Canadian benefits glossary

Provincial & territorial

Fair Pharmacare (BC)

British Columbia's income-based public drug plan with family deductibles and copayments after the deductible is met.

Caregiving

Family caregiver

A relative or chosen family member who provides unpaid care to someone with illness, disability, or aging-related needs.

Caregivers may access tax credits, EI caregiving benefits, or respite programs depending on situation and province.

Caregiving

Family caregiver EI benefit

Temporary EI support for eligible caregivers providing end-of-life care to a family member with significant risk of death.

Tax credits

Family net income

The combined net income of you and your spouse or common-law partner, used to test eligibility for many family benefits.

A partner's income can reduce or eliminate benefits even if your own income is low.

Tax credits

Filing taxes to get benefits

Many federal and provincial benefits require a tax return even if you had no income or owe no tax.

Not filing can stop CCB, GST/HST credit, and other payments automatically.

Disability

Form T2201

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.

Drug coverage

Formulary

The official list of prescription drugs a public or private plan will consider covering, often with conditions on each drug.

A drug can be approved in Canada but still not listed on your plan's formulary.

Disability

Functional limitation

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.