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, RBC and Neil Squire have all partnered with WorkBC to provide webinars on various topics, in recognition of Disability Employment Month.

Find more information and registration links below.

Webinar – RBC

Topics:

• Make everyday banking easier and stress-free
• Build and protect your credit – even on a fixed or limited income
• Plan for your future with confidence and control

Date: Sep 15 (Mon)

Time: 2pm to 3pm

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/virtual-presentation-workbc-centre-sswr-sc-vne-and-dellad-tickets-15965…

2. Webinar – Neil Squire

Topics:

• Navigate the challenges of disclosing a disability in the job market
• Understand your rights and learn how to advocate for yourself
• Communicate your needs confidently with employers for a fair and inclusive hiring process

Date: Sep 17 (Wed)

Time: 2:30pm to 3:30pm

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/virtual-presentation-workbc-centre-sswr-sc-vne-and-dellad-tickets-16026…

3. Webinar – Disability Alliance BC

Topics:

• The Disability Tax Credit and available financial supports
• How to advocate for yourself and navigate government benefit programs

Date: Sep 17 (Wed)

Time: 3:30pm to 4:30pm

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/virtual-presentation-workbc-centre-sswr-sc-vne-and-dellad-tickets-16026…

Today, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) formalized its commitment to exempt the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from clawbacks for all recipients of provincial income, disability and hardship benefits in BC. This means that provincial assistance recipients will be able to receive the entire benefit (a maximum of $200/month for those who are eligible for the CDB).

This announcement coincides with CDB applications being made available! As of today, you can apply for the benefit. See detailed information on how to apply here:
https://www.canadadisabilitybenefit.ca/how-can-i-apply-for-the-cdb.

DABC can help every step of the way, whether you need help with a DTC application, renewal, or denial, filing your 2024 taxes, gathering necessary documents, or navigating a CDB application or appeal! Email dtc@dabc.ca for assistance.

Read MSDPR’s news release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025SDPR0008-000604