If I have been medically boarded and receive income protection benefit does this mean I am disabled?
By Alicia Human · Updated
I was medically boarded at the end of 2015 but am covered by a Discovery Income Protector policy. Does that mean I am "disabled" for tax purposes?
SARS is strict on the definition of a qualifying disability. According to the Income Tax Act, a disability is:
A moderate to severe limitation of that person's ability to function or perform daily activities, as a result of a physical,
sensory, communication, intellectual or mental impairment if the limitation:
Has lasted or has a prognosis of lasting more than a year; and
Is diagnosed by a duly registered medical practitioner in accordance with the criteria prescribed by the Commissioner.
In order to benefit from the full disability-related medical expenses provisions, you'll need to have an ITR-DD (confirmation of diagnosis of disability form for an individual taxpayer) form completed by a registered medical practitioner.
A moderate to severe limitation of that person's ability to function or perform daily activities, as a result of a physical,
sensory, communication, intellectual or mental impairment if the limitation:
Has lasted or has a prognosis of lasting more than a year; and
Is diagnosed by a duly registered medical practitioner in accordance with the criteria prescribed by the Commissioner.
In order to benefit from the full disability-related medical expenses provisions, you'll need to have an ITR-DD (confirmation of diagnosis of disability form for an individual taxpayer) form completed by a registered medical practitioner.