Today, October 1st, marks the beginning of RDSP Awareness Month! In 2014, the government of BC declared October RDSP Awareness Month to help raise awareness about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The RDSP is the world’s first savings plan specifically designed for people with disabilities.
The Registered Disability Savings Plan is particularly revolutionary because people who are eligible for the RDSP can benefit even if they cannot put any money into the plan or can contribute very little. Individuals 49 and under who qualify for the RDSP may be eligible for government grants and bonds, which can total up to $90,000 over the lifetime of the RDSP—and, in BC, it will not affect other disability benefits.
To open an RDSP, you must be found eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). More people would qualify than you might think.
Do you have difficulty with either walking, eating, making meals, getting dressed, speaking, hearing, seeing, using the toilet, or with mental functioning? Or do you need a type of therapy to help keep you alive? If so, watch this space and follow us on social media to learn more about how you might be eligible.
Throughout October, we’ll be posting about all things RDSP and DTC, including webinars and Q&A sessions, to learn about the RDSP and ask our experts your questions.
AccessRDSP exists to reduce barriers, spread awareness, and support people with disabilities across the country to save for their future. Three organizations have come together to provide free and continuing support for the RDSP.
- Plan Institute offers webinars on the RDSP and DTC while providing disability navigation support through the helpline.
- Disability Alliance BC offers navigation support on the DTC through an online DTC tool and the DTC Medical Fees Fund.
- The BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society offers Indigenous people assistance to help them become eligible and open an RDSP, and will help you work with financial institutions once the RDSP is opened.
Contact our toll-free helpline for answers to your questions about the RDSP and more at 1-844-311-7526 or [email protected].