Canada-wide
Government of Canada sites
All individuals: Canada Benefits is a government-wide information site about benefit programs and services for individuals, from the Government of Canada.
The 2011 Federal budget includes significant improvements in the Family Caregiver Amount that can be claimed on Schedule 1 of your Federal Tax return starting in 2012. View the questions and answers concerning eligibility and the claim process.
Caregivers: As a caregiver, you may be eligible for various forms of assistance from the Government of Canada, including Employment Insurance Compassionate Care benefits if you are caring for a loved one who is dying. There is also a Caregiver Amount on line 315 of your tax return.
Being a Caregiver
Disabled: If you are disabled or caring for someone with a disability, there is a lot to know and investigate. Here are three large Government of Canada sites and one non-government resource that will describe the financial supports that are available to you, including benefit information, tax guidance and other funding.
Service Canada Persons with Disabilities Online is a source of information on programs and services for persons with disabilities, their family members, caregivers and all Canadians, with both Canada-wide and provincial/territorial resource links. Sections of this site address financial supports for specific situations such as post-secondary education, being an entrepreneur, upgrading or modifying a home, getting assistive devices to gain independence or employment, and much more.
Persons with Disabilities Online
The Government of Canada's Office for Disability Issues (ODI) pulls together a vast amount of information on disability-related financial topics with a mandate to promote the full inclusion and participation of Canadians with disabilities in all aspects of society and community life. Many important topics are addressed here, including the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability Savings Grant and Savings Bond, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities and the Disability component of the Social Development Partnership Program (SDPP-D). The Resource list on this site is worthwhile browsing as well.
Office for Disability Issues
Service Canada has compiled a different Government of Canada list with numerous suggestions for services and benefits for Canadians Living with a Disability, such as applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits or Disability Benefits for Veterans and seeking eligible tax credits for persons with disabilities. An excellent resource is the Guide to Government of Canada Services for People with Disabilities and their Families which is included in this site. The section entitled Income Benefits and Tax provides details for applying for a Disability Tax Credit or a Child Disability Benefit (CDB).
Service Canada: Living with a Disability
Non-Government sites
RBC Your Caregiving Planner
Wheelchair.ca has a list of funding sources for medical equipment, both Canada-wide and regionally, as many government programs don't cover the full cost of required equipment, vehicle modifications or home renovations.
Wheelchair.ca - Canadian funding
Specific Tax Links
Here are some more specific tax sites for caregivers who are completing their own taxes or assisting with their care recipient's return.
Federal and provincial tax credit forms for 2011. TD Forms for 2011
Federal and provincial tax packages for 2010. General Income Tax and Benefit package for 2010.
Disability-related tax credits and deductions. The disability tax credit (DTC) is calculated at the federal level as part of your tax return. The primary form that determines eligibility is a T2201, the Disability Tax Credit Certificate, which can be submitted at any time during the year. You are required to complete the tax credit forms at the provincial or territorial level as well.
Here's an overview of disability-related tax topics as well as forms related to disability-related credits and deductions. Eligible medical expenses including the Attendant Care Expense deduction are also detailed on this site.
Persons with Disabilities
Here is more specific information on the Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Seniors tax topics. If you are caring for a senior and helping with taxes, you need to be informed about tax credits such as the age amount, the medical expense amount and the attendant care expense deduction.
Seniors
Final tax returns. Here are the steps to take when someone has died and a final tax return needs to be submitted. Whether you are the legal representative for the estate or working with others, you should read up on the required details and documents.
What to do when someone has died
Alberta
Government of Alberta Sites
Living in Alberta. This is a hub for government related programs dealing with numerous life events such as being a Senior, Disabled, having a Child, having Low Income.
Seniors: Here is a listing of programs and services that provides Alberta seniors with financial help
Here is an alternate listing of financial assistance resources
This site includes information on:
The Alberta Seniors Benefit
The Seniors Programs and Services Guide includes details on Income Support programs, Supportive Living programs and Health Services for specialized needs.
Disabled: Featured programs and services for persons with disabilities
Here is an alternate listing of disability supports for residents of Alberta
This site includes information on:
Financial help with Aids to Daily Living, Family Support, Student Funding, Palliative Care Drug Coverage and more…
Special Needs Housing supports
Specific Tax Links
Here are some more specific tax sites for caregivers who are completing their own taxes or assisting with their care recipient's return.
Alberta Tax Information 2010.
Information for residents of Alberta
Form AB428 - Alberta Tax and Credits
Alberta Personal Income Tax Credits 2011.
Tax credit form TD1AB includes disability amount, caregiver amount, amount for infirm dependants 18 yrs+ and disability amount transferred from a dependant, spouse or common-law partner.
Worksheet for calculating 2011 tax credits
British Columbia
British Columbia Government Sites
Seniors. The BC government has a site dedicated to seniors needs including financial needs, tax issues, tax credits and other income security.
Seniors BC
Disabled and Special Needs: The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) funds a range of programs and services for children and youth with special needs and their families. Special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are addressed. Respite benefits for family caregivers are provided in some cases. The At Home Program is intended to assist parents with some of the extraordinary costs of caring for a child with severe disabilities at home.
The list of special needs and related links list of special needs and related links are included here.
The British Columbia Ministry of Education funds numerous programs to support special needs students through the education system, including specialized technology, equipment, accessibility and personnel.
Ministry of Education - Special Needs
Here's a list of BC schools that are part of the Provincial Resource Program for funding special needs education programs.
List of BC Schools - Special Needs Education Programs
Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) is a provincial crown agency mandated to deliver support and service to adults with developmental disabilities and their families. CLBC is working to create communities where people with developmental disabilities have more choices about how they live, work and contribute.
Specific Tax Links
Here are some more specific tax sites for caregivers who are completing their own taxes or assisting with their care recipient's return.
British Columbia tax information 2010.
Information for residents of British Columbia
Form BC428 - British Columbia Tax
Form BC479 - British Columbia Credits
British Columbia Personal Income Tax Credits 2011.
Tax credit form TD1BC. Includes disability amount, caregiver amount, amount for infirm dependants 18 yrs+ and disability amount transferred from a dependant, spouse or common-law partner.
Worksheet for calculating 2011 tax credits.
Manitoba
Manitoba Government Sites
The Human Services Guide is a Government of Manitoba website which directs you to relevant databases on important topics such as Child Care, Financial Assistance, Parent & Caregiver Supports and Supports for Adults or Children with a Disability.
Human Services Guide
Online Services. The Province of Manitoba organizes many of its government services into a site searchable by category or government department. Categories include benefits, taxes, family and health.
Online Services
Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs is an important online hub for finding financial support information for a variety of caregiving situations.
Family Services and Consumer Affairs
This site includes
Disabled Adult and Children's Program Supports to enhance the quality of life of children and adults with physical and mental disabilities living in the community. Information includes Children's programs, Supported Living and Employment and Income Supports.
Disabled Adult and Children's Program
Community Service Delivery provides guidance on how community and social services are organized in Manitoba.
Community Service Delivery
Employment and Income Assistance to provide additional financial assistance to persons with disabilities. The Facts section has a listing of what supports are eligible for funding.
Employment and Income Assistance
Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence Program (HASI) is a federal/provincial cost-shared program that helps low-income seniors (65+) who have difficulties with daily living and activities in the home, by providing financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to carry out minor home adaptations.
Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence Program
Manitoba Health Ancillary Programs helps determine if you are covered for a variety of specialized health funding.
Manitoba Health Ancillary Programs
The Manitoba Office of Disability Issues runs the Opening Doors program which includes financial support for disabled adults and children, including funding for special equipment to facilitate staying at home or participating in a work environment.
Manitoba Office of Disability Issues
Specific Tax Links
Here are some more specific tax sites for caregivers who are completing their own taxes or assisting with their care recipient's return.
Manitoba Tax Information 2010
Information for residents of Manitoba
Form MB428 - Manitoba Tax
Form MB428-A - Manitoba Family Tax Benefit
Form MB479 - Manitoba Credits
Manitoba Personal Income Tax Credits 2011.
Tax credit form TD1MB. Includes disability amount, caregiver amount, amount for infirm dependants 18 yrs+ and disability amount transferred from a dependant, spouse or common-law partner.
Worksheet for calculating 2011 tax credits
Manitoba Finance. Detailed explanation of the Primary Caregiver Tax Credit , including eligibility, frequently asked questions and a step-by-step process.
Family Tax Reduction. Taxpayers can reduce their tax payable by the sum of $300 for each disability claim, and $300 for each disabled dependent 18 years of age or over if claimed, minus 1% of the taxpayer's adjusted net income.
Retail Sales Tax Exemption . This Department of Finance bulletin outlines the retail sales tax exemptions that are allowed on drugs, equipment for physically disabled persons and certain medical supplies.
New Brunswick
Government of New Brunswick Sites
The Government of New Brunswick has provided information on financial assistance in the Resident listing of its' main site. Searches through the Basic Needs category, using the Financial Assistance filter will identify relevant links to financial support for Seniors, for Persons with Disabilities, on topics such as Health Services and Child Supports.
Basic Needs/Financial Assistance
Alternately, the Department of Social Development organizes resources for Individuals/Families, for Seniors and for Persons with Disabilities.
Eng: Social Development
Social Development
Within this site, the Individuals and Families listing contains important links to Health Services for special needs and related forms.
Health Services for special needs and related forms
The Seniors listing contains information on the Standard Family Contribution Policy and guide on being assessed for support.
Seniors listing
The Persons with Disabilities listing contains information on special needs Health Services and related support, Housing Assistance and the Disability Support Program.
Persons with Disabilities listing
Directory of Financial Assistance for Persons with Disabilities. If you are caring for a child, student or adult that is disabled, The Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons has compiled a list of financial resources to investigate. This site also contains an A-Z subject index, including provincial funding resources listed under Funding/Financial, Seniors and Rehabilitation Equipment and Services
Subject Index .
Specific Tax Links
Here are some more specific tax sites for caregivers who are completing their own taxes or assisting with their care recipient's return.
New Brunswick tax information 2010.
Information for residents of New Brunswick
Form NB428 - New Brunswick Tax and Credits
New Brunswick Personal Income Tax Credits 2011.
Tax credit form TD1NB. Includes disability amount, caregiver amount, amount for infirm dependants 18 yrs+ and disability amount transferred from a dependant, spouse or common-law partner.
Worksheet for calculating 2011 tax credits
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island Government Sites
The Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour contains most of the program links needed for caregivers seeking financial information to support their care recipient. Within this site:
The Supports for Islanders and Families section details the Social Assistance program, Affordable Housing and Child Care Subsidies available to families with low income and special needs.
The Supports for People with Disabilities section outlines the Disability Support Program which is a social program with an added financial component. Assistance with Respite Care, Autism Spectrum Disorder supports, specialized aids and other family and community programs are outlined.
Also in this section, under Community Partners, is a listing of local programs that provide some funded support for persons with physical or intellectual disabilities, as well as respite care.
The Supports for Seniors section contains a long list of resource links, including financial assistance programs such as Seniors Drug Cost Assistance, Seniors Home Repair, Affordable Housing and Seniors Property Tax Deferral.
Specific Tax Links
Here are some more specific tax sites for caregivers who are completing their own taxes or assisting with their care recipient's return.
PEI Tax Information 2010.
Information for residents of Prince Edward Island
Form PE428 - Prince Edward Island Tax and Credits
Prince Edward Island Personal Income Tax Credits 2011.
Tax credit form TD1PE. Includes disability amount, caregiver amount, amount for infirm dependants 18 yrs+ and disability amount transferred from a dependant, spouse or common-law partner.
Worksheet for calculating 2011 tax credits
Quebec
Government of Quebec Sites
Revenue Quebec provides detailed financial information organized by taxpayer group. This site includes:
Tax Topics for Informal Caregivers includes information links about the tax credits for Caregivers, Respite of Caregivers and Volunteer Respite Services.
Tax Topics for Seniors, which includes tax credit information on Home-Support Services for Seniors, Medical Expenses, Age Amount, Amount for Persons Living Alone and Amount for a Severe and Prolonged Impairment in Mental or Physical Functions.
Tax Topics for Persons with Disabilities which includes the Disability Supports Deduction as well as the Caregiver tax credit information.
Office des personnes handicapées (French only) provides information on provincial programs for persons with disabilities, including financial supports for medical expenses, vehicle adaptation and other tax credits provided provincially and federally.
Specific Tax Links
Here are some more specific tax sites for caregivers who are completing their own taxes or assisting with their care recipient's return.
Quebec Tax Information 2010.
Information for Residents of Quebec
Ministère du revenu du Québec
Saskatchewan
Government of Saskatchewan Sites
The Department of Social Services provides an overview of programs for residents, organized by Children and Families, People with Disabilities and Seniors. Within this site:
The Children and Families section includes details on the Saskatchewan Disability Rental Housing Supplement.
The People with Disabilities section includes an important link to the Office of Disability Issues, where caregivers can find information on Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID), with related links to the Employability Assistance program.
Another valuable listing under People with Disabilities, Housing supports which includes the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (RRAP) and the Saskatchewan Home Adaptations for Independence Program (SHAIP).
The Seniors section includes information on the Seniors Income Plan and Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence program.
The Department of Health provides a set of programs and services, many with financial assistance as part of their offering. Within this site:
A set of health-related links for People with Disabilities includes programs designed around specific health conditions and overviews the Saskatchewan Aids for Living Independently (SAIL) program.
A list of Fully Covered Services, including mental health, supplementary health and family health services.
As well, a listing of Partially Covered Services addresses Home Care, Long-term Care and more specific health-related needs.
Links to the Special Support Program , which is designed to help those whose drug costs are high in relation to their income
Specific Tax Links
Here are some more specific tax sites for caregivers who are completing their own taxes or assisting with their care recipient's return.
Saskatchewan Tax Information 2010
Information for residents of Saskatchewan
Form SK428 - Saskatchewan Tax
Form SK479 - Saskatchewan Credit
Saskatchewan Personal Income Tax Credits 2011.
Tax credit form TD1SK. Includes disability amount, caregiver amount, amount for infirm dependants 18 yrs+ and disability amount transferred from a dependant, spouse or common-law partner.
Worksheet for calculating tax credits
Yukon
The Department of Health and Social Services includes a Social Services listing that includes Adult Community Services, Family & Children's, Seniors and Services for People with Disabilities. Within this site, some important financial supports are included:
The Adult Community Services listing includes the Yukon Seniors Income Supplement
The Family & Children's listing links you to Placement and Support Services, for those needing assessment and support for placing a child with special needs in care or custody.
The Seniors listing contains information on Support for Assistive Devices, in the Challenges section. In the Government Support listing, caregivers can find information on Extended Health Care Benefits under the Health listings and supports such as the Seniors Property Tax Deferment Program in the Housing listing. Further down, links to Social Assistance programs are included.
The Services for People with Disabilities listing links to disability-related services in other government departments for Education-related support.
Specific Tax Links
Here are some more specific tax sites for caregivers who are completing their own taxes or assisting with their care recipient's return.
Yukon Tax Information 2010.
Information for residents of Yukon
Form YT428 - Yukon Tax
Form YT432 - Yukon First Nations Tax
Form YT479 - Yukon Credits
Yukon Personal Income Tax Credits 2011.
Tax credit form TD1YT. Includes disability amount, caregiver amount, amount for infirm dependants 18 yrs+ and disability amount transferred from a dependant, spouse or common-law partner.
Worksheet for calculating 2011 tax credits.