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A non-refundable tax credit that reduces the income tax owed by individuals with significant and prolonged impairments.

Many seniors are unaware that they may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) if they face significant restrictions in performing basic activities of daily living. These activities include walking, dressing, feeding, speaking, hearing, or managing essential mental functions. Conditions such as arthritis, stroke, dementia, or severe mobility issues may make seniors eligible for this valuable tax benefit.

When approved, the DTC reduces the amount of income tax owed by the individual or their supporting family member. If the senior shares a household with higher-income earners, transferring the credit can help lower the overall tax burden for the family. Additionally, the DTC retroactively applies for up to 10 years, providing significant financial relief.

For seniors or their caregivers, the DTC can make a big difference in offsetting costs associated with living with disabilities. If you think you or a loved one may qualify, consult a healthcare professional to complete the application (Form T2201) and submit it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Visit this CRA website to learn more about eligibility and application details.

CRA DTC

A savings plan with government grants (up to $70,000) and bonds (up to $20,000) to provide long-term financial security.

The RDSP is a government-sponsored savings account for people with disabilities. It allows your savings to grow tax-free. The RDSP can help you save for medical expenses, future needs, or unexpected costs, providing more financial security. The government can help by matching your contributions through:

1. Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG): The government may match your contributions up to 300%, giving you up to $3,500 a year (lifetime max $70,000).
2. Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB): If you have low income, the government can contribute up to $1,000 a year without you having to add any money (lifetime max $20,000).

Why Do You Need the DTC?

To open an RDSP, you must have an approved DTC. This credit shows that you have a significant and ongoing disability.

How to Get Started

1. Apply for the DTC by completing Form T2201.
2. Open an RDSP at a bank or financial institution.
3. Make contributions and benefit from the grants and bonds.

CRA RDSP

Monthly payments for seniors aged 65 and older, with additional supplements for low-income seniors i.e. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

CRA OAS
CRA GIS

Financial assistance for individuals who cannot work due to a disability.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefit is a financial assistance program for individuals who are unable to work due to a severe and prolonged disability. It is designed to provide income support to eligible individuals who have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan while they were working. The benefit helps replace income lost because of an illness or injury that prevents the individual from engaging in any substantial gainful activity.

CRA CPP Disability

Support for daily living activities, including personal care, meal preparation, and medical needs, often coordinated through provincial health services.

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL): Funding for medical equipment and supplies for eligible individuals in Alberta.

AADL is a government program designed to assist Alberta residents with long-term health conditions or disabilities by providing financial support for the purchase and maintenance of specialized equipment and supplies that are essential for daily living.

This program helps individuals regain independence, improve their quality of life, and remain in their homes longer, rather than having to move into assisted living or long-term care facilities.

AADL is part of Alberta Health and is intended to support seniors, people with disabilities, and those with long-term health issues by providing access to essential medical equipment and supplies. The program covers a range of aids that can assist with personal care, mobility, and daily tasks.

AADL covers a variety of medical equipment and aids, including:

1. Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, stairlifts.
2. Personal Care Aids: Bathing aids, commodes, transfer aids.
3. Prosthetics and Orthotics: Artificial limbs, orthopedic devices.
4. Respiratory Aids: Oxygen tanks, CPAP machines.
5. Sensory Aids: Hearing aids, visual aids.
6. Diabetes Management Supplies: Blood glucose monitors, insulin pumps.
7. Incontinence Supplies: Adult diapers, incontinence pads.
8. Other Specialized Aids: Cognitive aids, environmental modifications (ramps, grab bars).

Application – The application process involves the following steps:

1. Consult with a Healthcare Provider: Get a written recommendation from a doctor or health professional for the required equipment.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form with healthcare information and the medical recommendation.
3. Submit the Application: Submit the completed application form to AADL online or by mail.
4. Assessment: AADL will review your application and determine eligibility.
5. Notification: You will be notified of the decision and instructions for obtaining the approved equipment.

AB AADL

Provincial Program for Albertans – Grants to help Albertans with mobility challenges modify their homes for accessibility.

RAMP provides grants to help Albertans with mobility challenges make their homes more accessible. It covers modifications like wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, bathroom modifications, and stairlifts, enabling individuals to live safely and independently.

Eligibility:

1. Alberta residents with a mobility impairment.
2. Low to moderate income may be required.
3. Homeowners or tenants (with landlord approval) can apply.

Types of Modifications Covered:

1. Wheelchair ramps and stairlifts.
2. Widened doorways for better mobility.
3. Bathroom modifications (e.g., grab bars, roll-in showers).
4. Other accessibility features like lowered counters or handrails.

How to Apply:

1. Check eligibility and get a medical recommendation.
2. Complete and submit the application form.
3. Wait for assessment and notification on approval.
4. If approved, the program helps cover the cost of modifications.If approved, the program helps cover the cost of modifications.

For more information and to apply, visit the Government of Alberta website.

AB RAMP

Federal Program: HASI is a federal program, and it is available to eligible seniors across Canada, including Alberta. It helps low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older with funding to make modifications to their homes to improve mobility and accessibility, allowing them to live independently longer.

Purpose: Provides financial assistance to seniors for home adaptations that will help them remain in their homes and live independently for as long as possible.

Eligibility:

• Must be a senior (65 years or older).
• Must own or rent a home in Canada.
• The adaptations must be necessary to help the senior continue living independently in their home.

Eligible Expenses: The program can cover the cost of adapting areas of the home such as:

• Installing grab bars, handrails, or stairlifts.
• Widening doorways to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.
• Modifying bathrooms, kitchens, and other essential living spaces for better mobility.
• List of Eligible Adaptations – with examples and pictures

Maximum Funding: The program offers up to $1,500 for each eligible senior per year.

Application: To apply for this program, call Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) at 1-800-668-2642

HASI Self-Assessment Guide

Financial aid for low-income seniors to cover essential or health-related expenses.

The SNAS program is a financial aid initiative provided by the Government of Alberta to support low-income seniors who need assistance covering the costs of essential or health-related expenses. This program helps alleviate some of the financial strain seniors may face, especially when they need items or services that are not covered by other programs or insurance.

The goal of SNAS is to ensure that seniors can maintain a good quality of life by helping them access necessary goods and services that they may not be able to afford otherwise. This includes a range of items and services related to personal care, mobility, and overall well-being.

Eligibility – To qualify for SNAS, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Age: You must be 65 years of age or older.
2. Residency: Resident of Alberta and have a valid Alberta Health Card.
3. Income: This program is designed for low-income seniors, and applicants must meet the income eligibility criteria, which are generally based on annual household income.
4. Financial Need: The program is intended to help seniors with financial challenges who are unable to cover the cost of essential needs.

What Expenses Does SNAS Cover?
SNAS helps seniors with the costs of essential goods and services, including:

1. Health-Related Expenses:
   • Prescription medications (not covered by other programs like Alberta Blue Cross).
   • Medical supplies such as diabetic equipment, hearing aids, or mobility aids (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs).
2. Personal Care:
   • Costs for services such as home care, bathing assistance, or cleaning when these services are needed to help seniors maintain independence.
3. Essential Household Items:
   • Air conditioners (for health reasons, like managing chronic health conditions).
   • Winter clothing or other items necessary for comfort or health.
4. Other Costs:
   • Some dental procedures, vision care, or other health-related needs that are not covered under other provincial programs or private insurance plans.
5. For more information and to apply, visit the Government of Alberta website.

AB SNAS

Permits allowing access to designated parking spaces.

AB Parking Placard

Reduced fares for seniors and individuals with disabilities in many municipalities.

Regular Seniors Annual Transit Pass @ $159/year

Calgary Transit Regular Senior Pass

Low Income Seniors Annual Transit Pass @ $32/year

Calgary Transit Regular Senior Pass

Specialized public transportation services for people with disabilities who cannot use regular transit due to physical or cognitive limitations.

To take a trip – Trips needs to be booked in advance.

Find Your Eligibility

Details of the Application Process

Application Form (needs to be filled by you and a licensed healthcare professional)

Application Form

Interview 95% of applicants are interviewed.

Accompanying Adult – Based on your condition you could be approved to have a Mandatory Personal Care Attendant (who travels free & would need to be present with you during the trip, and without whom you would not be allowed onto the vehicle).

Cost – $3.80 per trip (the price of an adult bus ticket) – they don’t accept cash – you will need to present an adult bus ticket/pass

Subsidies Applicants with income challenges can contact the Fair Entry Subsidy program

Subsidy Details

More information – Calgary Transit Access at 403-537-7777 then press 5.

Claims for eligible medical expenses not covered by insurance.

METC can cover a wide range of medical expenses that may not be reimbursed by insurance or other health benefits. Here are some examples of eligible expenses under the METC that insurance may not cover:

1. Prescription Medications
2. Medical Devices and Equipment – Wheelchairs, hearing aids, oxygen equipment, prosthetics, blood pressure monitors or glucose meters, etc.
3. Home Care Services – Personal care services (e.g., nursing care, help with activities of daily living), In-home nursing services or specialized treatments at home, etc.
4. Health-Related Travel Expenses – Travel costs (e.g., transportation, meals, and accommodation) to access medical care or treatment when the required services are not available locally or in your area.
5. Dental and Vision Care
6. Alternative Therapies and Treatments – Acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, physiotherapy, counseling or mental health therapy, etc.
7. Special Diets and Medical Foods – Special dietary products or medical foods prescribed by a medical practitioner for managing conditions such as diabetes, celiac disease, or allergies, vitamins or nutritional supplements prescribed for a specific medical condition (e.g., iron supplements for anemia), etc.
8. Adaptations for Disabilities – Home modifications (such as ramps or stairlifts) required for accessibility due to a disability, accessibility aids like specialized furniture or adaptations for mobility, etc.
9. Cosmetic Surgery or Procedures (for Medical Reasons) – Some cosmetic surgeries that are medically necessary, such as reconstructive surgery after an accident or for health-related reasons (e.g., breast reconstruction post-cancer), etc.
10. Uninsured Services from Medical Practitioners – Fees for consultations with medical specialists or practitioners, particularly those for alternative treatments, or those not covered under provincial health plans, etc.
11. Long-Term Care Expenses – Nursing home care, assisted living, and other long-term care expenses, especially if the individual is not eligible for public funding, etc.
12. Diagnostic Services Not Covered – Certain diagnostic tests or screenings (e.g., genetic testing, non-standard imaging) that are deemed medically necessary, etc.

Important Notes

• Documentation: Always keep receipts and prescriptions for all medical expenses, as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires them for claims.
• Insurance Coverage: If any portion of an expense is covered by insurance, only the amount paid out of pocket can be claimed under the METC.

CRA METC

Tax credits for family members providing care to individuals with disabilities or seniors.

These credits can reduce the amount of taxes owed and are designed to assist those who are responsible for the care and well-being of a loved one. There are two main types of caregiver credits available:

1. Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC) – This is available to individuals who provide care for a spouse or common-law partner, child, or dependent relative who has a physical or mental impairment.
   CRA CCC
2. Caregiver Amount (formerly the Dependant Credit) – This credit, which has been part of the Canada Caregiver Credit since 2017, allows a caregiver to claim an additional amount if the person they care for is age 18 or older and has a mental or physical impairment.

These programs provide crucial support, improving quality of life and promoting independence.

If you’re one of the many Albertans over 15 who care for a family member, visit Caregivers Alberta’s website to see how they can support you.

Caregivers Alberta

Unison is a trusted organization dedicated to supporting older adults (55+) by promoting independence, connection, and well-being. They offer a wide range of programs and services, including:

• Social Activities – Events, clubs, and group programs to stay engaged.
• Wellness Programs – Fitness classes, mental health support, and health workshops.
• Practical Support – Assistance with housing, legal aid, and financial resources.
• Education & Learning – Workshops and courses to help seniors stay informed and connected.

One of their key offerings is the Unison Service Directory, an annual guide that connects seniors and their families with essential services, including:

• Housing (page 81)
• Home Care (page 42)
• Legal Support (page 51)
• Transportation (page 64)
• Health (page 31)

Download – Unison Service Directory 2025

To learn more about their programs and resources, visit their website

Unison Alberta’s Website.