Do Other Disability Support Options Affect Eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit?

The Disability Tax Credit Certificate opens doors for disability support. Qualifying for the Disability Tax Credit means the government of Canada recognizes your mental or physical challenge is severe and prolonged. They have money reserved for people with disabilities and offer these funds through tax refunds.

Canadians have many options when it comes to disability support. If you are considering filing the Disability Tax Credit Certificate, you may have questions about the number of opportunities available. A lot of other people with different types of disabilities have questions about how involvement in one program affects eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit?

Here are some relative questions readers ask on the National Benefit Authority’s blog, Disability Living:

Question: If I qualify for other disability support programs (like ODSP) do I automatically qualify for the Disability Tax Credit?

Answer: No. The Disability Tax Credit is a separate entity. It offers unique benefits and has different standards of acceptance. The Disability Tax Credit is not guaranteed just because another benefit opportunity has accepted you. This is why you must apply for it and be as detailed as possible when filling out the T2201 form.

Question: Why do I qualify for a disability pension plan and not qualify for the Disability Tax Credit?

Answer: Every organization and government sector has different definitions of the term”disability”. This is because each benefit program is in place to meet unique needs of people with various types of disabilities. While a pension plan is meant to replace income, the Disability Tax Credit alleviates tax burdens. It eases tax expenses and expects tax refunds will help to supplement your income.

The same can be said of workers compensation. The goal of such a program is to replace income. This goal differs from that of the Disability Tax Credit.

Question: How is the Disability Tax Credit different from other disability support options?

Answer: Receiving a disability diagnosis does not qualify you for the Disability Tax Credit. The program fulfils its sole purpose of offering financial relief by examining the impact a disability has on one’s day-to-day quality of life.

To qualify for the Disability Tax Credit you must have a prolonged disability (12 months or longer) and your disability must restrict one or more aspects of daily living.

Question: How do I know which benefits I am eligible to receive?

Answer: Filling out and submitting the T2201 form is the only way to find out if you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Take the first step in discovering what tax refunds are available to you by applying today.

With the help of the National Benefit Authority, you can grow your understanding of the Disability Tax Credit Certificate and what benefits are available through the program. Their benefit specialists are available for free consultations so you can discuss your eligibility status openly and in a trusted environment. The NBA serves people with disabilities by guiding them through the process of applying for the Disability Tax Credit. With professional assistance, it is possible to access the money government has reserved for you.