The school is on your case. At home, your child needs extra help to get into routine and to follow directions. Dealing with kids who are diagnosed with ADHD can be somewhat taxing. Not to imply that kids with ADHD won’t become accomplished adults! To the contrary, they have talents within them to reach great heights. But how can you help your child deal with his struggles and channel his talents to reach his full potential?
Helping your child might translate into unexpected costs. Some kids need extra therapy to help them through. An official psychological report might be necessary for your child to receive help from school. Regardless of the source, the government of Canada recognizes the financial burden and will help with tax credits and benefits.
One will need to qualify first as having a disability according to the strict government criteria. It’s important to note qualifying for this benefit does not in any way hinder your child. This application is just for tax purposes.
GOVERNMENT CRITERIA
The government criteria for ADHD and ADD can be somewhat of a grey area. That is why some might get approved and some might be denied. The government does not care for a diagnosis so much as “effect of impairment.” In their words, “A person is markedly restricted if, they are unable or takes an inordinate amount of time to do one or more of the basic activities of daily living.”
It is important to note the wording. The phrases “markedly restricted” and “inordinate amount of time” is defined by the courts.
“Inordinate amount of time” usually means 2 to 3 times longer than average to complete a task.
“Markedly restricted” means the impairment is with me and affects me 90% of the time.
“Basic activities of daily living” includes mental functions necessary for everyday life.
ADHD and ADD
Mental functions is the umbrella under which ADHD and ADD fall. There are many kids who have behaviour issues, anxiety, low self-esteem, are easily distracted, can’t complete a task independently, and are easily frustrated. These issues are with them all the time with every task. Many parents say, “It takes my kid 2 to 3 times longer than everybody else to get ready for school!” In school they always need to be reminded to stay on task. Helping out with chores in the house and doing homework is always a struggle.
It is possible to really flourish with ADHD and ADD. There are many very successful people with documented stories discussing the struggles that helped them get to where they are today. To overcome those struggles, the government offers the DISABILITY TAX CREDIT.
If your child is showing signs of any of these symptom,
- Needs constant reminders to get dressed in the morning
- Is often distracted in the middle of doing a task
- Cannot easily switch from one activity to another
- Seems surprised or shocked that people are waiting for him
- Loses his temper quickly but does not know why
It is definitely worth trying to make a claim. Being approved for the Disability Tax Credit allows one to receive the Child Disability Benefit, a value of $228 per month until your child is 18.
Not only does our staff at DFAC have years of experience in the field of special education, we are also parents of children with ADHD and ADD. We understand the hardships and struggles of one with ADHD and ADD. We can help you determine if you are eligible and see you through the process of getting approved.