income tax question

[fasth]

Does anyone have any experience with claiming a deduction for diabetes? I have heard that due to a recent change with disability deductions that this is now included? Anyone know how this works or have been able to apply this?
Hubby is diabetic and would like to find out more since tax season is here.
Thanks.

[Piccolo]

Does anyone have any experience with claiming a deduction for diabetes? I have heard that due to a recent change with disability deductions that this is now included? Anyone know how this works or have been able to apply this?
Hubby is diabetic and would like to find out more since tax season is here.
Thanks.
I am not familiar with this, however, I've had to look up a few things on the Canadian Revenue Website and it's very user friendly.
I found this link for you. I hope it is useful.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/individuals/segments/disabilities/menu-e.html

[CSK'sMom]

Several people in hubby's family are eligible to claim the disability amount so I have some experience with this. Hubby's Dad is a diabetic and he cannot claim the disability amount but can claim the associated medical costs. Things like insulin, needles and pumps fall under medical expenses and can be claimed. The link that Piccolo posted has a quick test that will give you an idea about the disability amount qualifications. It's also recommended that if filing for the disability amount that you get pre-approved by the CRA as it can take months and lots of additional supporting documents. It can be done anytime and doesn't have to be done with your tax return. Again, the info is in the link posted...

[fasth]

Great, thanks for the info. Was hoping someone who has been able to claim this would explain how it works as it says not all are eliglible.

[dutchca]

The first year you claim the disibility amount you have to paper file AFAIK. It is usually quite a hassle to get all the documentation you need in order to supoprt the claim, usually Dr.'s notes and the like. CRA will put you through the ringer in order to claim it most likely.

Take a look at claiming the caregiver amount - it is worth a shot.

Otherwise claim the medical expenses - non-refundable tax credit for amounts greater than 3% of your income or a set amount of $1926 - whatever is less.

[CSK'sMom]

CRA does put you through the ringer. Our experience has been that it can take more than a year or longer before CRA makes a decision. During that time they usually ask for more and more info and supporting reports and documents. Frankly, it's quicker to actually get qualified and receive Canada disability pension. My SIL spent well over 2 years dealing with CRA to get qualified for the disability amount and spent thousands of dollars on doctor's reports. :| Really it becomes a litmus test with the CRA on whether the disability severely affects day to day living in a meaningful way. It's not meant for those with chronic health conditions but rather for those who are truly disabled in a meaningful way....

fasth, if you have all the prescription receipts it's quite easy to claim the medical expense deduction. It just takes a little organization throughout the year to keep them all together so that when tax time comes it's just a matter of totally them all and making the deduction on the tax forms.