Claim Disability Tax Credit Benefits for a Family Member

Many Canadians with disabilities are unable to work because of their severe and prolonged impairments. Some receive daily financial support from family members. With a community of support, any person with disability can survive and thrive despite his or her physical or mental obstacles. In addition to family support, tax breaks may be available to secure financial relief for the individual and his or her family.

The Disability Tax Credit offers great benefits to individuals with disabilities and their families. In fact, if the person who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit does not draw an income, a family member may be able to apply the disability amount to his or her income tax forms, which results in significant annual savings. More so, the individual and family member may qualify for retroactive payments, which can amount in up to $40,000.

These benefits seem appealing but many people have questions about how they can receive money from this tax credit, especially if they do not work. This post seeks to address who can claim disability tax benefits on behalf of a family member with disability. Before discussing who can help claim the money owed by government, take time to review who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit.

Who Qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit?

People who have severe and prolonged impairments may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. A severe impairment implies that disability, whether physical or mental, interrupts daily living activities. These activities include dressing, feeding, elimination, mental function, speaking, hearing, or walking. If a person is unable to accomplish any one of these tasks most of the time, he or she may be considered markedly restricted. If unable to conduct two of more tasks some of the time, he or she may be significantly restricted.

If a person is markedly or significantly restricted for a prolonged amount of time, meaning the disability is expected to last (or has lasted) at least 12 months, it is possible to qualify for the Disability Tax Credit.

Who is Eligible to Support the Disability Tax Credit?

The Disability Tax Credit offers tax breaks to those who qualify. They can receive this money by applying a disability amount to annual income tax forms, as well as requesting retroactive payments for up to 10 years of unclaimed benefits.

However, many people with disabilities do not work because of their impairments. This brings up the question, how does a person with no income reap benefits of the Disability Tax Credit?

The answer is simple: in some cases, the disability amount can be applied to an immediate family member’s tax forms. A person who may claim the credit for a person with disability may include a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, son in-law, daughter in-law, brother in-law, or sister in-law.

Unfortunately, not all families or support systems fit these descriptions. This does not mean that a person should avoid applying for the Disability Tax Credit; it means, like many other Disability Tax Credit applicants, that a case is unique and needs special attention.

The National Benefit Authority Can Help

The National Benefit Authority’s number one priority is helping Canadians with disabilities receive Disability Tax Credits, and as a result, claim the money they are entitled to from government. Benefit specialists at the National Benefit Authority are available to talk with people who have disabilities and their families to guide them in the application process.

If you or someone you support may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, contact the National Benefit Authority at 1888-389-0080 to learn more about how the tax credit can help you and your family.