People with disabilities and their loved ones face a distinct set of financial challenges throughout their lives. To help address these challenges, in 2008 the Government of Canada introduced the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Designed to help build long-term financial security for disabled persons, the RDSP makes it easier to accumulate funds by providing assisted savings and tax-deferred investment growth.
The RDSP is a tax-deferred savings vehicle introduced by the Government of Canada to help parents and others save for the long-term financial security of a person with a severe disability.
A Canadian resident under the age of 60 who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is eligible for an RDSP. The DTC is available to individuals who have mental or physical impairments that markedly restrict their ability to perform one or more of the basic activities of living (i.e., speaking, hearing or walking). The impairment must be expected to last a period of one or more years, and a physician must certify the extent of the disability. Individuals can apply to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the DTC using form T2201. Information on the disability tax credit and other tax credits available to disabled individuals can be found in our brochure, Making a Challenge Less Challenging.
*Source Mackenzie Financial