Is a Stroke a Disability?
A stroke is a fatal condition that threatens the brain’s functioning due to a lack of blood to the vital organ. When the blood supply is obstructed, inadequate amounts of nutrients and oxygen reaches the brain, which can create severe malfunctions throughout the body’s many systems. If the blood can’t reach the brain over a period of time, the brain cells begin to die, which can lead to severe brain damage, or death.
Statistics suggest that strokes predominantly affect people over 65 years old, though younger people aren’t completely safe from the condition. The causes of a stroke vary, including factors such as obesity, poor dieting, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, due to their influence on blood pressure, can also lead to stroke.
Stroke symptoms can be subtle, making it imperative you recognize some of the most common signs:
- Trouble with speaking and understanding
- Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm, or leg
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden, searing headaches
- Trouble walking
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a family member, even if they fluctuate or disappear, it’s important to still seek immediate medical attention.
Remember to think ‘FAST’, and do the following:
- Face. Ask the person to smile – does one side of their face droop?
- Arms. Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward, or is one unable to lift up?
- Speech. Ask the person to repeat an easy phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- Time. If you see any of these indicators, call 911 immediately.
Don’t wait to see if the symptoms will pass – every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes unchecked, the greater risk of brain damage or permanent disability.
How does the Disability Tax Credit work?
A stroke is an extremely potent condition with fatal consequences. Depending on the severity of the stroke, a person recovering from the ailment will be limited in their ability to perform basic activities of living. If the stroke resulted in permanent brain damage, a full-time caregiver may be required to assist with fundamentals we take for granted, like feeding or dressing.
Because of the substantial damage a stroke can inflict, stroke disability is available in Canada in the form of the Canadian Disability Tax Credit (DTC). This program was designed to provide a greater tax equity for differently-abled Canadians, facilitating relief through disability costs that are unavoidable. Other taxpayers don’t face these extra expenses – the DTC covers these added costs as a financial and emotional safeguard for families in need.
How can the NBA help me?
Unclaimed disability tax credits are very common in Canada; the DTC application process requires precise details and accurate paperwork. The tedious T2201 application and other associated disability tax forms tend to dissuade people from claiming their benefits altogether.
The National Benefit Authority was founded to navigate the logistics of the DTC application for Canadians in need. Rather than stressing over your Disability Tax Credit amount or eligibility, our experts will do the specialized research and groundwork for you. Whether you’re submitting a claim for the first time, or are looking for Disability Tax Credit retroactive funds, we’ve guided thousands of Canadians in successfully recovering their disabled tax credit.
We’ll work on your behalf to claim the disability credits you’re entitled to, creating time and support you and your family needs to manage the condition.