Disability for Osteoarthritis in Canada
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis characterized by damage to joint cartilage, bone growth on the edges of joints, and mild tissue inflammation around the joints. The repair process of worn out, overused joints is extremely slow. People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of this common joint condition.
The physical disability has numerous symptoms affecting the body’s joints, such as:
- Pain (Chronic, or on-and-off)
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Loss of flexibility
- Grating sensation
- Bone spurs
Osteoarthritis typically afflicts joints in a person’s hands, knees, and hips. The condition can be attributed to a variety of factors, including family history, obesity, joint injuries, or the onset of a disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis). Depending on the severity of osteoarthritis, effective treatments range from painkillers, assistive devices, physiotherapy, and surgery to restore cartilage to the joints.
Osteoarthritis Disability Benefits
Basic activities of living that we take for granted can become a challenge for a person with osteoarthritis. Picking up the daily newspaper, going for a drive, or simply going to the bathroom may be restricted, or avoided altogether. The inability to freely and independently enjoy everything in life becomes a chore for a person with osteoarthritis.
But it doesn’t have to be. Disability tax refunds, like the Canadian Disability Tax Credit (DTC), are widely available for differently-abled Canadians who qualify. These disability credits are designed to assist with the costs of additional treatments, helping differently-abled Canadians recapture their independence and quality of life.
Far too many Canadians who qualify for the DTC don’t submit their application. Unclaimed disability tax credits are common due to lack of awareness, not knowing if one qualifies, or being declined for an application due to common mistakes in the application process.
How can the NBA help Me?
The National Benefit Authority is Canada’s largest service provider for the DTC. We’ve guided over 40,000 Canadians in determining their eligibility, completing their necessary paperwork (Form T2201), and applying for the Disability Tax Credit in a simple, hassle-free process.
Not only do we help Canadians collect their disabled tax credit for the current tax year, we can also help you recover any Disability Tax Credit retroactive refunds you may have been eligible for – for up to 10 years!
