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Disability benefits in Canada for a student

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 12/26/2012 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I'm currently a fourth year university student, going part time. I'm paying for university with student loans, and am living at home where my parents cover all of my living costs (food, clothing, etc). I'm also 22, if that matters. My parents cannot afford to continue covering my living and medical costs (they're both disabled too), and since I'm going part time to school, I cannot graduate for a few years. My health is pretty severe right now, and I can't work. I also have dental expenses coming out of my a** which I've been paying for with student loans, and just can't keep up. Things have really been a struggle, especially financially. I'm wondering if its possible to apply for disability benefits under my circumstances in Canada, even while going to school part time? Any suggestions/advice would be really appreciated.

Note that my current diagnosis is fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hypermobility syndrome, and scoliosis.

Happy Holidays!
Posted 12/27/2012 4:47 AM (GMT 0)
I think in America you could get some help, but I'm not familar with Canada's system. Don't you have free health care up there?
Posted 12/28/2012 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks couchtater. Yes we do have health care, but it doesn't cover dental work or the orthepedic shoes, insteps, and body braces that I need.
Posted 12/30/2012 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tara, I'm Canadian too. I think you'll be disappointed about the services available to you. Basically, there are few to none. You can check out AISH, which is a government program that provides funds for those diagnosed as severely disabled. You must fit their criteria, which is not really set up for folks with "invisible" ailments.

There is a disability benefit program through CPP, but again, it is set up for those who are diagnosed as totally disabled.

I recently checked into the CPP one and though I have had to leave my full time work due to fibro, I cannot receive benefits because I'm not 'totally disabled'.

Good luck to you. I hope you find a program to help you. You should certainly call Service Canada and make some enquiries. Here is a link to their website. http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/home.shtml
Posted 12/30/2012 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tara, sorry you are going through so much. I strongly suggest you go to service Canada as depending what province you are in they would have different options. Students are sometimes covered by parents health, dental plan if your parents have some extended coverage you might be covered. I know our son was until he started working and filing his taxes.
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