Is the Disability Tax Credit for People with Diabetes?

A number of people with diabetes wonder if they are eligible to receive tax benefits from the government of Canada. The short answer to this question is yes. But this wasn’t always the case. The Canada Revenue Agency recently broadened the definition of the term “disability.” Now the tax credit is available to people who, among other things, use life-sustaining therapies. In some circumstances, this includes insulin.

As the metabolic disease increases in prevalence, people are finding that qualifiers of the Disability Tax Credit Certificate take into account aspects of diabetes. While not every person living with symptoms of diabetes is awarded the Disability Tax Credit, many cases meet the criteria. If a unique case of diabetes is diagnosed as prolonged, disruptive to daily life, and insulin dependent, it is possible to receive the benefits of this tax credit. This ensures annual tax returns and can result in $1,500 to $40,000 of tax refunds.

Prolonged Disability

Everyone who has diabetes will meet this qualification. There is no cure for diabetes and it is known as an irreversible metabolic disease. Once diagnosed, the condition persists, and can worsen throughout life.

Disrupts Daily Life

Diabetes can present many challenging side effects. A number of physical ailments are linked to the disease. Overtime, it is possible to experience nerve damage. This may prohibit the ability to walk, see, or perform other tasks like dressing. Under these circumstances, eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit is apparent.

Life-sustaining Therapy

Insulin can qualify as a life-sustaining therapy in some situations. This is an aspect of the Disability Tax Credit that people with diabetes should be informed about. The guidelines for this are that the therapy must take up to at least 14 hours of a person’s time each week. Activities that can make up this time include:

– Monitoring blood glucose levels
– Administering insulin
– Calibrating equipment
– Recording levels in a logbook

People with diabetes have successfully pursued the Disability Tax Credit Certificate in the past. This is because the disease is “prolonged” by nature; it often leads to disabilities that disrupt daily life, and requires the use of life-sustaining therapies. Speak honestly and openly about the challenges of having diabetes with a medical professional. Before he or she fills out the T2201 form, it is necessary to know how the symptoms of diabetes effect day-to-day life.

Before attempting to understand this process, consult the benefit specialists who understand the Disability Tax Credit application process. Contacting the National Benefit Authority is the first step to exploring annual tax benefits and significant refunds.

The National Benefit Authority is available to help people with diabetes navigate the filing process. Contact a specialist by calling 1888-389-0080. Look forward to getting in touch with the most trusted agency in Canada. The National Benefit Authority works with people who have disabilities to get them money they are entitled to from government.