October 1st marks the start of RDSP Awareness Month!

White text that says "October is RDSP Awareness Month" within a sketchy grey circle. Access RDSP logo in the top-right hand corner of the graphic, and rdsp.com in the bottom left hand corner. There are decorative orange, light grey and dark grey shapes in the other two corners.

In 2014, the government of BC declared October RDSP Awareness Month to help raise awareness about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and its prerequisite, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

The RDSP was created by the federal government as a long-term savings plan for people with disabilities and their families. Eligible people can benefit from an RDSP even if they cannot put any money into the plan and it will not affect their other disability benefits. 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 – even with little to no personal contributions.

We’ve just launched our updated DTC tool, now called “My DTC”, to help people get the process started. Check it out here! We will be joining our Access RDSP partners in hosting online “Ask the Experts” webinars on the DTC and RDSP. Register for the October 9th session here or the October 30th session here. We are also introducing the DTC Medical Fees Fund—a fundraiser to help people cover the cost of out-of-pocket medical fees when applying for the DTC.

Check out the RDSP Awareness Month page on RDSP.com: https://www.rdsp.com/month/.

You can also find information at https://www.rdsp.com/supports-and-services/access_rdsp about Access RDSP, a partnership between DABC, Plan Institute and BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS). Access RDSP provides free year-round support on the RDSP and DTC.

Follow us this month on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to see everything we are doing to celebrate. And use #RDSPAwarenessMonth when you’re talking about RDSP Awareness Month!

Join Our RDSP In-Person Event!

Poster for in-person event at the Legislature. Text says 'JOIN OUR RDSP IN-PERSON EVENT! at the BC Legislature, Victoria, Wednesday, October 25 12PM 2PM PST Meet us and our provincial leaders. Refreshments and swag available. No registration required! The poster features a graphic of people greeting each other, a picture of the BC Legislature, and the Access RDSP.

On October 25 from 10:00am – 2:00pm, we will be in front of the BC Legislature, alongside our Access RDSP partners, to celebrate the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).

Come join us to help spread the word and share your stories about what the RDSP means to you. We’ll have snacks, drinks, and more!

Ask An Expert: The Disability Tax Credit

Poster for the Ask the Expert q&a depicting 4 people on a Zoom call. The text says "Ask An Expert Live Q&A (Zoom). Disability Tax Credit and other related disability tax supports. Monday, October 23rd, 10-11 am PST"

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can seem daunting but we’re here to help!

On October 23rd from 10-11 am, join us for a live virtual Q&A with a panel of experts, and ask us anything about the DTC and other tax related benefits.

Register here: https://t.ly/laOJw