Nova Scotia's Services for Persons with Disabilities (SPD) serves children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities, long-term mental illness and physical disabilities in a range of community-based, residential and vocational day programs. These voluntary programs are designed to support people at various stages of their development and independence. The SDP program provides a variety of residential support options for individuals with disabilities.>

The Nova Scotia Employment and Income Assistance (ESIA) provides help when you or your family have financial difficulties. The ESIA program includes Income Assistance (IA) and Employment Support Services (ESS). The IA program provides financial assistance for food , rent, utilities and clothing. The ESS program helps people on Income Assistance become more self-sufficient. You can turn to the ESIA program when have no other reasonable options. You may be eligible for Income Assistance if you live in Nova Scotia, are 19 years of age or older and are in financial need. In order to be eligible for ESS you must be a recipient of Income Assistance.

We have found that many people who require social assistance do not understand the benefits of the federal disability tax credit and as a result have not applied for it. Receiving CPP Disability Benefit or Income Assistance does not necessarily mean that you will automatically be granted the disability tax credit and qualifying for the disability tax credit does not mean you are entitled to Income Assistance. There are many benefits to the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). If you reside in Nova Scotia and can claim the DTC you can receive additional income tax refunds in excess of $1,800 for the 2013 tax year. There are additional supplements and tax credits that can substantially increase your tax refund. More importantly, you can open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The RDSP allows families and their children with disabilities to save money in a registered account, tax-free until it's needed. Similar to the RESP, the RDSP has government bond and matching grant programs. Even better, Nova Scotia Community Services will fully exempt the RDSP contributions when calculating your eligibility for Income Assistance and withdrawing funds from the RDSP will also not affect Income Assistance. Even if you do not have sufficient income to take full advantage of the disability tax credit you can still open a RDSP and accumulate funds for your future. If you would like to explore the many benefits of the DTC and RDSP please give us a call toll free 1-877-895-5186. We provide expert understanding, commitment and solutions for a future where every Canadian with a disability enjoys financial security .