Canadian Income Tax Disability Credit

[hugahusky]

I realize that financial matters are very personal but I would appreciate any information you might be willing to share.

I am trying to decide whether I would qualify for the disability tax
credit. I have been diagnosed with severe COPD chronic bronchitis and I am trying to decide whether I would qualify for the disability tax credit. I have been diagnosed with severe COPD chronic bronchitis and emphysema. For now i am on 3 inhalers and I am still working. My FEV1 is 35%. However, getting ready for work is a problem because I cannot hurry at all with anything, so as a result I must get up at 6am to be to work at 9:00. If I hurry I get SOB. I try to walk to work when the weather is good but it takes me 20-25 minutes to walk to the corner of my street (0.5miles). I usually have to stop twice to get my breath. If the weather is not good and I take the car it takes me even longer to get there because I find I am exhausted after clearing off the car and scraping windows. Again I am short of breath and very tired.

A very good friend of mine does my housework once a week, prepares meals to put in the freezer, does laundry, takes me to my appointments, shopping and anything else that comes up. Without her, I would not be able to manage day- to- day living.

At this point in time staying home is not an option as I am a widow and live alone. I need the social interaction as well as the financial compensation that work provides.

I have reviewed the application for the tax credit but was wondering if you could give me a heads up on any "phrases" my doctor might use.

Any suggestions that you have would be very much appreciated.

Thank you
Susan

[sandy07]

I checked into it myself. I can't remember a lot about it right now but I think I didn't feel I'd qualify since what my husband does for me...housework etc. didn't seem to count. What your friend does, however, might.

Okay....I went and got the forms.......................Here's the info also for the vehicle placard....for when you take your car.

Short term/long term disability where the patient is unable to walk more than 50 metres....that's the eligibility. They also want limitations etc. This is on the Medical form to be signed by the doctor. It's only a one page thing.

Disability tax credit forms........I'm going to abbreviate to keep it short.

...impairment must be 12 mos. or more.

...effects must be those which, even with therapy and the use of appropriate devices and medication, cause the patient to be restricted all or substantially all of the time.

..the patient is unable to walk even with appropriate therapy, medication and devices : or...requires an inordinate amount of time to walk...(devices being canes, walkers etc.)

...rely on a wheelchair

...Can walk 100 metres (about a city block) but only by taking a significant amount of time, stopping because of SOB or pain, all or substantially all the time.

There are also sections to fill out for feeding/dressing

The effects of the impairment must be to daily living......walking/speaking/hearing/dressing/feeding/elimination/mental

** working, housekeeping, and social or recreational activities are NOT considered basic activities of daily living. (this is the one that got me)

I was going to do it so my husband could get it for being the caregiver...but it's not that easy....since it can't be just housekeeping etc.

There are some here getting it. I'd really like to know how....could you PM us please.....and do you remember what the doctor put down as the effects of the impairment on your ability to perform basic activities.? because....so far as I know....no one here is bedridden...maybe someone in a wheelchair tho....and that almost seems to be what they want written down.

Thanks guys

If you go to the gov't website you can get all the details.....and forms. Good luck

[chrisw]

I had thought that I probably did not qualify for this tax credit. However when one of the counselors at the local Disability Resource Centre talked to me about it, she was amazed that I had never applied. She advised me to take the form to my doctor and let him make the judgments to fill in the form.

If you have a doctor who is familiar with you and your condition then HE is the one to describe your condition on the form. Too many people find it very hard to be accurate in their own view of themselves.

[Brian]

:

I agree with Chris, take the form to the doctor that diagnosed your condition.

I was diagnosed with emphysema in 2005, and have the same problems as you do Susan.

I got the form last Sept. and got my doctor to fill it out, and sent it in to rev Canada.

They accepted it and have allowed me the tax credit from 2005 till 2011. Now all I have to do is send a revised schedule 1 for those years.

I hope this has helped you.

Brian

[hugahusky]

Good Morning!

Thank you Sandy, Chris and Brian for your input. I have the forms and I have an appointment on Thursday with my GP who has looked after me for 30 years. Although I was not officially diagnosed until October last year, this GP looked after me 12 years ago when I was poisoned by a laser printer in my very poorly ventilated office. That is when the problems began. It took 2 years to isolate the problem and he helped in every way he could.

Thanks again
Susan

[Deleted]

I too was suprised how 'matter of fact' it was for my doctor to sign a form for me.
I got the notion that If my answers 'covered his back' he was ok.
But he was much more aware of what was needed to qualify thus I responded to his 'leads'.

[hourlibourli]

I am entitled to this disability tax credit. And I received this credit retroactively for a few years back because I had not claimed it! 5 years I think!

[sassy4242]

I am also having a problem with this. My FEV1 is 38%, down from 48% when I was first diagnosed with emphysema three years ago and I have a real hard time walking without being SOB. My respirologist said to take the forms to my family doctor and my family doctor said he doesn`t believe that I qualify to be shown as disabled, however he filled out the form for me to get a handicap permit. At the end of this month I`ll be going for the 6 minute walk test. Could the results of this convince him or make him change his mind. My sats drop very quickly to high 70`s or low 80`s on any exertion, but resting sats are 90-92. (Am not on any oxygen as yet) My brother in-law who works for Canada Revenue Agency says the doctor should still fill out the forms and let CRA make the decision. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[shelley]

sassy, if your SATS are dropping into the 70s and 80s as you walk you should be on oxygen as your diving into a very dangerous area. Please talk to your doc about this. As for qualification, there are a lot of qualifiers and you will have to meet the criteria. I never could find out the Canadian criteria; so I researched it in the US and sure enough found it there. Had the forms filled out in 2007 and it was made retroactive for 3 years. I can tell you that at that time, my FEV1 was under 1 litre which was more important that % as it is more significant. The % is age related; the actual volume is universal. I was on oxygen for ambulation only but I know you don't have to be to qualify. I would suggest you get your specialist to fill out the paperwork; not GP/family doc as they want the specialist's report or will require that you see one. In addition to the paperwork, there are certain tests such as your 6 min walk and PFT report that will need to be attached. The handicap parking permit has nothing to do with the disability credit given by Rev Cda as the permits are given out to people all too frequently who sprained their ankle and other minor annoyances. There is quite a crack down going on about that where I live. They are also given out at the discretion of a GP versus a specialist in the associated field.

Really though sassy, please talk to your doc about how low your oxygen is going when you walk. Your resting SATS of 90-92% is quite indicative of someone who is going to desat when they move.

[chrisw]

Sassy,
I can do little more than reinforce what Shelley has said. I suspect that you have not seen a respirologist yet and that your family doctor is not the most sympathetic! With your resting O2 Sats. and EVER going down into the seventies then you definitely should be on oxygen, and most provinces should cover it, at least partially. With your breathing then you need to be evaluated at least once by a specialist - then when it comes to getting the forms filled out pick the one most understanding of your condition - some doctors can be ridiculously unsympathetic about COPD

You have not said what province you live in and this could make a difference to oxygen coverage. (I do urge everyone to include the province where you live in your profile - it helps others give you meaningful advice about coverages etc.) ;D

[hugahusky]

Chris, Did you have to submit your FEV1 test results with the form? I am going to my GP tomorrow to discuss this with him. I have an appointment with a new respirologist in May but from what I am hearing, he is not a people person and not into paper work. I feel that I would be better off to have my GP complete the form.

Thanks
Susan

[susanny]

Susan, do you only have the one choice of respirologists to see? I'd be trying to see someone else with this kind of information about him. Even if you have to drive a distance to one, it would be worth it for sure. Then your GP could manage your meds that are prescribed by the respirologist. JMO, but that's me. I'm a pitbull when it comes to things like this. Tenacious is what you have to be sometimes. Good luck tomorrow. Is it possible that your GP can order the PFT for you? Have him order a 6 min. test, too, if you haven't had one. That way you have this information much sooner than May, or whenever.

Sassy, your dr. is going to be shocked when he sees how much you desaturate. You must be so SOB all the time! Please, don't let them wait too long with the results of the test to give you your results. I got mine right when I did the test, myself, and the dr's office called the next day and got me set right up with O2, and I was no where near as low as you say you're going. Dangerous.

[chrisw]

Hi Susan,
I did not need PFT results for the Canadian Disability Tax Credit - it is based solely on what you can do and what you can't (or find very difficult). I also have US Social Security Disability Pension (I worked for 12 years in the US before being laid off as not able to do the job - I mention this because this was based almost entirely on PFT results. Totally different approach.

[shelley]

I did have to supply test results for the tax credit, and cpp disability pension, etc, etc. However, what I do remember is that a rep from the gov't called me about a week after I applied and told me everything would be coming within a few days. Needless to say I was surprised as they just don't take the time to call. She said, the reason she called was because I was so young compared to most people with the disease. It is for that reason that they wanted all the test results. I believe I was only 51 or 52, so they found it hard to believe.

[hugahusky]

I discussed the Tax credit with my GP on Thursday at my appointment. He said he would have the forms completed by Monday and not to get discouraged as quite often they would contact him for more information. He also said that he has never had one refused so that was encouraging. Will keep you posted if you like.

Thanks again for all your assistance.
Susan

[sask5]

I was approved for the income tax deduction for disability but because I am self employed, I do not qualify to receive monthly payments. The approval was done on just the form the doctor had to fill out.

[chrisw]

Sask,
There are many different "Disability" "things" (just don't know how else to put it!!) I think you are talking about CPP Disability as this is the only "Disability" "thing" that is available to most Canadians that comes with a monthly payment.
The Canadian Income Tax Disability Credit has no monthly payment but significantly affects how much tax you pay.
The handicap sticker is separate again and is usually provincial or local.
If there are any other source of benefits likely available to COPDers I hope someone else will jump in here

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Well Hugahusky (Susan); aren't you glad you followed through and put this post up? I know I sure am and I know many others are as well. Sharing info is such a great way for people (all of us) to learn.

[Deleted]

Wow! I am new to the forum and this great place for those of us with COPD. I did not even know about a tax credit and I am learning very quickly about the other things I am reading. Like sats? Not sure...........I live in a remote area in B.C. so do not have access to a lot of things a larger center might have. Like a respirologist Finding you all will be so helpful to me. Thank you in advance!

[susanny]

Susan, I am just so pleased that your GP is helping you out so splendidly. It sounds like things are moving right along for you/ Congratulations on a great start.

[Wildoats]

I qualified for the exemption as well.As you may know, if the exemption reduces your income to zero and there is leftover, that can be transferred to your spouse.
Merry..if you have to travel for medical reasons, eg appointments,tests, etc. you can claim it against your income tax (in Canada)
As well, electricity used to run your concentrator can be claimed as can batteries used for a pulse dose unit (buy them seperate and keep the receipts)

[sassy4242]

Mar 7, 2011 16:12:57 GMT -5 @merry1 said:

Wow! I am new to the forum and this great place for those of us with COPD. I did not even know about a tax credit and I am learning very quickly about the other things I am reading. Like sats? Not sure...........I live in a remote area in B.C. so do not have access to a lot of things a larger center might have. Like a respirologist Finding you all will be so helpful to me. Thank you in advance!

I am fairly new as well, so a big welcome to you and glad that you are able to learn a lot here. I come from a large urban city (Ottawa) and believe me, I didn't know a lot either. If it wasn't for reading the message boards and getting other bits of information here and there, who knows where I would be! I know the doctors are all busy as we all are, but if they could at least direct you to where to find the resources that could be of help to you.

[sandy07]

Unfortunately the doctors don't know what resources are available. I took some COPD Canada brochures to the doctor's office, health office and hospital....as well as some of our exercise videos. I don't know if the doctors take the time to look at them or not. I'm sure glad I found this place too, since no one , not even the RT, mentioned anything about the things we talk about here. I guess we shouldn't expect them to know about tax credits etc. They'd have to know about all the stuff for every disease then. Impossible. I see my doctor for drugs and to sign forms. period.

[kofffee]

Hi everyone - need a bit of input here please - was dx with COPD in 02, was self employed at the time. Lost my business as there was no way to keep up with it, and have had no income since then. I didn't have enough after expenses to pay into CPP so nothing coming to me there. The COPD was dx because of pneumonia, sepsis, lung failure and damage that occurred from it - so it happened very suddenly. I am on puffers, SOB on exertion but alright if I pace myself. Also dealing with PMR (polimyalgia rheumatica) since then, and now have blood pressure issues. My doctor says I am just fine.....and don't qualify for any disability. Any thoughts on this and where I might go from here? I am married so poor hubs has carried it all on his back since then, but we are now retired. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Koffee.... this is an area I'm learning myself. My situation is a little bit "unique" or strange as well.

Would you mind my asking please, at least in what "age range" you are, what meds you're on and do you know what your lung function is?

[kofffee]

Hi Blossom, Thanks for the reply. I am 59, am on Atrovent and Flovent for COPD as well as a couple of others for pain relief of PMR. Just going on blood pressure meds so haven't got it all worked out yet. I am not sure what you are asking for re lung function? I have 75% lung function, a paralyzed right hemi diaphragm that severely limits the amount of air volume in that lung. I can maintain 98% at rest drops quickly when I get "busy". What else do you need to know? I am sorry but it's been awhile since I had to use the medical jargon, so bare with me please. Thanks

[sandy07]

Perhaps you can get some sort of help from AADL...Alberta Aids to Daily Living. I know they pay for oxygen. It's for all sorts of disabilities and supply all sorts of aids. Worth looking into. I think they also give out money for dire cases.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Well Koffee; hmmmmm
The thing is I guess it comes down to what your Dr is willing, or not willing to state.

With 75% lung function, you certainly wouldn't qualify. High blood pressure, same thing.

Your 98% spo2 is excellent. But you said it drops quickly to when you get busy. What does it drop to may I ask?

I can't comment too much on the nerve damage (paralyzed right hemi diaphragm ), though I did see there's a potential surgery for it as long as the nerve wasn't cut or damaged)(sorry; I didn't dig too deep)But; any idea how/why it happened?

The only area that I can see that you might have a shot at disability is the PMR. Did they ever treat it with steroids? Again I think, it comes down to your Dr. You'd need that affirmation.

Please understand that I'm only making some "assumptions" and that's only derived from what I've been reading/learning about disbility from here, the net, and the Govt. sites

Sandy made an excellent suggestion... have you ever checked with them?

[kofffee]

Hi Sandy and Blossom, thanks for the replies
I should have added in that I was on life support for a week or 10 days, due to the AARDs (lung failure) and am not a candidate for surgery unless it is life threatening. I didn't find out about the paralysis until they were doing a scan so have no idea when that took place, and I have been told it is inoperable (re above) . As to the steroids, yes I was on them full time for 12 months, about 7 years ago, and finally told my doc to get me off them, as I had gained so much weight I couldn't breath. It took 6 months to wean off the stuff and I only use it as an absolute necessity now. I breathe better, but still carry the weight. I was stuck with this same doc until moving to Alberta and he was unwilling to help in any way. After coming here, I asked for RT class as I couldn't go further without help, and my new doc agreed. (Coming up 3 years now) It helped me hugely, got my meds on track for the COPD, and I live with the pain of the PMR. Until I read the post about the Canadian Disability Tax credit, it never occurred to me that there might be someway to lesson the financial burden. As to what the O2 drops too when active, I will have to log it, then will post again. Thanks for the input and breathe easy

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

I'm familiar with ARDS .... not a good thing at all (I experienced it after surgery.) Since you've done the Steroid route for the PMR, and it's inoperable, and considering the pain that can accompany it...... I would talk to your new Dr about disability. And, still check on Sandy's suggestion.

Your weight; is truly worth loosing some of to help with your breathing and comfort. But you know that. Do you get any exercise on a frequent basis?

Anyway; let us know what your )2 drops to when you have the number and..... how much are you overweight btw?