From my many conversations with constituents, and with the organizations who support persons with disabilities, I know just how important the Disability Tax Credit is to individuals and their families.
I’ve also heard, loud and clear, how difficult it can be to access. The paperwork, the process, and the barriers that stand in the way of a benefit that is often a gateway to other critical supports. And as I committed to you, I wouldn’t stop advocating until this changed.
I want you to know that our government is working to do exactly that.
Tucked into our government’s Spring Economic Update are practical and important steps to make the Disability Tax Credit easier to access:
- A streamlined application process for individuals with certain long-term medical conditions already recognized as typically meeting eligibility criteria
- Expanding which health professionals can certify applications, including podiatrists, and broadening the role of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists within their scope of practice
- Recognizing public guardians and trustees so they can certify eligibility for adults in their care
We’re also investing $42.5 million in the Canada Revenue Agency to help ensure applications are processed more quickly and accurately, so folks can access the support they deserve, when they need it.
These are real, meaningful changes that will reduce red tape, ease the burden on medical professionals, and help more people access the supports they’re entitled to.
Because access matters.
The Disability Tax Credit isn’t just a tax measure, it opens the door to other supports like the Canada Disability Benefit, the Child Disability Benefit, and the Registered Disability Savings Plan.
These improvements are expected to deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in additional support to Canadians over the coming years.
There’s more to do, and I’ll keep listening and advocating, but this is real, meaningful progress.
