Benefits glossary
Government benefits, tax, disability and drug-coverage terms explained in plain language.
Definitions are educational. Official program rules still apply.
18 matching terms
Reset filtersDisability
Alberta's monthly living allowance for adults with a permanent disability that substantially limits their ability to earn a livelihood.
AISH has its own medical and financial tests separate from federal disability benefits.
Disability
A federal monthly payment for working-age people with disabilities who meet income and DTC-related requirements. It is separate from provincial disability assistance.
CDB can add federal income on top of provincial programs, but rules and payment amounts differ from provincial disability benefits.
Disability
A tax-free monthly supplement added to the Canada Child Benefit for families caring for a child eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.
Families must have DTC approval for the child before this supplement can be paid.
Disability
A monthly payment from the Canada Pension Plan for contributors who cannot work regularly because of a severe and prolonged disability.
CPP-D can be a primary income source after disability, and may affect provincial disability or other benefits.
Disability
British Columbia's provincial disability income and health supplement for people who meet Persons with Disabilities (PWD) status.
Disability
A non-refundable tax credit for people with severe and prolonged impairments in physical or mental functions. Approval is based on how your condition affects daily life, not on your diagnosis alone.
DTC approval can unlock other programs, including the Canada Disability Benefit and RDSP grants, and may reduce the tax you owe.
Disability
Re-applying for the Disability Tax Credit when CRA's approval period ends or your condition changes.
Letting DTC lapse can interrupt CDB, RDSP grants, and other linked benefits.
Disability
The CRA form used to apply for the Disability Tax Credit. A medical practitioner completes the certification portion describing your limitations.
This form is the gateway to DTC approval and many linked benefits.
Disability
A restriction in your ability to perform everyday activities such as walking, remembering, or managing personal care, often described in disability assessments.
Programs often focus on what you can and cannot do, not only on your medical diagnosis.
Disability
The process a government program uses to review medical evidence and decide whether you meet its disability definition.
Different programs use different definitions, approval for one program does not automatically mean approval for another.
Disability
Ontario's income and employment supports program for people with substantial disabilities who have financial need.
ODSP includes income support, drug coverage, and employment help, rules differ from federal programs.
Disability
A temporary refundable tax credit recognizing eligible personal support workers for their work during specified periods.
Eligibility depends on employment type, hours, and income, not general disability status.
Disability
A health professional authorized to certify disability for a specific program, for example, a physician for the DTC, or an audiologist for hearing loss.
Using the wrong professional can delay or reject your application.
Disability
An impairment expected to last, or that has lasted, for a continuous period of at least 12 months (or is likely to result in death).
Short-term conditions usually do not meet prolonged impairment tests for major disability benefits.
Disability
A long-term savings plan for people eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. The government may match contributions with grants and provide bonds for low-income beneficiaries.
RDSP grants and bonds can significantly grow savings for future disability-related costs without affecting most federal benefits.
Disability
Saskatchewan's income program for people with significant and enduring disabilities who need ongoing financial support.
Disability
A standard used in some programs meaning your impairment limits you at least 90% of the time in a basic activity of daily living, even with therapy and devices.
This is a high threshold, partial limitations may not qualify under this specific test.
Disability
Rules that let some people earn employment income without losing all disability support, often through earnings exemptions or partial reductions.
Exemption amounts and reporting rules vary widely by program and province.
Use these MyEligible tools to explore programs after you understand a term.
Definitions explain common government and program language in plain words. They are starting points for understanding, not legal advice or official eligibility decisions. Confirm important details with the official program, CRA, Service Canada, or a qualified professional.
Glossary reviewed September 13, 2026