M.E. & FM Manual --Main Page
Updated 97/02

11. Disability Benefits



1)** Introduction.  Since the disabilities
caused by M.E. and F.M. can be mild to severe, if
you are moderately affected you must start to
consider yourself a disabled person and learn to
live with the illness.  Don't just wait and hope that
things will get better - start applying for disability
benefits.  Some of these benefits (eg C.P.P.) can
take months or years to obtain.  Try to get an
assistant or helper to do as much of the work as
possible for you.  Attending a support group can
be very helpful.

2)** Resources  #94027- 44 

3)** Helpful Assistance.  You are not
required to continue seeing a case worker, social
worker, or any person if you are not happy with
your treatment.  If someone is not supportive, you
have the right to ask for another worker or to
speak to a supervisor and ask for someone more
knowledgeable or compassionate.  {PO}{I found
that most people have success if they are tactfully
blunt.}

4)** Positive attitude.  {PO}{Always take
a positive approach when you are trying to achieve
a goal - eg say "How can I accomplish this?" or
"How can I get this benefit" or "I would like to try
this medication".  Be aggressive but not
over-bearing.  If you go into a discussion with the
idea that you really don't deserve this benefit, that 
you are asking too much, or that you are being a
bother, you will not get what you need}  You may
find that if you need further information on a
particular benefit (such as C.P.P.), when you
inquire with the administrators who are
responsible, you will get discrepancies in the
answers given. Some people are very quick to give
an answer (it turns out to be the wrong answer) or
they do not give the full information you may
need.  Be persistent - call the office again, speak to
another person, and write the details down.  Many
people have had this problem, and it becomes very
frustrating when you get different information
from the same office regarding the same subject. 
{PO}{I usually say that the answer you get
depends on if the coffee machine broke that
morning, or if the clerk is in a bad mood!}

5)** Special treatment because of
your disability.  Since you have a disability,
anticipate that people will give you special
treatment for your disability - eg since your teeth
are more susceptible to decay because of M.E.,
GAIN will pay extra for dental repairs; since you
have great difficulty walking, the airport will
provide you with an attendant and a cart to
transport you to your loading gate.

6)** Timing of your application can
be critical.  Consider your present situation
when you are applying for various benefits - eg the
best time to apply for GAIN for Handicapped
benefits would be if your spouse is out of work, as
your gross family income would be quite low. 
There are some benefits (such as long-term
disability) that have time limits on when you can
apply once you become disabled.

7)** Specific History Letter.  Create a 3
- 4 page letter containing medical history of all
symptoms you have.  Points to include are:

     a) doctor's diagnosis;

     b) any specialist seen;

     c) major tests done/to do;

     d) date illness started;

     e) describe a typical day/night;

     f)** medications taken, or currently using;

     g)** what happens when you try to do
     various mental or physical activities, how
     many hours or days you may need to
     recover;

     h) main disabilities;
     - effects
       - severity
     - hindrance
     - how you deal with it;


     i) where you have lived;

     j) family situation;

     k) financial problems;

     l) housing situation;

     m) job and education history;

     n) recreational activities, before and after
     illness;

     o) what are you doing to try to get better;

     p) state that the illness is severe and
     pro-longed;

     q) state that you cannot do ANY job;

     r) what reduction in work?  (eg 90%).
This document can be given to any new specialist
or doctor you go to (or others that have to know
about your disability), without having to repeat to
each one what has been happening with your
illness. Put this letter on a computer so that
changes can easily be made (the newer computer
software comes with Spell-checker, Thesaurus (to
help you find the correct word) and a grammatical
checker (to help with your cognitive problems). 
Give a complete picture of your situation.  You
can't expect the doctor(s) to read your mind.  The
time you spend composing this letter is well-spent,
as you will use it often.  Include this letter with
your C.P.P. application.  

8)** General Letter.  Compose a general
letter, one page in length,  for your doctor to sign,
that describes your symptoms (eg you cannot work
because of poor concentration, cognitive disorder,
extreme fatigue, and you unable to take public
transportation, etc.)  Do not use a standard form
letter; create a letter with your personal details.  
Photocopy the letter onto your doctor's letterhead. 
You can use this letter when you apply for some of
the following benefits (such as the I.C.B.C.
discount).

     a)** Many doctors are unaware of the exact
     wording or specifics needed when applying
     for benefits.  Make sure you are aware,
     confirm that he is, and that he will put
     down what is required.

9)** Recovery Date on Forms.   Have
your doctor state a recovery date as far into the
future as possible on any disability claims.  He can
always change the date if you recover sooner than
expected.  There are several reasons for this
suggestion: 

     a)** to avoid bringing the form back year
     after year for your doctor to sign,  which
     might irritate him; 

     b)**since the regulations are being
     tightened for disability benefits, you may
     be disallowed when the form is changed
     and needs to be signed again the following
     year.

     c)** Some organizations will not accept
     vague dates, such as "undetermined", so
     you may need a specific date far in the
     future. 

10)** Disability start date on forms.  
Ensure the earliest date of disability is put down
by your doctor - the year and month that any
amount of impairment started.  This can then be
used to back-date many benefits (eg Disability Tax
Credit).

11)** There are many disability
benefits that are available to you.  Some
are listed in  #91002, #91003, #93003, #93058
and #94019.  Some of the information is provided
by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, phone
#1-800-268-7582.  The M.S. Resource Guide for
Disability Benefits (#94019) is recommended by
the B.C. government (95/02) as being superior to
their own Resource Guide.  A short review of
these benefits follows; however, for more details
please refer to the information in the "M.E. &
F.M. Library Materials":  

12)** Help Services 

     a)** Daycare Services.   Human
     Resources will pay up to $350/child
     monthly daycare costs, based on your
     income, if you are unable to care for your
     children.  This benefit is available even if
     you have a spouse who works outside of
     the home.  For information contact Human
     Resources.  You will need the "general
     letter" as described above stating that you
     cannot properly care for your child(ren)
     yourself.  There is an income test; if your
     income is slightly above their limit, you
     pay a percentage of the daycare costs.

     b)** Homemaker.  Homemakers will cook
     freezer meals for you, clean your
     bathrooms and floors, do your vacuuming,
     laundry, care needs, even if you are
     married and your spouse is healthy.  You
     do not have to be bed-ridden to qualify. 
     The cost is determined by your family
     income.  For a working wife and husband
     on C.P.P. disability, it works to about
     $2.00 for each 4-hour weekly visit.  

          (1)** As of 1995/05 the B.C.
          Government no longer provides
          homemaker services for those who
          do not require personal care.  You
          are only eligible for this benefit if
          you can't bathe or feed yourself. 
          There are political efforts being
          made to reinstate this benefit. 
          Phone to confirm your eligibility, as
          things do change for the better
          sometimes.

     c)**  Meals on Wheels.   Good quality
     meals can be delivered to your home at a
     small cost (approximately $5.00).  No
     eligibility testing is done.  Call your local
     hospital to get details on what meals are
     available and what procedures have to be
     followed.  For Vancouver call #732-7638. 

13)** Housing: 

     a)** Co-op housing.  This type of housing
     is based on 25% - 30% of your gross
     family income and requires a $2,000 -
     $3,000 share purchase up front.  Contact
     Community Services for a list of these
     housing units #879-5112.  When you
     apply, you may not have to include your
     child(ren)'s portion of the C.P.P. benefits
     under the gross family income in the
     calculation of your housing charge.  

          (1)** Some co-ops require a large
          share purchase (eg $40,000).  Your
          only monthly rent is then
          $50 - $100 monthly
          maintenance and ground
          keeping fee.  When you
          move out, you will receive
          your original share purchase
          (eg $40,000) back.  

     b) Lions Club and Kinsmen Clubs  also
     provide low-income housing.  You can
     apply directly to these clubs for lists of
     where the housing is located in your area.

     c)**  Greater Vancouver Housing
     Corporation  (#432-6300/ fax #436-6960)
     for suitable, affordable housing in B.C.,
     usually two or three bedroom townhouses. 
     The housing charge is based on 30% of the
     gross family income.  If you do apply for
     this type of housing, you are given two
     chances to accept a unit that becomes
     available.  If you decline an available unit
     two times, your application is then
     cancelled.

     d)**  Property taxes (Disability Rebate).   
     This rebate is taken directly off the total
     property tax owing, after the
     Home-owner's tax has been deducted.  
     Generally, if your doctor will sign the
     form, the municipality will give you the
     rebate which  amounts to $745 (net),
     depending upon the value of your home.  
     The form is developed by the B.C.
     Government.  Each municipality seems to
     handle the form in a different manner. 
     Some municipalities are very strict and
     decline the rebate to M.E. or F.M.
     patients, others are more lenient (as long as
     the doctor fills out the form, you will
     receive the benefit).  You may also be able
     to back-date this benefit up to one year -
     check with your municipality.   #94016

          (1)** Land Tax Deferment Program
          - #94019-19.  You may be able to
          defer your property taxes if you are
          older than 60, a widowed spouse, or
          a handicapped person as defined
          under the Guaranteed Available
          Income for Need Act (GAIN).
          Contact your local municipality, or
          the Minister of Finance &
          Corporate Relations #387-0599/ fax
          #387-6218 or #1-800-663-7867.

     e)**  Residential Rehabilitation Program.  
     C.M.H.C. will provide grants or loans to
     homeowners or landlords who are making
     modifications for a disabled tenant,
     depending upon your family income.  This
     program may be cancelled in 1996.  You
     may be eligible for a $5,000 loan as well as
     a $5,000 grant towards the modifications. 
     Phone #737-4065/ fax #732-9944.

     f)**  Tenants Rights Coalition.   If you are
     having problems with your rental
     accommodations phone #255-3099 or
     #255-0546  #1-800-665- 1185.

     g)** Vancouver Resource Society, is a
     non-profit organization that runs 18 group
     homes and two apartment buildings in
     Vancouver  (Blair Court and Kelly Court) 
     Phone #873-3371/fax #875- 6130.

     h)** The Voice of Cerebral Palsied
     Housing Society   (#94019-23) runs a 39
     unit apartment building.  Phone #874-1741.

     i)** Wheelchair Housing Registry 
     (#94019-24) is a registry of homes that
     have been modified for wheelchair
     accessibility.

14)** Income: 

     a)**  Canada Pension Plan Disability
     Benefits (C.P.P.)   Please refer to Chapter
     16.

     b)** Credit Cards .  (#92056 Video3 @
     0:03)  Several credit cards, and some Gold
     cards, have disability insurance coverage. 
     Check your policy, you may be eligible to
     receive this benefit.

     c)** Disability Discount.   Always ask
     when you purchase things what the
     disability discount is.   Many places do not
     advertise this, but will give a discount if
     you state that you are disabled. If they
     don't, ask them why not.  If they have an
     Old Age Pensioner discount, they should
     have a disability discount.

          (1)** Some manufacturers give
          rebates for items that are required
          due to your disability (eg M.S.
          patients can get a $500 rebate to
          install air-conditioning in their car
          as heat greatly affects their
          condition).

     d)** G.A.I.N. - Guaranteed Available
     Income for Need (welfare)    When you
     apply for GAIN, the process is simplified if
     you give your counsellor the general
     history letter as discussed above. The
     maximum that Human Resources would
     provide under this program for yourself,
     one spouse and two children is
     approximately $1200 per month, with a
     deduction of 100% of total net family
     earnings.  After a three month period, they
     will increase the maximum by $200, and
     deduct only 75% of any net family
     earnings.  Human Resources will give you
     $95 per child on this program.  Your
     prescription drugs may be paid for 100%,
     also dental work, eyeglass coverage, and
     you are eligible to receive a bus pass for a
     reduced rate of $40.   See Human
     Resources for further details on how to
     apply, or call Health Services Division at
     #1- 800-663-7202 or #660-3143.

          (1)**  There are 3 levels for GAIN,
          with the maximum amount that a
          single person might receive at each
          level:

               (a)** Employable persons
               receive $546/month, with no
               medical benefits;

               (b)** Unemployable persons
               receive $596/month, with all
               medical benefits (MSP
               coverage, dental, etc);

               (c)** Permanently disabled
               persons receive $755/month,
               with the same benefits as the
               "unemployables" but the
               monthly dollar amount is
               higher.

                    (i)** A couple, or
                    single parent with
                    one child can receive
                    a maximum of
                    $1,006/month in
                    benefits.

     e)** G.A.I.N for Handicapped  is a
     separate benefit that you must apply for
     through Human Resources.  All
     benefits are the same as for GAIN,
     with an additional $163 per month. 
     GAIN for Disabled is a difficult
     benefit to receive for those with
     M.E., since not everyone at Human
     Resources considers M.E. as a
     permanent disability, or F.M. as
     debilitating.  If your application is
     turned down once, you can make an
     appeal, and if you are turned down
     again your case goes before a
     tribunal. The tribunal panel consists
     of three people: one person of your
     choice, someone from Human
     Resources, and a neutral party. 
     According to the Legal Aid Society,
     they are not aware of anyone who
     has lost their case before the
     tribunal.  You may collect GAIN
     and C.P.P. Disability benefits at the
     same time - the advantage is, even
     though you receive no extra cash,
     you receive 100% prescription,
     glasses and dental coverage under
     GAIN.

          (1)** GAIN will also pay your
          ICBC insurance for a one-year
          period, if you can prove your car is
          needed, and you are unable to take
          public transportation (due to fatigue,
          inability to stand, etc.) 

          (2)** If you are capable and
          collecting GAIN benefits, you are
          eligible to receive up to $100 extra
          in monthly benefits if you volunteer
          to do 10 hours or more a month for
          a registered non-profit organization
          (such as M.E.B.C. or F.M.B.C.)

          (3)** There have been an increasing
          number of cases with M.E. or F.M.
          patients getting GAIN for
          Handicapped, but usually after
          having been turned down several
          times.  Your application goes to
          Victoria, then it goes to your
          District Supervisor and they have
          the power to overturn a "No"
          decision.

               (a)** After the initial
               application for permanent
               disability GAIN benefits
               (95/11),  95% of
               those who apply
               listing M.E. or F.M.
               as their disability will
               receive a rejection
               letter which states
               (incorrectly) that "the
               medical community
               does not believe this
               illness is permanent". 
               The B.C. Coalition
               of People With
               Disabilities (95/08)
               claims a success rate
               of over 80% with
               their help on appeal
               applications for either
               M.E. or F.M.  Do
               not try to do the
               appeal yourself,
               contact the B.C.
               Coalition for People
               with Disabilities.

          (4)** The B.C. Government has
          officially declared May 12 as "M.E.
          Awareness Day".  As such, social
          workers will now be hard pressed to
          say they do not believe in the
          illness, or that it is not significant or
          debilitating.

          (5)** The definition of
          "Handicapped" (95/05/26 in a news
          release) will be changed to "stress
          the duration, rather than the
          permanence of a person's disability. 
          The Ministry recognizes the
          episodic nature of many disabling
          conditions, and the employment
          potential of those with physical or
          mental disabilities."  There are
          26,000 people in B.C. getting
          GAIN for Handicapped benefits,
          nearly $200,000,000. per year.  A
          single person receives $771 per
          month in benefits.  As of May 26,
          1995, the B.C. government will also
          be making minor changes in the
          appeal process.

     f)**  Income Tax.   You may be able to
     deduct some necessary items because of
     your M.E. or F.M. - eg a hot tub
     for the Fibromyalgia muscle pain,
     reclining chair that you sit in all day
     and night for M.E., an electric
     scooter, a walker, or a wheelchair -
     whatever you need to continue daily
     living.  Some of these items will
     require a letter from your doctor. 
     Try it - "all they can say is no." 
     #1-800-663-9033; #1-800-
     663-1665;  or #669-1033.

          (1)** Additional deductions under
          the "Medical section" includes costs
          of eyeglasses, or contact lenses.

          (2)** Travelling expenses beyond
          80 kms to get medical services for
          the disabled person and a helper.

          (3)** Uninsured medical expenses. 
          You can deduct medical expenses
          for physicians, dentists,
          physiotherapists, massage
          therapists, naturopaths,
          chiropractors, acupuncturists,
          prescription drugs, laboratory and
          ambulance services.

          (4)** You can make a change to a
          previous year's tax return at any
          time.  Send a handwritten letter to
          Revenue Canada stating that you
          wish to back-date some deductions,
          and send the required paperwork (eg
          the disability tax credit).

          (5)** Audio and computer diskettes. 
          The tax department can provide
          audio and computer diskettes with
          information on how to fill out your
          tax return.  #1- 800-267-1267.

          (6)** Calculate what you are
          actually going to receive (net) from
          a deduction before you make
          purchases, eg on a C.P.P. disability
          pension, you only get 12% of the
          cost back from a medical expense
          deduction.

          (7)** GST Rebate phone
          #1-800-663-1881/  or # 689-8671. 
          A tax rebate of $608 per year for a
          family of four, decreasing if your
          income goes above $25,921 a year. 
          Apply for this benefit on your
          income tax return.    

     g)**  Income Tax Disability Tax Credit.  
     A non-refundable tax credit of $4,233 (net
     17% = $720) for 1995 taxation year is
     available.  Obtain Form T2201 by
     contacting Revenue Canada
     1-800-663-1665.  If you have a disabled
     child, you are eligible to use this credit on
     your tax return.

          (1)** This form was revised in
          1991, 1992, and 1994. Be sure you
          have the current form when you
          apply. #950503-11

          (2)** When your doctor fills out
          this form, have him put the actual
          date that your disability started, not
          the date that you were diagnosed,
          and then have your previous tax
          returns re-assessed if it applies.  In
          most cases you don't have to refile
          the actual return, you simply write a
          letter to Revenue Canada, stating
          you have new information that you
          wish to apply to your previous
          year's return(s).  You can go back
          more than 3 years using the
          "Fairness Legislation".   Look at
          your spouse's tax return for the
          same years - a change in your taxes
          may have benefits for your spouse's
          tax return -  eg you drop your
          income to a level that makes you a 
          dependant for your spouse.

          (3)  If your doctor fills out the form
          T2201, using the word "perma-nent," 
          you do not have to file the form year 
          after year.

          (4)  To qualify for this benefit, your
          disability does not have to be
          permanent, only prolonged
          (at least 12 months
          duration).

          (5)  To qualify, you need only 1 of
          the five qualifying "ailments".

          (6)** Phone 1-800- 663-1882 for
          refund inquiries.

     h) Student Loan Interest Relief and
     Termination Canada/B.C.  If you are
     making payments on a Canada/B.C.
     Student Loan, the repayments can be
     postponed until you are employed or are
     capable of making payments. The interest
     on the loan will be paid by the government
     for a life-time maximum of 18 months. 
     After that, if you are still unable to make
     the payments, the Bank sends your loan to
     the government for collection.  A collection
     agency will contact you to find what kind
     of repayment you can afford.  Have your
     doctor fill out a form which you can
     receive from the Student Loan Branch of
     the Department of Secretary of State (the
     agency that handles the Student Loans)
     stating that you have a permanent disability
     and are unable to make the payments.  A
     Board from the Student Loan Branch will
     decide whether your entire loan will be
     forgiven.  You must also fill out a separate
     medical package sent out by the
     government.  Phone  #(819) 944-1840 in
     Ontario for further information or contact
     the bank that is handling your Student
     Loan.

15)** Medical :

     a)** Discounted sources.   Many colleges
     offer courses where students must learn a
     trade (meat cutter, hairdresser).  An
     example of this is Vancouver Community
     College, where through the meat cutting
     course, the college offers meat at a
     discounted price to the general public. 
     Hairdressing schools offer discounted
     prices for haircuts, perms, etc.   Some
     colleges also offer a program where, for
     20% of the normal costs, you can get your
     dental work done by dental students. Phone
     your local college to see whether they have
     such a program.

     b)**^  Drugs & Pharmacare.   Pharmacare
     will refund 70% of your eligible
     pharmaceuticals after you pay the first $600
     (effective March 31, 1995) for patients
     under age 65; for over age 65 different
     rules apply.  As of  96/01 you no longer
     have to submit receipts to M.S.P. as they
     are now computerized on PharmaNet. 
     After you have reached your $600
     deductible for your drug purchases (per
     calendar year) you then pay only 30% of
     the prescription cost to the Pharmacy when
     you purchase your drugs; the remaining
     70% is paid by M.S.P. directly to the
     Pharmacy.   If you are collecting GAIN
     benefits, Human Resources will provide
     you with a temporary statement, good for
     48 hours, that enables you to receive your
     drugs free of charge at the pharmacy.
     Phone #660-1738; in Victoria #387- 3724,
     or #1-800-665-7108.

     c)** Medical Services Plan.   If you are
     having financial hardships, or are a
     low-wage earner living in B.C.,  the
     government will subsidize the cost of your
     medical coverage, and pay the User Fee
     charge for services of chiropractors,
     massagers, etc. Contact B.C. Medical
     Services Plan, 1515 Blanshard Street
     Victoria, B.C. and ask for a Temporary
     Premium Assistance or a Permanent
     Premium Assistance form, depending upon
     your financial situation.  #683-7151
     (Vancouver) or #1-800-663-7100 

     d)**  Some psychologists  will do reduced
     rate consultations.  Some Christian
     organizations have a psychologist available,
     and you can pay by donation.

16)** Resources: 

     a)**  B.C. Coalition of People with
     Disabilities  is an advocacy group for the
     disabled, with an annual $l0 membership
     fee.  They will answer questions over the
     phone or in person on how to fill out forms
     like your C.P.P. application.   They will
     also help you find a lawyer, if necessary,
     and help with appeals and medical benefits.
     If you have a group of 5 or more people
     that are applying for C.P.P. or GAIN, the
     coalition will send out a representative to
     spend the day helping the group fill out the
     applications. (#875-0188; 1-800-663-1278;
     or fax #875-9227).

     b)**  B.C. Telephone Special Needs
     Service.   B.C. Tel sells speaker phones or
     head sets, as do electronic outlets such as
     London Drugs and Radio Shack.  Phone
     #663-3251 or 1- 800-242-8643.

     c)** Directory of Federal Services for
     Disabled Persons.   A directory of federal
     services and programs for people with
     disabilities is available free of charge. 
     Phone #666-0176/ fax #666-3508.

     d)**  Government Agencies Directory 
     #1-800-663-6105, will give you the phone
     number of any government agency.  If you
     have to call an agency long-distance, have
     them return your call, then you will not
     have to pay for distance charges.  If you
     need to find a  1-800 phone number in
     Canada, call #1-800-555-1212.

     e)** I.B.M. computer discount.   You can
     get a discount of 25% off the list-price of
     an IBM computer.  Phone #1-800-465-7999
     and ask for the Education Specialist. 
     Check the (free) computer magazine
     available at most libraries, to determine the
     best prices and options.

     f)**  Performing Arts, tickets discount. 
     (DISTIX) Tickets can be purchased at 50%
     - 60% discount for symphony, opera,
     ballet, museum, or other musical events. 
     Quarterly newsletter of events that accept
     the discounted tickets is available at
     #681-3535/ fax #681-7848.

     g)** Resource Line for the Handicapped, 
     gives information on a variety of provincial
     government resources.  Phone #1-800-465-
     4911, in Victoria #387- 3027.

17)**  Travel: 

     a)**  B.C. Ferries offer half-rate discounts
     to disabled persons and an attendant, but
     not the vehicle.  Phone #669-1211
     (Vancouver) or #386-3431 (Victoria)

     b)**  B.C. Gasoline Tax Refund.   A
     refund of 15 cents/litre to a maximum of
     $400 per year can be obtained.  Contact the
     Vancouver Branch of Consumer Taxation
     at #660-4500 or the Victoria Branch at
     #387-0654 for further information.  Keep
     your receipts and back-date as far as
     possible.  Neither Propane nor gasoline
     purchased in the U.S. is covered under this
     benefit.  You can back-date up to six years,
     or up to the date that your doctor states you
     became disabled.  You must be the
     registered or  joint owner of the vehicle, or
     if you have a leased vehicle, the lease must
     be in your name.  You do not have to be
     the principal driver to qualify for this
     benefit.  

     c)**  Disability Parking Exception
     Parking Program  for the City of
     Vancouver.  This will allow you to park
     for free in metered time areas.  Call the
     Parking Branch of City Hall at #873- 7338/ 
     fax #873-7200; in Victoria call #385- 5711. 
     One of the requirements for this benefit is
     that the disability restricts mobility, or
     results in slow, difficult, or painful
     movement. Check with your local
     municipality if they offer this discount.

     d)**  Disabled parking placards.   This
     placard will allow you to park in the
     designated disabled parking spots.  Your
     doctor must fill out a form for this benefit. 
     This benefit is not only for those
     that require a wheelchair, but also
     for those who have difficulty
     walking.  These placards are issued
     either on a permanent or a
     temporary (1 year) basis, regardless
     of the date that your doctor states as
     your expected date of recovery. 
     The cost is $10 for each issuance. 
     Call Disabled Persons Parking
     Placards Program at #736-4367.

     e)**  Federal Gasoline Tax Rebate.  A 1.5
     cent/litre rebate on your gasoline cost can
     be obtained. Phone #666-4664 and ask for
     the Federal Excise Gasoline Tax Refund,
     or call 1-800-561-6990/#1-800-463-6737. 
     You can back-date your application up to
     two years.

     f)  Handy- Dart.  Door-to-door
     transportation for the disabled.  Call
     #264-5000 to register.  Cost is $1.25 per
     trip, with 48 hours notice required.

     g)** Handy-Pass  - passes for the
     handicapped on the bus, Seabus and Sky
     Train.  Your attendant can ride free.  Pass
     is $45 annual fee (1994).  In Vancouver
     #682-0391, in Victoria #387- 4331, or
     #1-800-665-2656.

     h)  I.C.B.C. discount.  A 25% discount on
     your basic insurance, which is determined
     using your Safe-Driver's Discount (works
     out to approximately $100) can be
     obtained.  Pick up the I.C.B.C. brochure
     "Handicapped Driver Discount".  Ask your
     local Autoplan Agent, not the Motor
     Vehicle Branch,  for further details.  Bring
     your "general medical letter" (explained
     above) to your agent when you are buying
     your insurance. You are able to apply to
     have this benefit back-dated up to six years,
     making it possible to get $600 - $2000
     refunded to you.  You must have your
     vehicle registered in your name as the
     disabled person; you do not have to be the
     principal driver.  You are eligible for this
     benefit even though you may not be able to
     drive.  The general, one-page letter should
     state that you are "suffering from
     impairment to the extent that public
     transportation would be hazardous" (eg you
     cannot stand or walk for long periods of
     time, or you must lay down after a certain
     amount of exertion). Phone
     #1-800-663-1466.

     i)** Leisure Access Pass  allows you
     half-price admission to parks and
     recreational facilities (swimming pools,
     community centres, skating rinks, etc) 
     Phone #681-1141 or ask your local
     municipality if they have discounted rates
     for disabled, low-income people.

     j)**  Lift-equipped van or hand-controlled
     car rentals .  For a $40 - $50/day fee you
     can rent a van through the B.C. Paraplegic
     Association, phone #324-3611/ fax
     #324-3671.  Annual membership is $10.  

     k) **  Parks and Recreation Discount. 
     Half-price fares at Vancouver Parks and
     Recreation facilities, such as swimming
     pools and zoos, are available for the
     handicapped.   Phone Recreation Program
     Consultant - Special Needs, Board of Parks
     and Recreation.

     l)** Parks.   Province of B.C., Ministry
     of Parks.  B.C. Park Access Card, Phone
     #387-5002 (Victoria).  You and your
     family can stay at provincial park
     campgrounds free of charge.  This card is
     good for 2 years.  You are issued a
     disability card that you must present when
     you register at the Provincial Campground.

     m)  Special needs cruises.   Cruises to
     Alaska or Mexico call #437-3244,
     #1-800-663-4087 or speak to your local
     travel agent.

     n)** Taxi-Saver Program  is a coupon
     book for reduced rates on taxi service. 
     You can buy up to 2 booklets of coupons at
     $20 per booklet (a $40 value) which
     you give to the taxi driver - you get
     half-price for your taxi fares.  This
     program is available in an area
     encompassing North Vancouver,
     Vancouver, Maple Ridge, and
     Langley; outside of this area may be
     started in 1996.  Phone #540- 3000. 
     This service is run through the
     Handi-Dart Program.  

     o)  Travel discounts.  On domestic flights
     your attendant can travel for half-fare.
     Phone your local Travel Agent, or Air
     Canada Office at
     #688-5515.
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End of Chapter

M.E. & FM Manual --Main Page
Updated 97/02