October is RDSP Awareness Month! Help us to spread the word and join us for the three events Access RDSP will be hosting this month:
Read more about RDSP Awareness Month here: https://www.rdsp.com/rdsp-awareness-month/
Last October, Access RDSP did a call out for stories about the barriers people with disabilities face when applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). We asked to hear from you about fees charged by medical practitioners or application fees or requests for a percentage of your return by a for-profit company. This year, in honour of RDSP Awareness Month, we would like to share these and help raise awareness of these barriers.
The following are some of the stories we received from clients:
“I recently renewed [my DTC] and my doctor charged me $40 to fill out her part of the form…which was basically what she had said the first time.”
“I had to pay 15% to [a for-profit company] five years ago. On my renewal this past year, I had to pay $80 to my doctor for DTC. Very unfair against persons with disabilities!”
“I was charged $75 by my GP to do the form, and the accountant also charged fees that meant nearly all of the benefit was absorbed. I know that in future tax years I will have that DTC in place, but it was distressing to have hundreds of dollars absorbed by the admin.”
With stories like these, we can see how important it is to break down these barriers that contribute poverty and hardship to people with disabilities. At DABC, we continue to advocate for the removal of these barriers and urge people to help us raise awareness of these injustices. If you or anyone you know has had to pay fees to access the DTC, send us an email at rdsp@disabilityalliancebc.org.
Everyone should be talking about barriers to the DTC!
Our Access RDSP advocates have heard from many clients about the financial barriers that have made it more difficult for them to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Today is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Barriers to the DTC (and, by extension, the RDSP contribute to poverty amongst the disability community in BC. We continue to advocate for the removal of these barriers.
While applying for the Disability Tax Credit, if you dealt with:
– A fee from your medical practitioner that you couldn’t afford
– A company that charged you an application fee or percentage of your return
We want to hear from you! You can reach us by email at rdsp@disabilityalliancebc.therightfitbc.org, or by phone at 1-800-663-1278 to share your story.
If you haven’t applied for the Disability Tax Credit, and you would like help, contact us the same way.
All things exciting at Disability Alliance BC!
Find the most current news from DABC and selected community news here.
As we wind down #RDSPAwarenessMonth, we are renewing our call for support for our DTC Medical Fees Fund. If you are able and you'd like
That’s why we’ve launched the DTC Medical Fees Fund, to help people cover any charges by medical practitioners for assistance with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) application. Please note that this fund is currently only available to residents of BC.
Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. Our mission is to promote a more inclusive and equitable society for people with all disabilities through direct services, community partnerships, systemic advocacy, research, and publications.
We acknowledge and have deep gratitude to work together on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Selíl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations of the Coast Salish people. We honour the many territorial keepers of the lands.
DABC is a proud member of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD)and BC Poverty Reduction Coalition.
DABC is proud to be certified as a Living Wage Employer by Living Wage for Families BC! We are glad to be able to support our staff to feel valued in their roles and provide them with the opportunity to thrive in their communities.
