What Autism-Related Benefits and Taxes can I Claim?

Federal Benefits

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

“The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. An individual may claim the disability amount once they are eligible for the DTC. This amount includes a supplement for persons under 18 years of age at the end of the year.

The purpose of the DTC is to provide for greater tax equity by allowing some relief for disability costs, since these are unavoidable additional expenses that other taxpayers don’t have to face.

Being eligible for the DTC can open the door to other federal, provincial, or territorial programs such as the registered disability savings plan, the Canada workers benefit, and the child disability benefit” (Government of Canada, 2021).

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
“A registered disability savings plan (RDSP) is a savings plan that is intended to help parents and others save for the long-term financial security of a person who is eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC)” (Government of Canada, 2021).

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
“The Canada child benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The CCB may include the child disability benefit and any related provincial programs” (Government of Canada, 2021).

Provincial Benefits & Supports

Disability Assistance
“Disability assistance can help you if you need financial or health support. You must be designated as a Person with Disabilities (PWD) to receive this type of assistance” (Government of BC, 2021). For adults 18 years and older. 

Affordable Childcare Benefit
“The Affordable Child Care Benefit is a monthly payment to help eligible families with the cost of childcare” (Government of BC, 2021).

BC Recovery Benefit
“BC Recovery Benefit is a one-time, tax-free payment of up to $1,000 for eligible families and single parents and up to $500 for eligible individuals. You have until June 30, 2021 to apply. You must apply to receive the benefit” (Government of BC, 2021).

Home Owner Grant
“The homeowner grant reduces the amount of property tax you pay for your principal residence.” (Government of BC, 2021).

Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
“The Rental Assistance Program provides eligible low-income, working families with cash assistance to help with their monthly rent payments” (BC Housing, 2021).

The Individualized Funding Option – Community Living BC
“If you are approved for a CLBC funded service, you can receive support from a service provider in your community, or you can use an option called Individualized Funding.” (Community Living BC, 2021)

Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit

“Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit and provides a refundable tax credit that may be claimed by seniors, adult persons with disabilities and other eligible individuals in respect of the qualifying expenditures directly attributable to qualifying renovations made to an eligible dwelling.

These amendments apply to the 2023 and subsequent taxation years. Expenditures must be paid after December 31, 2022, and must be in respect of services performed or goods acquired after that date.” (2023)

Resources

Registered Disability Savings Plan (rdsp.com) (Plan Institute)
Disability Alliance BC (DABC)
Autism Funding in BC (Autism Funding for Dummies)
Financial Literacy Programs – Government of Canada
Nidus – Personal Planning Resource Centre & Registry