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
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.
