Disabled Canadian Veterans and 40k Property Threshold

Poverty is a persistent problem for Canadians with disabilities. The National Benefit Authority exists to serve this community and help people find financial relief. The disability tax credit is for people who have severe and prolonged disabilities. It qualifies them to to receive tax breaks, government funding, and raises their chances of qualifying for other benefit programs.

Disability Can Affect Anyone And Poverty May Strike At Any Time

Too many Canadian veterans are aware of this fact. Poverty that plagues veterans has been a prevalent issue since before the First World War.

Veterans often rely on disability benefits offered by the government of Canada. Unfortunately, this funding is inadequate. As a result, those who serve the country do not have a way to easily access funds they need and are entitled to.

What Defines Poverty?

“The 40 K dollar threshold,” according to the Canadian Veteran Advocacy is the amount that identifies “basic minimum-essential income required to provide shelter, clothing and food…” This amount “must be applied to Canada’s wounded reservists, they must be treated with the equality they earned in the field of battle.”

Too many veterans live on less than 40k per year and are considered impoverished by Canada’s standards. The vague definition (no official, permanent definition of poverty exists) of poverty is persons “living in strained conditions.” Poverty is measured relative to current consumption standards. This means it is always changing.

In general, the Canadian government maintains social policies (including involve benefits and pensions) that are productive for the national economy.

Government Funding Impacts Poverty

One of the biggest causes of fluctuating poverty rates are income transfers (i.e. involve benefits and pensions). Consequently, not having an effective system that protects and accounts for Canadian veterans with disabilities may be a huge part of this issue.

Creating a 40k threshold along with the new SISIP settlement may decrease the change of poverty rates and levels. Unfortunately, this 40k threshold does not apply to all veterans. Reservists and War Pensioners do not have the same threshold and burial funds top out at 12k (which is significantly below the identified poverty level).

The National Benefit Authority recognizes poverty is a large issue that affects many people with disabilities, especially Canadian veterans.

Here are some questions for Disability Living readers:

– Do you feel social policies are just a government Band-Aid? Are there specific needs that should be addressed?

– Do you feel like you are living in poverty? Is poverty the result of receiving insufficient disability assistance from the government of Canada?

Read more about Canadian veterans and the 40k threshold. Start with these Disability Living resources:

– http://www.ccsd.ca/SDR2009/Reports/Canada_Report_FINAL.pdf

– http://www.canadianveteransadvocacy.com/blog/

Disability Living wishes Veterans of Canada the best luck getting money they are owed. The National Benefit Authority strives to ensure all Canadians with disabilities receive the money they are entitled to by helping them file for the disability tax credit. If you suffer from a severe and prolonged disability, contact the National Benefit Authority to discuss how you can apply for government funding.