- Helping Those With Disability > Assisting the Disabled
Assisting the Disabled
There are numerous programs, grants and tax credits available to support the disabled. Easy access to these benefits is sadly lacking. Interpreting which programs and credits are best for your situation is not your doctor's area of responsibility. As such, you are left to understaffed, impersonal government agencies or local disability specific support organizations to help. Frequently the disabled, particularly those who are cast into this situation because of aging or catastrophic accident or illness, don’t even know where to start. Frustration abounds.
We have personally seen the need first hand. At Transitions Wealth Strategies we are uniquely focused on assisting disabled individuals and their caregivers address this shortcoming.
We take the time to sensitively review your situation and ensure that you have access to all the financial tax credits, disability support programs and grants available that fit your need. We will stand by and guide you as you work your way through the sometimes cumbersome application processes helping you avoid pitfalls that may result in the loss or delay of benefits. We will advise you on all the available tax credits and prepare your tax returns so that you take advantage of every available tax reduction opportunity.
Don’t go it alone. Please take advantage of our financial knowledge specifically attuned to disabled individuals and their caregivers and gain comfort that you have accessed every possible financial support system. Following are a brief description of some of the available programs, grants and credits that we will help you access ...
Assisting the Disabled - ODSP
The Ontario Disability Support Plan (ODSP) provides a basic (food and shelter) level of income plus prescription drugs, basic dental care, basic vision care and employment support programs to adults with disabilities. Support is available from age 18 through age 65. More Info..
Disability Pension
You apply for a CPP Disability Pension if you incur a severe and prolonged disability that prevents you from working at any job on a regular basis. To be eligible for this benefit, the disabled person must have worked in the workforce and contributed to CPP. On approval, the disability pension is paid monthly until age 65 at which time the benefit is converted to a retirement pension. A supplementary amount is paid for dependent children. More Info..
The "Disability Amount"
Applying for the "disability amount", formerly tagged the "disability tax credit", is often the first step taken by those that consider themselves disabled. If you meet the specific criteria defining a severe and prolonged disability, you will be eligible for the non refundable "disability amount" tax credit every year. As well, attaining eligibility for the "disability amount" opens up access to other benefits and credits. More Info..
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) provides funding to Ontario residents who have long term physical disabilities. The Program funds personalized assistive devices appropriate for the disabled individual’s basic needs. The intent of the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is to enable people with physical disabilities to increase their independence through access to assistive devices. Over 8000 pieces of equipment and supplies are covered. More Info..
Child Disability Benefit
The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is a tax free benefit for families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in mental or physical functions. To be eligible, the child must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit and be eligible for the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). The CDB amount is determined based on the number of children receiving the CCTB and the family’s income. Once approved, the CDB is paid as a monthly supplement to the CCTB. More Info..
Caregiver Amount
The Caregiver Amount is a federal and provincial non-refundable tax credit that can be claimed if you maintained a dwelling where you and one or more of your or your spouse’s dependants lived. Each dependant must be 18 years of age or older and be dependent on you due to an impairment in physical or mental functions. As well, the Caregiver Amount can also be claimed if elder parents or grandparents lived in your dwelling under your care. More Info..
ACSD
The "Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities" (ACSD) program is an Ontario based program that provides financial assistance to parents, who are caring for a special needs child, to help them with the extraordinary costs associated with their child’s disability. It is a direct funding program for low to moderate income families with a child under age 18 that has a severe and prolonged disability that results in a functional loss. More Info..
Disability Supports Deduction
The Disability Supports Deduction covers disability related expenses that you paid so that you could be employed, carry on a business or attend a designated educational institution. There is a specific list of services and devices that qualify. Many of the same expenses can be claimed as Medical Expenses as well but you can only claim a given expense one time. This adds to the confusion as to where best to report the expenses for the best tax advantage. More Info..
Other Programs
There are numerous other tax credits, grants, aids and financial programs available to support the disabled. New programs are constantly being added; existing programs are regularly being revised. Many of the programs are generally available but they are enhanced for those with disability. Some of these programs provide financial support for the disabled person; others provide for the Caregivers. More Info..
Your Tax Return
Transitions Wealth Strategies will complete tax returns for those with a disability. We will ensure that you receive every tax credit possible regardless of your income level. We will use our expertise to ensure that nothing is missed. More Info..
