Category: Diabetes

“Is diabetes a disability?” It’s a question echoing in the lives of nearly 12 million Canadians who live with this condition. When you consider that about 14% of us, including those with pre-diabetes, are navigating life with diabetes, it’s a topic that hits close to home for many. Let’s dive into this question and unravel what it means in Canada, especially when it comes to crucial support like the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Understanding where diabetes stands in the world of disability rights can be a game changer. Stick with us as we explore what this means for you and the kind of support that’s out there.

What is Diabetes?

In simple terms, diabetes deals with how your body manages blood sugar. There are two main types:

• Type 1 Diabetes: Where the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, leading to a daily reliance on insulin injections.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Characterized by the body’s ineffective use of insulin, often managed through lifestyle changes, medication, or insulin therapy.

Both types demand ongoing management and can significantly affect daily life.

Is Diabetes a Disability? Understanding the Bigger Picture

Yes, in many ways, diabetes is seen as a disability. Why is that? Because it’s more than a health condition; it’s a daily challenge that requires constant vigilance, from regular blood sugar monitoring to insulin injections and diet control. These tasks can disrupt everyday life, making diabetes an “invisible” disability.

In Canada, recognizing diabetes as a disability isn’t about labeling but acknowledging the extensive efforts needed to manage it. This acknowledgment, particularly through the Disability Tax Credit, offers much-needed support.

Read More: Is Type 1 Diabetes a Disability in Canada? + Support For T1D

Read More: Is Type 2 Diabetes a Disability in Canada? (Yes & DTC Eligible)

Diabetes and the Disability Tax Credit

Living with diabetes means more than routine doctor visits; it’s a daily balancing act of health management. The Disability Tax Credit steps in as a vital aid for Canadians with diabetes, acknowledging the condition as a significant physical or mental impairment.

Eligibility for the DTC hinges on how diabetes limits your daily activities. It’s about the real-life impact, including the time dedicated to life-sustaining therapies. Qualifying for the DTC can alleviate the financial strain, covering costs from medical supplies to lifestyle adaptations.

True North Disability Services is here to help. We assist individuals with diabetes in applying for the DTC, ensuring your application reflects the true impact of your condition.

What Is The Disability Tax Credit

The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit designed to alleviate the financial pressures faced by individuals with significant and prolonged impairments in physical or mental functions — and diabetes often falls under this category for many.

To qualify for the DTC, the impact of diabetes on your daily life is a crucial factor. It’s not just about having the condition, but how it limits your ability to perform basic life activities compared to someone without the condition. This includes time spent on life-sustaining therapies like insulin injections or the use of a pump, which must be required for at least 14 hours per week.

Conclusion: Understanding Diabetes in the Context of Disability

To sum it up, the answer to ‘Is diabetes a disability?’ in Canada is yes, particularly when it demands significant management, like in cases of insulin-dependent diabetes. This recognition, especially within the framework of the Disability Tax Credit, underscores the substantial impact diabetes has on everyday life. It’s an acknowledgment that goes beyond medical treatment, touching the lives of those managing diabetes in profound ways. In essence, this perspective opens up essential support avenues, making a meaningful difference for those living with diabetes.

Ready to Explore Your DTC Options? Connect with Us Today

If you’re managing diabetes and wondering about your eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit, don’t navigate this journey alone. Contact True North Disability Services today. Our team of experts is ready to provide personalized guidance, helping you understand your options and assisting you through every step of the DTC application process. Let us help you access the support and financial relief you deserve. Reach out to us and take the first step towards easing the burden of living with diabetes.

So, you may be wondering, does Type 1 Diabetes qualify for the Disability Tax Credit? 

Here’s the short answer: Disability Tax Credit application approvals are case-by-case and are not dependent on a singular diagnosis. However, if you’re insulin-dependent, you may qualify under the Life-Sustaining Therapy category.  

If approved, the Disability Tax Credit may entitle you to a sizeable retroactive refund (for up to 10 years). You may receive a refund of up to 25k from the Canadian Revenue Agency. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Type 1 Diabetes & the Disability Tax Credit. 

Life With Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin Dependence 

Not everyone diagnosed with diabetes is considered insulin-dependent, but generally, those who are type 1 are always classified as insulin-dependent as these individuals require lifelong insulin injections as life-sustaining therapy. 

For those with Type 1 Diabetes,  the pancreas produces little to no insulin – a hormone essential for converting sugar (glucose) from food into energy for the body. This lack of natural insulin production means that individuals with Type 1 Diabetes are entirely dependent on externally administered insulin to manage their blood sugar levels.

This lifelong dependency on insulin and the need for constant health management is a significant factor in considering Type 1 Diabetes under the Disability Tax Credit in Canada. The daily rigors of managing this condition can be both physically and mentally taxing, and recognizing it under the tax credit can provide much-needed financial support to those affected.

By simply being insulin-dependent, you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. 

Type 1 Diabetes & Disability 

Some folks with Type 1 Diabetes may feel uncomfortable with the word “disability,” and we get it. Let’s chat about what this means in the context of Type 1 Diabetes & Disability Tax Credit in Canada.

In the context of disability, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact Type 1 Diabetes has on daily life. Type 1 Diabetes is not just a health condition; for many, it’s a life-altering challenge that requires constant and meticulous management. This relentless need for vigilance can significantly affect a person’s ability to engage in regular daily activities, often in ways that are not immediately visible to others. 

Diabetes is regarded as an “invisible” disability of the endocrine system.

In Canada, recognizing Type 1 Diabetes as a disability is not about labeling individuals as incapable. Instead, it’s about acknowledging the substantial and sustained effort required to manage this chronic condition. The acknowledgment as a disability is important because it opens up avenues for support, including the possibility of qualifying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

The DTC is designed to provide financial relief to individuals with significant health-related challenges.

What Is the Disability Tax Credit? 

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit in Canada designed to support individuals living with disabilities. It aims to reduce the amount of income tax they need to pay, helping to offset some of the higher costs associated with living with a disability. 

The DTC acknowledges the various challenges and extra expenses that can arise, providing financial relief that can be essential for daily living. The credit is available both to those with the disability and, in some cases, to their supporting family members or caregivers. 

Applying for the DTC involves a certification process, where a medical practitioner must confirm the presence of a severe and prolonged impairment.

Type 1 Diabetes & Disability Tax Credit Eligibility

To access the advantages of the Disability Tax Credit, you need to meet the eligibility criteria. 

Approval is granted based on specific categories, including walking, hearing, mental functions, speaking, vision, dressing, feeding, eliminating (bodily functions), or requiring life-sustaining therapy.

For those with insulin-dependent Type 1 Diabetes, you’d fall under the ‘life-sustaining therapy’ category. 

To be eligible:

• Insulin Therapy: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recognizes insulin therapy as a life-sustaining treatment. If you require insulin to manage your diabetes and it takes a significant amount of time each week, you may meet the criteria.

• Time Requirement: The DTC criteria specify that life-sustaining therapy must take at least 14 hours per week to administer. This includes time spent on activities directly related to administering insulin, like checking blood sugar levels, preparing and administering the insulin, and managing diet.

• Medical Certification: A qualified medical practitioner must certify your condition and the time you dedicate to managing it.

• Impact on Daily Life: The DTC isn’t just about having a specific condition; it’s also about how that condition affects your daily life. For Type 1 Diabetes, this can include the significant time and attention required to manage blood sugar levels and the broader impacts on your daily activities.

Understanding these criteria and how they apply to your situation is crucial for a successful DTC application. Remember, each case is unique, and consulting with a DTC expert can help clarify your eligibility and strengthen your application.

Not sure if you’d be eligible but interested to learn more about your options? Reach out to our Disability Tax Credit experts. We’re happy to guide you through the process and help you gain the support you’re entitled to. 

We Help Maximize Your Approval Chances & Refund Amount

Many deserving folks get their DTC applications denied. We help our clients avoid common application pitfalls. 

At True North, we specialize in simplifying the Disability Tax Credit process. Our expertise means higher approval chances and maximum refunds. We handle the details, review your past tax years for retroactive credits, and advocate tirelessly on your behalf. 

We’ll handle your claim end-to-end. Our goal is to advocate on your behalf. This includes a thorough assessment of your past tax years to identify any potential retroactive credits — which might result in a sizeable refund. 

You can trust True North to be your ally in this journey, helping you access the financial support you deserve.

We navigate both Type 1 Diabetes & Disability Tax Credit everyday. Reach out to our team for more information if you have any questions. We’re here to help!

In this article, we answer the question, “Is type 2 diabetes a disability in Canada?”

The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can change your life forever. The constant management of an endocrine system disorder can be quite a challenge and a heavy out-of-pocket expense. 

And this is no small problem in Canada. 

The CEO of Diabetes Canada says the new figures show a steady increase of diabetes within Canada with nearly 12 million Canadians living with this condition.  When cases of pre-diabetes are included in these stats, 14% of Canadians are said to live with this condition in some form. 

This begs the question, is type 2 diabetes a disability in Canada? In this article, we will answer this question, and walk you through how you may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit if you are diagnosed with diabetes. 

The Time Commitment of Diabetes Management

There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. 

Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin. The use of insulin injections is considered life-sustaining. 

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or your body misuses insulin. Type 2 diabetics also use insulin injections or other medications to regulate the production of insulin.

If you are dependent on insulin then you know just how much goes into managing diabetes. Someone who is managing their diabetes, or the diabetes of a loved one might find themselves constantly monitoring blood sugar, prepping insulin injections, administering insulin, calibrating equipment, monitoring and treating for hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, and changing infusion sites.

Simply preparing the insulin injections is a time-consuming task as you must carefully access how much insulin to deliver by reading current blood glucose, loading the insulin, and injecting.  This process must happen throughout the day and the night. 

Because of this time commitment to life-sustaining therapies, it is recognized by the CRA as a disability that is eligible for support. 

The Cost of Diabetes

The administering of insulin also carries a steep price tag – Canadians can expect to pay around $35 per vial of insulin. Each type 2 diabetic will have varying levels of needs when it comes to how much they administer daily, so costs vary. 

Insulin alone may cost $840 to $2,520 annually. 

If you test via traditional methods such as finger stick tests can cost around $1 per test. If you invest in a continuous glucose monitor you’ll be looking at an out-of-pocket investment of around $6,000 to $8,000.

Is Type 2 Diabetes a Disability in Canada?

Yes, type 2 diabetes is a recognized disability in Canada. However, your dependence on insulin plays a factor in being approved for the Disability Tax Credit. Unlike type 1 diabetes, those with type 2 may not be insulin dependent. 

Read More: Insulin & Life-Sustaining Therapy

When it comes to the Disability Tax Credit, Canadians with a disability can get approved under the following categories: Walking, Feeding, Dressing, Speaking, Hearing, Elimination, Mental Functions Necessary for Everyday Life, Vision, and Life-Sustaining Therapy. 

Diabetics are approved under the “Life-Sustaining Therapy” category. (More on this later.)

Type 2 Diabetes & Disability Tax Credit Eligibility

The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that can reduce your taxable income, and if you have been living with a disability for a while, you might be eligible for a retroactive tax credit. (Retroactive for up to 10 years if you qualify.) 

Depending on the duration of your condition, you could potentially receive a refund of up to $40,000 from the CRA. We help thousands of people every year get the support they deserve. You can read more on some DTC FAQs here to learn more.

In Canada, diabetics are approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) under the category “Life-Sustaining Therapy”. 

There are two main routes of DTC approval: 

• The therapy is required to support a vital organ.
• Therapy is needed at least 3 times a week for an average of 14 hours per week.  

Now, keep in mind, the CRA is very specific about what management activities qualify for that average time commitment. 

This is why utilizing a Disability Tax Credit expert to help you create a rock-solid application vastly improves your chances of approval. 

Improve Your Approval Chances by Working With DTC Experts

Many, many folks apply for the Disability Tax Credit. And many are denied. In our experience, well-deserving people who are living with qualified conditions are denied this financial support. 

When navigating the Disability Tax Credit application, it’s indispensably helpful to have an expert at your disposal – doing the heavy lifting. How the application is worded and coded is extremely important when it comes to approval. 

At True North Disability Services, there are no upfront costs to applying through us. If you are denied, there is no cost to you. It’s a zero-risk situation. The upside to working with us is the vastly improved approval possibilities and we do all the back-and-forth with the CRA for you.  

We have successfully helped thousands of clients from across Canada obtain the Disability Tax Credit, and we’re experts at helping diabetics recover the refunds they are entitled to.

Have questions about this? Please contact us today, we’re happy to help!

Summary: Is Type 2 Diabetes a Disability in Canada?

Due to its impact on lifestyle and day-to-day time commitment of monitoring blood glucose, the Canadian government recognizes both type 1 and type 2 diabetes as disabilities. 

If you live with this condition, you could qualify for a refund from the Canadian government through a program called the Disability Tax Credit.

Over the past 6 months, there has been a lot of information in the news surrounding Diabetics, and the Disability Tax Credit.

On May 2nd 2017, the CRA sent an internal email to their Disability Tax Credit department, stating:

“An adult who independently manages insulin therapy on a regular basis does not generally meet the 14-hour per week requirement, unless there are exceptional circumstances. For example, the existence of other chronic conditions that affect the time needed to manage the therapy or affect the ability to independently manage the therapy.”

Source: http://www.canadian-accountant.com/content/business/cra-reverses-dtc-restrictions-for-diabetics

This was obtained from Diabetes Canada through a Freedom of Information request into the CRA. This statement, effectively caused virtually 100% of insulin dependent diabetics to be denied the Disability Tax Credit. “The existence of other chronic conditions” is NOT a requirement in the Income Tax Act, and because of this statement – diabetics were getting unjustly denied the Disability Tax Credit.

Due to overwhelming support from individuals living with Diabetes from across the country, JDRF’s support, Diabetes Canada’s support, as well as a long list of others, the CRA announced in the beginning of December that they would be reverting back to prior to their May 2nd practices, and once again allow insulin dependent diabetics to claim the Disability Tax Credit.

True North Disability Services has successfully helped thousands of diabetics from across the country claim the Disability Tax Credit, and we will continue to fight for those that are eligible and ensure they receive the credits and benefits that they are entitled to.

Have a question? Please contact us today and we would be happy to assist in any way we can!

According to the income tax act, Life Sustaining Therapy is defined as:

Life-sustaining therapy

2.14 For purposes of the disability tax credit, life-sustaining therapy is described in paragraph 118.3(1)(a.1) as therapy that:

• is essential to sustain a vital function of the individual;

• is required to be administered at least three times each week for a total duration averaging not less than 14 hours a week (see ¶2.15); and

• cannot reasonably be expected to be of significant benefit to persons who are not so impaired.

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/technical-information/income-tax/income-tax-folios-index/series-1-individuals/folio-1-health-medical/income-tax-folio-s1-f1-c2-disability-tax-credit.html

What does this mean for Diabetics?

If you are an insulin dependent diabetic (Type 1 OR Type 2) you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Many medical practitioners will often state this is only for Type 1 Diabetics. However – that is not true. The requirements do not mention either “Type 1” or “Type 2” diabetics – rather – that the therapy is used to support a vital function. Any Type 2 Diabetic that is injecting insulin, is doing so to sustain life.

There are many ways one can qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. There is a section for Walking, Feeding, Dressing, Speaking, Hearing, Elimination, and Mental Functions Necessary for Everyday Life. However – Life Sustaining Therapy is it’s own section, and you do not need to be affected in any other category to gain eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit, so long as you are meeting the requirements for Life Sustaining Therapy. In fact, the CRA notes that:

“With respect to LST (Life Sustaining Therapy) required to sustain a vital function, the gravity of the person’s state of being is recognized. If they did not receive the life-sustaining therapy, they would die. Regardless of the individual’s ability to perform the BADLs (basic activities of daily living), the need for LST to simply stay alive will entitle the individual to receive the DTC (Disability Tax Credit). In fact individuals qualify on the basis of LST may well be able to perform all the BADLs.”

True North Disability Services has successfully helped thousands of clients from across Canada obtain the Disability Tax Credit, and are experts at helping diabetics recover the refunds they are entitled to. Have a question? Please contact us today and we would be happy to help!

UPDATE: On May 2, 2017 the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sent an internal email to the Disability Tax Credit department telling their staff to deny diabetics under the category of “Life Sustaining Therapy” unless there are “exceptional circumstances”. This was obtained from Diabetes Canada through a Freedom of Information Request. This is NOT what the requirements are defined in the income tax act. In the beginning of December 2017, the CRA announced they would be reverting back to prior to their May 2nd practices, and once again accepting insulin dependent diabetics under the category of Life Sustaining Therapy.

Diabetes is a disease where the body’s ability to produce or respond insulin is impaired. This results in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood and urine. Those with diabetes suffer from a change in appetite, dehydration, weight loss and lethargy.

There are two different types of diabetes including Type 1 (often referred to as Juvenile Diabetes) and Type 2.

Type 1: This is better known as insulin dependent diabetes. This is a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

Type 2: This is where your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or your body misuses the insulin that it does create. Type 2 diabetics can use insulin or oral medication to regulate their bodies insulin production.

Being an insulin dependent diabetic may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit under Life Sustaining Therapy.

If you or someone you care for suffers from diabetes and they are insulin dependent, you may be eligible for a large refund from the Canada Revenue Agency through the Disability Tax Credit program. We are Disability Tax Credit experts and have experience working with thousands of Canadians with a multitude of medical conditions. We would be happy to discuss your specific case with you and help determine if you may be eligible to claim the Disability Tax Credit, and receive a refund from the Canada Revenue Agency. Contact Us Today!