Have a chronic condition? Don’t miss these tax benefits

(NC) Having a chronic condition can significantly affect your quality of life, and unfortunately, a large portion of the Canadian population is living with at least one chronic condition, and often face the overwhelming stress of managing diagnosis, treatment, and the financial burdens that come with it.

When it comes to tax time, you and your loved ones should consider consulting an expert to learn if any of the expenses related to living with a chronic illness are eligible for tax credits. Some of the benefits available also apply to caregivers in certain circumstances.

Here are some things to keep in mind that you may be eligible for:

• Travel expenses like public transportation if they’re needed to access medical treatment or services that are not available close to your home.
• Accommodations, meals or vehicle expenses.
• Expenses related to the installation or operation of certain kinds of medical equipment, such as dialysis machines.
• Explore other benefits or credits that may be of further assistance to you, such as the Canada Disability Benefit, the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Canada Caregiver Credit, the Home Accessibility Tax Credit, and others.
• Keep all receipts, especially if you are not yet certain what may be needed for your claims.

Given that every situation is different, it’s highly recommended to consult with a tax professional.

It’s best to start the process early as you may need to obtain certificates of verification or have additional paperwork completed, e Especially if this is the first year you are considering claiming these benefits.

Learn more about some areas you can explore if you are living with chronic kidney disease at kidney.ca/taxtips.