Customer Testimonial

            Living with a disability is difficult.  Many individuals coping with disabilities require special – and often expensive – equipment just to do the regular things we take for granted.  They depend on that equipment with their livelihood.  And when that equipment goes bad, they are often left without recourse.

            Justin D. found himself in that position some years ago when his out-of-date hearing aids began to fail.  Justin has a hearing impairment that has lead him to be classified as legally deaf.  Without his hearing aids, Justin can’t drive, can’t work, can’t support himself in this world.  Because of his powerlessness in the face of his condition, Justin began suffering from depression and sank deeper into despair.

            Justin eventually discovered that the government offered a disability tax credit for individuals in just his situation.  Happily, he began the application process only to be denied any assistance.  He tried again and again to no avail and eventually gave up all hope.

            While surfing the web one day, Justin stumbled upon a website forum where people with disabilities (and the families that support them) gather together to talk about their problems and lean on each other for support.  The forum was located on the website for the National Benefit Authority.  In his conversations with other members of the forum, Justin discovered that applying for disability benefits and disability tax credits can be unduly complicated.  If one small thing is out of place, the application is turned down.  Justin figured that was probably what had happened in his case.

            When he asked forum participants where he could get help with the application process, everyone pointed Justin to the forums home page and encouraged him to contact the National Benefit Authority for help.

            Not expecting any results – but willing to try again – Justin contacted the National Benefit Authority and took advantage of their free consultations.  He found their dedicated Benefit Specialists to be very knowledgeable and highly trained.  For the first time in a long while, Justin felt optimistic about his chances.

            The National Benefit Authority helped Justin assemble the pertinent information, complete the arduously long forms correctly and without error, and file the application(s) on time and with the proper agency.

            A few weeks later, Justin was overjoyed to find that his application for a disability tax credit had been approved.  Justin was now able to take the money he saved from the tax credit and purchase his much-needed hearing aides.  Now Justin could drive, work, and support himself once again.

            Justin is incredibly grateful for the help the National Benefit Authority provided.  He still participates in the NBA’s disability forum where he shouts praise for the NBA whenever he can.  At least once a week, Justin also makes use of the NBA’s disability blog to learn more about the resources available to Canadians with disabilities.

            If you are a Canadian suffering from a disability - or a family member supporting someone who is – and would like to find out if there are resources available for you, contact the National Benefit Authority for a free consultation.

Sharon D. and Her Personal Experience with The National Benefit Authority

             Sharon D. has a disabled child.  She struggled for years with what to do should something happen to her or her husband.  How would her child survive?  How would her child get money?  Who would take care of the child?  Questions like these plagued Sharon D. and inflicted much anxiety and hardship on her day-to-day life.

            Then one day, a friend told her about the National Benefit Authority (NBA).  Sharon was skeptical at first but the friend mentioned that the NBA has a vast array of resources to help families and individuals with disabilities.  Still Sharon balked.  Her friend persisted and Sharon finally realized she had nothing to lose; it couldn’t hurt just to ask a few questions.

            Sharon contacted the NBA and, after talking to one of their highly-trained Benefit Specialists, was pleased to discover just the thing she had been looking for to ensure the future well-being of her child.

            The National Benefit Authority told Sharon about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) that is available to qualifying individuals and their families to help provide for the future financial security of loved ones with disabilities.

            The Registered Disability Savings Plan (similar to a Registered Education Savings Plan) allows for the contribution of up to $200,000 for the future needs of the beneficiary.  Contributions are not tax-deductible, and earnings and growth accrue on a tax-deferred basis. Anyone can contribute. The contributions grow tax-free until withdrawn – at which time a proportion of the plan (earnings and growth received) is taxable and will need to be declared as income in the hands of the beneficiary at that time.

            The National Benefit Authority provided Sharon with the guidance and expertise necessary to navigate the Disability Tax Credit process, which, upon completion, allowed her to establish an RDSP for her child to ensure that money would be available to provide care for future needs.

            Sharon D. was also pleased to find that the National Benefit Authority’s website was more than just a place to make contact or gather information about the company; it was a place where people with disabilities (and their families) can meet and talk about issues they have in common.  Sharon and her family now frequently participate in the disabilities forum or share resources on the disability blog with the hope that their experience can somehow benefit others.

            Sharon and her family also shout the benefits of the National Benefit Authority far and wide.  Sharon makes a point to highlight the many ways that the NBA can help Canadians with disabilities.  She recounts how the NBA helped her find the RDSP (and other programs) that addressed her specific need.  She expresses her gratitude for their assistance translating the seemingly impenetrable legal jargon that made the application process almost impossible.   She describes the caring and compassion with which the NBA helped her navigate the oft murky waters that is the Canadian government’s disability benefits process.

            Sharon D. will be forever grateful for the National Benefit Authority and their assistance in helping her family take advantage of the Registered Disability Savings Plan.

            The Registered Disability Savings Plan is one of many resources available to individuals with disabilities.  Find out how you can take advantage of these programs, get answers to your questions, and sign up for a free consultation by visiting the National Benefit Authority at www.TheNBA.ca.