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:
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
Type: Full-time, Part-time, contract until end of March 2025 with possibility of extension
Salary: $54,000 (prorated to number of days working)
Who We Are
Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.
Our mission: to support people with all disabilities, to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community.
Program Description
The Access RDSP 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 upcoming 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 – National Outreach Navigator
You will build on the foundational work of the program to help extend our supports across Canada. This includes developing and delivering a national engagement strategy to raise awareness about DTC through community outreach, creating and maintaining strategic partnerships, as well as designing and facilitating training modules that will capacity build key partners to deliver DTC navigational supports. 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.
Tasks and responsibilities:
Environmental scan of available services across the country to understand existing supports and prevailing gaps that can be mitigated with our support
Creation and delivery of training modules, resources, and tools to capacity build other organizations to support and provide services to people with disabilities across Canada on the DTC
Involves facilitating training, such as online or printed educational materials, instructional videos, delivery of virtual or in-person workshops,
Amplifying existing tools and resources, adapting for national outreach to individuals and families, community service organizations, and health professionals across Canada
Working one-on-one with people with disabilities to provide in-depth support through the DTC and associated benefits as needed.
The successful applicant must:
Be able to work effectively with people with disabilities
Have a minimum 2 years combined post-secondary education and/or applicable work experience
Have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts in plain language
Be computer literate and proficient with word-processing software including the Microsoft Office Suite
Be available for occasional travel to communities across Canada
Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team
Have excellent organizational skills
Have strong knowledge of social media
Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive client information
The following are strong assets for this position:
Experience with the DTC and other disability benefits (e.g. RDSP, Child Disability Benefit, Canada Pension Plan-Disability)
Experience in the non-profit sector
Experience with community outreach or program planning
Experience with presenting complex information to diverse audiences
Experience working with Adobe Creative Suite
Experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities
A driver’s license
The position is a fixed term position (until end of March 2025). Depending on future funding, this role may be extended and may further develop to involve direct client work when the contract period ends. The role can be negotiated to be either part-time or full time (anywhere between 3-5 days/week) and will be based out of DABC’s Vancouver office, with occasional travel across Canada.
DABC is an open and diverse organization that promotes inclusive hiring practices. We encourage applications from qualified applicants who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter addressed to Cynthia Minh, Director—Tax AID & Access RDSP at cynthia@dabc.ca using the subject heading “Job Application: Community Advocate”. No phone calls please.
Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on November 29, 2024. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
