The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax you owe. You might know that eligible applicants must be approved for the DTC before gaining access to other benefits, like the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). It’s an important benefit—and many people with disabilities face barriers to accessing it because medical practitioners generally charge a fee for filling out their part of the DTC application form.  

Last October, during RDSP Awareness Month, we launched our DTC Medical Fees Fund—a mutual aid fund that can help eligible applicants cover their DTC medical certification fees. A big thank you to all who have contributed to the Fund so far! It’s very encouraging to see the DABC community providing this support. We’ve now surpassed the $3,200 mark in total funds raised, with 100% of all funds contributed going directly to cover the cost of DTC applicants’ medical certification fees. 

From April 17th-May 17th, we accepted applications for our first round of funding. We had very high interest in the fund! While we weren’t able to cover every applicant’s DTC costs this round, we are renewing our call for support this RDSP Awareness Month. We want to help as many people as we can. 

Donations of all amounts are welcome, with every contribution of $100-250 covering approximately one applicant’s fee. Our most generous contribution so far has been from a donor providing $1000 to cover a handful of applicants’ fees. Donations through this fund are such a tangible way to know the personal impact of your gift. To make your contribution today, click the following link and scroll to the bottom of the page: DTC Medical Fees Fund | DABC. 

Can’t donate? We’d be very appreciative if you could help spread the word! 

Today, October 1st, marks the beginning of RDSP Awareness Month! In 2014, the government of BC declared October RDSP Awareness Month to help raise awareness about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The RDSP is the world’s first savings plan specifically designed for people with disabilities.  

The RDSP is particularly revolutionary because people who are eligible for the RDSP can benefit even if they cannot put any money into the plan or can contribute very little. Individuals 49 and under who qualify for the RDSP may be eligible for government grants and bonds, which can total up to $90,000 over the lifetime of the RDSP—and, in BC, it will not affect other disability benefits. 

To open an RDSP, you must be found eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). More people would qualify than you might think.  

Do you have difficulty with either walking, eating, making meals, getting dressed, speaking, hearing, seeing, using the toilet, or with mental functioning? Or do you need a type of therapy to help keep you alive? If so, watch this space and follow us on social media to learn more about how you might be eligible.  

Throughout October we’ll be posting about all things RDSP and DTC, including: 

• Our online DTC tool, My DTC: https://mydtc.dabc.ca/ 
• Access RDSP’S two upcoming “Ask the Experts” online sessions: Disability Tax Credit and Tax Topics on the DTC (October 22nd) and the RDSP and Financial Planning (October 27th)
• Our DTC Medical Fees Fund, through which we aim to lessen financial barriers people may experience to applying for the DTC 
• The DTC and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) 
• The DTC and its other benefits 

If you need help with the Disability Tax Credit: 

• BC Residents: Contact Access DTC at dtc@dabc.ca or 604-923-8136
• Residents of all other provinces: Contact Disability Alliance Canada at dtc@disabilityalliancecanada.ca or (604) 606-4160 
• Reach out to our Access RDSP partners at Plan Institute and BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS): https://www.rdsp.com/access-rdsp/  

Learn more at https://www.rdsp.com/month/.

DABC is hiring for two positions within our Access DTC Program. Find out more below and see the full job postings on our Careers page.

We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of inclusion, anti-ableism, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented, including Indigenous persons, and people of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

DTC Community Advocate

Open: August 1, 2025
Closes: August 22, 2025
Location: Vancouver, BC
Category: Community and Social Services Job
Type: Full-time, One-year fixed term
Salary: $54,000

The Access DTC program provides direct support through the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and related benefits including the Child Disability Benefit, Canada Disability Benefit and Registered Disability Savings Plan to promote financial literacy and financial security for people with disabilities in British Columbia. Access to the DTC and related benefits has become more relevant, as many people with disabilities will need the DTC to apply for the Canada Disability Benefit. We are seeking advocates passionate about social justice issues to join our dynamic team and help grow our impact in BC and beyond.

Job Description – Community Advocate

You will join a team of advocates, working one-on-one with people with disabilities to provide in-depth support through the DTC and associated benefits, and helping people claim the DTC by filing their income taxes. You will help raise awareness about DTC through the development of strategic partnerships and community outreach. You are also an active team member, able to contribute to the additional administrative responsibilities associated with the day-to-day operation of the program.

Vancouver Island Community Advocate | Access DTC Program

Post Open: August 1, 2025
Post Closes: August 22, 2025, 4:30pm
Location: Vancouver Island, BC
Category: Community and Social Services
Job Type: Contractor (3 days/week)
Term: Until March 31, 2026, with possibility of extension
Salary: $34/hour
Report to: Vancouver Island Community Engagement Specialist, Director-Access DTC Program, Disability Alliance BC

Project Background 

Through a new RDSP initiative, the Access DTC program works to reduce poverty and barriers to long-term financial stability for people with disabilities living on Vancouver Island. The RDSP is a long-term savings plan designed to help people with disabilities access significant financial savings for their future. The successful candidate will help to increase access to the DTC, RDSP, and other related benefits by raising awareness about the program and supporting people across Vancouver Island communities to navigate through the application process.

Duties & Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of DABC’s Access DTC Program Director and Vancouver Island Community Engagement Specialist, the Community Advocate will:

• Provide one-on-one support (remote and in person) for people with disabilities to apply for the DTC and related benefits. Direct services will include facilitating mobile clinics across Vancouver Island and will require access to a motor vehicle to travel across Vancouver Island
• Reach out to the community using a variety of means including developing educational materials, delivering of virtual and in-person workshops, establishing new community partnerships to improve DTC/RDSP uptake for people with disabilities on Vancouver Island
• Create and deliver training modules to community service providers as well as health, educational, and financial professionals on the DTC/RDSP/related benefits to build capacity for sustained support within local communities
• Work closely with Access DTC program partners, the Island Health Authority (IHA), and community partners by attending regular internal team meetings and meetings with partners.