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Two-Thirds of RDSP Money Goes Unclaimed: How Ottawa's $70,000 Disability Benefit Actually Works

  Published August 19, 2026 Of the 311,000 active Registered Disability Savings Plans opened since the program launched in 2008, Canadians have contributed $3.3 billion — and Ottawa has matched that with $5.1 billion in grants and $2.1 billion in bonds, according to figures reported by BNN Bloomberg on Wednesday. That sounds like a program working as intended. It isn't. The same report cites the latest Statistics Canada tally showing that two-thirds of the government money set aside for the RDSP goes unclaimed every year, largely because eligible Canadians don't know the plan exists. If you or someone in your family is approved for the Disability Tax Credit, this is one of the highest-value accounts the federal government offers — richer, dollar for dollar, than the RRSP, the TFSA, or the RESP. Here's how the math actually works, and what it takes to claim your share. Who qualifies Anyone approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) — via CRA Form T2201, certified by a medi...
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Federal Government Boosts Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund with Additional $36 Million

 

The Canadian federal government has recently allocated an additional $36.4 million to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund, a program designed to support individuals who have experienced serious injuries or fatalities related to vaccines since the end of 2020. Here are the key details:

  1. Purpose of the Fund:

    • The program was established shortly after COVID-19 vaccines became available to the public.
    • It provides financial compensation to people who suffered adverse effects due to Health Canada-approved vaccines.
    • The goal is to assist those who were seriously impacted by vaccination.

  2. Funding and Administration:

    • The Liberal government initially earmarked $75 million for the first five years of the program.
    • A private firm called OXARO manages the program and disburses valid claims originating outside of Quebec.
    • To date, OXARO has received $56.2 million from Ottawa and has paid out $11.2 million in compensation.
    • Quebec has its own vaccine injury compensation program, which received $7.75 million when the federal program launched.

  3. Recent Funding Boost:

    • As part of the federal budget, the government allocated an additional $36 million to OXARO and Quebec.
    • This funding covers the next two years of the program.
    • The Public Health Agency of Canada contracted OXARO to ensure an impartial claims process.

  4. Eligibility and Claims:

    • The program covers injuries and deaths associated with vaccines approved for any illness.
    • Eligibility criteria include severe, life-threatening, or life-altering injuries resulting in disability, incapacity, birth defects, or death.
    • The available statistics do not specify which vaccines were involved.

  5. Rare Adverse Reactions:

    • Serious adverse reactions to vaccines are extremely rare (affecting less than one in a million people).
    • Nevertheless, the government recognizes its duty to provide support when such reactions occur.
    • Ottawa has also made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for travel and federal public service employment.

In summary, the additional funding aims to ensure that those affected by vaccine-related injuries receive appropriate compensation while maintaining an impartial claims process. The program underscores the importance of vaccine safety and accountability in public health efforts. 


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