DABC on CNIB's Dollars Seen Differently Podcast
December 20, 2024 by DABC
DABC’s Cynthia Minh and Sharareh Saremi recently appeared on an episode of Dollars Seen Differently podcast: Episode 3: Disability Benefits (Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefit).
Listen here: https://www.cnib.ca/en/dollars-seen-differently?region=on
From CNIB’s website:
“This episode discusses two significant financial benefits available to Canadians with disabilities: the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD). The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit aimed at individuals with severe, prolonged disabilities, helping reduce taxes and access other programs like the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), Child Disability Benefit (CDB), and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The CPPD provides financial assistance to individuals unable to work due to a disability, provided they have made sufficient contributions to the CPP and have a severe and prolonged disability. The speakers emphasize the importance of filing appeals if applications are denied and provide tips for the application process.”
Thank you to CNIB for having us on the podcast!
Ministry update re: potential delays to mail delivery
December 19, 2024 by DABC
We have received the following information from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
“We want to provide you with a further update on potential delays in mail delivery, including client cheques and ministry documentation, due to impacts from the Canada Post strike.
Although mail delivery is resuming this week, the ministry is continuing to take special measures to ensure disability and income assistance cheques for December are not delayed due to possible backlogs at Canada Post.
Monthly assistance payments through direct deposit will be automatically deposited as usual. For clients who normally receive a monthly assistance cheque by mail, cheques will be available for pick up at their local ministry office on or after December 18.
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If clients are unable to do direct deposit or attend their local ministry office, they can write a letter and sign it to allow someone else to pick up the cheque on their behalf. To avoid future delays, we recommend setting up direct deposit. This service allows clients to receive ministry payments directly into their bank account. To set up direct deposit, provide their bank account information to the ministry by phone, online at MySelfServe.gov.bc.ca, or in person at a local office.
Anyone concerned about not receiving an assistance cheque is encouraged to contact the ministry at 1 866 866-0800 to discuss options.
The ministry is actively planning the transition back to regular mail distribution, taking into account any backlogged mail.
The December cheque issue will proceed as planned. We aim to return to normal business processes for the January cheque issue, scheduled for January 15, 2025.”
Petition to prevent Marcia's avoidable death and help people with ME in BC
December 19, 2024 by DABC
We have been asked to share a petition to help a person with (Marcia Doherty, known publicly online as Madeline), and all people with ME in British Columbia. The petition is not limited to residents of BC – people across Canada and the world can sign.
It calls on the Government of British Columbia, Canada, to take action “to address systemic bias and ensure adequate, life-saving supports for Marcia and the thousands of other British Columbians with ME.”
Please sign and share: https://bit.ly/Marcia_petition!