If you help care for an adult family member who has a physical or mental impairment, you may be able to claim the Canada Caregiver Credit on your tax return. This credit is meant to recognize the financial support caregivers often provide.
This may apply to you if:
- You help support an adult with a physical or mental impairment
- They rely on you financially or live with you
- You have not claimed caregiver tax credits before
The Canada Caregiver Credit may apply if you provide care for a spouse, common-law partner, or other adult family member who cannot fully care for themselves. The person you care for must live in Canada and depend on you because of their impairment. A doctor or medical professional needs to confirm the impairment, but the Disability Tax Credit is not required.
The amount you can claim depends on several factors. These include your relationship to the person, your personal situation, the person’s net income, and whether other credits are being claimed for them. You may be able to claim the Canada Caregiver Credit for more than one dependant, as long as each person meets the eligibility requirements. However, the credit for one dependant cannot be shared between caregivers. Each dependant can only have the credit claimed once, even if more than one person helps support them.
Why This Matters
Some caregivers are able to claim a credit when the person they support has little or no income. In those cases, the credit can be transferred to the caregiver and help reduce their taxes.
You May Still Be Able to Claim Past Years
If you did not know about this credit before, you may be able to adjust past tax returns and claim it retroactively, potentially going back up to 10 years. This can be especially helpful if you have been caregiving for a long time.
If you think this credit might apply to you, a tax professional or community tax clinic can help you decide what to do next.
Could the Canada Caregiver Credit Apply to You?
You might consider looking into this credit if the following sound familiar.
☐ You support an adult family member with a physical or mental impairment
☐ They rely on you financially or live with you
☐ You help with daily needs, care, or expenses
☐ You have not claimed caregiver credits in the past
☐ The person you support has a low income
If you checked one or more boxes, this credit may be worth exploring. A tax professional or community tax clinic can help you decide what makes sense for your situation.
Additional Financial Supports and Everyday Savings
First Nations Health Benefits
First Nations Health Benefits helps cover some medical and dental items and services that are not paid for by MSP or other insurance.
This program may help with:
- MSP premiums
- Ambulance costs
- Dental and vision care
- Prescription drugs
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Medical travel
- Mental health supports
The program supports the health and well-being of First Nations people in BC. It aims to provide coverage that respects First Nations cultures, supports wellness and prevention, and is based on medical or dental professional guidance.
Contact information:
- Web: www.fnha.ca/benefits
- Toll-free: 1.855.550.5454
- Email: healthbenefits@fnha.ca
Financial Aid for Equipment
Some programs may help cover or lower the cost of assistive technology and equipment. These supports can make items more affordable, depending on your situation. It may be helpful to do some additional research to see which programs apply to you.
If you do not have access to email, you can call 8-1-1. If you have difficulty hearing, you can call 7-1-1. A health services navigator will answer your call and may help connect you with Ability411.
Contact information:
Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL)
CSIL is a program that allows eligible adults with disabilities to receive home support services with more choice and flexibility.
Instead of services being arranged for you, CSIL provides funding through the local health authority so you or someone supporting you can arrange home support directly. This can include hiring, scheduling, and supervising home support workers, or choosing someone you trust to help manage this role.
CSIL is available to adults with high intensity care needs who are eligible for provincial home support services and have been assessed by a health authority.
CSIL Modules were developed as an online workbook to give people the information they need to apply and, if successful in their application, manage the transition to becoming a CSIL employer. Go to CSIL Online Workbook.
For more information about CSIL and what is involved in becoming a CSIL employer, you can read Choice in Supports for Independent Living.