For many Canadians with disabilities and their families, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and Registered Disabilities Savings Plan (RDSP) may seem complicated and out of reach. Understanding how these programs work together can make a meaningful difference for planning for the future.
Throughout RDSP Awareness Month in 2026, we’ll be exploring the theme: there’s more to the DTC and RDSP than you think.
The Disability Tax Credit is more than just a tax credit; it can open doors to other federal programs and benefits, including access to the RDSP. The RDSP is also more than just a savings account; it’s a long-term financial planning tool designed to help people with disabilities build financial security, with government grants and bonds adding to personal contributions.
There are also important details that many people just don’t know: eligibility rules which are changing in 2027 to make access easier, contribution and withdrawal strategies, government incentives, beneficiary and holder considerations, deadlines, and special provisions for people whose circumstances may change (for example, those with shortened life expectancies).
This month, we seek to make these programs easier to understand and help British Columbians ask better questions. Whether you are a person with a disability, a parent or caregiver, a family member, a financial professional, service provider, healthcare provider, or someone supporting a friend or loved one, RDSP Awareness Month 2026 is an opportunity to look beyond the basics and discover what you may have been missing.
Follow our social media and check our blog throughout the month to learn more.
The Access RDSP partnership between DABC, Plan Institute and BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) has had years of experience providing free navigational supports through income tax filing, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and other financial planning matters. For RDSP Awareness Month, our team of experts are hosting two “Ask an Expert” sessions, where you can learn and ask any question about the DTC, RDSP, taxes and other financial topics.
Join us again this year:
Ask an Expert Week 1: Disability Tax Credit and Tax Topics
When: Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025, at 12 PM Pacific Time.
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
