Federal Government to Provide COVID-19 Financial Relief for People with Disabilities
Inclusion Alberta is pleased to share that yesterday the Government of Canada passed legislation for a one-time, tax-free $600 benefit to help Canadians with disabilities cover extra costs related to COVID-19. The proposed benefit was first announced on June 11, 2020 but was delayed. “I am relieved that our Parliamentarians were able to put aside party politics and come together to provide this much needed benefit to people with disabilities and their families,” noted Inclusion Alberta President, Barb MacIntyre.
The new benefit has expanded to cover 1.7 million Canadians and will automatically be given to all Canadians who are Disability Tax Credit (DTC) eligible, recipients of the Canadian Pension Plan Disability benefits or receive disability supports through Veterans Affairs Canada. If eligible for the DTC but have not yet applied, there will be a 60 day window.
Trish Bowman, Inclusion Alberta CEO stated “We are happy that this government has listened to the many Canadians with disabilities and their families asking for support for the additional and increasing costs caused by the pandemic and finally provided some financial relief.”
Thank-you to everyone who reached out to their Member of Parliament to ensure that the concerns of people with disabilities and their families are not forgotten.
Additional information:
Parliament Finally Agrees To Provide COVID-19 Financial Relief to People with Disabilities.