In the past, our main discussion is focusing on how to maximize the long term savings using the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Although savings for the long run is important, I realize families with special needs also have other financial needs. For example,
– Where could you find immediate income support?
– If you would like to contribute to the workforce, where could you find employment opportunities?
– Will there be any programs that help you to start your business?
– What other disability assistance programs are available for you?
To help you better locate the benefits program available, I’ve done some researches. Below is the list of disability assistance programs available in Ontario. You could read more details for each by clicking the name of programs.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- To assist disabled persons with financial needs to pay for their living expenses such as housing and food. This program offers assistance in two ways, which is the “ODSP Income Support” and the “ODSP Employment Support.
- For more details, please visit https://samuelconsultant.com/ontario-disability-support-program-odsp/
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit for Canadians who have prolonged physical or mental disability. On the Disability Tax Credit Certificate, The definition of “Prolonged” is as “An impairment is prolonged if it has lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months”. By getting the disability tax credit approved, it could potentially open up the doors to numerous other disability-related benefits such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan and the Child Disability Benefit.
For more details, please visit: https://samuelconsultant.com/disabilitytaxcreditcanada/
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
A program introduced by the Government of Canada back in 2008, with the purpose to assist Canadians with prolonged disability to build up their long term savings. The two key benefits of this savings plan are:
- Canada Disability Savings Grants: Matching grants which encourage contributing toward the RDSP account. Lifetime benefit is up to $70,000 per qualified individual.
- Canada Disability Savings Bonds: Deposits from government for low-income families with disability. No contribution is required. Lifetime benefit is up to $20,000 per qualified individual.
For more details, please visit: http://SamuelConsultant.com/RDSP
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides disability benefits to people who have made enough contributions to the CPP and who are disabled and cannot work at any job on a regular basis. Benefits may also be available to their dependent children.
For more details, please visit: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/cpp/disability/index.page
Canada Pension Plan Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Program
The Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Program is a voluntary program that helps Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit recipients return to work. If you are receiving a CPP disability benefit, you may be eligible for vocational counseling, financial support for training, and job-search services.
For more details, please visit: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/cpp/disability/rehab.page
Child Disability Benefit
The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is a tax-free monthly benefit for families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. The child must be approved with the disability tax credit. The amount of benefit will be subjected to the child’s family income.
For more details, please visit: https://samuelconsultant.com/child-disability-benefits-cdb/
Accessible Parking Permit (APP)
The Accessible Parking Permit (APP) is designed to provide an easier way to get access to different locations for people with disabilities. A valid permit must be shown clearly on the vehicles’ sun visor or front dash.
For more details, please visit: https://samuelconsultant.com/accessible-parking-permit-ontario/
Community Care Access Centres
Community Care Access Centres coordinate services for seniors, people with disabilities and people who need health care services to help them live independently in the community. Staff at the centres provide information and coordinate professional, personal support and homemaking services for people living in their own homes, and for school children with special needs.
For more details, please visit: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/contact/ccac/
Assistive Devices Program
The objective of the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is to provide consumer centered support and funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities and to provide access to personalized assistive devices appropriate for the individual’s basic needs.
Devices covered by the program are intended to enable people with physical disabilities to increase their independence through access to assistive devices responsive to their individual needs.
For more details, http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/adp/default.aspx
Bursary For Students With Disabilities (BSWD)
The objective of this bursary is to assist students with either temporary or permanent disabilities who incur extra costs due to their special needs. These expenses could be educational costs for services or equipment. For example, note-takers, interpreters, tutors, braillers or other technical aids. These costs must not be already covered by another agency or service and are needed in order to participate in post-secondary school.
For more details, please visit: https://samuelconsultant.com/ontario-bursary-disabilities/
Provincial Land Tax Deferral Program for Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Persons With Disabilities
Low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities can get a partial deferral of provincial land tax and education tax. The tax deferral applies to the tax increase in the current year and not to outstanding taxes.
For more details, please visit: http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/refund/plt/seniors.html
Special Services At Home (SSAH)
The Special Services at Home program helps families who are caring for a child with a developmental or physical disability. It is funded and managed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
The program helps families pay for special services in or outside the family home as long as the child is not receiving support from a residential program. For example, the family can hire someone to:
- help the child learn new skills and abilities, such as improving their communications skills and becoming more independent
- provide respite support to the family – families can get money to pay for services that will give them a break, or respite, from the day-to-day care of their child.
For more details, please visit: http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/specialservices.aspx
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)
If you are a parent caring for a child with a severe disability, you may be able to receive financial support through the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program. This program provides financial support for low- to moderate-income families to cover some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a severe disability.
For more details, please visit: http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/disabilities.aspx
Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation
JACC has helped almost 15,000 seriously ill children and their families with funding for hospital and household costs, specialized care, medical treatments and therapies. They are unique and different from other children’s charities in that;
- React quickly to requests and in emergency situations, often within 24 hours
- Act as a “safety net” for Ontario children when all other resources have been exhausted
- Take an individual approach to financially assisting the children that are referred to us
- Do all their own fundraising. Receive no Government or United Way funding
Funds are used to assist seriously ill children within our Crisis, Care, and Wellness Programs.
CRISIS: Assistance to relieve the financial stress associated with caring for a special-needs child.
CARE: Assistance with the cost of specialized care which includes one-on-one respite care.
WELLNESS: Development/intervention programs, which maximize the developmental potential of the child, and specialized medical treatment and supplies not covered by government funding or private insurance.
For more details, please visit: http://jenash.org/about-us/our-purpose/
Little Geeks Foundation:
They are a registered Canadian charity that collects, refurbishes and re-distributes donated computers to children in need. Their computers are given free of charge for use in homes, schools or community centers. The program is currently based in the Greater Toronto Area.
For more details, please visit: http://www.littlegeeks.ca/
Since these programs could be very helpful to many disabled Canadians, I’ll also blog about some of the above programs with more details in the near future. If you know of any programs that should be added to the list, please include it the comment section below. Thanks!
Remember to also check out “The List Of Tax Savings Ideas For Families With Special Needs”
Disclaimer:
The above details are for general understanding only, not intend to provide any financial advice. The details may be subjected to change without notice. Although we tried to post the details as accurate as we could, they are not guaranteed to be error-free, and may not be applicable to your specific situation. Please always consult a financial professional and the benefits providers before making any decisions.