Disability Tax Credit and a Glass of Red Wine

In October 2012 I applied for the Disability Tax Credit.

In December 2012 I received a letter from Canada Revenue Agency saying that they required more time to review my application.

In February 2013, I receive a letter saying that, after careful review, they determined that I was not eligible for the disability tax credit at this time.

I, of course, appealed.

I carefully reviewed the reasons they gave as to why I was not eligible and I explained each one.

I submitted my appeal.

I received a letter a few weeks later saying that they had received my appeal and that I could expect to be contact within a few months.

Yesterday, I received a letter.

The letter stated: "Having carefully reconsidered the determination with reference to the information and reasons set for in your objection, the Minister of National Revenue renders the following objection:

You objection is allowed and the determination is reversed. Canada Revenue Agency's records have been updated to show that you are eligible for the disability tax credit on a temporary basis from 2002 to 2016."

Yes, I did indeed do a happy dance when I read that.

My 2011 and 2010 tax returns will be automatically adjusted and they provided me with information for how to apply all the way back to 2002, the year I was diagnosed.

I am also now able to open a Registered Disability Savings Plan where the money I invest is matched, at least partially, by the government.

I don't know what happens in 2016, and how I reapply but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. In the meantime, I can invest a bit more money for the future, pay down some debt and breathe a little easier.

That, my friends, deserves a big glass of red wine!