Discovering Financial Support for Families Navigating ADHD
For over a decade, I’ve been navigating the world of ADHD—not just as a woman diagnosed later in life, three years ago, but also as a parent of five children with ADHD. You’d think by now I’d know about the available support programs, right? Yet, only recently did I stumble upon significant financial support programs in Canada that could have made a huge difference for my family years ago.
Yes, you heard me right! Despite years of advocating for my kids, managing the challenges of ADHD, and diving into endless research, I had no idea these financial supports existed. If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wait, what programs?” you’re not alone.
Why Are These Resources So Hidden?
If you’re like me, you’ve likely spent countless hours in doctors’ offices, school meetings, or even navigating tax season with an accountant, yet no one mentioned these resources. How is it that vital programs like the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) remain so out of reach for families who need them the most?
I’ve decided not to blame myself for the lack of knowledge. Instead, I’m shifting from frustration to action, sharing with others! If I can help other parents avoid losing out on financial support, which can make a difference for many families supporting neurodivergent kiddos, that is a better use of my energy!
One: The Disability Tax Credit
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit designed to help reduce the income tax owed by people with disabilities or their families. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as just having an ADHD diagnosis. The CRA requires proof that ADHD significantly impacts daily life—things like memory, focus, or the ability to manage everyday tasks—at least 90% of the time.
For many children with ADHD, especially those with chronic struggles in executive functioning, this very often applies. If you have a formal diagnosis, this is absolutely worth exploring.
How to Apply for the DTC
Start Online: The new digital form (recommended) is available on the CRA website. Alternatively, you can download Form T2201 to mail in.
Fill Out Part A: Provide details about your child and the support you provide.
Talk to Your Medical Provider: Have a trusted doctor or psychologist complete the medical section. Be sure they clearly outline how ADHD affects your child’s daily life.
IMPORTANT: Check off the box indicating, “Yes, adjust my previous tax returns for all applicable years.” This is further explained below.
Submit the Form: Send it online or by mail, then wait for a response from the CRA.
Is The Effort Worth It? The Financial Impact
If approved, the DTC can provide significant tax relief. The credit can be transferred to a supporting family member if the dependent has limited income.
The CRA disability amounts for 2023 were:
18 or older: $9,428 (disability amount)
17 or younger: $ 9,428 (disability amount) + plus $ 5,500 (supplement for children) for a total tax credit of $14,928
Pay Attention To This Part!
The CRA may also retroactively adjust your previous tax returns, going back up to ten years, depending on when your child’s challenges began. This could mean thousands of dollars in refunds—a game-changer for many families. If your child has had ADHD since age six, for example, and it has been severely impacting their life, this could mean thousands of dollars in back payments, depending on the number of years approved. You’ll get a Notice of Reassessment for each eligible year, calculating the additional refund you may be owed.
Two: Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
The RDSP is another incredible program connected to the DTC. It’s a long-term savings plan for people with disabilities, with contributions matched by the government—sometimes as much as $3 for every dollar you save. Even if you don’t contribute, the Canada Disability Savings Bond could add up to $1,000 annually.
Three: Medication Assistance Programs
For families managing ADHD, the cost of medication can add up. My family and I are all on Concerta, and when Sunlife opted to remove coverage, forcing us to use the generic brand, the Access and Affordability Support for Patients Program through Janssen Canada was a lifesaver. It was also an extremely easy process, with no more than a 10-minute phone call (1-833-972-2420), and coverage was provided on the same day! Programs like these can fly under the radar, so it’s worth asking about them when you fill your prescription or talk to your doctor.
The Lesson in All This
If I, with years of experience navigating ADHD, missed this information, how many other families are in the same boat? ADHD is often misunderstood or minimized, and because it’s an invisible disability, critical resources like these are frequently overlooked.
This experience has highlighted a serious gap in the accessibility of information regarding ADHD in Canada. ADHD is so often misunderstood or minimized, and because it’s an invisible disability, it’s frequently overlooked in terms of support.
It’s time for change. For those of us managing ADHD, every bit of support counts—and it shouldn’t be so hard to find. Parents, teachers, doctors, pharmacists, and even accountants must be more aware of these programs to share this life-changing information. If you’re a parent raising a child with ADHD, I urge you to explore these supports. They might require effort upfront, but the long-term benefits are well worth it.
Let’s Keep Sharing
Families like ours shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone. The more we share, the more we can help others access the resources they deserve.
Stay tuned for more tips, programs, and stories from my journey. Together, we can make navigating ADHD just a little bit easier.
Chrissy
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