Caring is part of every day. Planning helps make sure the support, opportunities and security you want for your child can continue — for today, and for the years ahead.
Canada's disability-related supports can overlap. Eligibility for one measure may unlock another, while family income, the dependant's age and existing claims can affect the result.
The right first step is a coordinated review — not a rushed product decision.
See CRA disability resources →
The DTC can reduce income tax and can also open the door to other federal programs. Eligibility is based on the effects of an impairment — not simply a diagnosis.
A tax-free monthly benefit may be available when a child under 18 qualifies for the DTC and the family is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit.
An RDSP is designed for long-term financial security and may attract federal grants and bonds, depending on eligibility and family income.
Families may be able to claim eligible medical expenses and caregiver amounts. The rules interact, so careful records and professional advice matter.
Program rules and amounts change. Links above lead to current Government of Canada information.
A focused conversation can help identify what is already working, where gaps may exist and which professionals should be involved.
Your child's needs, current supports and long-term vision.
Tax, RDSP, insurance and estate-planning conversations.
The people, funding and instructions your plan depends on.
Update the plan as your child, family and programs change.
Many families carry this question quietly: "How will my child be supported when we are gone?" The answer is not one account or one insurance policy. It is a coordinated legal, financial and human plan.
ODSP policy recognizes absolute discretionary or "Henson" trusts, but the wording and administration matter. Other provinces and territories may treat trusts and disability benefits differently.
Do not rely on standard clauses. The Will should coordinate the inheritance, trustee powers, alternate decision-makers and the family's wider estate plan.
The trustee may need to manage money, understand benefit rules, keep records and make sensitive discretionary decisions for many years. Name capable backups.
Discuss the appointment with an estates lawyer and with the people being considered. Caregiving and money management do not always need to be assigned to the same person.
In Ontario, a properly drafted Henson trust may allow assets to be held without a capital limit under ODSP asset rules because the beneficiary cannot compel payments.
Insurance can provide reliable funding, but naming the child directly may undermine the intended benefit protection. Coordinate policy beneficiaries with the Will and trust.
Record routines, relationships, communication, health information, values and hopes. It is not a substitute for legal documents, but it helps future caregivers understand the person — not only the finances.
Ontario ODSP: funds held in trust →
Ontario ODSP eligibility and assets →
Insurance can help create dependable funding if a parent or caregiver dies or becomes unable to work. The amount, ownership and beneficiary structure should be coordinated with legal and tax advice so it supports — not disrupts — the family's broader plan.
Every family is different. These answers are general and a professional should review your specific circumstances.
No. CRA eligibility focuses on how a severe and prolonged impairment affects everyday functioning, and a medical practitioner must certify the relevant information.
In some circumstances, an unused disability amount may be transferred to a supporting family member. A tax professional can help determine whether the conditions are met.
No. Depending on family income, a beneficiary may qualify for a Canada Disability Savings Bond even without personal contributions, while grants may match eligible contributions.
Not without individualized legal advice. A direct inheritance can affect means-tested disability benefits. In Ontario, a properly drafted absolute discretionary or "Henson" trust may help preserve ODSP eligibility, but the Will, trustee powers and distributions must be structured and administered carefully.
It is a fully discretionary trust in which the beneficiary cannot demand payments or control the trust property. Ontario ODSP policy recognizes this type of trust without a capital limit for asset-testing purposes, but payments may still affect income support unless an exemption applies. Provincial treatment differs, so use a lawyer experienced in disability and estate planning.
Yes. Life insurance can create funding at a parent or caregiver's death, including funding directed to a properly drafted trust. Ownership, insured lives, beneficiary wording, premiums and trustee responsibilities should be coordinated with the Will and reviewed by legal and tax professionals.
Bring a list of current benefits and insurance, the child's DTC status, existing savings plans, your Will and trust arrangements, and the names of your legal and tax advisors.
Eligibility and outcomes depend on individual circumstances and current program rules. Consult qualified legal, tax and financial professionals before acting.
Book a no-obligation conversation to review the protection side of your family's plan and identify the questions to take to your tax and legal professionals.
Request a ConversationThis website provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment or insurance advice. Eligibility and outcomes depend on individual circumstances and current program rules. Consult qualified professionals before acting. Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and underwriting.