CPP website or in person at a regional CPP office. A full application kit can be order by phone using the CPP’s automated system. The number is: 1 800 277 9914 (TTY: 1 800 255 4786). Remember: a full time student who is applying for benefits must also file a Declaration of Attendance at School or University. If you are the primary caregiver for a dependent child of a deceased CPP participant and you have any questions regarding this important benefit for dependent children be sure to contact the benefits specialists at Disability Credit Canada. Support for the dependent children of deceased parents is available beyond the will and we can help you obtain it. Call us today for more information. --- - Published: 2016-05-12 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/cpp-disability-benefits-long-term-disability-benefits-meet/ How CPP Disability Benefits and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Overlap in Canada The Canada Pension Plan or CPP disability benefits is Canada’s biggest long-term disability insurance program. It’s intended to provide financial assistance to those who have contributed to the CPP fund during their working lives but are now unable to work due to severe and prolonged disabilities. One side effect of the CPP program is that things can sometimes get murky when a CPP recipient is also receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits from an insurance company. In this post, we’ll try and clarify how these two different programs, CPP Disability Benefits and Long Term Disability Benefits can overlap and influence each other. CPP Disability Benefits and Long Term Disability Benefits Confusion often abounds if you’re receiving long-term disability benefits from an insurance company and, after a year of receiving said benefits, you’re informed you must apply for CPP disability benefits as well. Things get really confusing when you realize that, should you win CPP benefits, your insurance company will keep the CPP money, your monthly LTD payment will be reduced and you’ll be stuck with a tax bill for the money your insurance company is keeping. Knowing this, why would you go ahead and apply for CPP benefits? Let’s explain what’s happening first. Your Insurance Company Keeps Your CPP Payments It’s not unusual for an employer to purchase a bare-bones LTD policy that has lots of no-win (for you) clauses; like the clause that says that after a year you’ll need to apply for CPP benefits and the money goes to the insurer. Your Monthly Payment Has Been Reduced Sometimes you get to keep the CPP check but then find your insurance payment is reduced by the exact amount of the CPP payment. Again this is a function of a less than stellar LTD policy. You can buy one where your monthly payment won’t be deducted from your CPP benefits but - surprise - it will cost a lot more. You’re Left With a Tax Bill Where Before There Was None A lot of long-term disability insurance program payouts are tax exempt. CPP payments are not. So if you were receiving $1,000 per month from the insurance company and then won a $500 payment from CPP your monthly disability payments will likely still total $1,000 but you’ll have to pay taxes on the $500 from CPP. You’re Left With a Tax Bill, Part II Once you’re approved for CPP long-term disability benefits you receive a one-time retroactive lump payment. These retroactive payments can be quite large and they’re taxable. So you may receive a $10,000 lump sum retroactive payment, have to turn it over to the insurance company, and be liable for the tax levied on that lump sum. Why You Should Go Ahead and Apply for CPP Benefits Anyway By now you’re thinking that, unless they were bound by law to do it, a person would have to be a bit of a masochist to apply for CPP long-term disability benefits if they were already receiving LTD benefits from an insurance policy. And, frankly, most people would agree with you. But here’s why you should go ahead and apply for CPP benefits anyway. CPP Benefits Are a Solid Backup It’s not unusual for insurance companies to cancel long-term disability payments within only 2 or 3 years of their commencing. With a rock-solid long-term disability diagnosis from CPP backing you up it will be much harder for them to do so. The CPP Safety Net Even if you have an ironclad diagnosis of long-term disability from CPP the insurance company may cancel your payments anyway. In which case the CPP long-term disability benefits become an invaluable backup. If You Don’t Apply, the Insurance Company Will Act as You Did Anyway Most long-term disability insurance policies contain clauses that state you need to apply for CPP benefits. If you don’t the insurance company is allowed to estimate how much you would have made from CPP and deduct that amount from your monthly payment. Better to apply for CPP benefits. Receiving CPP Benefits Can Increase Your Retirement Benefits If you’re receiving money from a non-taxable LTD policy your CPP contribution will be zero. But since CPP benefits are taxable you’ll continue to make CPP fund contributions and you could end up getting a higher retirement pension amount once you turn 65. Finally, You Can Apply for the Disability Tax Credit If you apply for and are granted the Disability Tax Credit any tax you may owe on a lump sum disbursement can be virtual, if not completely, eliminated. Speak With a Disability Benefits Specialist So you can see that if you’re receiving long-term disability benefits from an insurance company, applying for CPP benefits can actually be a smart move. The interaction between private insurance policies, CPP Disability Benefits, Long Term Disability Benefits, retroactive payments, and tax implications can be complicated. A small mistake can cost you thousands of dollars or weaken your long-term financial protection. If you are currently receiving LTD benefits and have been told to apply for CPP disability — or if you’re unsure how the two programs affect each other — it’s important to understand your options before you move forward. Ask the Disability benefits specialists at Disability Credit Canada for more information regarding the often strange interactions between private insurance policies, CPP Disability Benefits, and Long Term Disability Benefits. Contact Disability Credit Canada today for a free assessment and find out how to move forward with confidence. --- - Published: 2015-12-21 - Modified: 2025-12-29 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-disability-tax-credit-and-the-high-cost-of-living-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/ How To Ease Financial Burden of Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis is a condition that may end up severely affecting one's way of life, ability to perform daily tasks and maintain gainful employment, especially one that may be physically demanding. This post is designed to help explain how a Disability Tax Credit for Rheumatoid Arthritis can ease the cost of treatments. A few facts about Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease wherein the body’s immune system turns inward and attacks the joints, muscles, and even organs of the sufferer causing excruciating pain, inflammation, and physical restrictions, like walking impairments. RA is the most common form of autoimmune disease and affects millions of people worldwide. It typically first affects people between the ages of 20 and 45 and often results in total disability. Employers are often reluctant to retain the services of people with RA or to hire them since they typically cost a company as much as 3 times what an average employee will cost in benefits and lost productivity. While treatments have improved in recent years - mostly through the advent of biotics - there remains no cure for rheumatoid arthritis and the exact cause remains a mystery. Women are far more likely to suffer RA than men. People with RA get slammed from several directions at once. First, their health suffers a debilitating blow that transforms their life and the lives of their loved ones. Second, they are often forced to either leave their jobs or cut back drastically to cope with the limitations imposed by the disease. Third, the cost of the most effective treatments can only be described as astronomical. One of the most promising treatments in the fight against RA to come along in years are called ‘biologics’. These drugs are genetically engineered to interfere with RA’s ability to signal attacks on joint tissues and have proven extremely effective in many cases for reducing pain and inflammation and slowing joint damage. While biologics are not without their side effects they nonetheless represent the first chance many RA sufferers have had to gain significant relief from their disease. However, biological treatments can be incredibly expensive, with some costing more than $10,000 a year. Just how an unemployed or underemployed person with RA and a slew of other health-related costs to cover is supposed to afford this treatment has become a hotly debated issue with few answers. With the need so great and the cost so high many Canadians disabled by RA find their only significant ally to be the Disability Tax Credit. This program of the Canada Revenue Agency: Is designed to help disabled people mitigate the burden of unrelenting medical expenses Can provide up to $40,000 in annual relief to those who qualify Can be claimed for as many as 10 years retroactive to the date of disability Can be claimed by the disabled person or by a supporting person Disability Tax Credit for Rheumatoid Arthritis Disability Credit Canada exists to help those overwhelmed by the cost of biologics and other drug treatments obtain the benefits they so desperately need under the Disability Tax Credit program. We’ve seen the difference this program can make in the lives of our clients and make it our mission to ensure they receive the maximum benefits they’re entitled to by law. If you or someone you know is disabled by RA or any other disease or condition call Disability Credit Canada and find out more about what we can do for you. You can have no more effective advocate in your corner as your application winds its way through the Disability Tax Credit approval process. Even if you have previously been denied benefits under the Disability Tax Credit there is a good chance we can get your rejection overturned on appeal. So don’t wait another day. Call us. The financial assistance you need is out there. We can help you get it. --- - Published: 2015-12-18 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-disability-tax-credit-and-other-forms-of-help-for-those-with-diabetes/ The financial weight of dealing with Diabetes can be considerable and most people are simply not able to bear the burden alone. Some have the help of family and friends while others are aided in their efforts by the Disability Tax Credit. Yet there are other help and support mechanisms available to Canadian diabetics that receive little press but are worth mentioning and we’ll go over a sampling of them below. Important Support Programs Diabetics Should Know About No diabetic should be expected to shoulder the immense financial burden of their Diabetes disability by themselves. Here is a short list of some of the important support organizations and initiatives designed to help ease the burdens of Diabetes treatments in Ontario. The Ontario Government Insulin Pump Supply Program: Insulin pumps can be a literal life-saver but many families are not able to afford them for their diabetic kids. This program, run out of the pediatric diabetes clinic of Markham Stouffville Hospital, aims to do just that as well as provide these families with additional supplies they could not otherwise afford. The Monitoring for Health Program: This program is designed to cover the cost of diabetes-related medical supplies not covered by the recipient’s insurance or other benefit plans. Insulin-dependent diabetics can be reimbursed for up to 75% of the cost of their strips and lancets up to a maximum of $600 annually. Syringes for Seniors: This program run out of the Ministry of Health provides a grant of $125 to help insulin-dependent seniors cover the cost of their syringes. You must be insulin dependent, over 65, and a resident of Ontario to qualify. (For more information, read our Ontario Disability benefits). Ontario Drug Benefits Program Sometimes called the ODB, this program covers the cost of some drugs and medical supplies needed by insulin-dependent diabetics (though needles are not covered). For drugs that are not normally covered by the program special funding may be arranged if the patient and their doctor submit the proper application. Healthcare Benefits Program: This program run by Canadian Veterans Affairs covers the cost of some over-the-counter and prescription diabetes-related drugs for eligible veterans. Other programs can be found by doing an internet search and if you are an insulin-dependent diabetic we’d certainly recommend you do so. Above and beyond them all however, in its ability to deliver lasting, wide-ranging benefits to diabetics and their families is the Disability Tax Credit mentioned earlier. This program of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides up to $25,000 in retroactive tax credits to help diabetics offset the extraordinary costs related to their disability. The Disability Tax Credit originated in 1988 and has in the years since gained a much-deserved reputation for being a cost-effective weapon in the government’s efforts to reign in out-of-control entitlement costs. The Disability Tax Credit is not a handout but rather a hand-up for people who have been victimized not only by their disability but by the medical costs those disabilities generate. We Can Help You with Your Diabetes Today While the Disability Tax Credit has proven its worth in countless ways over many years, it won’t win any awards for its tedious and unnecessarily complex application and approval process, and that’s where we come in. At Disability Credit Canada, our benefits specialists are familiar with every nuance of the CRA’s lengthy eligibility requirements and work with you and your physician to ensure there are no errors of commission or omission that might derail your application. Call us today to find out how the Disability Tax Credit can help stop the financial bleeding associated with your diabetes and put you back on the path toward health and happiness. --- - Published: 2015-12-15 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-disability-tax-credit-and-how-chronic-pain-can-affect-working-opportunities/ Chronic pain affects millions of Canadians and costs the national economy billions of dollars a year. Contrary to popular belief, chronic pain is not something you can simply ignore until it passes. Nor is it something that will be alleviated by “being a man” or “toughing it out. ” It’s a debilitating condition where pain signals to the brain take over a person’s life and become their dominant reality. What is Chronic Pain and How Can the Disability Tax Credit Help? Here is a brief Q&A regarding chronic pain that may help shed some light on this often misunderstood condition and its effect on working people. What it is? - Acute pain is a normal reaction of the nervous system intended to alert an individual to the presence of an injury. Chronic pain on the other hand is like an alarm you can’t turn off. It persists for weeks, months, and in some cases for years, upending lives and causing people to have to leave their jobs. Chronic pain has several causes but some of the most common include back injury, arthritis, neurogenic pain, and various forms of cancer. How Does it Affect Working People? - The long-term effects on an individual’s psyche can be devastating with feelings of depression, low self-esteem and hopelessness being common. Attempting to hold down a job while dealing with this unrelenting assault can be a herculean task that quickly gobbles up a person’s reservoir of inner fortitude. What Treatments are Available? - Treatment for chronic pain varies depending on the cause and the individual and may include medications as well as physical and psychological counseling to help the patient develop coping mechanisms. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that has gained somewhat in popularity in recent years. Can People Work with Chronic Pain? - As mentioned above many with chronic pain make valiant efforts to work through it and maintain something like a normal life. Often though, since even the simple act of sitting can cause excruciating pain, many are forced to leave their jobs. For these people who’ve had their earning power disrupted or completely negated, financial catastrophe looms if they are unable to find help. What are Their Options? - For many disabled by chronic pain the Disability Tax Credit is their last and best hope of being able to stem the tide of medical costs and maintain a stable home life. Without it most would be forced to rely on the help of family and friends and when that happens the cascading effects of their disability become obvious and widespread. Thankfully the vast majority of people will never have to deal with chronic pain. For those who do, however, a situation that at first may seem vexing and even depressing can quickly turn into one that is dire and life-altering if they are forced to resign from their jobs as a result. What can make the situation even worse is that their condition may hurt their relationships with those who would normally be expected to offer the most robust support; resulting in the sufferer becoming even more isolated. Often we have seen people suffering from chronic pain issues give up on jobs and apply for CPP disability or other long-term disability benefits. Put Our Expertise to Work for You and Claim the Help You're Entitled to If you suffer from chronic pain, regardless of the cause, you may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. The Disability Tax Credit provides up to $40,000 per year in relief for those disabled by chronic pain and other conditions. Disability Credit Canada can help you claim these important benefits as we’ve helped scores of others do. Call us today and find out more about the Disability Tax Credit and the vital role it can play in helping you cope with and ultimately transcend chronic pain. For more information about the application process, you can read our guide on Disability Tax Credit Form. --- - Published: 2015-12-12 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-the-impact-it-can-have-on-the-lives-of-those-suffering-from-ulcerative-colitis/ Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a debilitating chronic autoimmune disease. With UC, the lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed when a person’s immune system mistakenly identifies materials normally found there as being foreign bodies and attacks. Over time the walls of the intestine succumb to the immune system onslaught and develop painful ulcers. As a result the person with UC is almost never comfortable and may feel the need to evacuate their colon many times a day. How Ulcerative Colitis Can Affect A Person’s Life Ulcerative colitis inevitably requires changes in everything from diet to traveling routines. Many who suffer from UC experience acute, chronic pain and discomfort that can severely restrict their ability to earn a living as well. Socializing A person with UC may need to carefully plan their itinerary before going out; whether on a date or just taking the kids to the park. It’s important for many to: Eat slowly and be careful not to overeat. Know the restroom situation where they’re going and never stray far from one. Avoid packed restaurants, bars or clubs where there might be a line for the restroom. Bring along medications and emergency supplies like a change of undergarments. Always have an exit strategy should they need to leave in a hurry. Traveling UC can have a major impact on a person’s ability to travel, whether for business or pleasure. As traveling takes people away from their maintenance routine and support system it can be an intimidating thing to contemplate for many with UC. Among other things... If going to a country with a poor sanitation record they’ll need to be careful what they eat and drink in order to avoid aggravating their situation. They should know the location of hospitals where they’re going in case of emergency and should always bring extra medication in case return flights are delayed. If going to a large foreign city they should investigate whether there are any UC support groups and if there are they should check in when they arrive. Working Attempting to maintain an ascendant career path while battling ulcerative colitis can be an enormous challenge. Being called away by the condition during an important meeting can hurt career prospects. People with UC often come face-to-face with the ignorance of others which can manifest itself in cruel and regrettable fashion. Informing prospective employers of the condition may result in subtle but real discrimination. The Helping Hand of The Disability Tax Credit Recent studies indicate the cost of treating chronic UC may approach $10,000 per year. That figure does not include income lost due to career setbacks, unpaid sick leave or emergency room visits. As a result many people suffering from UC may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. The Disability Tax Credit, or DTC, was intended to assist those burdened with substantial and unique expenses as a result of their disability. If eligible, an individual or family may qualify for up to $40,000 in annual relief and may also be eligible to receive up to 10 years worth of benefits retroactively. For more information about the application process, do read our guide on the Disability Tax Credit Certificate. Need Help With Your Application? Contact Our Team Today! Disability Credit Canada can help you obtain these important benefits by shepherding your application through the complex and lengthy DTC approval process. Over the years we’ve helped untold numbers of disabled Canadians receive the benefits for which they’re entitled. We’re proud of the results we obtain for our clients but know there are many more out there who could benefit from our services. If you are one of them, give us a call today and begin lifting the scourge of excessive disability-related costs from your life once and for all. --- - Published: 2015-12-06 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/ms-patients-need-more-allies-like-the-disability-tax-credit/ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a devastating condition wherein a person’s immune system turns on them and begins attacking the protective coating around their nerves. This breakdown in the nerve’s protective system coupled with the subsequent development of scar tissue around the nerve leads to signals from the brain becoming compromised and misread by the victim’s nervous system. MS sufferers will experience all or some combination of: Loss of balance Difficulty walking, running, sitting and standing Persistent fatigue Muscle spasms Sexual dysfunction Loss of bowel control Vision problems Depressive disorders Loss of memory There is no cure for MS, and many Canadians with the disease would struggle to afford costly medications and physical therapy without the Disability Tax Credit. Many MS sufferers also find it difficult to maintain employment and may need to apply for CPP disability and long-term disability benefits. Issues Raised by a New Study Point to Earlier Oversights The importance of exercise in helping MS patients maintain muscle fluidity, energy levels and mental alertness has long been known. However, a new study raises the possibility that doctors have been assuming MS patients have a lower tolerance for exercise than they actually do. A recent post on the illinois. edu blog picks up the story from there: Conventional methods of assessing cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength among people with multiple sclerosis may underestimate participants’ capabilities, prompting clinicians to prescribe exercise therapies that are less effective than they could be, according to new research by scientists at the University of Illinois. In a study of 64 patients with MS, kinesiology and community health professor Lara Pilutti and her colleagues found that participants had significantly higher peak aerobic capacity and muscle strength when recumbent steppers and computerized dynamometers were used for the tests, compared with arm ergometers and handheld dynamometers. The new study’s suggestion that this natural strength has been underutilized is a classic good news/bad news situation: the good news is that treatments may be improved, and the bad news is that they probably could have been improved earlier. Hope for MS through the Disability Tax Credit No one knows what causes MS. Current theories range from the Epstein-Barr virus to genetics to certain forms of the herpes virus as well; though none of these theories has proven conclusive. What is known is that the disease can be disabling and that people disabled by the disease often find themselves drowning in a sea of healthcare-related debt. Those people besieged by medical bills find themselves fighting two distinct battles: the battle against their disability and the battle to retain their home, their family life, and their dignity. Many are forced to make gut-wrenching choices between food and therapy or medication and clothes for their kids. This should never happen in a civilized society. The Disability Tax Credit mentioned earlier is, in many cases, the last line of defense for disabled citizens who are struggling to maintain their therapeutic regimes and the quality of their family life as well. This vital program can provide up to $40,000 in relief annually to those who qualify. (Anyone who thinks that is an extravagant amount need only do some research into the costs the government incurs when people become wards of the state. The fact is that the Disability Tax Credit is one of the most cost-effective ways ever devised to save taxpayers from uncontrolled social service expenses. ) Don't Know Where to Start? Contact Disability Credit Canada Today! In many cases, however, the disabled are unaware of their rights and the benefits they’re entitled to when it comes to the Disability Tax Credit. We can straighten out any confusion, answer any questions authoritatively, and set you on course to secure the aid you need. We’re Disability Credit Canada and we’ve helped scores of disabled citizens see the light at the end of the healthcare debt tunnel. We know every aspect of the Disability Tax Credit application process and can champion your application to final approval and disbursement. For more information, you can also read our Disability Tax Credit Guide. --- - Published: 2015-11-20 - Modified: 2026-02-06 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-building-bridges-to-a-more-hopeful-future-for-those-with-asd/ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has consistently stumped researchers looking for signs that would indicate exactly how the condition manifests itself in the brain. Up to this point, treatments and therapies have been largely symptom-centric due to the dearth of actual, concrete knowledge regarding the physical mechanisms of the disorder. That may be about to change however. A new study by scientists at UCLA provides a tantalizing glimpse into what may be the disorder at work in the brains of sufferers according to an article on the University’s website:The researchers used imaging technology that tracks both blood flow in the brain ... and the organization and strength of connections within intrinsic neural networks. Researchers also refined existing technology to assess how well separate areas of the brain are functionally interconnected. Both techniques are noninvasive... The researchers also discovered less long-range connectivity between default mode network nodes in the front and back of the brains among those with ASD, compared to typical brains. The loss of connectivity means that information cannot flow as it should between distant areas of the brain, which might explain impairment in social responsiveness. While the new data does not by itself explain why there is a loss of connectivity between these distant areas of the brain, it does provide researchers with one of their first glimpses of the disorder in action. It’s the type of breakthrough that promises to shift the focus of treatment development in a (hopefully) more effective direction. One that may lead to the first drug or other therapies that treat the actual disorder itself rather than simply trying to manage the symptoms. Autism Myths and Treatment MisfiresContrary to some currently popular myths, ASD is not a ‘new’ disorder caused by vaccinations or anything of the like. There are written records of people exhibiting autistic symptoms that date back to medieval times. At that time such individuals were commonly considered to be ‘possessed’ and treated to all the ignorance-driven negativity society could muster. The term “autism” itself has been in use for more than a century to describe symptoms which we now consider fundamental to the disorder. Right up to the recent past, researchers attempting to devise effective treatments for sufferers were largely operating in the dark. As a result treatments often reflected the lack of solid information and included everything from shock therapy to “parentectomy” (wherein the child is separated from his or her mother who is believed to be causing the aberrant behavior) to LSD. Thankfully, today’s therapies, both drug and behavioral, while not perfect are no longer aimed at punishing children for being autistic or using them as unwitting guinea pigs. Mitigating Autism’s Crippling Financial Effects Via the Disability Tax CreditAutism is not simply a disabling neurodevelopmental disorder, it’s also a financial burden of immense magnitude visited upon the families that must deal with it on a daily basis. Treatments, doctor visits, emergency room visits, medications and various types of therapy can cost the average family tens of thousands of dollars each year. The added stress of such a financial burden can also shake the family structure to its core, with some studies suggesting the divorce rate for parents of autistic kids is 80%. The Disability Tax Credit was created to help individuals and families besieged by out-of-control medical expenses restore some kind of normality to their daily existence by providing up to $40,000 in annual relief. Without the kind of assistance provided by this government initiative, many families of autistic individuals would buckle under the financial strain and possibly break. Don't Suffer in Silence: Contact Our Experts TodayAt Disability Credit Canada we make the job of securing you your rightful benefits under this program our only priority. We believe passionately that no disabled citizen with a legitimate claim to benefits should ever be denied them. We work tirelessly on behalf of all our clients to make sure their T2201 applications are not derailed by technical snafus, incomplete information or bureaucratic red tape. Call us today at 1-855-765-4458 and find out more about how the Disability Tax Credit can help you weather the storm of autism-related expenses. --- - Published: 2015-09-05 - Modified: 2026-01-30 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-disability-tax-credit-tackling-the-hidden-costs-of-diabetes/ Diabetes in Canada: Costs and Disability Tax Credit Relief A recent article on the University of Toronto website has exposed the stunning costs diabetes imposes on the Canadian healthcare system. While the article takes a macro look at the problem it also serves to highlight the unspoken fact that individuals with diabetes are forced to bear an enormous financial burden on top of the physical burden of this debilitating disease. Diabetes Is One of the Greatest Public Health Challenges Public Health Ontario scientist Laura Rosella, lead author of the study, states: “Diabetes is one of the greatest public health and health system challenges of the 21st century because it’s among the most costly health conditions to manage. ” University of Toronto Researchers Reveal Massive Healthcare Spending Differences: Researchers at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health... found that the average per-person health care spending for diabetes cases is more than twice that of non-diabetes controls and results in billions of dollars of healthcare related costs annually. Over the eight-year study, females living with diabetes cost the system $9,731 more than a non-diabetic female and males cost $10,315 more. Roughly $4,000 of these costs related to diabetes were incurred in the first year after diagnosis. While the study paints a gloomy picture regarding the cost of diabetes to the overall Canadian healthcare system, the picture on the individual level is, unfortunately, darker still and highlights the pressing need for programs like the Disability Tax Credit, which we’ll get to shortly. Diabetes Costs Rise Even Higher for Older Canadians A study by the American Diabetes Association determined that an individual diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 40 can expect to accrue more than $120,000 in excess medical expenses during their lifetime compared to someone without diabetes. That’s a staggering amount of money for people with average incomes. To make matters worse individuals with severe or advanced diabetes may be unable to perform work at a normal level so lost income must also be added to the ADA’s ‘cost of diabetes’ figure. Sadly Rosella and her colleagues point out that for older Canadians the situation is even worse: “We found that the older you are, the substantially higher the cost... even after adjusting for other complicated medical conditions and socioeconomic status... ” And as if the current situation isn’t bad enough for both individuals and governments, the WHO estimates that diabetes will soon become “one of the world’s main disablers and killers within the next twenty-five years” The WHO report also touches on the intangible costs of the disease that are often overlooked but play an equally important role in the financial hardship experienced by sufferers. Many have difficulty not just keeping jobs but finding them in the first place since employers are often reluctant to hire diabetics. Experts have also found that diabetics and other disabled persons generally suffer a higher divorce rate than non-disabled persons due to a variety of issues including stress on the family’s finances. "What we find is that declines in health have an adverse influence on marital quality," says Virginia Tech professor of sociology John Edwards. Faced with a healthcare system increasingly unable to cope with their needs and out-of-pocket expenses that can easily overwhelm their available financial resources individuals with diabetes need a dependable option that will enable them to tame the dragon of diabetes costs and allow them to get on with the business of living their lives. Enter the Disability Tax Credit. How the Disability Tax Credit Helps Offset Diabetes-Related Medical Expenses The Disability Tax Credit was designed specifically to offset the burden of excessive medical expenses many disabled Canadians, including diabetics, are forced to bear and it has been doing a laudable job since its inception. The Disability Tax Credit provides up to $40,000 in tax relief to qualified persons although the DTC application and approval process can be confusing, to say the least. Disability Credit Canada is a major force advocating for disabled citizens when it comes to the DTC and we know how to make the system deliver on its promises for you. So don’t let diabetes-related expenses defeat you, call Disability Credit Canada today and start fighting back. --- - Published: 2015-09-01 - Modified: 2026-01-30 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/adhd-causes-effects-and-relief-through-the-disability-tax-credit/ Traumatic Brain Injury and ADHD: A Growing Link A new study has found a "significant association" between adults who have suffered a traumatic brain injury at some point in their lives and who also have attention deficit hyperactive disorder. So begins a recent article on the popular science website Eurekalert. The study, led by Dr Gabriela Ilie of Saint Michael’s Hospital, investigated the possibility of traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a causative factor for ADHD in both children and adults. According to the study, which focused on people reporting past incidents of TBI, “5. 9 percent reported having been diagnosed with ADHD in their lifetime and another 6. 6 percent screened positive for ADHD... ” Why Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Look Like ADHD This is not be surprising says Dr Ilie, because some of the most persistent consequences of TBI include ADHD-like symptoms, such as memory and attention impairment, deficits in executive functions such as planning and organization, processing consonants and vowels and impulsive behaviour... Therefore it may be useful to assess TBI history during screening and assessment of ADHD in the adult population. Growing Medical Consensus: TBI May Play a Role in the Onset of ADHD Dr Ilie’s findings, which were published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, are consistent with those of other studies and add fuel to the fire of a growing consensus within the medical community that TBI may indeed play a significant role in the onset of ADHD. According to the study’s co-author Dr Robert Mann: "We see that adults with TBI are more than twice as likely than those without to report symptoms of ADHD. " ADHD Treatment Costs and a Lesser-Known Source of Help Sufferers of ADHD and their families often need assistance to help offset expensive treatments and therapies and yet many are unaware of one such means of assistance: the Disability Tax Credit. The Disability Tax Credit can provide individuals and families with up to $40,000 in tax credit to help them defray their medical expenses. This type of assistance can be incredibly useful in helping return a family or individual with ADHD to sound financial footing. (Find out if you qualify for the disability tax credit if you suffer from ADHD). With the number of traumatic brain injuries increasing the worry is that ever greater numbers of people will develop ADHD. With no effective method for curing the disorder, the prospects are disturbing as children with ADHD often grow into adults who experience a rash of issues that impair their ability to function effectively. How ADHD Can Affect Adults Over Time Inability to Organize - Adults with ADHD often find that simple organizational tasks can be overwhelming. Marital Issues - Adults with ADHD typically have poor listening skills which leads to misunderstandings and hurt feelings that can undermine a marriage. Poor Driving - Adults with ADHD may be more prone to distract themselves while driving by texting, searching for things in the glove compartment, or just constantly skipping through radio stations. This type of distracted driving often leads to accidents. Inability to Finish Tasks - This can be a major problem at work for adults with ADHD and can lead to an inability to advance on the job, poor performance evaluations, and career disappointment. Tardiness - Because adults with ADHD tend to get distracted easily they sometimes will find themselves making detours on the way to meeting up with people and subsequently arriving late. Emotional Outbursts - Adults with ADHD often a feel they have little control over events in their lives. This can lead to frustrations that quietly build within the sufferer and then burst out at unexpected times. Wasted time - Adults with ADHD will often spend vast amounts of time on things of little significance while failing to tackle pressing issues. This can be a significant problem at work. Disability Tax Credit Canada has worked with thousands of disabled Canadians, helping them navigate government red tape and procure the maximum tax credit the law allows. The professionals at DCC are powerful advocates who will leave no stone unturned when working on your behalf. Recent changes in the Disability Tax Credit application process make it more important than ever that you have the right advice and the right people in your corner to help you and your family take advantage of this opportunity and start the process of financial recovery from ADHD. --- - Published: 2015-08-29 - Modified: 2026-01-30 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/alternative-treatments-to-osteoarthritis-sufferers/ Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative joint disease, causes cartilage in the joints to break down leading to pain, stiffness, swelling and eventually bone-on-bone contact and disfigurement. OA is the most common form of arthritis, affecting untold millions of people worldwide. As of this writing, there is no cure. Symptoms of Osteoarthritis OA most often targets the hands, spine, and load-bearing joints of the body like the hips, though any joint is a potential target for the disease. Symptoms include: Pain and swelling of affected joints Stiffness after periods of inactivity Restricted range of motion Cracking sound in the joint Knobs or protrusions around the affected joint Some risk factors for Osteoarthritis include: Aging Being overweight A family history of OA Joint injuries Repetitive stressing of joints Difficulty Walking Common Forms of Treatment for Osteoarthritis Since there is no cure for osteoarthritis the main goals of any OA treatment plan must be to relieve pain and improve function. The most common forms of treatment include physical therapy to improve motion and overall physical health, hot or cold therapy for short-term relief of pain, supportive devices like canes to promote mobility and topical, oral, or invasive drug therapies. In the most serious cases, narcotics may be indicated. While doctors strive to develop more effective treatment methods and researchers continue to search for a cure some sufferers have sought relief in alternative therapies. While these treatments by their very nature exist outside the spectrum of what is known as “Western medicine” many have nonetheless shown promise and so continue to gain adherents as the wait goes on for a cure. Alternative Treatment Methods For OA Acupuncture: Perhaps the most effective of alternative methods for dealing with OA symptoms and side effects, acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and has proven its value in numerous ways. Recent government-sponsored studies have only confirmed what many already knew: that acupuncture is useful for controlling pain and regaining mobility for those afflicted with osteoarthritis. Tai chi: While it may seem inadvisable to engage in martial arts if you suffer from OA the fact is that Tai chi is as much about restoring and maintaining physical and mental balance as it is about neutralizing an opponent’s aggressive energy. Through controlled breathing and slow, carefully choreographed motions it is possible to re-acquire a sense of control over your physical self that may have been badly compromised as you struggled with the progression of OA. Ultrasound: Ultrasound has been around for decades and over the years proposed as a treatment for a wide range of ailments. Up to now, it has not proven to be an effective treatment for any particular malady but there is a growing body of evidence today that it may provide measurable, real-world benefits in the treatment of osteoarthritis. While more research no doubt needs to be done, ultrasound is one possible treatment you may want to consider if you haven’t already. Herbal Remedies: Proposed herbal remedies for OA run the gamut from green tea to willow bark. Many of these home remedies had drifted off into obscurity until recent decades when the necessity for additional therapies to help the growing numbers afflicted with OA demanded alternatives be explored. Years after being brought back from the fringe however there is still precious little evidence that herbal remedies provide anything more than a possible placebo effect and care should be taken if you decide to explore this form of treatment. The same must be said of nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. Magnet Pads: You may have heard that magnets are the latest thing in OA treatment and that by wearing a magnet pad around your knee you can get relief from OA-related pain and swelling. The truth is that studies involving magnets have yielded little evidence that they are an effective OA therapy, yet some continue to testify to their beneficial effects. Fish Oil: There is evidence to suggest that fish oil may have beneficial effects in reducing swelling in the joints of people suffering from OA. Summary If you are inclined to attempt an alternative therapy to more effectively manage symptoms of your OA you would be wise to keep several important points in mind: Better Safe Than Sorry: Do not ditch your current conventional treatment plan until and unless the alternative method has proven itself more effective beyond any reasonable doubt. You could be letting yourself in for significant setbacks should you abandon your current plan prematurely and the alternative treatment proves to be unsuccessful. Be Careful What You Take. Natural is not necessarily synonymous with safe. There are thousands of compounds in the world that occur naturally but should never be ingested. If you decide to explore a herbal remedy make sure to do your research first. Beware of Scams: Unfortunately, the alternative therapy landscape is no less susceptible to scams than any other arena of human experience. If something sounds too good to be true it probably is, so approach any alternative treatment promising miraculous results with an abundance of caution Osteoarthritis has been a thorn in humanity’s side going back to the dawn of civilization. While significant progress has been made in recent decades in the fields of OA research and treatment we still do not have a cure and so the work continues. There is nothing wrong with seeking alternative methods of treatment for your OA, but such a search must be conducted with a clear mind and an open but questioning approach. Never let impatience make decisions for you and subject yourself to untested treatments that could make your condition worse. And, as always, consult your doctor before making any changes to your current treatment plan. Sufferers of osteoarthritis may be eligible for Canadian Disability benefits like CPP Disability, Long-term disability insurance, and disability tax credits, designed to help lessen the financial burden of people with disabilities. This program has helped many rebuild their lives in the wake of a shattering diagnosis. Let Disability Credit Canada help you get the disability tax credit you deserve --- - Published: 2015-08-25 - Modified: 2026-01-29 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/obesity-and-osteoarthritis-the-cruellest-of-combinations/ Obesity and Osteoarthritis - The Vicious CycleOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis afflicting nearly 10 percent of all men and nearly 18 percent of all women. OA attacks the cartilage that occupies the joints of the body and causes it to wear away, leaving behind painful disfigurement and turning once vibrant human beings into immobile figures unable to complete even the most basic tasks. Though there is no cure, many of the causes of this debilitating disease are known and one in particular is taking on greater and greater significance in our increasingly sedentary society: obesity. Here are some stark facts on the global obesity epidemic:There are more than half a billion obese adults in the world today. The percentage of obese people worldwide has more than doubled since 1980. 39 percent of all adults are now overweight. Obesity kills more people today than starvation. Obesity is on the rise in every corner of the world among all age groups. In the near future obesity may well overtake smoking as public health enemy #1. Given those facts and given that obesity is also the number 1 contributing factor in the development of osteoarthritis it should be no mystery why cases of OA have shot up in recent years. The tragedy of the situation however is this: not only is obesity the number 1 cause of OA in adults, it is also the most preventable cause. While the relationship between obesity and Osteoarthritis is well-known, what is not so obvious is how one feeds into the other and creates a downward spiral that can make it extremely difficult for the overweight to address either their weight or their OA effectively. The cycle is complex and details can vary from case to case but in general it goes something like this:Sedentary lifestyle = Weight Gain:Today more people than ever make their living sitting at a desk staring into a computer monitor. It is one effect of the rise of the service economy. From stock brokers to travel agents to call center workers, people are spending more and more time seated and immobile. Fat-laden, Processed Foods = More Weight Gain:At the same time fewer people are engaging in the physical activity they need, fast food restaurants have cropped up nearly everywhere filling the demand for quick, affordable food that tastes great going down but metabolizes poorly and winds up around the waist. More Weight Gain = TroubleUnless steps are taken to arrest the slide, overweight people run a very real risk of becoming obese. Once that occurs they stand a four or five times greater chance of developing osteoarthritis than an individual of normal weight. OA = Decreased Activity Obese people are particularly susceptible to developing osteoarthritis of the knee which can result in them spending ever greater amounts of time inactive. While this is understandable since movement is often a very painful experience for them, the increased inactivity nearly always results in additional weight gain. More Weight = More PainThe increased weight these individuals amass while attempting to avoid the pain associated with standing or walking ensures that any pain they felt before will be magnified next time they attempt to stand or walk. More Pain = Even Less Activity:This increased level of pain makes them even less likely to engage in physical activity which leads to still more weight gain. Reduced Options = Surgery:As an obese Osteoarthritis sufferer reaches the far end of the pain/weight gain cycle their options become more and more limited. Ultimately, many are faced with a stark choice: have surgery to replace the affected hip or knee joints or never walk properly again. When faced with such a reality it is not surprising so many choose joint replacement. Obesity = Surgical ComplicationsEven if the obese person elects to have his or her knee joints surgically replaced their weight can create significant risk of complication during and after the procedure including but not limited to: increased risk of infection, increased recovery time and the increased possibility the surgically replaced knee will fail under extreme pressures from the excess weight. Another possibility is that the surgeon will refuse to operate until the patient loses weight. That last point is one that can terrify some obese Osteoarthritis sufferers as they see surgery as their only way back to a useful life. The situation seems like the cureless of catch-22s where you are expected to lose weight before undergoing surgery, yet you are undergoing surgery so you can become mobile and start losing weight. So, is starvation the only option in such a case? Certainly any obese individual who hopes for meaningful weight loss will have to curtail their food intake. But cutting back doesn’t mean starving and there are still exercise options available that can aid in both losing weight and keeping it off such as:Swimming - Swimming is excellent all around exercise and one of the few that does not put excessive downward pressure on hip and knee joints. Find a pool near you and start swimming on a regular basis. Low-Impact Walking impairment - Find a nice soft, grassy field or beach and start by going for short slow walks. Gradually increase the length and duration of your walks as you become more acclimated to the activity. Yoga - Yoga is also an excellent way to regain flexibility and should be considered a compliment to walking and swimming. Regardless of weight those afflicted with osteoarthritis should strive to maintain the highest level of overall health possible in order to prevent a difficult situation from spiraling out of control. Keep in mind also that not all obese sufferers of Osteoarthritis started that way. Some became obese only after years of OA-related inactivity. Osteoarthritis is a growing public health concern, increasingly recognized for its disabling effects, often leading Canadians to retire prematurely. If you've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, call 1-855-765-4458 to discover how Disability Credit Canada can assist you in claiming retroactive Disability Tax Credits to address your financial challenges. We can also help you file and secure approval for other Canadian Disability Benefits. Get Disability Tax Credit for Osteoarthritis! The call is free and there is no obligation, so call now. --- - Published: 2015-08-21 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/common-forms-of-tendinitis-a-quick-guide/ A tendon is a cord-like material that attaches muscle to bone. When you flex a muscle the tendon pulls on the bone and movement is achieved. On occasion, a tendon is asked to do too much and breaks down resulting in pain and inflammation. This condition is known as “tendinitis” and it afflicts millions of people each year. It is not often serious although significant rest may be required to make a full and effective recovery, depending on the tendon in question. For this article, we're going to confine the discussion to the most common forms of the condition and its causes but it should be noted that, while tendinitis most often results from repetitive stress, that is not the only possible cause. Some Possible triggers to tendinitis include: Poor Posture Diabetes Rheumatoid Arthritis Skeletal Deformities Gout Medical Side Effects Because it most often involves the inflammation of a joint, tendinitis is sometimes mistaken for arthritis and vice versa. Therefore it is important to get a proper medical diagnosis before embarking on a treatment regimen. Most Commonly Diagnosed Forms of Tendinitis Although any tendon in the body is a candidate for developing the condition it is most common in the tendons around the elbows, shoulders, knees, and wrists. And while any person is a possible candidate to be afflicted, the fact is that athletes and others who are physically active are far more likely to develop the condition than those who are physically inactive. With that in mind here is a list of some of the more common forms of tendinitis. Shoulder - Baseball pitchers commonly develop tendon problems in their shoulders by lifting their arms above their head hundreds of times a day in the normal course of executing their pitching motion. The motion looks harmless enough on television but puts enormous stress on the tendons of the shoulder. Swimmers are also common sufferers of this form of tendon disorder as are carpenters, weight lifters, and steel workers. Elbow - Commonly referred to as ‘tennis elbow’, this form of the condition is caused by repetitive stress on the muscles of the lower arm resulting in inflammation of the tendons that attach forearm muscles to the elbow. Tennis players, golfers, and even arm wrestlers are prone to developing “tennis elbow” which can often lead to prolonged periods of inactivity for them. Patellar - The patellar tendon connects your kneecap to your shin. People who do a lot of jumping (athletes, cheerleaders, dancers) are susceptible to overworking the patellar tendon and developing problems in the knee joint. When it manifests in the knee the condition can require extensive physical therapy since so much of the body’s load-bearing responsibility resides there. Achilles - The Achilles tendon is of legendary importance due to its size, strength, and the enormously important role it plays in keeping us upright and active. Achilles injuries have ended the careers of many famous athletes and many others have had a difficult times returning to 100% effectiveness after an achilles injury. Achilles tendinitis, while not as serious as an achilles tear, can nonetheless require months of rehabilitation. Men in their 40s are common victims of this type of injury as they try to relive their glory years on the basketball or tennis court and put too much strain on the tendon in the process. Treatment for Tendinitis In younger people it is likely that the condition will go away on its own given adequate rest and time. With most other people however, some form of treatment plan will likely be called for in order to restore proper mobility and prevent a recurrence of the condition. Common treatment options include: Rest - Nearly every case in nearly every person will require removing the stress that caused the inflammation from the affected tendon. Translation: rest. Failing to give an overused tendon the rest it needs can result in the condition becoming chronic and leading to other, more serious injuries down the road. OTC Pain Relief - In most cases a common over the counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen should suffice in providing relief from pain and swelling. In more serious cases however, your doctor may recommend something stronger. Physical Therapy - In some cases you may require physical therapy in order to facilitate proper healing. This process may include ultrasound, swimming to rebuild strength and motion, orthotics, targeted exercise and modifications to the way you carry out certain activities. Splints or Supportive Devices - Occasionally your doctor may recommend you wear a brace or splint of some kind to provide extra support to an affected area in order to ensure proper healing and reduce associated pain. Hot/Cold Therapy - The application of a cold compress is often an effective way to relieve pain and swelling during the early period of recovery. As the process unfolds, however, you may find it more useful to apply heat to the affected region. Steroid Injections - In extreme cases it may be necessary to inject corticosteroids directly into the affected joint to affect relief and promote proper healing. Prognosis With adequate rest and minimal treatment most cases of tendinitis will fully resolve. More severe cases however, may require you to seek the services of an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist or both. If that is the case it is important to adhere rigorously to any treatment regimen that may be suggested in order to stave off long-term damage or disability. Tendinitis, though not life-threatening, can nonetheless interfere with your ability to provide for yourself and your family by requiring lengthy periods of inactivity to facilitate healing. If this has happened to you, you may be eligible for up to $25,000 disability tax credit from the Canadian government. The disability tax credit and CPP disability were instituted to help people just like you overcome the financial strain that can accompany a disabling disease or injury. Call Disability Credit Canada today and let us help you claim this important benefit. --- - Published: 2015-08-19 - Modified: 2026-01-29 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-and-genetics-is-it-hereditary/ Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease in which your body’s natural defense system turns on you and attacks the synovial membrane in the joints. The immediate effects are inflammation, tenderness, and stiffness of the joint areas. As the disease progresses erosion of the connective tendons is followed by destruction of the joints themselves leading to loss of function and painful, often extreme deformity. The disease may also manifest symptoms in various organs, hence its designation as a “systemic” disease, even though most commonly it causes walking impairments. The Stages of Rheumatoid ArthritisThe pathology of RA in the joints follows a predictable course from initial swelling to final deformity and can best be compared to a siege which may take decades to completely unfold. The extent of final damage will depend in large part on your ability to obtain an early diagnosis and thereby affect treatments that can mitigate (although not completely halt) the condition’s destructive course. Stage I -During this initial stage you will begin to notice swelling of the joints. The swelling will be accompanied by varying degrees of stiffness and tenderness. At this point, the disease will be difficult (but not impossible) to diagnose and may be mistaken for the more common osteoarthritis. Second II -As the immune system’s assault on the synovial membrane intensifies inflamed synovial tissue begins to expand, ultimately invading the joint itself and attacking the cartilage within. Stage III -During stage III of the disease enzymes released by the synovium commence their attack on the joint cartilage. After eating their way through the cartilage these enzymes then attack the underlying bone as well. It is during this phase of progression that deformity begins as joints, bereft of structural support, misalign and lose function. Stage IV -Once the offensive enzymes have run out of material to attack the intensity of the assault begins to wane and inflammation begins to subside. While this may seem like a welcome development, the fact is that the damage done to your joints during the prolonged siege by your immune system cannot be undone. The Genetic Link of Rheumatoid ArthritisThere are many suspected triggers for rheumatoid arthritis ranging from Vitamin D deficiency to the herpes virus. Two, however, stand out above the rest: smoking and genetics. Numerous studies have made the smoking/RA connection and it is now accepted that smokers, particularly heavy smokers, run three times the risk of developing RA that their non-smoking counterparts do. As for genetics: the role they play in the development of RA is slowly coming into focus as data streams in from research studies worldwide. While there is still no way to conclusively say “You have these genetic markers therefore you will develop RA” the role genes play in both susceptibility and development of the disease is far better understood than it was even 20 years ago. Examples:The Twins Study - Studies on identical twins have shown that if one twin develops RA the other stands a 15% chance of developing the disease as well. Compare that to a 4% chance in non-identical twins and a 1 % chance in the general population and the important role genetics play in the development of RA becomes apparent. First Degree Relatives With RA - Studies have also shown that having a direct family member (genetic father, mother, sister, brother) with RA elevates the chances of another family member developing the disease. While exact numbers vary from study to study the consensus is that this elevated risk may be 2 to 3 times the risk within the general population. Role of Other Immune System Maladies - It is thought by some researchers that the genes responsible for the development of RA will in time be shown to also play a role in other autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, although it is still too early in the research process to pinpoint specific genes. Genetic research holds perhaps the best chance at finally unraveling the puzzle of rheumatoid arthritis but many people have questions as to why governments around the world would spend so much time and energy focusing on the seemingly remote possibility that we’ll find an RA gene and why they don’t spend more money instead on developing more effective and affordable everyday treatments. The fact is the potential benefits of genetic research into rheumatoid arthritis could revolutionize our entire understanding and approach to the disease. Some of the potential benefits include:Enhanced Predictive Abilities - Identifying the gene or genes likely responsible for RA would enable scientists to develop simple and effective diagnostic tests for the disease. Guesswork would be largely eliminated and there would be no more weeks, months, or years waiting to find out if an initial diagnosis was in fact correct. New Frontiers of Treatment - Once the genetic culprits are identified work would commence on developing genetic treatments for RA that would take the place of and hopefully eliminate the need for many of the therapies used today. It might even be possible to develop a gene therapy that would cure the afflicted altogether, a scenario unthinkable in your grandparents' time. Tailoring Treatments to Specific Patients - While gene therapy may someday provide a cure for RA people suffering from the disease today still need treatment. To that end, knowledge of your specific genetic risk factors could help your doctor tailor a treatment plan for you that is potentially far more effective than anything available today and help significantly reduce your experience of suffering from the disease. While rheumatoid arthritis remains a stubbornly incurable condition the potential for significant breakthroughs in knowledge and treatment have never been greater than they are today. Researchers everywhere believe we are living in a time that will see mankind’s first demonstrated ability to arrest the pathology of this disabling and disfiguring menace and genetic research is leading the way toward that goal. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, Disability Credit Canada can help you claim disability tax credit from the Canadian government. We can also assist you in qualifying for CPP disability benefits. This essential support is designed to provide the financial assistance many individuals with disabilities urgently need. --- - Published: 2015-08-15 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/signs-that-you-are-suffering-from-tendinitis/ Tendons are the thick, super-strong, rope-like material that connects the end of your muscles to your bones. If you subject one of your tendons to overuse, pain and inflammation can result. This is called tendinitis. The condition can strike anyone but most commonly afflicts those who engage in regular, repetitive physical activity like: Tennis players Painters Carpenters Golfers Construction workers Fitness instructors Dancers Tendinitis may manifest itself suddenly, especially if you engage in what is for you an abnormal amount of physical exertion in a short amount of time (say, you spend the weekend painting the ceilings in your house or run in a road race after a period of inactivity). In many cases, however, the condition remains quietly in the background, getting progressively worse: the result of thousands of repetitive motions made over weeks, months and even years. The signs and symptoms that something is wrong may be so subtle and slow in developing that you are unaware what’s going on until it’s too late. General symptoms of the condition include: Pain in the affected joint Stiffness of the joint Swelling around the joint area Tenderness/sensitivity to touch Weakness in the affected joint More Specific Signs of Tendinitis If you know anything about arthritis the above symptoms probably look familiar to you and that is because they are, in fact, nearly identical to the symptoms for some forms of that disease. In fact, if you mistook your condition for arthritis or vice-versa you would not be the first person to make that mistake. To help clarify the situation here are some warning signs you can look for in particular joints that may indicate tendon-related trouble. The Rotator Cuff – If the condition has manifested itself in your shoulder you will normally experience a dull, aching pain which permeates the entire shoulder area. Sometimes this pain gets worse while lying down and it may also radiate outward toward the chest or upper arm. The Elbow - Pain which radiates from the elbow region down the forearm to the wrist or a sharp pain on the outside of the elbow joint away from the torso may indicate tendon trouble. The Knee - Pain that starts in the patella (kneecap) and extends down the shin may indicate trouble. The Achilles tendon - The amount of routine daily stress we subject our Achilles tendon to makes it a prime candidate for tendon-related problems. There are several things you can look for that will help you determine if you have Achilles tendinitis including ankle stiffness when you wake up, stiffness in your calf muscles that wasn’t there before and a dry, creaking sensation in the ankle area. Diagnosis of Tendinitis If you have checked for signs and symptoms and suspect something untoward is going on with your tendons it's time to see your doctor and find out for sure. During the physical examination the doctor will probably ask you some or all of the following questions: How would you characterize the pain you are experiencing? It is a burning? Sharp and stabbing? Dull and general? Is your pain localized to a particular joint or joints? Is the pain you are feeling a new experience or has it been with you for a while? Is there tenderness, tingling or numbness associated with the painful area? Is the pain steady or does it come and go? Has the affected area been the site of past injury? Are you currently taking any medications for other conditions? Besides asking you these questions your doctor will likely want you to demonstrate exactly what type of activity you were engaged in when you first became aware of any pain. Knowing this can help in determining exactly which tendon might be affected. Additional testing or X-rays may be required to rule out other potential causes. As mentioned earlier arthritis is a common misdiagnosis when dealing with tendinitis symptoms and must be conclusively eliminated as a possible root cause before any other diagnosis can be made and treatment recommended. Treatment Common Treatment - If tendinitis is indicated, treatment generally revolves around rest of the affected area augmented by mild painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, physical therapy and a measured return to normal activity. On occasion, corticosteroid injections or laser therapy may be recommended. Platelet Therapy - Platelet therapy is still in the experimental stage but has shown some promise. In this therapy blood is drawn and centrifuged. The layer of platelets is extracted from the centrifuged blood and reintroduced into the affected area via injection where it acts to enhance the healing process. Surgery - Surgery is the last resort option only to be employed when all others fail. Surgery can be arthroscopic (non-invasive) or open (invasive) in nature though open surgery is generally not recommended or necessary unless the tendon has been torn or ruptured. Preventing Recurrences Once the diagnosis has been made and a treatment regimen determined your doctor will no doubt advise you to take certain steps in order to prevent a recurrence of symptoms such as: Learning to pace yourself during physical activities. Warming up before exercise. Making sure you are wearing the right shoes for the activity at hand. Modifying any training you may be engaged in to minimize repetitive stresses. Making sure you have the proper equipment for specific activities. The worst thing you can do if you suspect you may have this condition is nothing. Even if you are young and in excellent health you may have to take action in the form of resting the affected joints. Failing to take appropriate action could lead to the condition becoming chronic and any damage irreversible. If you have been diagnosed with tendinitis and the condition is interfering with your ability to earn a living you may be eligible for disability tax credit. Disability Credit Canada can assist you in qualifying for the Disability Benefits. If tendinitis is preventing you from working, our team can guide you through the process of claiming a CPP disability Pension or even long-term disability insurance, especially if you've been denied before. --- - Published: 2015-08-13 - Modified: 2026-01-29 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-10-keys-to-living-a-happy-life-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/ When most people think of rheumatoid arthritis they think of the pain, lost function, deformity, and financial burden that can come with it. And while it is true that RA can be a disfiguring, debilitating monster in many respects, the reality is that if you have RA you still need to try and have a life as well. While that is not always easy - particularly in the later stages of the disease - it is possible. What it takes is the implementation of a strategy to manage your symptoms, like walking disabilities, in the most effective way possible, so that you can continue to be an active player in your life and the lives of your family and friends. “Living With” Not “Dying From” Rheumatoid Arthritis1. Get to Know Your TeamRight from the get-go you will want to acquaint yourself with the team of health professionals who will make up the front line of your support. These are the people who will guide you, treat you, listen to your complaints, suggest ways to cope, supply you with solutions, and keep their eyes and ears open to the latest breakthroughs that could improve your daily experience. They’re worth knowing well. 2. Keep a Positive AttitudeNot much good will come from sitting around bemoaning the fate the universe has dumped on you. The success of any endeavor depends in large part on believing you can do it and deciding to live with rheumatoid arthritis, instead of being ruled by it, is no different. If you start on this road convinced you will fail, then you will. But you are not going to do that. You are going to keep your head up. 3. Quit SmokingI’m sure you have heard it before but if you haven’t quit yet it needs to be said again: quit smoking cigarettes. There is no health problem you can have that smoking won’t make worse. Quitting is one of the best decisions you will ever make and will not only help you manage your rheumatoid arthritis more effectively but also help you avoid a variety of other smoking-related ailments that descend on smokers as they age. 4. Eat a More Balanced DietContrary to some claims you may read on the internet whole grains are not the answer to all of life’s problems. But a more balanced diet that ditches the daily fast food and ice cream and focuses more on fruits and vegetables will help provide your body with the high-quality energy it will need to keep you in the game. You also should consider replacing that steak with a nice piece of salmon and talk to your doctor about what dietary supplements might be right for you. 5. ExerciseIf you have never exercised before, now is the time to start. If you already engage in regular exercise, don’t stop. Regular exercise is crucial to maintaining strength and flexibility. The oxygen it supplies to the brain also helps keep you more alert and upbeat. If you are suffering from limited motion and regular pain due to your rheumatoid arthritis you may want to consider swimming, which is excellent for overall health and has the added benefit of being easy on the joints. 6. Get Regular SleepSleep deprivation can cause significant problems for even the healthiest person. For someone with rheumatoid arthritis, it can be ruinous. Feelings of pain and fatigue become amplified and it becomes much more difficult to maintain emotional equilibrium as well. So it is important to develop consistent sleep patterns and to sleep for 8 hours a night. If RA pain is making sleep difficult, talk to your healthcare team. 7. Engage in LifeFind time every day to do something that interests you. Whether it's bird-watching, antiquing, or volunteering at the local shelter, get out of the house and engage the world. Meet new people, go to new places, and do new things. All you have to lose is your sense of boredom. 8. Keep Your AppointmentsRegular check-ins with your medical team are a vital part of staying on top of your RA. They need to know how you are and you need to keep going for your own sake. It may be difficult sometimes but avoid the temptation to cancel even if you feel fine. Skipped appointments become like rust and will eat away at the integrity of your treatment program. 9. Make those Appointments CountMake sure you have any questions written down before you get to the doctor or therapist and then make sure you ask them. At the same time, answer all their questions honestly and thoroughly. Let them know how you’re feeling and if you don’t understand something they said, ask them to repeat it. You might even want to bring a friend along to just sit and listen as they may pick up on something you missed. 10. Don’t Give UpThings will get difficult. There will be good days and bad and there will be setbacks and unwelcome news from time to time. But the one essential in all this, the grease that makes the wheels turn, is your refusal to give in. By keeping a positive outlook, maintaining your sense of humor and perspective, sticking to your treatment plan, and looking forward you will be able to handle whatever is thrown at you and continue living with RA instead of being ruled by it. Rheumatoid arthritis afflicts as many as 1 million Canadians. If you have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis and would like to learn how you can claim a $40,000 tax credit from the government, call Disability Credit Canada today at 1-855-765-4458. We will help you determine if you qualify for this important benefit and stand with you through the entire claims process to ensure you realize the maximum benefit you are entitled to by law. Disability Credit Canada can also assist you in claiming your CPP disability pension. The call is free and there is no obligation so call today. --- - Published: 2015-07-26 - Modified: 2026-01-29 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/conditions-that-you-might-not-realize-arent-always-covered-by-the-canadian-disability-tax-credit/ If you currently find yourself struggling with a physical or mental disability, life is more difficult than it should be. You may be unable to work, and if you can work at all, your income is almost certainly reduced. Your family is probably having a harder time making ends meet than you did before the disability commenced. If that sounds like you, the Disability Tax Credit may be the solution you’re looking for. Managed by the Revenue Service of Canada, the disability tax credit is a refund that is added to your annual tax rebate, provided that you meet all of the eligibility requirements. Without question, you should apply for the tax credit. But don’t assume that you automatically qualify. Disabilities that are often denied by the CRA for the Disability Tax CreditSome people are faced with a paradoxical situation after submitting their Disability Tax Credit application: they are diagnosed with a disability, but still rejected for the tax credit. Here are some conditions that don’t necessarily make you eligible:Bipolar DisorderThis mental disorder is very real, and prevents countless otherwise-qualified Canadians from holding down regular jobs. But unfortunately, it often falls into a gray area when it comes to applying for assistance programs such as the Canadian Disability Tax Credit. The reason is that it’s very difficult to establish, from a legal standpoint, that you’re too impaired to work. You may be functioning entirely normally one day, then unable to perform basic functions the next. If you suffer from bipolar disorder, it’s worth your while to discuss your situation with a social services professional. They can guide you through the process to ensure that your application is successful. ADD/ADHDAttention-deficit disorders are always tricky when applying for benefits. Many people truly are unable to work due to severe ADD or ADHD; others suffer from less debilitating cases and are able to return to work with some medication and therapy. For that reason, many people suffering from this disability find themselves rejected. In order to be approved for the tax credit, you need to prove that your ADD is so severe that it prevents you from performing basic work-related tasks, even if you’re using medication. That is something that only a licensed practitioner can vouch for, so be sure to consult with your doctor before applying. But while your doctor’s approval is necessary, your application is ultimately your responsibility. The last thing you want is to be turned away because you didn’t document the full extent of your disability. Multiple SclerosisThis condition is by definition deemed a “disability,” and meets the Revenue Service’s criteria for “prolonged” as well (meaning that it lasts for 12 months of longer). But if you suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS), you still may not qualify. The reason is that MS can cause varying degrees of impairment. For your condition to qualify as “severe,” it must meet one of the following conditions: cause basic tasks to take at least three times longer than what is considered normal, or require regular sessions of “life-sustaining therapy. ”Granted, most MS patients meet the above criteria. But some don't, so you need to take pains to submit detailed medical records along with your Disability Tax Credit application. ArthritisRoughly 4. 6 million Canadians suffer from at least one form of arthritis. Most of those people are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. But like sufferers of all conditions on this list, some of them aren’t. Arthritis is one of the disabilities most often rejected for the tax credit. Arthritis is caused by more than 100 medical conditions and comes in varying degrees. You must have a licensed practitioner conduct detailed tests on your condition. If you’re severely impaired, you’ll qualify for the tax credit. If not, you’ll be rejected. AutismThis disorder very often is debilitating, but according to the Revenue Service, it isn’t necessarily so. Many people with autism can perform basic functions and hold down a steady job. However, if you suffer from autism your situation is much more difficult than most, and you still deserve assistance. You’ll need to take all necessary steps when submitting your application, however. What to Do if Your Disability Tax Credit Application is RejectedIf you’re reading this, chances are fairly high that you had an application rejected in the past. Considering that your condition is certainly a disability, this was a very confusing and disappointing experience. But don’t give up. Fight for the tax credit you’re entitled to. Just because you were rejected doesn’t mean you aren’t eligible. The Revenue Service often rejects applications for incomplete documentation or minor errors. And remember, it’s a government agency that is only going to distribute as much funding as it has to. So, if you find yourself rejected, there are two steps to follow:Re-applyIf you were rejected for the Tax Credit last year, apply again. But this time, talk with a professional before submitting your application. The more details you get right on your paperwork, the higher your chances of receiving the benefit you need. Appeal Your RejectionThe other thing you should do (and this is important! ) is appeal your past rejections. Provided you can provide medical proof of your disability, you can persuade the Revenue Service to overturn its previous decision. The money that you should have received last year will be added to your tax return this year. Statistics show that the majority of appeals are successful. If you have a disability but were rejected for the Disability Tax Credit, you and your family deserve justice. Disability Credit Canada is an independent agency based in Toronto that specializes in helping people just like you. Our experienced professionals can help you understand your rights, guide you through the application process, and provide assistance in appealing a past rejection. --- - Published: 2015-07-23 - Modified: 2026-01-23 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/dont-make-these-common-mistakes-on-your-disability-tax-credit-application/ There are few things in life more difficult than suffering from a physical or mental disability. First there is grappling with the condition itself, then dealing with possible feelings of depression and uselessness. And if you’re unable to work, you and your family may be struggling to get by on a reduced income. Fortunately for the millions of disabled people across Canada, financial assistance is offered in the form of the Canadian Disability Tax Credit (Read our Disability Tax Credit Form Guide to find out more). If you have a condition that is both severe and prolonged, you and your family can potentially receive thousands of dollars in annual tax credits, money that can be used to pay for day-to-day expenses like rent, groceries and medicine. What are some common mistakes people make when filling out their Disability Tax Credit application? While the Disability Tax Credit has quite literally been a lifesaver for countless Canadian families, many people miss out on the benefits they’re entitled to because they don’t fill out the paperwork correctly. Here are some things to watch out for when filling out and submitting your application: Sending the Certificate to the Wrong Address The Revenue Service of Canada doesn’t allow people to apply for the Canadian Disability Tax Credit electronically. That’s a minor inconvenience, but it can turn into a major hassle if you don’t send the application certificate to the right address. Your application will eventually be forwarded and processed, but the process will take a lot longer, and you may not get the money when you need it. That’s why you need to send everything to the tax center serving the area in which you live. If you live in Alberta or Manitoba, your tax center is in Winnipeg. If you live in Ontario or some parts of Quebec, your tax center is in Toronto. The certificate contains a detailed chart listing the addresses of every tax office in the country. Misunderstanding the Criteria for “Severe” Condition Many people with disabilities think that because they have a condition that is debilitating by definition (multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. ) they automatically qualify for the tax credit. They then make the mistake of failing to document their condition in detail. That can be a grave error because the Revenue Service has complex criteria for defining a condition as “severe. ” The condition must severely impair your ability to perform basic functions (defined as taking three times as long as what is considered normal) or require sessions of “life-sustaining therapy” at least three times per week. It also must be “prolonged” – has lasted or is expected to last for at least one calendar year. Even if you have a documented disability, speak with a social services professional before submitting the Disability Tax Credit application. Not Demonstrating When the Disability Began This common mistake causes many would-be eligible people to miss out on thousands of dollars. When submitting your application, you must indicate the date when you first became disabled, and have a licensed practitioner approve and sign off as well. Sending a Disability Tax Credit application without putting a precise date on your disability is like sending a blank piece of paper. You will be rejected, and your family will suffer. Not Filling out the Document with a Doctor The Revenue Service requires that relevant sections of the Disability Tax Credit application be signed by a licensed practitioner. The doctor vouches for the severity and length of the disability. Some applicants overlook this part of the application, which is crucial. Firstly, if you’re disabled, you should see your doctor regularly to check up on your condition. Secondly, you should consult with your doctor before applying in any given year. Most doctors in Canada are experienced in dealing with tax credit applications and can help make sure the certificate is filled out correctly. Not Claiming for Previous Years As mentioned above, be sure to indicate the date your disability began. That’s important for receiving the tax credit for the current tax year but matters for past years as well. The Revenue Service allows you to file for the Tax Credit for past years, even if this year is the first time you’ll apply. You just need to prove that your condition has lasted for more than one tax year. Many physical and mental conditions last for years, and some are permanent. By applying for the tax credit for every year you’ve been disabled, you can turn a credit worth roughly $1,850 annually into potentially tens of thousands of dollars. That can save your family’s finances. Not Transferring Credit to a Relative To claim the Canadian Disability Tax Credit directly, you need to have taxes payable. That means that before becoming disabled your income was high enough that you owed money to the Revenue Service. Most of Canada’s disabled have low incomes, and many depend on provincial aid programs such as the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Unfortunately, many of these people don’t bother applying for the tax credit, believing themselves to be ineligible. That’s a big mistake because even if you don’t have taxes payable, you can still transfer the credit to a relative who helps you with the “necessities of everyday life. ” Just because you don’t pay taxes doesn’t mean your family can’t benefit! Getting Your Disability Tax Credit Application Right If your application is rejected because of shoddy or incomplete paperwork, all is not lost. You can make the necessary corrections and reapply, and in most cases, you’ll get the money you need. But that takes a lot of time and hassle, and it’s best to get things right the first time around. If you’re looking for professional assistance in submitting your Disability Tax Credit application, Disability Credit Canada is the first number you should call. Located in Toronto, we’ve spent decades helping families across Canada get the money they need, and can ensure that your application is successful! --- - Published: 2015-07-20 - Modified: 2026-01-23 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-difference-the-canadian-disability-tax-credit-could-make-to-your-life/ Suffering from a long-term physical or mental disability is one the worst situations anyone can face. Most likely your condition causes limited mobility and near-constant physical pain. You may also find yourself unable to work, or at least work as much as you want to. Being stuck at home most of the day can lead to depression, and disability-induced unemployment has serious financial costs. With you no longer receiving a full paycheck, you and your family may be having a difficult time making ends meet. Bills don’t stop coming just because you aren’t working. If that sounds like your situation, the Canadian Disability Tax Credit can be the lifesaver you need. The program provides tax relief in the form of an annual deduction, potentially putting thousands of dollars back into your pocket. How the Disability Tax Credit Works The Tax Credit is a deduction that is added to the annual tax return of all those who qualify. You should apply before filing your taxes each spring. That ensures that it is processed on time to be added to your standard return. (Learn more about the Disability Tax Credit Form here). Eligibility is defined according to two criteria: the severity and length of the disability. To be considered “severe,” the condition must be demonstrated by a licensed practitioner to significantly impair your ability to perform basic tasks. Read our disability tax credit eligibility guide. If a series of tasks takes at least three times as long to complete than what is considered normal, the condition qualifies as severe. Another criterion is whether it requires therapy regularly (defined as three times per week or more). Then, the condition must be “prolonged. ” That is easier to define – it must be shown by a doctor to have lasted or be expected to last, for one calendar year or longer. Make sure to consult with a doctor before submitting your Disability Tax Credit application. What the Disability Tax Credit Can Do For You The Tax Credit is a cash benefit that comes in a variety of forms. Here are the different ways in which you could benefit: Annual Tax Credit If it looks like the above criteria apply to your case, you can then consider how much benefit you’re entitled to. The size of the credit is determined by a simple formula: (Appropriate Tax Rate Percentage) X (Base Amount + Supplementary Amount). The appropriate tax rate percentage is 15 percent. The base amount is offered to everyone who qualifies as disabled, with the supplementary amount added to cases in which the applicant is under the age of 18. If you qualify for both the base amount and supplementary amount, your annual tax credit will be the following: 15 percent of $7,766 + $4,530, so $1,845. Lump Sum While the annual tax credit may seem modest, you might be eligible to receive a lump sum, provided you can prove that you have a chronic disability that will affect you years into the future. You may have an incurable condition like rheumatoid arthritis, for example. Provided your doctor fills out and signs the necessary paperwork, you could receive thousands of dollars in lump sum credits. Some individuals have received up to $30,000 this way. Credit for Previous Years Let’s say that you’ve suffered from a debilitating condition for several years but are just applying for the Canadian Disability Tax Credit for the first time. You might be surprised to learn that you can apply to receive a credit for previous years as well, provided you can demonstrate that your disability commenced before the period you’re applying for. This is another way to turn the $1,845 annual benefit into thousands of dollars, so when submitting your Disability Tax Credit application, don’t neglect to claim for past years. Assistance with Day-to-Day Expenses Regardless of the amount you receive, the tax credit comes as a cash sum. You can then use it to cover any expenses that arise, whether that means paying for groceries, putting gas in the car, paying rent, or covering heating and electricity bills. Perhaps the biggest problem with being physically disabled is struggling to make ends meet daily. Fortunately, the tax credit is designed to assist with that very problem. Enrollment in the RDSP Being accepted for the Disability Tax Credit automatically makes you eligible for the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), a separate assistance program offered by the Revenue Service of Canada. The RDSP provides each recipient with a $1,000 annual savings bond (which is indexed to the rate of inflation), which you can continue receiving each year until you’ve either reached the limit of $20,000 or the age of 50. By combining the Canadian Disability Tax Credit and the RDSP, you can cover short-term costs while saving money for the future! Transfer Tax Credit to a Relative You may not be directly eligible for the disability tax credit if your income is too low to have taxes payable. That’s actually no problem because you can opt to transfer your credit to a relative, as long as they provide you with personal care or financial assistance. This means that even if you’re unable to receive the tax credit on your behalf, your family can still get the assistance it needs. It’s hard to find reasons to be optimistic when suffering from a physical or mental disability. But the Canadian Disability Tax Credit can improve your situation in a lot of ways, putting cash in your pocket today as well as helping secure your future. If you’re disabled and want to capitalize on the tax credit, you’d be well-advised to get in touch with an agency specializing in cases like yours. The first number you should call is Disability Credit Canada, based in Toronto. We can advise you regarding eligibility and the amount you can receive, and can even assist you in submitting the Disability Tax Credit application. --- - Published: 2015-07-18 - Modified: 2026-02-25 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/common-misperceptions-about-the-ontario-disability-tax-credit/ Millions of Canadians are out of work due to debilitating physical and mental conditions. While these people should be able to focus on getting healthy, the unfortunate fact is that life doesn’t stop when injury or illness strikes. Bills come due and daily expenses must be covered. If you are one of these people, you may need financial assistance like Disability tax credit and CPP disability. If you live in Ontario, the Ontario Disability Tax Credit can help cover your daily costs. The credit comes in the form of a tax deduction added to your standard return, providing much-needed cash when tax returns are mailed out each spring. Depending on your situation, you can qualify for roughly $1,850 per year. What People Have Wrong About the Disability Tax Credit The disability tax credit has helped countless families across Canada. Unfortunately, other families fail to receive the benefits they need and deserve because of misinformation about the program. Here are some common mistakes people make regarding the Ontario disability tax credit: No Taxable Income, No Disability Tax Credit The credit is a tax deduction, so you need to be a taxpayer to benefit, right? Wrong. If you’re disabled and don’t earn enough income to pay taxes, you can potentially transfer the tax credit to another individual, still getting your family the money it needs. If you have a relative who helps you with the “basic necessities of everyday life,” including personal care and/or financial support, that relative can receive the tax credit on your behalf. The vast majority of eligible disabled people in Canada can either receive the credit themselves or transfer it. You Can’t Claim a Tax Credit if You’re on the ODSP The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is a program providing income and employment support to the long-term disabled, helping pay for things like rent, groceries, and heating bills. You may even be enrolled in the program yourself. Common sense says that ODSP recipients are not eligible for the tax credit, because their income is too low to have taxes payable. In most (but by no means all) cases, they indeed don’t owe taxes to the Revenue Service. However, like in the scenario above, if you receive assistance via the ODSP, you can still transfer your Canadian Disability Tax Credit to a relative. There is nothing on the books saying you can’t benefit from both programs simultaneously. The Revenue Service Denied My Application, So I’m not Eligible Let’s say you’ve been disabled for two years with severe arthritis. Last year you applied for the Ontario Disability Tax Credit and were rejected. This year, you know you aren’t eligible, so you aren’t bothering to apply. You would be making a big mistake. The Disability Tax Credit application can be denied for a variety of reasons, ranging from incomplete paperwork to downright errors made by Revenue Service officials. You can always recheck your paperwork and reapply. Just because you were denied once doesn’t mean you aren’t eligible. Talk to an expert, they can help you determine your eligibility. And if you’re application is rejected, you can always appeal the decision. Statistics show that the majority of appeals result in decisions favorable to the applicant. The Disabled Are Automatically Eligible It happens that people with conditions as serious as rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral palsy, autism, and multiple sclerosis are sometimes deemed ineligible by the Revenue Service. The reason is that eligibility is defined less by the condition itself than by the effect that it has on the applicant’s ability to work. The Revenue Service has strict criteria for defining a condition as severe (it must be proven by a doctor to significantly impair the applicant’s ability to perform basic tasks, or require sessions of “life-sustaining therapy” at least three times per week). You may have multiple sclerosis but still be able to perform basic functions, resulting in ineligibility. Many applicants make the mistake of failing to document their condition in detail because they think their disability automatically qualifies. The application process is bureaucratic and technical, so you should discuss your eligibility with a professional. The Tax Credit Isn’t for Me Because I’m Not Disabled Many people don’t bother applying because they don’t consider their condition to be a “disability. ” Even though things like heart disease, arthritis, and liver conditions aren’t called “disabilities” in the same sense that cerebral palsy is, they can be defined as such by the Revenue Service. As mentioned above, eligibility for the Ontario Disability Tax Credit is primarily about the effect the condition has on your life. If you’re physically or mentally unable to work, regardless of the diagnosis, you may still qualify. You would be doing yourself a disservice by not applying. You Can’t Receive the Tax Credit if You Get the RDSP– The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) allows Canadians with disabilities and a low-to-modest income, which unfortunately includes most ODSP recipients, to receive a $1,000 annual Disability Savings Bond. A new bond is provided every year until the beneficiary either receives the lifetime benefit maximum of $20,000 or reaches the age of 50. Because the RDSP is for low-to-modest income people, many of whom are on ODSP and don’t have taxes payable, many think that eligibility for it means that income must be too low for the Ontario Disability Tax Credit. Often that isn’t true. Discuss your situation with a professional before deciding you aren’t eligible. If you are currently unable to work and want to get assistance for yourself and your family through the Ontario Disability Tax Credit program, you may be confused about your eligibility. The best advice would be to get in touch with an organization specializing in helping people receive disability benefits. In Ontario, the best place to call is Disability Credit Canada. We’ve been in business for many years, providing expert advice to disabled Canadians as well as helping them fill out and submit the Disability Tax Credit application. Our expert staff can help ensure that you and your family get all the help you need. --- - Published: 2015-07-15 - Modified: 2026-01-22 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-benefits-of-getting-professional-assistance-with-your-disability-tax-credit-application/ You probably thought it would never happen to you. Being unable to work because of a serious injury or severe mental or physical condition. Between trying to restore your health and struggling to make ends meet with a drastically reduced income, life can feel like a constant struggle. Even worse, your family may be suffering as well. Fortunately, there is a silver lining coming in through all the gloom and doom. The Government of Canada offers a range of assistance programs designed to help the disabled and their families. The first one you should know about is the Canadian Disability Tax Credit. Managed by the Revenue Service of Canada, this tax credit is a deduction provided each year to the country’s disabled. If you meet the criteria for the tax credit, you and your family can potentially receive thousands of dollars annually; much-needed cash that can be used to cover necessities like food and gas. But when submitting your Disability Tax Credit application, you must get things right down to the last detail, ensuring you get the money you need and deserve. Why Get Professional Help with the Disability Tax Credit ApplicationThe tax credit is generous, but the application process is full of bureaucratic procedures and confusing jargon (Read our easy-to-understand guide on Disability Tax Credit Forms here). And making a few small errors can lead to the Revenue Service rejecting your application. It’s well worth your while to hire a professional agency to help you through the process. Here’s why:Knowing Your RightsThe number one reason many disabled Canadians fail to receive their legally entitled benefits? They don’t know what they’re entitled to. While information about the Canadian Disability Tax Credit is available, it isn’t obvious to those who don’t know where to look for it. In addition, the information provided by the Revenue Service isn’t as easy to understand as it should be. A professional can cut through the jargon and explain everything to you in simple terms. Understanding Your EligibilityMany people submit incorrect/incomplete application materials or don’t apply at all, because they aren’t sure whether their condition makes them eligible for the Tax Credit. For example, many people with debilitating conditions like multiple sclerosis think that they qualify automatically, so don’t include detailed medical information with their application certificate. The fact is, eligibility isn’t defined by the name of the disability you have, but by the condition’s severity and length. To be defined as severe, you must provide proof that the condition significantly impairs your ability to perform basic tasks, thereby preventing you from working. You also need to prove that the disability is prolonged-lasting for one year or longer. A social services professional can help you determine whether you are eligible. If you are, they can assist you in submitting a successful Disability Tax Credit application. Claiming for Past YearsOne of the most common mistakes made by disabled Canadians is failing to apply for tax credits for previous years. If you’ve been legally disabled for longer than the current tax year, you are eligible for the credit for every year past the date you were first diagnosed. Claiming the Canadian Disability Tax Credit for multiple years can turn that modest annual sum into tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the length of your disability. Filing claims for past years is a bit more complicated, however. A professional can determine how much money you’re eligible for, and make sure that your application is properly completed and submitted. Getting the Necessary SignaturesA successful application requires detailed medical records proving the severity and length of your condition. You also need to specify the exact date in which your disability was diagnosed. Perhaps most importantly, some sections of the application certificate need to be completed and signed by a licensed practitioner. If you’re inexperienced in the process, a pro can show you which sections you can complete yourself, and which need to be completed by your doctor. Helping You Appeal a Past RejectionMaybe you submitted a Disability Tax Credit application last year and were rejected. You assume that means you aren’t eligible for the program, so you aren’t bothering to apply this year. If that describes you, you’d be making a big mistake. The Revenue Service sometimes rejects people who should be eligible. Why? Things like incomplete paperwork or simple incompetence on the part of the processing official. Just because you were rejected once doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply again. Even more importantly, you can appeal last year’s decision. If overturned, the money you should have received last year will be applied to this year’s tax return. Past evidence shows that most appeals end up with the initial decision being overturned. While it’s possible to handle the appeal process yourself, hiring an agency specializing in the tax credit is well worth your while. Sending the Application to the Right PlaceThis may sound silly, but many applicants don’t receive their tax credit on time because they mail the Disability Tax Credit application to the wrong address. Unfortunately, the Revenue Service doesn’t allow documents to be submitted by fax, scan, or photocopy, so you need to mail it to the regional tax center covering your place of residence. An agency can make sure that all materials are sent to the correct tax center, avoiding any delays in processing your tax credit. Submitting a Disability Tax Credit application can be a confusing and frustrating experience, especially if you are doing it for the first time. If you’d like to talk to a professional about your rights and eligibility, or get help applying itself, look no further than Disability Credit Canada, an independent agency located in Toronto. Our friendly, expert staff specializes in helping people like you get the disability benefits you need. We can guide you through the entire process, ensuring that your application is promptly processed and approved and that your family gets the help it needs during this difficult time. --- - Published: 2015-07-10 - Modified: 2026-01-22 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/the-ontario-disability-tax-credit-and-the-odsp-can-you-benefit-from-both/ When you’re unable to work because of a serious injury, illness, or other condition, it’s difficult to find reasons to be optimistic. First, there is the actual condition itself. Then there are expenses for medical treatment and physical therapy. On top of that, your income is greatly reduced, or in some cases, eliminated. Without question, you and your family may struggle to make ends meet. Fortunately, the Government of Canada has several disability benefit programs to assist people just like you. For residents of Ontario, the first relevant program is the Ontario Disability Tax Credit, a program that can potentially put thousands of dollars back into your pocket through tax deductions. Then, there is the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), an assistance scheme providing cash benefits to the physically disabled. The Ontario Disability Support ProgramThe ODSP is a Canadian disability benefits program managed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. If you suffer from a physical or mental disability, you may qualify for both income and employment support:Income SupportThose eligible receive cash benefits depending on their current income, family size, and housing costs. Benefits come in the form of two allowances: one for basic needs, and another for shelter. The ODSP provides the money you can use to cover essential expenses like rent, groceries, and electricity. If eligible for income support, you may also be able to receive benefits in kind (things like medicine, dental coverage, optical care, and physical therapy). Perhaps best of all, you can receive support even if you’re working. You just need to demonstrate that you are disabled and that your income is below a certain threshold. Employment SupportThe ODSP is about more than helping you cover costs while disabled, it’s also about getting you back on your feet. The program provides free career counseling to recipients, and can even refer you to employers. While your priority is getting healthy and back to work as soon as possible, the ODSP can provide you and your family with thousands of dollars to cover essential bills. Just because you’re unable to work doesn’t mean that your finances should be ruined. The Benefits of the Ontario Disability Tax CreditIf you’re out of work because of a condition that is both severe (inhibiting your ability to perform basic functions, or requiring frequent “life-sustaining therapy”) and prolonged (lasting or expected to last for 12 months or more) you may be eligible for the tax credit. You also need to demonstrate that you were a taxpayer before becoming injured. The size of the Ontario Disability Tax Credit, which is a sum added to your annual tax return, is determined by three factors:Appropriate Tax Rate PercentageThis is roughly the income tax rate paid by the average Canadian. Since 2012 it has been 15 percent. Base AmountThis is a fixed number applicable to everyone receiving the Ontario Disability Tax Credit. It is adjusted annually but was $10,138 in 2025. Supplemental AmountThe supplemental amount is added to the base amount, but only applies to those who are under the age of 18 at the time of tax filing. The supplemental amount is currently $5,914 (2025). When calculating your annual tax credit, multiply the tax rate percentage by the sum of the two amounts (provided you are eligible for both of them). In 2025, a DTC-eligible adult in Ontario would have receive $1986. 65 and an eligible person under 18 years of age in Ontario would receive $3,145. 42. While that number may not seem particularly large, you can also apply to receive a tax credit for previous years, provided you have been disabled for the entire period you are applying for. Many families across Canada have been able to receive thousands of dollars through the Ontario Disability Tax Credit. Are You Eligible for Both Programs? Unfortunately, many disabled persons in Canada mistakenly believe that they can only benefit from one of these programs at a time, thereby missing out on potentially thousands of dollars. And at first glance, it does look like you can only benefit from one program. On your Disability Tax Credit Application, you need to demonstrate that you have taxes payable. That means that, before becoming disabled, your income was high enough that you paid taxes to the Revenue Service of Canada. Most recipients of the ODSP have incomes too low to have taxes payable. However, ODSP recipients can still receive the tax credit. How? By transferring it to a relative. If you are disabled and don’t have taxes payable, but have a relative who assists in providing the “necessities of everyday life” (whether it be care or financial support), your relative can receive the Canadian Disability Tax Credit. If eligible for the ODSP, you most likely also qualify for the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Also offered by the Revenue Service, this program provides beneficiaries with an annual savings bond worth $1,000 (with the interest rate indexed to inflation). You can receive a bond every year until you’ve passed the threshold of $20,000 or reached the age of 50. By receiving the Disability Tax Credit, the ODSP, and the RDSP, you can get help meeting daily expenses now, and ensure your financial security in the future. Do You Need Help Filing for Benefits? Maybe you receive income or employment support from the ODSP and want to receive an Ontario Disability Tax Credit as well. Or maybe you received a tax credit last year, but have a long-term disability that you’d like to receive ODSP benefits for. However, you want to do so without losing your tax credit. If you need advice on how to benefit from both programs, as well as assistance in submitting successful applications, call Disability Credit Canada. Our qualified disability benefit experts specialize in helping people just like you. We can help you and your family get the benefits you need and deserve! --- - Published: 2015-05-30 - Modified: 2026-01-22 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/living-with-dyslexia-how-it-can-impact-your-life/ Living With Dyslexia“Dyslexia” is a general term that refers to any disability that limits your ability to read or comprehend language while not affecting intelligence. Dyslexia is the most common learning disorder, affecting upwards of 15% of people in North America. Part of what makes the issue of dyslexia so pressing, however, is how hard it is to identify and compensate for – only one out of twenty people with dyslexia are properly diagnosed and receive help. Since dyslexics do not outwardly exhibit any symptoms, many people with the disorder do not even realize they have it. They may have trouble in academics and not understand why when, in fact, all of that trouble is unnecessary should the proper preventative measures be taken. Can Dyslexia Be Cured? Unfortunately, the aforementioned preventative measures for dyslexia do not entail an actual cure for the disorder. Medically, there is little or nothing that can be done to even treat dyslexia. In terms of providing tutoring and specialized learning assistance, however, the possibility of a person with dyslexia living up to their full academic and professional potential is very good. Academic success generally leads to success in social and professional environments as well, because a heightened capacity for language cognition and discourse often leads to increases in self-confidence, productivity, and overall happiness. How to Aid Academic and Overall Success in Dyslexia? It is very easy to receive personalized aid for dyslexia once the disorder is identified and the proper parties are notified, but therein lies the problem. Many families with a dyslexic child, even if they suspect he or she is dyslexic, do not know how to proceed from there. How Dyslexia is DiagnosedThe first step in helping someone overcome the obstacles put forth by dyslexia is definitively identifying the problem. This means not only finding out for certain that the person is dyslexic but also finding the specific areas that case of dyslexia affects. Since dyslexia is so common, general practitioners nearly always know the signs to look for to tell if a patient likely has dyslexia. If the patient does indeed show signs of the disorder, the general practitioner will be able to refer you to a private service where tests can be performed to determine the exact nature of the dyslexia. These tests very rarely involve any medical procedures, and they will instead involve activities such as reading a story and retelling it or playing word games that test both written and spoken language reception and retention. The specialist who performs the tests will afterward write up a report detailing exactly what aspects of the afflicted person’s performance the dyslexia affects. Notification Obtaining a report that identifies the exact nature of the dyslexia is only the first step towards receiving aid, and the report is essentially useless if it is not presented to the proper parties. Since dyslexia is a condition that can primarily affect performance in school and work settings, any academic or professional institution the dyslexic person even thinks about enrolling in or applying to should be notified and shown the report as quickly as possible. TreatmentFederal law stipulates that schools must provide dyslexic students with an individualized education program (IEP) tailored specifically to that student. The law has been in place for 40 years, so the process is streamlined and effortless. Together with the teacher and school councilors or special education teacher, the afflicted person will create a learning plan that takes into account the specific nature of the disability discussed in the report to devise the most effective possible teaching methods, as well as lay specific learning goals and objectives. The plan is re-evaluated and revised once a year to keep up with the learner’s progress. The law is also very accommodating of dyslexics in the workplace. The Supreme Court has ruled that “reasonable accommodation” must be provided to dyslexic workers. This is especially helpful in situations such as interviews, hiring exams, or work run on short deadlines, all situations in which the dyslexic person has to communicate (either orally or via writing) within a time limit. Accommodations such as alternative testing methods, easier-to-read texts, altered testing materials, and personalized linguistic support are common in the workplace. It is of the utmost importance that the disorder be properly diagnosed and that the nature of dyslexia is made known. This will allow the dyslexic person to tap into the vast pool of legally enforced assistance waiting for him and, ultimately, live up to his full academic and professional potential. As mentioned above, many dyslexics are never diagnosed, but even those who do not always seek help because they do not want to make it known that there is something “wrong” with them. The truth is, that dyslexia, a naturally occurring and extremely common condition, is perfectly normal. What Support Options Are Available for Dyslexia? Even apart from the legally mandated aid, people tend to be extremely accommodating of such a common malady, making it extremely easy and painless to receive assistance. There are even entire organizations dedicated to aiding dyslexics in dealing with obstacles their disorders present. Several organizations to be aware of are detailed below:Canadian Dyslexia AssociationThis organization is dedicated to researching dyslexia and delivering its results, free of charge, to dyslexics everywhere. They strive to promote awareness of the disorder and the methods used to counteract its effects with the mission of getting as many dyslexic Canadians as possible to take advantage of the help available all around them. The organization also hosts free seminars, forums, and classes to provide information on dyslexia and emotional support for those with dyslexia and their families. International Dyslexia AssociationThe IDA, a non-profit charitable organization, is a goldmine for those seeking information about helpful resources regarding dyslexia. The organization spreads awareness by publishing a newsletter, organizing seminars with knowledgeable speakers, and responding to general public inquiries regarding dyslexia. It is also a great place to contact if you are looking for a tutor who specializes in catering to a dyslexic person’s needs. Dyslexia Resources CanadaThis organization takes more of a proactive approach than the CDA or IDA by organizing classes based on the Davis Dyslexia Correction program. The program is exclusive to the organization and includes an assessment, an intensive week-long one-on-one class tailored to the individual’s needs, a support seminar for the dyslexic person and his family, and follow-up support sessions as needed. The program addresses the nature of the particular case of dyslexia and helps the “patient” understand ways to minimize its effects. Dyslexia Resources Canada is a non-profit organization. Canadian Disability Tax CreditPeople with dyslexia or, if the afflicted person is under 18, their legal guardians, that can claim disability often receive a significant tax credit. Tapping into the many resources available to help you make the best of dyslexia can be expensive, and the government is happy to offer a tax reduction to compensate for extra money spent on evaluations, specialized tutors, and counseling meant to deal with the disorder. This tax refund makes it easy to cope with dyslexia without breaking the bank for all Canadians, but Ontario residents can particularly benefit because of the Ontario disability tax credit, a rebate given in addition to the support given by the Canadian federal government. There are also benefits available for families with children suffering from Dyslexia. To find out more, please read our Child Disability Tax Credit Guide. All the resources and programs available can make dealing with dyslexia a simple matter, and it is only right that the people who need to use them should be gifted with the extra financial means to do so. This is why it is extremely prudent to contact Disability Credit Canada, who can help you receive the tax rebates you deserve. An estimated five million Canadians suffer from dyslexia and many of them are not aware that they can receive up to $40,000 back on their taxes if they let Disability Credit Canada handle the filing of their disability for them. While it is true that you can file for disability on your own, we have found that filing through our organization will maximize the rebate you end up receiving. Due to our professional application process and our many hundreds of encounters with the disability tax system, you can rest assured you are in good hands when you file through Disability Credit Canada. --- - Published: 2015-05-29 - Modified: 2026-01-22 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/how-arthritis-sufferers-can-effectively-manage-their-condition/ “Arthritis” is an umbrella term that refers to any disorder that causes inflammation of one or more joints. It is extremely common, ranking first among women and third among men as the leading cause of disability in Canada. Although arthritis can strike anyone – it is not genetic – and hundreds of thousands of Canadian children suffer from it, it is much more common among older people. There are upwards of one hundred conditions that fall under the label or arthritis. The two most common are discussed below. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is possibly the most serious type, as it can cause physical deformity if left untreated for a long period. When rheumatoid arthritis acts up, the synovium, the innermost component of a joint, is attacked by your body’s immune system. This causes inflammation and subsequent pain when the joint is used. The onset of rheumatoid seems to be fairly random, although genetics can make a person more or less susceptible to it. Osteoarthritis: This essentially causes the shock-absorbing cartilage surrounding your joints to lose elasticity, becoming more prone to damage via other parts of the joint rubbing against it. After a while, the cartilage will wear away completely and bones in the joint will start to grind against each other when the joint is used, causing severe pain. Unlike rheumatoid, osteoarthritis is caused by simple wear and tear of the body over time. What Activities Cause Arthritis? Although many think of arthritis as a malady common only among elderly people, around 60% of arthritis sufferers are people of working age. This is because any job that involves physically demanding or repetitive movements, such as lifting heavy objects or typing at a typewriter or computer, puts stress on your joints and contributes to them becoming inflamed over time. Other common causes of arthritis include: Obesity. Like a strenuous job, weighing a lot forces you to put strain on your joints repetitively whenever you walk. Certain allergic reactions can bring on temporary cases of arthritis. Autoimmune disease. Symptoms can be a side-effect of a more serious autoimmune disorder, or they can occur as a disorder of their own. Genetic makeup. Is There a Cure for Arthritis? No. Although there is a lot of exciting research going on that may lead to a cure in the future, there is not yet any way to rid oneself of the malady for good. What is the Best Way to Manage Arthritis? Largely because arthritis is so common, there are a multitude of well-researched methods to help sufferers manage the condition. Several of the most popular methods to help you make the most out of living with arthritis are detailed below. Seeking Help From Organizations Many organizations want to support those with this extremely common but debilitating condition. Some organizations to be aware of are: The Arthritis Society – From conducting research into treatments to advocating for those afflicted in the media to organizing seminars to providing general education on its comprehensive website, The Arthritis Society does it all and is a huge resource for those who suffer from or are interested in learning more about the condition. The Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance – An organization with members all across Canada. As a grass-root, patient-driven organization, it serves as a link between the public, arthritis researchers, and government officials. The Arthritis Alliance of Canada – By making charitable donations, the organization has been instrumental is aiding inflammatory disease research and getting it to the level where it is today. It also assists those who contact it with finding a specialist who can help. Many more, including the Arthritis Research Center of Canada, the Arthritis Research Foundation, the Arthritis Health Professions Association, and the Canadian Rheumatology Association. Being Physically Active with a Focus on Movement One of the main factors that allows arthritis to set in and get more severe is a stiffening of the cartilage inside the joints. Because of this, a lot of free-moving physical activity that keeps the body limber and spry, such as aerobics, strength training, and stretching, can help the condition greatly. It may be hard to do when your joints are already in pain, but engaging in activity on your own or joining a fitness program will do wonders for your joints’ health. The regimen does not have to be specifically aimed at arthritis sufferers to do a world of good. Weight Watching As noted above, being heavy is one of the main causes and exacerbations of arthritis pain. It is therefore a good idea to watch your weight to take pressure off your joints and prevent the condition from getting worse. This pairs nicely with becoming more physically active, as it tends to come as a result thereof. Adjusting Your Diet Many people underestimate the huge effect diet can have on just about any medical condition. Arthritis is no exception. Some foods are likely to help reduce inflammation if consumed more often, as well as those that will probably just worsen the pain. Foods arthritis sufferers should seek out include: Healthy fats, like those found in olive oil or fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring, etc. ). Antioxidants are found in foods such as blueberries, blackberries, artichokes, fresh beans, and russet potatoes. Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, corn, and beans. Broccoli. Onions. Ginger. Strawberries. Matcha. Foods to stay away from include: Purines, are a chemical compound found in dried beans, anchovies, asparagus, liver, and mushrooms. Refined carbohydrates, such as those found in white flour baked goods. Dairy products. Unnatural sugars, such as those found in candies and sodas. Foods cooked at high temperatures. Known as advanced glycation end products, the body breaks these foods apart using cytokines, and inflammatory messengers. Salt and other preservatives. Corn oil. While actual corn is helpful for arthritis, corn oil should be avoided. Fried and processed foods. Medications There are countless medications available that have been proven to help arthritis sufferers at varying levels – barely afflicted to serious cases. The most prominent categories these medications fall into are summarized below. Topical pain relievers – These are only likely to help those with mild cases, but they are quick and easy to apply to the afflicted area. Steroids – While they are powerful anti-inflammatory agents and can help with even the most serious cases of arthritic pain, steroids have many side effects and must be used with care. Anti-inflammatory painkillers – Less powerful anti-inflammatory medication is available by prescription or even over the counter. Getting a recommendation for a specific brand from your doctor should be easy. Hyaluronan – This is injected directly into the afflicted joint and has been shown to reduce pain for up to six months after the injection. Chemotherapy drugs – These are most often used to treat cancer, but the slowing in cell reproduction it causes also helps with inflammation. Seeking all this medical help seems like overkill. Shouldn’t I just do my best to live with my unfortunate development without disturbing anybody? You are not disturbing anybody. Having and seeking help for arthritis is the most common thing in the world. One in six Canadian adults, most of them being elderly, exhibit symptoms of arthritis. One could consider it unusual for someone to go through old age without experiencing arthritic symptoms. A vast pool of resources is available to help you cope with arthritis; not taking advantage of them is a stubborn oversight. We understand that all of these lifestyle changes that will aid with arthritic pains are time-consuming and expensive, however. The Canadian federal government recognizes it too, and they offer significant tax rebates – up to $25,000 - to those with the condition to compensate for all the extra costs required to manage it. We at Disability Credit Canada want to help you receive the money you deserve and, in turn, get reimbursed for the assistance you need. Although all Canadians can file for these disability benefits on their own, we have found that our professional application process and many years of experience with the system tend to lead to a much larger Disability Tax Credit. You can rest assured the amount of money you receive will be maximized when you file via Disability Credit Canada. --- - Published: 2015-03-17 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/effective-treatments-for-celiac-disease-might-not-be-far-away/ New developments in celiac disease treatmentsAt this point, the only way for sufferers of celiac disease to effectively manage their condition is to follow a strict gluten-free diet at all times; but that could change shortly with several new drug therapies undergoing clinical trials, and several others at the pre-clinical trial phase. While it could still be several years before any of these therapies are approved for widespread use, the data acquired from the initial testing phase for many of these drugs has been extremely positive. According to the Canadian Celiac Society, it is predicted that one in every one hundred and thirty-three people suffer from celiac disease in Canada, which is a condition that can result in damage to the small intestine being sustained if the sufferer's diet includes items that contain gluten. This damage can severely affect the person's health, making it difficult to impossible to absorb nutrients that are essential to growth and good health. Dr. Klaus Gottlieb, the lead author of a report discussing these potential drug treatments that were recently released, states that there are a couple of investigational treatment options that are rumored to be undergoing larger confirmatory testing shortly that show real promise. Research and development ‘pipeline’ for celiac disease drugs & continuing clinical trialsClinical trials on drugs to treat celiac disease are at an early stage of evolution, with no products having reached Phase 3 to date (Figure 1). Products in development include:ALV003Alvine Pharmaceuticals’ lead clinical candidate for celiac disease, which is currently being studied in Phase 2b . ALV003 is an orally administered mixture of two recombinant gluten-specific proteases—a cysteine protease (EP-B2) and a prolyl endopeptidase (PEP)—which have been shown in vitro to degrade gluten. In a Phase 2 study with ALV003, adults with biopsy-proven celiac disease were randomly assigned to groups receiving ALV003 (n¼20) or placebo (n¼21), together with a daily 2 g gluten challenge. Duodenal biopsies were collected at baseline and after the gluten challenge. The ratio of villus-height-to-crypt depth and densities of intra-epithelial lymphocytes were the primary endpoints. Biopsies from subjects in the placebo group showed evidence of mucosal injury after gluten challenge (mean villus height-to-crypt depth ratio changed from 2. 8 before challenge to 2. 0 afterward; P¼0. 0007; density of CD3þ intraepithelial lymphocytes changed from 61 to 91 cells/mmafter challenge; P¼0. 0003). In contrast, no significant mucosal deterioration was observed in biopsies from the ALV003 group. Between groups, morphologic changes and CD3þ intraepithelial lymphocyte counts differed significantly from baseline to Week 6 (P¼0. 0133 and P¼0. 0123, respectively). Interestingly, there were no statistically significant differences in symptoms between groups . Based on the promising Phase 2a results, a Phase 2b study is now being conducted. The study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of ALV003 at different dose levels administered over a twelve-week period in 500 celiac disease patients in the USA, Canada and Europe, who are symptomatic despite attempting to follow a GFD. The primary efficacy endpoint for the study is the change in small intestinal mucosal morphology, as measured by the change in villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio (Vh:Cd) from baseline and week 12 assessments. Secondary endpoints are the changes in density in intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes and celiac disease-specific symptoms during the study. Other outcomes to be evaluated include changes in celiac disease serology and quality-of-life measures . Aspergillus niger prolyl endoprotease (AN-PEP) is an endopeptidase, like the PEP component of ALV003, which can break down gluten. The enzyme is active between pH 2 and pH 8, with an optimum activity at pH 4–5, and is therefore effective at the pH levels present in the stomach and small intestine . ANPEP was evaluated in a recent small, double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized trial on 16 patients with a diagnosis of celiac disease—as confirmed by positive serology—with sub-total or total villous atrophy on duodenal biopsies, who adhered to a strict GFD, resulting in normalized antibodies and mucosal healing classified as Marsh 0 or I . In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, patients consumed toast (approximately 7 g/day gluten) with AN-PEP for 2 weeks (safety phase). After a 2-week washout period with adherence to the usual GFD, 14 patients were randomized to gluten intake with either AN-PEP or placebo for 2 weeks (efficacy phase). No serious adverse events occurred and no patients withdrew during the trial. The mean score for the gastrointestinal subcategory of the celiac disease quality (CDQ) was relatively high throughout the study, indicating that AN-PEP was well tolerated. In the efficacy phase, the CDQ scores of patients consuming gluten with placebo or gluten with AN-PEP did not significantly deteriorate and, moreover, no differences between the groups were observed. The authors conclude in their discussion that “with hindsight, the study should possibly have been designed for a much longer period of time with many more patients” . Larazotide acetate (AT-1001)Larazotide acetate (AT-1001) is Alba Therapeutics Corporation’s investigational product, a first-in-class tight junction regulator, intended for the treatment of patients with celiac disease. It has been hypothesized that celiac disease is accompanied by raised paracellular permeability, accompanied by an inflammatory cascade within the bowel, which is controlled by tight junctions. Alba has reported positive results from a double-blind, placebo controlled, Phase 2b trial in February 2014 . This evaluated the efficacy and safety of larazotide acetate in 342 celiac disease patients who had symptoms despite being on a GFD. The trial consisted of a four-week placebo run-in, 12 weeks of randomized therapy, and four weeks of post-treatment follow-up. Patients were randomized to four groups: a placebo group or larazotide 0. 5, 1. 0, or 2. 0 mg, three times per day. Treatment with the lowest of three doses of larazotide was associated with significant improvement in the primary outcome, i. e. the average on treatment score in the Celiac Disease Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (CeD GSRS) domains of Diarrhea, Indigestion, and Abdominal pain. Analysis of individual components of the rating scale, proprietary to Alba Therapeutics , showed consistent improvement with larazotide for each parameter . The Phase 2b study discussed above was preceded by a separate, dose-ranging, placebo-controlled study of 86 patients with celiac disease controlled through diet . The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of larazotide in protecting against gluten-induced intestinal permeability and worsening gastrointestinal symptoms. Study participants were randomly assigned to larazotide acetate (0. 25, 1, 4, or 8 mg) or placebo three times a day, with or without gluten challenge (2. 4 g/day) for 14 days. The primary efficacy outcome, an improvement in the lactulose/mannitol (LAMA) fractional excretion ratio (an experimental biomarker for intestinal permeability) was not met; however, the 0. 25 and 4. 0mg doses of larazotide acetate showed statistically significant prevention of severe worsening of gastrointestinal symptoms. An exploratory study published in 2013 examined the effect of larazotide acetate on intestinal permeability, development of antibodies to tTG and celiac disease symptoms during a gluten challenge that exceeded the likely level of accidental gluten ingestion in individuals whose disease was well controlled by a GFD. In the larazotide acetate 1 mg group, a reduction in the expected increase was seen in the urinary LAMA ratio but the difference was not statistically significant as compared with placebo. Changes in pre-specified secondary endpoints suggest that larazotide acetate reduced antigen exposure, as shown by lowered production of anti-tTG antibodies. Larazotide acetate also reduced gastrointestinal symptoms upon gluten challenge. Nexvax2ImmusanT’s peptide-based therapeutic celiac disease vaccine. According to press releases from ImmusanT , the therapeutic vaccine Nexvax2 combines three proprietary peptides that elicit an immune response in celiac disease patients who carry the immune recognition gene HLA-DQ2. Similarly to treatments for allergies, the vaccine is designed to reprogram gluten-specific T cells triggered by the patient’s immune response to the protein. According to ImmusanT, the objective is for Nexvax2 to restore celiac patients’ immune tolerance to gluten, reduce inflammation in the nutrient-absorbing villi that line the small intestine, return the intestine to a healthy state, and allow patients to eat a normal diet . The company says that early clinical trials have so far proven promising, with Phase 1b trial results demonstrating clear proof of mechanism and Phase 2 trials expected to begin in 2015—but details are not known at the time of this writing (December 2014) . BL-7010BiolineRx’s non-absorbable, high molecular weight polymer with a high affinity for gliadins, the immunogenic peptides present in gluten that cause celiac disease. The product acts by sequestering gliadins. Experiments in vivo in a murine model of celiac disease have shown that BL-7010 prevents pathological damage to the small intestine, helps to preserve the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and reduces inflammation . Although the company website lists BL-7010 as being in pre-clinical development, clinicaltrials. gov shows an active recruiting Phase 1 safety study . AVX176AVX176, from Avaxia Biologics, is an investigational oral antibody drug that is the subject of U. S. composition of matter patent 8,071,101, “Antibody Therapy for Treatment of Diseases Associated with Gluten Intolerance. ” The patent, which expires on May 27 2029, provides broad coverage for treating celiac disease using orally administered antibodies produced by Avaxia’s proprietary platform technology . ActoGenXActoGenX is carrying out discovery research in celiac disease with its range of ActoBioticsTM, which use Lactococcus lactis as an expression system to locally secrete bio-therapeutics such as cytokines, antibodies, hormones, etc. . Early pre-clinical work with a genetically altered L. lactis secreting a peptide derived from gliadin demonstrated an in vivo suppression of gluten sensitization. Specifically, Huigbregtse et al. engineered L. lactis to secrete a deamidated DQ8 gliadin epitope (LL-eDQ8d) and studied the induction of Ag-specific tolerance in NOD ABo DQ8 transgenic mice . Although apparently not part of the ActoGenX development program, recent work by Galipeau et al. also deserves mention in this context. The group treated gluten-sensitive mice with elafin, a serineprotease inhibitor, delivered by the L. lactis vector, and found normalization of inflammation, improved permeability, and maintained ZO-1 expression. There is speculation that this is due to reduced deamidation of gliadin peptide . Chemocentryx’s CCR9Chemocentryx’s CCR9 (vercirnon, which is also known as Traficet-EN, or CCX282B)—originally intended for patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease—has completed one Phase 2 trial in 67 patients with celiac disease ; however, despite the completion of the trial several years ago, no results relating to celiac disease have been made public or published. The two more promising drugs that have been developed aim to provide a solution to celiac disease in different ways, but the end goal is the same - to prevent the body from reacting destructively to the presence of gluten. The first drug breaks down gluten into a series of other products that are non-harmful to celiac disease sufferers, thus eliminating the problem, while the second drug stops the gut from leaking the toxic substances that cause the damage. It's estimated that should these drugs pass all testing phases and receive approval, they could be made available to the public within 3 to 5 years. Have you been suffering from celiac disease for some time now? Or perhaps you've just recently been diagnosed? Whatever the specifics, this is a condition that can cause considerable disruption to your life and force you to incur considerable extra costs that you normally wouldn't to maintain the right diet. You might be interested to know that you can receive Disability Tax Credit from the Canadian Government to compensate and Disability Credit Canada are experts at completing all of the necessary paperwork and filings to get you the money you deserve. Contact us today for more information. --- - Published: 2015-03-05 - Modified: 2026-01-22 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/new-study-analyzes-the-heritability-of-autism-spectrum-disorder-in-twins/ Twins and Autism Investigation into factors that affect the onset and development of autism spectrum disorder is ongoing. The sheer number of autistic traits that suffer demonstrate, however, makes this process very difficult and to date, there have been a great number of both genetic and environmental factors that have been linked to this illness. However, until recently, these studies had only been carried out using individuals as test samples and many medical professionals are of the opinion that this limits the level of understanding about autism that we are able to achieve and also makes it likely that the more subtle cases of autism may be missed, and that the findings of such studies may not a good representation of the wider population. In order to try and address this, a study was recently conducted in the UK that used samples of twins, as opposed to individuals. Leading the study was Beata Tick (M. Sc. ) of Kings College London and the findings of this study were published by JAMA Psychiatry, which you can access here: The study investigated both genetic and environmental factors that could potentially increase the likelihood of a person suffering from autism spectrum disorder. You can read about it in more depth below. Importance Most evidence to date highlights the importance of genetic influences on the liability to autism and related traits. However, most of these findings are derived from clinically ascertained samples, possibly missing individuals with subtler manifestations, and obtained estimates may not be representative of the population. Objectives To establish the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors in liability to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a broader autism phenotype in a large population-based twin sample and to ascertain the genetic/environmental relationship between dimensional trait measures and categorical diagnostic constructs of ASD. Design, Setting, and Participants We used data from the population-based cohort Twins Early Development Study, which included all twin pairs born in England and Wales from January 1, 1994, through December 31, 1996. We performed joint continuous-ordinal liability threshold model fitting using the full information maximum likelihood method to estimate genetic and environmental parameters of covariance. Twin pairs underwent the following assessments: the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) (6423 pairs; mean age, 7. 9 years), the Development and Well-being Assessment (DAWBA) (359 pairs; mean age, 10. 3 years), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) (203 pairs; mean age, 13. 2 years), the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R) (205 pairs; mean age, 13. 2 years), and a best-estimate diagnosis (207 pairs). Main Outcomes and Measures Participants underwent screening using a population-based measure of autistic traits (CAST assessment), structured diagnostic assessments (DAWBA, ADI-R, and ADOS), and a best-estimate diagnosis. Results On all ASD measures, correlations among monozygotic twins (range, 0. 77-0. 99) were significantly higher than those for dizygotic twins (range, 0. 22-0. 65), giving heritability estimates of 56% to 95%. The covariance of CAST and ASD diagnostic status (DAWBA, ADOS and best-estimate diagnosis) was largely explained by additive genetic factors (76%-95%). For the ADI-R only, shared environmental influences were significant (30% ) but smaller than genetic influences (56% ). Conclusions and Relevance The liability to ASD and a more broadly defined high-level autism trait phenotype in this large population-based twin sample derives primarily from additive genetic and, to a lesser extent, nonshared environmental effects. The largely consistent results across different diagnostic tools suggest that the results are generalizable across multiple measures and assessment methods. Genetic factors underpinning individual differences in autism like traits show considerable overlap with genetic influences on diagnosed ASD. While this study by no means reveals a cure or a definite way to prevent autism spectrum disorder, it does shed some light on how significant a role genetics play in the development of this condition, with ASD measurements among identical twins considerably higher than for fraternal twins. This study is the first step to building more of a complete picture of the causes of autism, covering a wider demographic so that the more subtle manifestations are not overlooked. Disability Credit Canada has been actively assisting autism suffers over the last few years, helping them to get the financial assistance they require to enjoy a better quality of life. The Canadian Government offers several programs that provide financial aid to those who incur additional expenses as a result of having a disability or as a result of caring for someone with a disability. To receive the amount that you truly deserve though, numerous pieces of paperwork must be completed carefully and submitted on time to the relevant organizations. The experts at Disability Credit Canada can help you get approved for Disability tax credit and other disability benefits like CPP disability. We've been through the process thousands of times before, meaning we know how to get you the best possible outcome. --- - Published: 2015-02-13 - Modified: 2026-01-22 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/child-suffers-epilepsy-disability-tax-credits-available/ Epilepsy takes many forms, and because of this there is no concrete answer to whether or not a child with epilepsy will be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. However, there are many cases in which it does apply – and understanding whether or not this is the case in your particular situation is important. Epilepsy in Canada: Is It Considered a Disability? Many people have seen signs or messages in movies, video games, theaters or amusement parks that warn people with epilepsy that the following video or situations could cause a seizure. However, not many people truly understand the basis of this disorder. Epilepsy is not only caused by flickering lights – and some people have far more triggers than others. Typically diagnosed as a young child or senior citizen, epilepsy can have prolonged effects that can affect the daily life activities of the person affected. Epilepsy is a disorder in the brain that causes the "electric system" to bring on seizures. These seizures can last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and render the person unable to move and/or respond to stimuli appropriately. In some cases, the person may lose consciousness. Throughout Canada, it is estimated that 0. 6% of the population is diagnosed with epilepsy, with an average of 42 new cases per day. For the most part, the cause of epileptic seizures is unknown but can be caused by brain tumors, strokes, complications in delivery, and alcohol poisoning among other things. For some children diagnosed with epilepsy, they will grow out of the disorder and stop having seizures. For others, however, their symptoms remain severe, and they continue with epileptic seizures for prolonged periods. In these cases, the parents may be eligible for the Child Disability Tax Credit. Disability Tax Credits for Epilepsy Epilepsy is a fairly common disorder in Canada, but a large proportion of people with epilepsy can live fairly normal lives. However, some people with epilepsy do need to change their lives drastically – or the lives of their children – to avoid and minimize the risks and impacts of seizures. In these cases, the Disability Tax Credit may be available. To be eligible for the DTC, CRA requires: You must have a severe mental or physical impairment. The impairment must affect you 90% or more of the time. The impairment must be prolonged (lasting for more than 12 months). A medical practitioner must certify that the above is true. As a general rule, children with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (BREC) or absence seizures are not usually eligible, unless they also have a severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment concurrently. In addition, the child needs to first be eligible for the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). For more information regarding the CCTB, please see the CRA website. When and How to Apply If you do believe that your child fits the criteria for the Disability Tax Credit, In 2024, a DTC-eligible person under 18 years of age in Ontario would receive $3,145. 42 in Disability Tax Credits for the 2024-2025 tax year. The first step towards finding if your are eligible for the DTC, is to send an application to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You will be responsible for filling out the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) form, which includes information on your child (name, address, disability, and date of birth) as well as information about yourself or the person who plans to claim the tax credit (name, address, date of birth, social insurance number). Once that is complete, you must have an appropriate medical practitioner certify the disability of the child in mention. To be eligible, the doctor must agree that the condition is severe and prolonged and impairs the child’s ability to perform daily functions. Once the doctor’s assessment has been made, the form can be submitted to the CRA either with your yearly tax documents or earlier in the year. Because it can sometimes be a complicated process, it is recommended that you submit the forms ahead of time to ensure that you get your tax credit on time. Once accepted for the DTC, you can claim up to 10 previous years of tax credits if you have not done so already. Simply send a letter to the CRA and they can calculate your owed credits and send you a refund. This process can often take up to 6 months but is worth it in the end. To find out more, read our disability tax calculator guide. Further Monetary Aid Many children (and adults) who qualify for the DTC also qualify for the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Starting an RDSP for your disabled child at an early age is an excellent way to grow a significant sum of money which they can use to build a bright future. The RDSP works by matching your deposits by 300% - up to a maximum of $3,500 each year. Put basically, it means that if you save $1,000 per year for your child and deposit it into the RDSP, the government will put in an additional $3,000. This offer is valid up to the age of 40, and offers a 5% return. As well as the RDSP, you may find that there are further sources of monetary aid available for disabled children, as this varies from province to province. It’s important to speak to a professional accountant or someone at the CRA to find out exactly what you may be eligible for. Look online for Epilepsy support groups, as other parents may have valuable information to share. Getting Help The application process is pretty straightforward if you know what you’re doing – but not everyone does. Don’t hesitate to ask a professional like Disability Credit Canada for help. You must be receiving all the Disability benefits that are available to you, to make your life as easy as possible. Once you’ve applied for the DTC, the process only gets easier each year. Just remember – you must notify the government immediately if your child’s condition changes. --- - Published: 2015-01-21 - Modified: 2026-02-06 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credits-available-autistic-children/ The uniqueness of each person with autism means that living with autistic children is a different experience for everyone. Times can often be stressful as you learn the best way to live with your beautiful child – which is why money should be the least of your worries. Thankfully, there are government programs and disability tax credits in place to aid you and your family financially when you’re living with an autistic child – you just need to know what to look for, where to find it, and of course who is eligible. This is why Disability Credit Canada, put together a complete guide on the Child Disability Tax Credit to help you find all the information you need in one place. Nature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Recent events have uncovered a long-simmering debate within the scientific/medical community regarding the nature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The debate centers around whether ASD is a medical issue or a mental health issue. David Rettew M. D. , writing on the website for the magazine Psychology Today, takes a look at the issue and comes down on the side of mental health issues. For many, autism just seems more intrinsically “biological” than many other conditions. With closer scrutiny, however, it is easy to find holes in these distinctions... even though there seems something quite medical about autism, we still have been unsuccessful in identifying the specific processes in the brain that underlie the condition, similar to more classic psychiatric disorders. It’s a discussion that many of the most respected names in medicine are going to great lengths to avoid. For instance: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) autism web page devotes several paragraphs to describing the disorder but never says whether it’s a mental illness or a medical issue. The well-respected website webmd. com also avoids taking a stand on the topic and instead crosses back and forth across the line between the medical and psychiatric camps. The UK’s National Health Service takes the boldest position when it declares that autism is not a mental illness, but then backtracks to concede that some people with ASD also have mental health issues. Dr Rettew continues his argument that ASD is a mental health issue and seems to point the finger of blame for any confusion on the notion that families of people with ASD simply don’t want their loved ones to be classified as mentally ill: ... the push to label autism as something other than a psychiatric disorder, in my view, comes much more from fears of stigma than any scientific principle... “We are not you,” is the not so subtle message being sent. With the “we” being ASD sufferers and the “you” being the mentally ill. Lost in all of this discussion is the issue of whether it matters if ASD is mental or biological. Certainly, the millions who suffer from this debilitating condition don’t care and to a large extent neither do their families. They just want their loved ones to receive the best care available and to be able to find some happiness during their time on earth. Esoteric discussions about medical vs. psychological mean little to them. But the thing is that it does matter. Because until we know exactly what we’re dealing with the odds of being able to develop therapies or medications that can effectively address it are small. Until a distinction is recognized and those effective therapies are developed, people with ASD and their families will need to rely on programs like the Disability Tax Credit to pay for the therapies and treatments that do exist and to also be able to maintain their basic human dignity. Living with Autism Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), are both terms for a set of complex brain disorders. Formally grouped into several categories such as autistic disorder and Asperger syndrome – the DSM-5 diagnostic manual recently merged all subcategories in May 2013, going now by the name of ASD, or simply ‘Autism’ for short. Although several types of autism vary widely from child to child, the consistencies with all types include intellectual disability, difficulties with regular motor skills, attention disorders, and physical health issues including gastrointestinal disturbances. However, it is also very common for children and adults with autism to excel in art, mathematics, playing or composing music, and other visual skills. It wasn’t long ago that doctors wouldn’t be able to tell you the first thing about how and where autism comes from, but research has come a long way. However, just as there is not one single type of autism, there is not one single cause of autism either. Scientists have found several genes or mutations that lead to the disease – although it is often a combination of high-risk genes and environmental factors. But although scientists are making breakthroughs in finding out where autism comes from prevention and cures are still some way off. In the meantime, each family living with autistic children must get the support that they deserve. Support and Disability Tax Credits for Autism There are many support groups and online forums in which you can reach out for emotional support from others going through the same thing. However, disability tax credits offer a different type of support – they give you a small discount on life’s expenses because rearing an autistic child can incur expenses not common to raising other children. In 2025, a DTC-eligible adult in Ontario would have receive $1986. 65 and an eligible person under 18 years of age in Ontario would receive $3,145. 42 in Disability Tax Credits for the 2024 tax year. Are You Eligible for the Disability Tax Credit? These tax credits are aimed at families in which one or more of the children have a disability. To be eligible for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), the child must be first eligible for the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) which is a program geared towards helping all families care for children under the age of 18. The CDB, or Disability Tax Credit, is not available for all children with disabilities, however, autism is generally included. The government states that eligible children must have a disability that is severe and prolonged – continuous for at least 12 months – which of course, is true for those affected by autism. To apply for the Disability Tax Credit, a qualified practitioner must attest to the child’s disability on one of the forms to be submitted for review by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). When and How to Apply If you do qualify for the tax credit, you must submit your forms along with (or before) your tax return. To avoid any delays in processing (especially if this is your first time submitting a tax credit request), you can send your forms to the CRA at any time during the year. However, if you do not earn an income, you could also be eligible for the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Any grants and loans that you may be eligible for in this regard would be dependent on the previous year’s earnings. If you haven’t claimed your appropriate credits in previous years, don’t worry. You can claim your credits with the CRA up to two previous years with just a written request explaining what you’re claiming and why. Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) The Registered Disability Savings Plan is an excellent way for friends and family to help build up a trust fund that will help support your child in future years. It’s quick to build, because the Government of Canada pays 300% of your contributions up to a maximum of $3,500 per year, and you’re usually guaranteed a five percent return. What does that mean? If you or your family and friends put in $1,000 each year, the government will add $3,000 for a total of $4,000 per year. If started at infancy, that could amount to $80,000 (plus 5% return) by the time your child is just 20 years old – an excellent foundation on which to build their life. Up until the age of 40, the government will match your deposits in this manner which is an excellent way to save quickly. The only catch is that the account must have no further contributions for eight years before a withdrawal can be made. Tax Credits by Province Potential financial support can vary by province which is why it’s important to fully look into the programs available in your area. If you’re unsure of what is available to you, be sure to contact a professional accountant – ideally one who specializes in these particular types of cases. Living with your child’s disabilities should not seem like a burden, and if you do your research you will find that the Government of Canada has several programs in place that could aid you and your child in living a life with less stress. Let’s face it – life will always be stressful, but by hiring an accountant to help you get the most out of your Government programs – you could be saving not only a lot of money – but your sanity too. --- - Published: 2014-02-20 - Modified: 2026-02-24 - URL: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/disability-tax-credit-application-process-anxiety-sufferers/ Tax Credit Application For Anxiety Sufferers There are a great number of problems and challenges that would qualify a person for the Canadian Revenue Agency’s Disability Tax Credit (DTC) but many are unknown to the general public. One of those is a problem that many people are unaware that they even suffer from. It manifests emotionally with a foreboding sense of dread or an unexplainable restlessness. It can show physical nausea and profuse sweating. It is known as an Anxiety Disorder and, once diagnosed, falls under the province of the Disability Tax Credit. First a little background on the Disability Tax Credit What is the Disability Tax Credit? The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable credit for those taxpayers who suffer from disabilities including any severe mental or physical impairment that affects the sufferer’s day-to-day living. If you have been dealing with your disability for an extended period, your tax returns from as far back as ten years prior can be reviewed. Is there a Child Disability Tax Credit? The DTC does allow for children under the age of 18 to be included if they are suffering from disabilities such as ADD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Autism, anxiety disorders, and Diabetes, just to name a few. You can read our guide on Disability Tax Credit for Children to find out more. As with an adult, the disability must be one that the individual has dealt with or is expected to deal with, for at least twelve months. How does one become eligible for the Disability Tax Credit? Eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit is determined by a medical professional who must fill out and sign the T2201 tax form (also known as the Disability Tax Credit Certificate). Then the Canadian Revenue Agency has to approve the application before it can be processed. If, for whatever reason, you are a person with no taxable income, you are still eligible for the Disability Tax Credit as it is wholly, or partially, transferrable to your spouse/partner. Now while many disabilities such as HIV, heart disease, and Parkinson’s qualify a person to receive the Disability Tax Credit, as mentioned previously, anxiety disorders are ones that sufferers may be surprised to learn qualify them to receive the DTC. What is an Anxiety Disorder? An anxiety disorder is one in which the symptoms create significant duress that interferes with the sufferer's daily living. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and an inability to concentrate, just to list a few. Now these are symptoms that an average person may experience from time to time so the important thing to monitor is to the degree to which they interfere with the life of the individual. Are there different Anxiety Disorders? Anxiety disorders fall under five different categories, all of which are covered under the Disability Tax Credit. Panic Disorders: Panic attacks are a common symptom of this disorder and are usually accompanied by feelings of intense fear that is overwhelmingly powerful Phobias: Phobias fall under two categories, specific and social. The latter is one with which most people are familiar as it rears its head in things like fear of spiders (arachnophobia) or a fear of the outside (agoraphobia). The social version lends itself to a fear of social settings and an overwhelming anxiety associated with social interactions. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): associated with individuals who have experienced some sort of traumatic event (war, rape, or an earthquake for example) and suffer from symptoms like flashbacks, irrational anger, and nightmares Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A person dealing with an OCD generally suffers from persistent thoughts that lead them to perform some repetitive action to ease the anxiety created by the thoughts Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This type of Anxiety disorder is characterized by an individual suffering from heightened anxiety over the most routine of situations that persists for six months or more Why Individuals with Anxiety Should Consider the Disability Tax Credit The Disability Tax Credit offers a variety of forms of credit, benefits, and grants for those coping with Anxiety Disorders and for those who care for them. The disability tax credit can help with child care or tuition expenses, and even work as reimbursement for medical expenses incurred in the treatment of a disorder. As previously mentioned, even an individual’s spouse/partner can receive credit if the disabled party is someone with no taxable income. What is the Disability Tax Credit Amount? For the year of 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reported that the Disability Tax Credit amount was $10,138. 00 for a disabled person 18 years old and older while in the case of those under 18, it was that same amount plus an additional supplement of $5914. 00 How long does it take to receive the Disability Tax Credit? It may take as little as two to three months to receive your DTC, especially for those individuals who are working with a doctor or some other professional to help treat their disorder. How Can I Use the Disability Tax Credit? The Disability Tax Credit is not required to be spent in any specific way, rather it is intended for the receiver to spend it as they see fit. In the case of those dealing with an Anxiety Disorder, it could be used for treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or for their prescribed medications. The beauty of the Disability Tax Credit is that it allows the beneficiary to use the money however it is most needed. Whether to assuage the cost of treatment or to pay for day-to-day expenses, the DTC is available to every individual living with their Anxiety Disorders, as well as numerous other covered disabilities. If you, or someone you care for, are living with the Anxiety Disorders discussed here, make sure to discuss your options with not only your medical care professional, but also with your tax professional. Just by filling out the T2201, you may find yourself with extra money that can help ease your anxieties thanks to the Disability Tax Credit. If a family member suffering from anxiety Disability Credit Canada can help with the tax credit application process. call us now! --- --- > End of LLMS.txt File – Disability Credit Canada Official Website Content. ---