Disability Tax Credit: Helping Disabled to Develop Themselves
The Ontario Provincial website is featuring an article on a new initiative designed to help citizens with developmental disabilities achieve a greater level of independence (Read more about Disability Tax Credit in Ontario). According to the article:
Lanark County Support Services will partner with Developmental Support Services, Lanark County and Lanark County Social Housing to provide residential support to four adults with developmental disabilities who have complex medical needs. The project will enable each individual to live in their own unit in an existing building with the assistance of a supportive tenant.
Though still in its infancy the program is being hailed as a potentially significant new direction in the Province’s campaign to secure affordable housing and a more meaningful level of social participation for its developmentally disabled citizens.The article goes on to state:
This project was selected by the Developmental Services Housing Task Force to help expand the range of housing options and choices for adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario and that the province is investing up to $143,000 over the next two years in a local agency to pilot a creative and inclusive housing project for adults with developmental disabilities.
Although the program represents a step in the right direction the very fact of its existence serves to emphasize the plight of the disabled who, due to the financial burden imposed by their disability, must often fight to find and retain decent housing.
With a record number of Canadians already paying nearly half their income on rent, the disabled, with their much higher than normal medical expenses, are in a particularly precarious position and, without the assistance of programs like the Disability Tax Credit, face the very real prospect of homelessness. Those who consider that unlikely need to consider this sobering fact: nearly 40% of homeless Canadians today suffer some form of mental or emotional disability. 40%. And without effective government assistance programs that number will only grow.
As the article states: “Helping people with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible is part of Ontario’s plan to give everyone a chance to participate in the province’s economy and communities.” That’s good to know but unfortunately it will take time before the pilot program can be expanded to reach a meaningful number of Ontario’s developmentally disabled citizens.
In the meantime, however, there is hope in the form of the Canadian government’s landmark Disability Tax Credit which we mentioned earlier. If you or a member of your family is suffering from developmental disabilities you may be eligible for up to $40,000 in income tax relief to help offset healthcare costs. This is one of the few government programs with broad, effective reach and has been hailed by advocates for the disabled nationwide. If the Disability Tax Credit has a downside it’s the somewhat byzantine application and approval process. But help is available there too.
Disability Credit Canada works hard on behalf of disabled Canadians to secure them the maximum benefit allowed under this important government program. We know the landscape, keep up with all the latest changes and will expertly shepherd your application through the entire process in an expeditious fashion to final approval. With Disability Credit Canada you have a team of experienced, passionate advocates in your corner who understand how important this government benefit is to you and your family.
Making housing accessible and affordable for everyone is a noble goal. But maybe the best way to fight homelessness when it comes to the disabled is to make sure they aren’t forced to choose between paying their medical bills and paying their rent.
The Disability Tax Credit can help prevent you from having to make such choices and Disability Credit Canada can make sure you receive the maximum relief possible.