Glossary

Benefit

Money or other help from the government or an organization.

Example: The Canada Disability Benefit gives monthly payments to help people with disabilities.

Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)

A new monthly payment from the Government of Canada for low-income adults with disabilities.

Example: This benefit gives extra money each month to help cover living costs.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The part of the federal government that collects taxes and gives out some benefits.

Example: The CRA sends you a tax refund if you paid too much tax.

Consent

Saying yes or giving permission for something to happen.

Example: Signing a form so a navigator can help you with your application.

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

A tax credit that can lower the income tax you pay. It can also help you get other benefits.

Example: Being approved for the DTC might let you open an RDSP.

Eligibility

The rules you need to meet to get a benefit or service.

Example: You may need to be a certain age or have a low income to qualify.

Income Tax

Money you pay to the government based on what you earn.

Example: If you work, part of your pay may go to income tax.

Low Income

When you do not earn enough money to cover your basic needs like food, housing, and transportation.

Example: Having trouble paying rent and buying groceries because your pay is too low.

Marked Restriction

When a disability makes it very hard or takes much longer to do a daily activity, like walking, eating, or getting dressed. This is true most or all of the time, even with help from medicine, devices, therapy, or people.

Example: A person who needs much longer to get dressed every day, even with support.

Navigator

A person who helps you understand, apply for, and get benefits.

Example: A navigator might help you fill out forms and send them in.

Non-Refundable

A type of tax credit that lowers the taxes you owe, but does not give you extra money if your taxes are already zero.

Example: If you owe $200 in taxes, a $300 non-refundable credit reduces your tax to zero, but you don’t get the extra $100.

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

A savings plan for people with disabilities that helps them save for the future. The government may add money through grants and bonds.

Example: If you put in some money, the government might add even more.

Service Canada

A government office that gives information and services for benefits and programs.

Example: You can go to Service Canada to apply for benefits or get help with forms.

Social Security Tribunal (SST)

 An independent group that makes decisions when you appeal (challenge) certain government benefit decisions.

Example: If you are denied a benefit, you can ask the SST to review your case.