Social assistance
Deemed income
Income a program treats you as having even if you did not receive it, for example, room and board from family or deemed returns on assets.
Deemed income can reduce assistance even when your actual cash income is low.
Benefits glossary
Canadian benefits glossary
Government benefits, tax, disability and drug-coverage terms explained in plain language.
Definitions are educational. Official program rules still apply.
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Dependant
A person who relies on you for basic needs, such as a child or sometimes an adult family member, recognized in tax and benefit rules.
Who counts as a dependant affects credits, benefits, and shared custody calculations.
CRA & Service Canada
Direct deposit
Electronic payment of benefits into your bank account instead of by cheque.
Most federal benefits require or strongly encourage direct deposit for faster payment.
Tax credits
Disability amount (tax credit)
A non-refundable tax credit on your return when you are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.
Unused disability amounts may be transferred to a supporting spouse or parent in some cases.
Tax credits
Disability amount transfer
When a person with DTC approval cannot fully use the disability tax credit, a supporting family member may claim part of it.
Transfers require coordination on tax returns, both people must agree on who claims what.
Disability
Disability assistance (BC PWD)
British Columbia's provincial disability income and health supplement for people who meet Persons with Disabilities (PWD) status.
Disability
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
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.
Drug coverage
Drug Identification Number (DIN)
An eight-digit number Health Canada assigns to each drug product sold in Canada, used to identify exact brands and strengths.
Formulary searches and coverage decisions often require the DIN, not just the drug name.
Disability
DTC renewal
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.
Related tools and guides
Use these MyEligible tools to explore programs after you understand a term.
Sources and methodology
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