FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Plan Institute Announces the Launch of Its Canada Disability Benefit Website and Additional Support for Disability Tax Credit Applications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOVEMBER 21st, 2024
Plan Institute Announces the Launch of Its Canada Disability Benefit Website and Additional Support for Disability Tax Credit Applications
Vancouver, British Columbia
Plan Institute is excited to announce the launch of two new initiatives ahead of the release of the Canada Disability Benefit: its Canada Disability Benefit website, CanadaDisabilityBenefit.ca, and one-on-one support for Disability Tax Credit applications through its Disability Planning Helpline. All support is free of charge and available nationwide.
About the Canada Disability Benefit
The Canada Disability Benefit is an upcoming federal benefit for working-age individuals with disabilities. Applications for the benefit are expected to open by early summer 2025, with initial payments disbursed in July 2025. These new initiatives ensure that as many individuals as possible receive the Canada Disability Benefit immediately upon its release.
“This benefit is an important step towards eliminating disability poverty in Canada,” said Stephanie Debisschop, Executive Director at Plan Institute. “In our commitment to empowering people in their rights, our new supports are here to aid in ensuring financial security for all. Together with our community, we will continue to advocate for the elimination of barriers and more equitable access to benefits and supports.”
CanadaDisabilityBenefit.ca
CanadaDisabilityBenefit.ca provides a comprehensive overview of the Canada Disability Benefit. The website offers information, resources, and support regarding the Canada Disability Benefit. It addresses key details, including:
Eligibility requirements for the Canada Disability Benefit
Information on how benefit payments will be calculated
Updates on clawback decisions across all provinces and territories
Resources and assistance for applying for the Disability Tax Credit, which is required to receive the Canada Disability Benefit
Plan Institute will update the website as regulations for the Canada Disability Benefit are finalized and details about the application process become available, including creating additional resources to help individuals navigate the application process.
Please click here to view the Canada Disability Benefit website.
Application Support for the Disability Tax Credit
Plan Institute is also pleased to expand its Disability Planning Helpline to provide detailed one-on-one support for the Disability Tax Credit application process. The expanded capacity of the Disability Planning Helpline allows for an increased number of individuals to apply for the Disability Tax Credit before the release of the Canada Disability Benefit.
Helpline advisors are available to offer guidance on each step of the Disability Tax Credit application process, including supporting individuals with all parts of the application form, providing sample language, reviewing paperwork, and preparing a letter to take to a medical practitioner. The Disability Planning Helpline will continue to provide valuable support to individuals on a range of topics, including the Registered Disability Savings Plan, estate planning, and provincial disability supports.
Additional support for the Disability Tax Credit was made possible through a partnership with Disability Alliance BC, a BC-based organization that assists with the Disability Tax Credit.
Please click here for more information about the Disability Planning Helpline.
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About Plan Institute
Plan Institute is a national non-profit organization based in Burnaby, BC, dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to lead a good life. They offer educational materials and resources, collaborate on community projects, and engage a diverse array of partners to promote innovative initiatives aimed at creating meaningful change and reforming policies.
Plan Institute has actively participated in advocacy efforts around the Canada Disability Benefit since the announcement of a federal disability benefit in September 2020. By collaborating with various stakeholders, the organization has been a key contributor to the movement surrounding this new benefit.
Plan Institute is grateful for the generous support of the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security and Employment and Social Development Canada on these two initiatives.
For further information, please contact:
Alissa Segal
Communications Manager, Plan Institute
604-439-9566
