Increased federal budget for diabetes.
The new federal budget of 35 million dollars has just been announced and includes an investment in diabetes over the next 5 years. Additional investments are expected for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, surveillance and prevention.
New criteria for the Type 1 Diabetes Tax Credit
People living with T1D may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). In order to receive this tax credit, a form must be completed by the physician to justify that the person spends at least 14 hours per week managing their treatment.
Currently, many people living with T1D have not been able to obtain the tax credit despite having applied for it. The criteria were open to interpretation and did not reflect the reality of people living with T1D.
New criteria will be added to previous ones. The time required for the following will also be accounted for:
- carbohydrate counting
- exercise
- medical appointments
- recovery from hypo- or hyperglycemia
These new criteria should make it easier for people living with T1D to justify the 14 hours needed weekly for treating T1D and to obtain the tax credit.
For the moment the update is not yet effective on the government website… to be continued!
