Disability Tax Credit
What is the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)?
The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay.
By reducing the amount of income tax you may have to pay, the DTC aims to offset some of the extra costs related to the impairment.
Ostomy Canada Society offers a webpage and a downloadable brochure to help you understand how to get the DTC as a person living with an ostomy: Disability Tax Credit Brochure
British Columbia Provincial Nursing Ostomy Committee: A Guide to Applying for the Disability Tax Credit
Disability-Related Information (2024) clearly lays out the definitions that apply to the word "disability" for the purposes of this tax credit. The publication contains a lot of additional information about non-refundable and refundable tax credits, other income tax measures, online services and more.
CRA Tax Form:
Assistance offered by Nova Scotia
211 NS Provincial & Municipal assistance
"By dialing 211 or visiting the 211 website, users can easily and quickly connect to the community and social services they need, anywhere in the province, regardless of where they're located."
211 NS Boarding, Transportation & Ostomy Program
The Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) is committed to providing financial assistance to eligible Nova Scotian cancer patients through programs like the Boarding, Transportation and Ostomy (BTO) Program.
Assists patients with:
Either gas costs or shuttle/taxi service for travel to medical appointments
Funding to hospital outpatient hostels for those qualified applicants that need to stay in Halifax or Sydney during treatment
Will cover the cost of a travel escort if a patient cannot attend a medical appointment on their own
Cost of ostomy supplies
For Eligibility Requirments Please Visit:
http://www.ns.211.ca/service/11711470_12834254/boarding_transportation_and_ostomy_program
https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/cancer-assistance.asp
NS 811 Telecare
"With 811, Nova Scotians have trusted health information at their fingertips. Just three numbers - 8-1-1, and you will have access to non-emergency health information and services."
https://novascotia.ca/dhw/primaryhealthcare/811.asp
Nova Scotia Seniors' Pharmacare Program
"The Nova Scotia Seniors' Pharmacare Program is a provincial drug insurance plan that helps eligible seniors with the cost of their prescription drugs."
Senior Pharmacare Program Information: http://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/seniors-pharmacare.asp
Family Pharmacare Program Information: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/family-pharmacare.asp
Registered Disability Savings Plan
If you're entitled to the disability tax credit you may also be entitled to the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
CRA: What is a Registered Disability Savings Plan? (RDSP)
If you are entitled to the Disability Tax Credit you can apply. The idea is to help you save for a time when you might not be able to rely on the help of others as much. Here in a nutshell are the highlights -
The plan can be started by the applicant, his/her parents, or guardian if the applicant is a minor or someone legally appointed to look after someone's affairs
Anyone can contribute if the plan holder approves, including friends
Currently, the federal government will provide an annual matching contribution ranging from 100 - 300% up to $3,500 annually under the terms of the Canada Disability Saving Grant Provision. There are certain limitations related to family income. $70,000 is currently available as a lifetime limit under this provision
A $1,000 annual contribution is available under the terms of the Canada Disability Savings Bond, currently available for families who do not have the means to contribute
We encourage you to talk to your financial advisoR or your bank. Banks administer the plans and should have all the latest up to date information.
CRA: Registered Disability Savings Plans Administration
CRA: Registered Disability Savings Plans Forms and Publications