If you have restrictions that severely impact your daily life, you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), a non-refundable tax credit that helps to reduce taxes that you or your caregiver owes. The DTC also acts as a gateway to other benefits or financial programs, like the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).

Once you submit your application, the CRA will determine whether you’re eligible and and how long your eligibility will last. Some people are indefinitely approved for the DTC; this means you will never have to apply again, unless the CRA asks you to! However, we find that it’s more common for the CRA to approve applicants for a certain number of years, sometimes even when their disability is permanent.

Make sure you know if/when your DTC expires. If your DTC expires, you will need to fill out a new application form. We can help!

As many of you know, last year we launched Disability Alliance Canada (DAC). Directly affiliated with and managed by Disability Alliance BC, DAC works to serve people with disabilities across Canada in accessing the benefits to which they are entitled.

We want to ensure that you’re able to stay connected to DAC and are aware of our services!

DAC offers cross-country one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and related benefits (including the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). We also provide Canada Pension Plan-Disability (CPP-D) assistance.

We are also working on building our social media presence.

You can follow DAC on the following social media platforms, linked below:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Bluesky

Stay tuned for our giveaway!

In early April, we’ll be offering a small giveaway inspired by disability justice, access, and community. Our DAC and DABC Instagram followers will have the opportunity to win an assortment of DABC merch and Alice Wong’s book Disability Visibility. DABC’s IG handle is @dabcsociety – make sure you follow us on both accounts before then!

On February 10th, the Province of BC announced the phasing in of a new B.C. Children and Youth Disability Benefit program and B.C. Children and Youth Disability Supplement, replacing the current autism funding program. With these changes, which were developed in consultation with families, service providers and experts, the Province aims to reach thousands more children and youth with a range of disabilities. 

Details of the new Benefit and Supplement, as reported in the Province’s news release: 

• Over the course of 2026 and 2027, the new B.C. Children and Youth Disability Benefit will launch to provide families of children with significant disabilities with $6,500 or $17,000 per year based on their individual needs. 

• Starting July 2027, a new income-tested B.C. Children and Youth Disability Supplement will also become available to families with any child under age 18 who is eligible for the federal Disability Tax Credit. The supplement will provide up to $6,000 per year (based on the level of family net income), which families can use to pay for therapies, supports and services they believe are most helpful. The new supplement is designed to support families with middle and low incomes. 

DABC is very heartened by the opportunity for a wider diversity of children with disabilities and their families to receive key supports, and applaud the Province for taking these steps toward equitable access to financial support.  

We also recognize that some families receiving current autism supports may feel uneasy about these changes. We hope that these families will continue to receive the supports they need.