Money & benefits
Disability benefits for newcomer families in BC.
Newcomer families raising a child/children with a disability in BC can apply for several benefits: the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Child Disability Benefit, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the At Home Program, and childcare support. The Disability Tax Credit often comes first, because it opens the door to others. Here is what each one is, and how Steady Path helps you find them.
The main benefits, in plain language
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
A federal tax credit for a lasting disability, applied for through the CRA. Often the first step: approval can qualify you for other benefits.
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
A monthly, tax-free amount added to the Canada Child Benefit for families caring for a child eligible for the DTC.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
A long-term savings plan that can attract government grants and bonds, for a person approved for the DTC.
At Home Program
Provincial support for children with significant support needs: medical benefits or respite for families who qualify.
Affordable Childcare Benefit
Help with the cost of childcare for eligible families, so care is within reach while you settle and work.
How we help with this
We help you understand which benefits exist and where to apply, and we help you prepare. We are not tax or legal advisers. For filing the Disability Tax Credit or opening an RDSP, we point you to the Canada Revenue Agency or a qualified professional.
See also school and IEP support and your first weeks in BC.
Read the official pages directly: the Disability Tax Credit and the Registered Disability Savings Plan, both on canada.ca. Still not sure which applies to your family? Ask us and we will point you to the right one.
Questions
Benefits, answered plainly.
What disability benefits can a family in BC apply for?The main ones are the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the At Home Program, and the Affordable Childcare Benefit. The Disability Tax Credit often needs to be approved first, because it opens the door to several others.
What is the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)?The Disability Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for people with a lasting disability. It is applied for through the Canada Revenue Agency with a form completed partly by a medical practitioner. Being approved can also make a child eligible for the Child Disability Benefit and the RDSP.
Can Steady Path Society help me apply for benefits?We help you understand which benefits exist, what they are for, and where to apply, and we help you prepare. We are not tax or legal advisers, so for filing the Disability Tax Credit or opening an RDSP we point you to the Canada Revenue Agency or a qualified professional.
What number do I call in a crisis?Call 911 for any emergency. For non-urgent health advice in BC, call 811 to reach HealthLink BC, any hour.
It's a lot to take in
We'll help you find what fits.
Free help understanding the benefits and where to apply, so nothing your family is entitled to gets missed.