Financial Help, Resources For Canadians With Disabilities

Have you recently developed a disability, either suddenly (from an accident, etc.), or gradually (slowly developed a disability)? If so, you probably realize that your new disability may cause financial changes in your life. We know these financial changes are the last thing you need; after all, your disability is already changing your life in so many ways. What can you do to improve your financial situation as an individual with a disability?

Why Does Disability Change Your Financial Situation?

There are many reasons why disability changes your financial situation. Here are just a few:

• Once you become disabled, you have to think about your cost of care. Cost of care entails the amount of money it takes to pay for your disability-related therapies, doctor visits, and general health care. Since these are likely new expenses, it’s obvious how they affect your budget.
• Having a disability might decrease your ability to work. If your disability causes you to be fatigued, you may need more rest and less work time, for example. This makes another dent in your budget.

How Can Someone With A Disability Offset Cost Of Care And Other Budget-Related Challenges?

If you have recently developed a disability and are struggling with your finances, don’t fear. Here are a few ways to increase your income, balance your budget, pay for the extra cost of care, and offset time lost from work:

• Learn what government financial assistance programs you qualify for – The Canadian government provides financial assistance to qualified individuals with disabilities through various programs. Read about these programs and discover whether or not you qualify for financial assistance from the Canadian government by visiting http://www.cba.org/bc/public_media/employment/289.aspx.
• Earn money from home – Is there a skill you could utilize to make money from home? For example, are you a skilled craft maker? Perhaps you could open your own free online store and sell your creations. Are you good at writing? Consider becoming a freelance writer. Think of ways to make a living, even if it is small, with what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. Anything is possible!
• Have a free consultation with The National Benefit Authority – The NBA understands the Disability Tax Credit inside and out. The Disability Tax Credit makes it possible for Canadians with disabilities to receive annual tax breaks and retroactive payments. It also opens doors to other disability support programs, like RDSP. Benefit specialists at The NBA are available to help you apply for the tax credit and learn more about its lucrative benefits.

If you have a new disability, you may be eager to search for help and support. Living with a disability will present you with a new set of challenges, and believe it or not, joys that accompany them. Pursue additional resources to discover how you can find the help and support you want and need.

Find Resources That Can Help You

Did you know that the Disability Living blog exists to host conversations that benefit the entire disability community of Canada? The Disability Living blog hosts these beneficial conversations by publishing blog posts that are interesting to all kinds of individuals with disabilities — this includes the people who have recently developed disabilities. The Disability Living blog can help you learn more about your new disability.

Have you recently developed a disability? If so, you can find good information and education about your disability on the Disability Living blog. What’s more, DL blog posts are loaded with resources that can link you to other webpages containing even more information about your disability.

As an individual with a disability, what are some of your favorite blogs and websites? What online resources provide reputable medical information and help you learn more about your disability? Also, how are you facing the financial uncertainty that comes with a new disability? We would love to read your stories and suggestions. Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this blog post.