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Difference between revisions of "Financial Help for People with Disabilities"

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{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = employment}}
{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = employment}}
People with disabilities can get financial help and support from several places. This script explains some of the help available, plus how and where to get more information. It does not list every possible type of help, but it’s a good starting point. Some information appears in more than one place.
People with disabilities have options to get financial help from the government. Learn about the government programs available, and where you can turn to get help and find more information.


Many financial assistance programs require you to report any other money and support you are receiving, such as pension and employment insurance benefits. You should check with each program about its rules on reporting other benefits you receive, and how they may affect your disability assistance.
=Understand your legal options=


==Canadian government help and programs==
==Disability assistance for “persons with disabilities”==
====[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/cpp/disability/benefit/index.shtml Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefit]====
Someone can get '''disability assistance''' from the BC government if they are designated as a “person with disabilities”. If you qualify for disability assistance, you get a higher monthly income than someone on basic income assistance in BC. You also get a wider range of medical benefits (such as coverage for health equipment), a higher asset limit (meaning you can own more and still qualify for assistance), and more income exemptions.  
A monthly CPP disability benefit may be available to people who:
*are under 65,
*stopped working because of a medical condition, and
*paid into the Canada Pension Plan.


====[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/cpp/disability/voc-rehab.shtml CPP Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Program]====
===Qualifying for the benefit===
This program offers vocational counseling, financial support for training, and job search services to people who receive CPP Disability Benefits to help them return to work.
To qualify for disability assistance:  
*You must be at least 18, live in BC, and meet immigration rules.
*You must have income and assets within certain limits.  
*Your disability must be severe, expected to last at least two years, and restrict your daily living activities.  
*You must also need help from another person, an assistive device, or an assistance animal.


====[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/cpp/disability/voc-rehab.shtml Registered Disability Savings Plan](RDSP)====
===Applying for the benefit===
This federal grant/bond program provides up to $4,500 in free grants/bonds a year, with a savings deposit of $1,500 each year. Anyone under 60 who is eligible for the disability tax credit can establish an RDSP. For a disabled child, the parent or guardian can set up the RDSP. The RDSP is a way for a person or child with a disability and their families to save for the future.
To get disability assistance, you apply to the government Ministry responsible for welfare in BC, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. To start, you apply for welfare and attend an eligibility interview.  


====[http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/disability/ Tax breaks]====
If you meet the Ministry’s basic criteria, you complete a Persons with Disabilities (PWD) application form. The form includes portions for your doctor and other health professionals to complete.
Several tax benefits are available to people with disabilities, including the disability tax credit. The Canada Revenue Agency website has details.


====[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/gasoline_tax_refund.shtml Federal excise gasoline tax refund]====
For more information, see the Ministry’s website at [http://gov.bc.ca/sdpr gov.bc.ca/sdpr] or call 1-866-866-0800.
If a medical doctor certifies that a person has permanent mobility impairment and cannot safely use public transport, they can apply for a refund of part of the federal excise tax on the gas they buy.


====[http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/after-injury/disability-benefits Disability benefits for veterans]====
Shortly, we describe options for getting help in applying for benefits.
Disabled veterans may qualify for the Veterans Affairs Canada disability benefit—an award or pension. Veterans may also be eligible for [http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/financial other financial support], such as the [http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/financial/war-veterans-allowance War Veterans Allowance].


====[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/benefits/compassionate.shtml Employment Insurance compassionate care benefits]====
==Tax benefits for people with disabilities==
People can receive compassionate care benefits for up to six weeks if they have to miss work temporarily to care for a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death. Unemployed people who are already receiving Employment Insurance benefits can also apply for compassionate care benefits.
Several tax benefits are available to people with disabilities. A key one is the '''disability tax credit'''. It helps a person with disabilities or those supporting them reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay.  


====[http://www.pwd-online.gc.ca/p.6dl.3st@.jsp?lang=eng&geo=2&cat=5 Persons with Disabilities Online, tax and financial benefits]====
For someone to be eligible for the disability tax credit, a medical practitioner must certify the person has a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. The Canada Revenue Agency website has details at [http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/disability/ cra-arc.gc.ca/disability].
Various benefits are explained on this website.
{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''Tip'''
Being eligible for the disability tax credit can open the door to other government programs such as the registered disability savings plan (explained shortly) and the [https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-disability-benefit.html child disability benefit] (a tax-free monthly payment made to families with a child who has a severe and prolonged disability).
|}


====[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/subjects/benefits/index.shtml Income assistance]====
==Savings plan for people with disabilities==
This site lists many other federal benefits (organized by category), such as:
A '''registered disability savings plan''' (RDSP) is a savings plan intended to help parents and others save for the long-term financial security of a disabled person.
*Employment Insurance regular benefits
*Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits
*Employment Insurance (EI) fishing benefits
*The GST/HST credit for people with low or modest incomes
*The GST/HST general rebates
*Employment Insurance benefits to certain people who live outside Canada if their job is insured under Canada's EI program
*International benefits


====[https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/living-disability/disability-benefits.html Income assistance for people with disabilities]====
For every $1 put in an RDSP account, the federal government can match with up to $3. This is the Canada Disability Savings Grant.
This site lists income assistance and other programs and services for people with disabilities.


====[http://www.canadabenefits.gc.ca/f.1.2ch.4m.2@.jsp?lang=eng Benefits Finder]====
For people living on a low income (less than $30,000), the federal government will put in $1,000 each year for 20 years. This is the Canada Disability Savings Bond.
This site asks several questions about your situation and then generates a list of possible BC and federal benefits, with links to the programs.


Anyone under 60 who is eligible for the disability tax credit can establish an RDSP. For more information, see the federal government website at [http://www.canada.ca/rdsp canada.ca/rdsp].
==Disability benefits for workers==
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides benefits to workers who become disabled. If you become disabled and cannot work at any job on a regular basis, you may qualify for a monthly '''disability benefit under the CPP'''.


==BC government help and programs==
The amount of your disability benefit is based on how much you contributed to the Canada Pension Plan while working. The federal government website provides current benefit amounts at [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit/benefit-amount.html canada.ca/cpp].
====[http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/publicat/bcea/BCEA.htm BC Income Assistance]====
The BCEA program helps adults 18 or over who are designated as a person with disabilities resulting from a physical or mental impairment that significantly restricts their ability to perform daily living activities. Some examples of assistance are:
*monthly support and shelter allowance
*various supplements, including health supplements
*medical coverage
*low-cost annual bus passes
*transportation support allowance (as of September 1, 2016)
*career planning services
*job training


The BCEA program also offers other help to people with disabilities (including children, adults, and their families). This includes:
===Qualifying for the benefit===
*procedural help for 17½-year-olds to apply for the person with disabilities designation so they can receive disability assistance when they turn 18.
To qualify for a CPP disability benefit:
*increased assets limit of $100,000 based on family unit size.
#You must be under age 65.
*Annualized Earnings Exemption ([http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/policies-for-government/bc-employment-assistance-policy-procedure-manual/additional-resources/aee-policy-reg.pdf AEE]) starting at $1,000 per full calendar month ($12,000 per full calendar year) for a single-person family unit and more for family units of more than 1 person. People on disability assistance can use their earnings exemption on a yearly (instead of monthly) basis, without a monthly maximum.  
#You must have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan for at least four of the last six years (or three of the last six years if you have contributed for at least 25 years).
#The government must find you have a physical or mental disability that is both severe and prolonged.


You can [http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/bcea.htm apply for assistance online].
“Severe” means you have a mental or physical disability that regularly stops you from doing any type of gainful work. “Prolonged” means your disability is long-term and indefinite or is likely to result in death.


The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has detailed information on [http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/pwd.htm income assistance for persons with disabilities]. Or you can call the ministry at 1.866.866.0800.
===Applying for the benefit===
You must apply in writing for the CPP disability benefit. To get the application form, go to [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-benefit/apply.html canada.ca/cpp] or call toll-free 1-800-277-9914.


If you have an outstanding arrest warrant for an indictable or hybrid offence anywhere in Canada, you cannot get income or disability assistance in BC unless you first do something about the warrant. Check script [[Outstanding Warrants and Welfare (Script 204)|204]], on "Outstanding Warrants and Welfare", for details.
Shortly, we describe options for getting help in applying for benefits.  


The '''[http://www.sd.gov.bc.ca/programs/bus-pass.html Bus Pass Program]''' offers lower cost, annual bus passes for low income seniors and people receiving disability assistance from BC.
==Other government benefits for disabled workers==


Call '''Enquiry BC''' to ask about any provincial program. The numbers are 604.660.2421 in Vancouver, 250.387.6121 in Victoria, and 1.800.663.7867 elsewhere in BC.
===Employment Insurance benefits===
Disabled workers can also seek help through the Employment Insurance (EI) program. EI provides benefits to people who lose their jobs. It also helps those who can’t work because of sickness, or need time off work to care for a family member.


==Financial help for students with disabilities (from Canadian and BC governments)==
You may be eligible to get up to 15 weeks of '''EI sickness benefits''' if you're unable to work because of sickness or injury.


====[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/permanent_disability_benefit.shtml Canada Student Loans Program—Permanent Disability Benefit]====
EI also offers '''family caregiver benefits''' and '''compassionate care benefits'''. These can help if you have to miss work temporarily to care for a family member who is critically ill or injured, or gravely ill with a significant risk of death.  
Students with a permanent disability who are having trouble repaying their loans due to their disability can apply to the [https://csnpe-nslsc.cibletudes-canlearn.ca/Eng/Default.aspx National Student Loans Service Centre] to have their loans forgiven (so they don’t have to repay the loan).


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/canada-student-grant-students-permanent-disabilities Canada student grant for students with permanent disabilities]====
For more on EI benefits, see the federal government website at [http://www.canada.ca/ei canada.ca/ei].
This program helps part- or full-time students with permanent disabilities with the cost of education.


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/canada-student-grant-services-and-equipment-students-permanent-disabilities Canada student grant for services and equipment for students with permanent disabilities]====
===Workers compensation benefits===
This program helps part- or full-time students with permanent disabilities pay for exceptional education related costs for services and equipment.
You may be able to get compensation from [https://www.worksafebc.com/ WorkSafeBC] if you're a victim of a work accident or have a work-related illness.


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/canada-student-grant-students-dependants Canada student grant for students with dependants]====
==Support for return to work==
This program helps full-time students with the cost of education if they have dependants 12 or older with a permanent disability. [https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/canada-student-grant-part-time-students-dependants Part-time students] are also eligible.
The Canada Pension Plan offers a [http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/cpp/disability/voc-rehab.shtml voluntary program] to help CPP disability benefit recipients return to work. The program offers vocational counseling, financial support for training, and job search services.


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/ StudentAid BC]====
==Financial help for students with disabilities==  
This BC government website has information on student loans, grants, and scholarships. It also has programs that help with loan repayment. And you can apply for student loans on the site. Search the site for “disability” to find all the relevant information.
Several government programs offer financial help for students with disabilities.


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/assistance-program-students-permanent-disabilities BC assistance program for students with permanent disabilities]====
===Grants and bursaries for students with disabilities===
This program helps students with permanent disabilities pay for exceptional education-related services and adaptive equipment.
The federal government offers a [https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/education/grants/disabilities.html grant program for students with a permanent disability]. It is designed to help with the cost of post-secondary education.


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bc-supplemental-bursary-students-permanent-disability BC supplemental bursary for students with a permanent disability]====
The BC government offers a [https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bc-supplemental-bursary-students-permanent-disability supplemental bursary] for students with a permanent disability. Another BC grant program, the [https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bc-access-grant-students-permanent-disabilities access grant], helps students with a permanent disability by replacing $1,000 in BC student loan funding.
Various bursaries are available, depending on your course load.


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bc-access-grant-students-permanent-disabilities BC access grant for students with permanent disabilities]====
The federal government also offers a [https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/education/grants/disabilities-service-equipment.html grant program for services and equipment] for students with a permanent disability. This is to help disabled students who require exceptional education-related services or equipment.
This program helps full-time students with a permanent disability with the cost of education by replacing about $1,000 in BC student loan funding.


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bc-access-grant-deaf-students BC access grant for deaf students]====
If you have used the funds available through that federal grant program, you can apply to receive the BC government’s [https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/assistance-program-students-permanent-disabilities assistance for exceptional services and equipment] for disabled students.
This grant helps deaf and hard-of-hearing students with the additional costs while attending specialized post-secondary institutions where curriculum is delivered in American Sign Language.


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/youth-educational-assistance-fund-former-youth-care Youth educational assistance fund for former youth in care]====
===Forgiven student loans===  
This program provides grants up to $5,500 to former BC youth in care students between 19 and 23 years old. They have to meet several criteria, including being a full-time student or a student with a permanent disability studying at a reduced course load.
The BC government offers a student loan [https://studentaidbc.ca/repay/repayment-help/repayment-assistance-plan-borrowers-permanent-disability repayment assistance plan for borrowers with a permanent disability]. This plan helps you manage your student loan debt by reducing your monthly payment and letting you pay back what you can reasonably afford.


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/repay/repayment-help/repayment-assistance-plan-borrowers-permanent-disability Repayment assistance plan for borrowers with a permanent disability]====
Students with a severe permanent disability can [https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/education/severe-permanent-disability-benefit.html apply to have their student loans '''forgiven'''] (so they don’t have to repay the loans). To qualify, the disability must prevent them from working and from participating in post-secondary studies for the rest of their life.  
This plan helps you manage your Canada Student Loan and B.C. Student Loan debt by reducing your monthly payment and letting you pay back what you can reasonably afford.


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships Grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid]====
{| class="wikitable"
Several BC and federal grants and scholarships listed here are for students with a permanent disability.
|align="left"|'''Tip'''
The BC government’s [https://studentaidbc.ca/ StudentAid BC] website has information on student loans, grants, and scholarships. Search the site for “disability” to find information on programs for students with disabilities.
|}


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/repay/repayment-help/severe-permanent-disability-benefit Severe permanent disability benefit]====
This program forgives (or cancels) student loans if you have a severe permanent disability that prevents you from working or going to school, and prevents you from ever being able to repay your loans.


====[https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/learning-disability-assessment-bursary Learning disability assessment bursary]====
=Common questions=
This bursary program helps part- and full-time students with the initial costs of the learning disabilities assessment.


==Other help and information==
==The government turned down my application for disability assistance. Can I challenge it?==
*'''[http://www.thelawcentre.ca/ The Law Centre]''': this clinic in Victoria, run by University of Victoria law students, helps people with disabilities (who cannot afford a lawyer) to get employment insurance, CPP disability benefits, and other benefits. They also help with appeals. Call 250.385.1221.
Yes. If the BC Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction denies you disability assistance or reduces your benefits, you have the right to challenge their decision. See our information on [[Income Assistance: Reconsiderations and Appeals (Script 288)|reconsiderations and appeals of income assistance, no. 288]].


*'''[http://www.lslap.bc.ca/ Law Students’ Legal Advice Program]''': this is like The Law Centre in Victoria, but University of BC law students operate it. Clinics are throughout Greater Vancouver. Call 604.822.5791.
==A warrant is out for my arrest. Can I get disability assistance?==
No. If you have an outstanding arrest warrant for an indictable or hybrid offence anywhere in Canada, you cannot get income or disability assistance in BC. You must first do something about the warrant. See our information on [[Outstanding Warrants and Welfare (Script 204)|outstanding warrants and welfare, no. 204]].


*'''[http://www.disabilityalliancebc.org/ Disability Alliance BC]''': the Alliance has information on [http://disabilityalliancebc.org/category/publications/help-sheets/ BC disability benefits] and [http://disabilityalliancebc.org/category/publications/cpp-disability/ Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits]. These publications have checklists, help sheets, application guides, and appeal guides. Call 604.875.0188 in Vancouver and 1.800.663.1278 elsewhere in BC.


*'''[http://www.tapsbc.ca/ Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS)]''': based in Victoria, TAPS offers free legal help for people with income assistance, disability benefits, and tenancy issues. Call 250.361.3521.


*'''[http://www.lss.bc.ca/ Legal Services Society (LSS) BC]''': LSS provides free legal information. The publication called “[http://www.legalaid.bc.ca/publications/pub.php?pub=491 How to Apply for Welfare]” has information on social assistance.
=Get help=
 
==With applying for disability benefits==
For help in applying for disability benefits, you could seek out an '''advocate'''. Advocates are community workers trained to help people, including with the paperwork involved. PovNet has a [http://www.povnet.org/find-an-advocate/bc Find an Advocate Map at povnet.org]. Clicklaw’s [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap HelpMap] lists dozens of advocates in BC.
 
At '''student legal clinics''' in the Lower Mainland and Victoria, law students help people with disabilities who cannot afford a lawyer. The students help with applying for disability benefits and with appeals. In Victoria, call 250-385-1221 or visit [https://www.uvic.ca/law/about/centre/ uvic.ca/law/about/centre]. In the Lower Mainland, call 604-822-5791 or visit [http://www.lslap.bc.ca/ lslap.bc.ca]. 
 
==More information==
'''Disability Alliance BC''' has help sheets on [http://disabilityalliancebc.org/category/publications/help-sheets/ BC disability benefits] and [http://disabilityalliancebc.org/category/publications/cpp-disability/ Canada Pension Plan disability benefits].
:Toll-free: 1-800-663-1278
:Web: [http://disabilityalliancebc.org disabilityalliancebc.org]
 
'''Legal Services Society''' offers free booklets on “[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1082 How to Apply for Welfare]” and “[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4492 Welfare Benefits]” that explain disability assistance from the BC government.
:Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525
:Web: [http://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]
 
The '''Canadian government''' offers a [http://www.canadabenefits.gc.ca Benefits Finder at canadabenefits.gc.ca] that asks several questions about your situation and gives a list of possible government benefit programs, with links to more information.  


*'''[[Income Assistance: Reconsiderations and Appeals (Script 288)| Script 288, Income Assistance: Reconsiderations and Appeals]]''': this Dial-A-Law script explains that if you apply for or receive monthly income or disability assistance, you have the right to a reconsideration, and then an appeal, of most decisions that deny, reduce, or end that assistance. The script includes a link to the [http://www.gov.bc.ca/eaat/ Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal].




[updated June 2018]
[updated June 2018]


'''The above was edited by John Blois.'''
'''The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by [https://www.wilsonbutcher.com/lawyers/david-butcher/ David Butcher QC], Wilson Butcher.'''


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