Disability Tax Credit

Reposting from June/09

I wasn't sure if I was going to blog about this but with today's Wpg Free Press article about the disability tax credit I decided I want to. The article talks about how there are many people who would qualify for this credit but don't apply because the forms make it seem like you won't be approved and/or there are so many hoops to jump through.

I found this really interesting because this is a perfect description of me a few months ago. As many of you know, I'm on long term disability - but I never applied for the tax credit because I didn't think I would be approved. I know the limitation my disability places on me but because it's not visible to others at a quick glance, I tend to play it down. Many people (and even myself sometimes) think that disability = wheelchair or white cane. This just isn't true. My disability impacts my life every day - even though its not visible to others at first glance. My doctor felt I qualified for the tax credit and I just found out yesterday that I was approved - so the government believes I qualify too.

I only applied because of the encouragment and advice of a great woman named Frances. She doesn't charge for her help and isn't in a business or anything - she is almost like an advocate of sorts. She guided me through the process and really helped me along. I want to send a big thank you to her!

The Free Press article makes it sound like you have to hire someone to help you apply but you really don't. With Frances's advice I was able to do all of this myself - and it really wasn't as hard as I expected. So, if you or someone you know is disabled (remember, disability does not mean only wheelchair/white cane) go apply for this. Frances has said I can pass on her email address to anyone who could use her help so email me if you would like it.