(NC) – Enjoying life to the fullest with a disability, or caring for someone with a disability, can impact your work hours and it can also lead to extra expenses and financial stress.There are, however, tax programs and credits available to help ease the financial burden.

The disability amount, for instance, helps reduce the taxes owed by a person with a disability. The amount can also be transferred to a spouse, common-law partner, or supporting family member. If you are eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC), you may be able to claim the disability amount. To be eligible for the DTC, you must first complete Form T2201A, Disability tax credit application. You then need to ask your qualified practitioner (medical doctor, optometrist, audiologist, etc.) to complete Form T2201B, Disability tax credit certification by a qualified practitioner. The forms are available from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Once both forms are submitted to and approved by the CRA, you can claim the disability amount on your income tax and benefit return. Depending on your circumstances, you may even be eligible to claim the disability amount retroactively.

Those caring for a child under 18 with a disability may also be able to benefit from the child disability benefit (CDB). Once the CRA receives a completed Form T2201A and Form T2201B, they will advise you if the child is eligible for the disability tax credit and the CDB supplement. You can find forms and detailed instructions at www.cra.gc.ca/disability. In addition, the Government of Canada recently introduced the family caregiver tax credit. With this credit, you may be eligible for an additional amount of $2,040 in calculating certain non-refundable tax credits for individuals who are dependent on you because of an impairment in mental or physical functions. If you are supporting more than one person with an impairment you can claim the family caregiver tax credit for each eligible dependant.

As a caregiver, you may be faced with many challenging tasks, including managing additional expenses – don't miss out on these opportunities to reduce your taxes and put some money back into your pocket.