Federal Disability Tax Benefits

The brochure is available for download below in English and French. On this page you will also find information about Registered Disability Savings Plans and the Canada Disability Savings Grant.

Ostomy Canada Society has been very active and supportive in working with its partners to ensure people with an ostomy have access to certain provincial and federal financial support programs. The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Committee consists of members from Ostomy Canada Society and the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC). They meet frequently to discuss and plan the implementation of a strategy to inform the medical community, pharmacies, patients, and the general public about how people living with an ostomy can qualify for the Canadian Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Their efforts have resulted in a trifold brochure has been printed and available through both organizations, as well as on their websites. Call or email the Ostomy Canada office for printed copies. The brochure is available for download below in English, and in French.

Download English version here.

English version

Download

Download French version here.

French version

Download

If you are denied a claim, read your letter from CRA to see what is wrong or missing. In most cases, it is because the following phrase was not used on the form:

For Urostomy:

Uses a device to eliminate the bladder. This patient is markedly restricted in eliminating with a device and takes an inordinate amount of time to personally manage bladder functions. In addition, personal management is very costly.

For Ileostomy or Colostomy:

“Uses a device to eliminate the bowel. This patient is markedly restricted in eliminating with a device and takes an inordinate amount of time to personally manage bowel functions. In addition, personal management is very costly.”

The Government of Canada now has a website where you can diagnose your Disability Tax Credit application problems.

Note – you should always consult your provincial health care system to assess if any changes have occurred.

Federal Coverage Plans

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. If you have an RDSP, you may also be eligible for grants and bonds to help with your long-term savings.

You should consider opening an RDSP if you have a long-term disability and are:

eligible for the Disability Tax Credit;
under the age of 60 (if you are 59, you must apply before the end of the calendar year in which you turned 59);
a Canadian resident with a Social Insurance Number (SIN); and
looking for a long-term savings plan.

You may contribute any amount to your RDSP each year, up to the lifetime contribution limit of $200,000. With written permission from the RDSP holder, anyone may contribute to the RDSP.

For more information:

Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG)

The Canada Disability Savings Grant is another way for the federal government to contribute money to your RDSP. When you (or your family or friends) deposit money into the RDSP, the federal government will also put in some money.

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