North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney is holding an online information session on the federal government’s disability tax credit (DTC) on September 14 at noon.
According to a media release, since being elected in 2015, Blaney has held a dozen in-person information sessions in communities around her riding about the program, which has been “historically undersubscribed.” The release stated a 2018 study from University of Calgary found only 40 per cent of working-aged adults with a severe disability have applied and been approved for the disability tax credit, citing lack of awareness and an onerous and sometimes expensive application process.
“We know the disability tax credit is an imperfect program, but I still want to make sure anyone in our communities who is eligible is able to take advantage of it,” stated Blaney. “It can reduce someone’s income tax bill by more than $1,300 per year, which is huge, especially for those with limited income and additional living costs.”
Approval for the credit is not only important for tax purposes, but also for eligibility for further programs and benefits such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, and the recently announced one-time benefit payment for Canadians living with disabilities, stated Blaney. The Liberal government initially proposed the one-time benefit only for those certified for the disability tax credit, but due to insistence from Blaney and fellow NDP MPs, the program was expanded so those receiving disability benefits as of July 1of this year from the Canada Pension Plan and Veterans Affairs also qualify automatically. Those qualifying for the payment with a DTC certification must have a current certification or have applied or reapplied by September 25, and have that application approved, according to the MP.
Blaney will be joined by community volunteer income tax coordinator Bonnie Blackhall, and family nurse practitioner Jaime Fortier, to explain the disability tax credit application process and answer questions.
The info session will be held over Zoom and the recording will be made available through Blaney’s website and social media channels afterwards. The registration link can be found at rachelblaney.ndp.ca/events.
