Red Tape accessing the Disability Tax Credit and Call to Action

 Call to Action:  

Navigating Disability Supports When Systems Don’t Align 

 

Navigating disability supports in Canada often means dealing with both federal and provincial systems that don’t communicate clearly with each other. For many people, confusion starts with basic questions about eligibility, timelines, and what happens when circumstances change. 

Did you know the Canadian Medical Association also states nearly 20 million hours of a doctor’s time is lost in filling out unnecessary lengthy forms?  

A recent call to action stated on the CMA website says, “Many Canadians, the challenge isn't proving eligibility. It’s navigating delays, extra costs and repeated trips back to their health care provider.” 

People are encouraged to email their story to help streamline this process. 

Canadian Medical Association's Call to Action: 

Please email your story of navigating disability supports and applying for the Disability Tax Credit to healthcareadvocacy@cma.ca 

Just what are the barriers? 

The Disability Tax Credit: A Major Barrier 

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is often required to access other benefits, including the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), yet many people describe the process as unclear and exhausting. 

 

“There is some confusion about who can apply,” one person shared. Even terminology causes issues: “You sometimes hear government staff call it the disability tax certificate.” 

 

Delays can stretch for years. 

“It took me 10 years to get the Disability Tax Credit, and then they put a time limit on it,” one person said. Others are still waiting: “I tried to get the disability tax credit, and I haven’t got it yet.” While others talked about who is the Disability Tax Credit for and what is the easiest way to apply. One common concern is age-based eligibility. “If you apply as a child, is that your status forever, or do you have to reapply when you turn 18?” Someone questioned, “Is it easier for parents applying for their child versus adults filling out the Disability Tax Credit?” 

 

Some people only learn about their DTC status online. “On my CRA account, it said I am eligible.” Others rely on support organizations: “My CDA account helped me check the status.” Yet there is a failure to recognize not everyone with a disability can navigate these systems on their own or have access to technology. 

 

Medical paperwork is another barrier. 

One member mentioned how their doctor refused to complete the paperwork.” Meanwhile overwhelmed NGOs are trying to address service gaps, and even state on their website that knowing their CDB status can take up to six months,” and offered to pay for forms for their clients — a cost many people cannot afford. 

 

Canada Disability Benefit and AISH: Ongoing Confusion 

Even after federal approval, uncertainty continues around how benefits interact with AISH. 

“I'm not getting the full $200 a month CDB — I'm getting $197 — and I'm waiting for proof of my letter,” one person shared. Another said, “I got a lump sum of $58 for the whole year. AISH clawed it back; I had to call them.” 

Many people remain unclear: “We don't understand how the CDB is calculated, or whether AISH claws it back.” What people have learned is that documentation matters: “You had to send in the federal approval or denial letter, then Alberta calculates it and sends a letter.” That letter doesn’t always arrive. 

 

Communication Gaps 

Reaching AISH specialists is often difficult. “Not always does the AISH office communicate well,” one person said. Another Hall member adds, “They called and couldn't even leave a message. It’s hard to get a hold of someone.” 

 

What We’ve Learned So Far 

• Eligibility and timelines are often unclear, especially when transitioning from childhood to adulthood 
• The DTC is a major bottleneck and can take years 
• Medical paperwork and fees are significant barriers 
• Federal and provincial benefits are poorly coordinated; more people are needed to answer the phone, especially when a program is being revamped or introduced at any level of government.
• Clawbacks and benefit calculations are not well-explained 
• Communication with the Alberta AISH program is inconsistent and hard to access 

These stories (shared without names) highlight a system that places the burden on individuals to navigate complexity, delays, and gaps in communication. By sharing lived experience, we hope to help others better understand what to expect — and to advocate for clearer, more accessible disability support. We hope you join us in the campaign to ensure everyone can access the services we all rely on.