On October 4^th, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) released a new version of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Certificate (Form T2201). The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities or their support person reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. Eligibility for the DTC is also a prerequisite to opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), which we’re talking about more than usual right now because October is #RDSPAwareness Month. Everyone should be talking about the RDSP!

Form T2201 is now lengthier—with space for medical practitioners to detail how applicants are restricted under each criteria. Medical practitioners can also fill out their portion of their form online before printing it off for applicants to sign and submit. To view the new form and learn more about how to submit an application, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t2201.html.

DABC has developed an online tool that you can use to help with conversations with your doctor about your eligibility for the DTC. Check it out here: https://disabilityalliancebc.therightfitbc.org/dtc-app/.

If you need help with the DTC application form or with opening an RDSP, contact rdsp@disabilityalliancebc.org or one of our Access RDSP partners: https://www.rdsp.com/supports-and-services/.

What is the RDSP?
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is the world’s first savings plan designed for people with disabilities. Even with little to no personal contributions, government contributions can be significant. For people with low income (less than $32,028), the federal government will deposit up to $1000 each year for 20 years!

Everyone should be talking about the RDSP!
Unfortunately, we know this isn’t the case. Even with the financial security that it can provide, many people who qualify still don’t have an RDSP. Being approved for the DTC is the most important thing to have before you can open an RDSP, and can allow eligible people with disabilities to access many other benefits and credits.

People with disabilities should not face disproportionate barriers to achieving financial security. This month, the Access RDSP partnership between DABC, Plan Institute, and BCANDS celebrates the RDSP by discussing its potential to reduce poverty and promote financial security.

Help Us Spread the Word!
We hope you join us in spreading the word so that everyone eligible can access the RDSP. Visit www.rdsp.com to find out how you can get the word out, engage with us here on Facebook and on Twitter at @DisabAllianceBC using the hashtag #RDSPAwareness, and encourage people who would benefit from the RDSP to find out more.  

Together, let’s get everyone talking about the RDSP. 

September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
From Canada.ca:

“The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

Orange Shirt Day also takes place on this day.

“Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not.”

Canadians are encouraged to wear an orange shirt on this day. If you are purchasing an orange shirt, please try to buy from Indigenous designers and sellers. VanMag compiled a short list of such designers, here.

Visit Canada.ca for more information and links to important resources.

If you would like to support and spread the word about Indigenous-led organizations that are doing great work to support Indigenous communities dealing with intergenerational trauma, these are a few:

• Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Society: https://wahrs.ca/ (donations can be made through: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/47375/donation — just indicate that your donation is for WAHRS in the notes).
• Indian Residential Schools Survivors’ Society: https://www.irsss.ca/
• Urban Native Youth Association: https://unya.bc.ca/

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) has also collaborated with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to produce a new broadcast special, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in partnership with APTN, CBC/Radio-Canada, Insight Productions and Canadian Heritage. For more information, please click here.

DABC will be closed on September 30th in recognition of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. We encourage our staff, volunteers and readers to check out the links above and use this day to learn and reflect.