Budgeting · Book
Room for Owen
The Whitfields · Budgeting
A diagnosis and its costs: the child DTC, the Child Disability Benefit, therapy as a sinking fund — and keeping a marriage and a budget on the same page under strain.
Chapters
The Day the Map Changed
Owen's diagnosis reorders the budget before it changes anything else. The Whitfields start by looking honestly at the new picture of costs.
The Form That Opens Doors
For a child, the Disability Tax Credit is the gate to almost everything. The family pursues form T2201, certification, and the under-18 supplement.
Whose Credit Is It
Owen has no tax to pay, so his DTC can transfer to a supporting parent. That way the credit actually lowers the household's tax.
The Cheque That Just Appears
Once Owen has the DTC, the Child Disability Benefit tops up the CCB automatically. The family learns it is not the Canada Disability Benefit.
One Income Steps Back
Hannah scales to part-time to manage care. The Whitfields rebuild the household budget around the new, smaller paycheque on purpose.
The Same Team, Under Strain
A diagnosis tests a marriage. Hannah and Dale protect the partnership by deciding money together, out loud, on a schedule.
Funds for What's Coming
Care costs come in waves. The Whitfields use sinking funds for therapy, respite, and equipment, so each one is already paid for when it arrives.
Money the Tax System Gives Back
Many of Owen's care costs can come partly back through the Medical Expense Tax Credit. The family tracks them all, because it adds up.
The Account That Changes the Math
The RDSP is the one account built for exactly this. The Whitfields learn what it is and why opening it early matters, setting up the next book.
Room to Breathe
Credits flowing, sinking funds filling, the new-normal budget runs. A budget rebuilt around Owen can be calm, and steady ground makes the long game possible.