Canada Disability Benefit, AISH implications

A July update to the AISH policy manual summarized regulation amendments for the program to coincide with the start of the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB):

• The federal CDB (up to $200/month) will be non-exempt income and impact monthly AISH benefits – except for recipients of a modified living allowance.
• AISH clients are “expected to apply for the CDB in a reasonable amount of time” and update the program; a letter to clients set a Friday, Sept. 5 deadline to begin the application. Physicians do not need to have completed their portion by this date.
• Failure to apply for the CDB or update the AISH program “may result in a deduction of $200 per month.”

Being approved for the disability tax credit (DTC) is a critical eligibility requirement of the CDB, and the DTC application involves a medical practitioner.

Two options to apply for the DTC:

• Applicant fills out their part of a digital form through their CRA account or by calling the CRA, provides the reference number to a medical practitioner who completes the form via the digital application for medical professionals, and the completed form is automatically submitted to the CRA.
• Applicant fills out their part of the “paper” form T2201 by hand or using the fillable PDF, medical practitioner completes their part and signs it, either individual submits it to the CRA.

The CRA has a dedicated toll-free phone line (1.800.280.2639) for medical practitioners who have questions about the DTC or who need help filling out the form.

The CDB application does not require a medical practitioner’s involvement.