ComplaintsforDisability Benefits Plus

• Initial Complaint

  02/12/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 05/29/2022 I got an email from CBA Stating: “Hello *****! We are currently processing your Disability Benefits and require your doctors contact information to complete the claim. Please click the button below to submit your doctor’s name and telephone number. If you do not have a doctor, please contact us at 1.************ for other options. Thank you, we look forward to having your benefits ready quickly!”. To which I didn’t respond. The email stated “application on hold”, so my application was on hold and come to find out they went through with the application process anyways without receiving a Medical note from my doctor, why would they carry through with the application process of the disability benefits without sending a medical request to my doctor first? After all the only purpose of this business is to get medical information from your doctor so they can pay you the right amount of money based on the disabilities that someone has and for how long. I’ve been calling thier buisness line for answers but they don’t provide much information and the information they do provide seems to not make sense. I talked to a lady named Janice and her professionalism was despicable, she had no patience when it came to answering my questions and concerns *** ** *** ** ******** * ************ **** ***** ******** **** **** **** ********. I’m quite respectful when I talk to people so I know the reason for her attitude wasn’t because of something I said or did. In the midst of me asking her a question she hung up in my face even though I was speaking in a neutral respectful tone just inquiring about my application. I never got an email stating the Disability benefits went through. I have no idea what’s going on with this company. How can they claim or refund my disability benefits without my doctors consent or without a doctors note or without sending in a request to my doctor? They wanted me to send their email to my family members and I did, they’re just a very misleading company.

  Business response

  06/12/2022

  Hi *****,

  I hope all is well.

  First and foremost, we apologize for any miscommunication that took place on our part, especially if an agents was disrespectful to you. That is not how we run our company and we will definitely be having a word with her about that. Regarding the refunds for disability, there are several different types of refunds we are able to claim when it comes to disability. Some refunds require a simple note from the doctor, some require a 19 page form, and some don't require anything at all. That is up to Revenue Canada to decide once they review the adjustments we file. That is why we were still able to claim something back, since Revenue Canada did not ask for a medical note to support the claim we had in process. 

  We do still ask for a simple medical note from our clients so that we can have it on record, even if CRA might not need it and we proceed with putting the adjustments in process since it does normally takes a few months for everything to be reviewed. Our clients normally send us the medical note not long after they sign up with us since it is mentioned to them when they apply.

  Again, we apologize for any miscommunication on our end and if this process has been frustrating to you. Your file has been closed with us and nothing else will be filed.

  Thank you.

  Customer response

  14/12/2022

  
  Complaint: ********

  I just want to know for certain that this buisness will cancel and stop their representatives from representing any applications on my behalf permanently. 

  Business response

  16/12/2022

  Hi *****,
  I hope all is well.
  
  Yes, as one of our agents has already notified you, your application has been closed on our end and nothing further will be filed. In addition, the agent that spoke to you notified you that you can remove us as your representatives from your CRA account (either by calling CRA or doing it online). This is something only you can do. However, on our end, it has been closed and no further action will be taken.

  Again, we apologize for any frustration this may have caused you. That is never our intention.
  
  Thank you

  Customer response

  18/12/2022

  
  Complaint: ********

  You guys don’t have your facts right, I called CRA already as I had already mentioned this to Janice but since she apparently doesn’t listen to anything that I say I will repeat myself, the CRA said to call you guys and ask to have my file closed and to request that you guys stop your representatives from representing my case in all its entirety, The CRA Can’t cancel you guys being my representatives because they’re a seperate buisness from you guys obviously, you guys are the ones that need to close my account the cra has nothing to do with it since I already told Janice that,  they said to call you guys and tell you I don’t want you guys to represent my file anymore, Meaning you guys are the ones that need to let me know when you’ve stopped your representatives from representing any form or benefits on my behalf. Also Janice mentioned someone would call me from there end to discuss my file, no one has called me yet and I wonder why, this could’ve been sorted out already had you guys have called me to sort this out over the phone, why hasn’t anyone from your buisness contacted me like you guys said you would over the phone When I called you guys? 

   

  Business response

  21/12/2022

  Hi *****,

  I hope all is well. 

  Unfortunately, the information you have is incorrect. We are a company registered with Revenue Canada. That means only they have the ability to remove anyone from your file. As we explained to you numerous times, we have stopped all activity on your account. It has been closed with us. However, again, only you can call Revenue Canada and ask them to remove us as representatives from your file. We are registered with them, so they have full control over your file. Just as they are the ones who approved us as representatives, they are the only ones who can remove us.  We are not sure why they told you only we can do it, but that is incorrect. It is best to call them again.

  We closed everything on our end already.

  The agent you spoke with about cancelling your file gave you the same information and she closed your file, so it is possible we did not understand that you wanted us to call you back again after we closed everything. We apologize for that.  

  On our end, regarding your file, there is nothing else we can do.

• Initial Complaint

  25/10/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The above mentioned company told me that I was entitled to government disability payment of up to $40,000 dollars. So they asked me for my siblings to fill out forms on my behalf as witnesses of my disability. I was told to get a dr.s note which I did. Now they are saying a totally different thing. About the payment. Now they say it goes to my sister for the support she's giving me and I have had no support or care or money from my sister and also she lives in another province. This is a **** to which they want they're commission and thats all that matters to them. They also said they are part of the government and they are not. I've been told *** after *** to get me to get thos process started so they can benefit not me. If my sister gets money ot would be a ***** and I want no part of it and either does my sister. They are about making commissions and they are telling ***s doing it. Please help me put a stop to thos ********** company. Yours truly ****** ******

  Business response

  14/11/2022

  Hi ******,

  I hope all is well.
  

  We apologize for any misunderstanding that happened. To clarify, we never promise our clients any specific amount of a refund as we cannot guarantee the amount since it needs to be approved and decided by Revenue Canada. Therefore, to state that we told you that you would receive $40,000 is simply not correct. In addition, when we ask our clients the questions to get started on their application, we always ask them to state who has supported them with their disability, in order to maximize refund. We do not ask for any witnesses. In the call, we asked you for supporters/ caregivers, and you specifically stated to put ******** on the application. In addition, we do not say that we are the government, rather we are a company that is registered with Revenue Canada.

  In the call with ********, we notified her that she was eligible to receive refunds on your behalf for support that she provided for you, and she gave us the required information to proceed with filing the adjustments. It was explained to her how we would be filing it, and she wanted to proceed.

  We do our best at maximizing refunds for disabled clients based on the information they provide to us. If you have any questions as to why the refund couldn't be issued directly to you, please give us a call so that we can explain Revenue Canada's criteria.

  Thank you.

   

• Initial Complaint

  25/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I called this business to get a disability tax credit and I want them to finish the job I called multiple times and they said they would send me documents still have not received them they also said I needed my mother on the account which I find a little fishy which I am doing this for myself and not for anyone else I am not very good at this as I am mentally ill and I usually have a support worker helping me with this

  Business response

  13/07/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/06/02) */ You started an application online to get disability benefits on May 17, 2022. Your file is in review which can take up to 3 weeks, as indicated by the agent who spoke with you. The reason we have asked for your mother or a family member who supported you in the past 10 years, is because the benefits are a refund on income tax. If your income has been low (which i see it was), you would need a family member to claim it on your behalf. We are looking to see if there are other benefits. We will ONLY contact you if we DO find a benefit. Hope that clarifies it. Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/06/03) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I did give you my mother's name that supports me in the 10 years her name is ******* ******** and if you need any more information about my mom please call me Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2022/06/07) */ Your mother did not complete the form which we sent in order for us to complete the assessment and see if she can claim benefits on your behalf. An agent will reach out to you today. If you miss our call, please call us asap so we can help you Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2022/06/10) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) This business is not to be trusted, all I want is the loan account and my **** account to be closed BBB and they will not close it on my behalf. Will you please make them close both accounts within 30 days or I will be contacting my lawyer. Business Response /* (4000, 13, 2022/06/13) */ Your account has been closed. Please do not contact us again as we are clearly trying to help you and you keep changing your mind.

• Initial Complaint

  10/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My son lives with me as he has a disability. He started the application and then CBA contacted me for some information. Their normal fee is 33% of the money you are getting back which I didn't realize but that is my fault. As you can see by the letter sent to me they stated I was getting back $4029.08 minus their fee of $1502.45 leaving a balance owed to me of $2526.63. If you check my bank statement they deposited $2029.08 into my account. Even with the fee taken off before they sent the money I should have received $2526.63. They shorted me $497.55. Then, as you can see from the bank statement as well they took back $1502.45, which means I paid the fee twice. I have written to them and the only reply I have gotten was sent to my son stating that they charge 33% fee and we should know this as they tell you up front. I'm not disputing the fee but the fact that they took it out twice while simultaneously shorting me another $497.55. I do hope this make sense to you. They owe me $2000. I wish I could make them pay for the time and effort it has taken me to email them and then file this complaint, plus my outrage that a company who is supposed to be helping you gives you nothing but grief.

  Business response

  13/05/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/05/11) */ Hi ******, As you can see on your CRA account statement, you had a debt with the CRA for your "Employment Insurance". Therefore, you were supposed to get a refund of $4,029.08 for the adjustment which we filed for you. However, due to your CRA debt to Employment Insurance, the CRA recovered that debt and paid it using some of the refund. Hence, you only received $2,029.08. Our fee was $1,502.45. Our policy is that we charge 33% of the refund you should have received if you did not have a debt. Please do not hesitate to contact us and speak with ******* to provide you with the proof of that debt. Consumer Response /* (2000, 7, 2022/05/12) */ (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.) My apologies. I had put in a dispute concerning the CRA's claim that I owed them $2000. It didn't occur to me that they would take the money before they had looked into my claim. Thank you for your prompt response to my concern. ****** *****

• Initial Complaint

  22/03/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On December 16,2021, my wife and I requested the Canadian Benefit Association,CBA, to investigate the possibility of getting a tax refund. A copy of the agreement is attached. See Attachments #1, 1A and2. Please notice the electronic generated signature. We never signed this. When we asked CBA about it, they sent copies of the agreement, see Attachment # 1 and 2. When we questioned CBA about the fee, they indicated how much it was and that it was stated in a recorded telephone conservation. We asked for the recording and received it. In the recording, they described their desire for automatic deposit and their need to be set up as an authorized representative with CRA. This was probably 90% of the conversation. Then a very casual mention of the fee. This was the first time that it was mentioned to us. The fee for ****** was $1215, see Attachment #3 and for me $1572, see attachment #4. To convince us to contract with them, they mentioned in a telephone conversation that CRA had a Disability Benefit Program that could pay up to $40000. Since I thought that I qualified for this, I found this very appealing so we requested that they apply for this benefit. In order to validate this, I ******* CBA. Their site mentions the $40000 benefit. It also had a section to request a contact from CBA. ************************************************************************************************************ CRA does not have a Disability Benefit Program. When we never received anything from CRA, we questioned CBA. Their response was an apology for miscommunication. After your investigation, if you believe that our claim is valid, I would like for CBA to refund their fee less a reasonable amount to cover their effort. They should be asked to delete the reference to the Disability Benefit Program from their website.

  Business response

  14/04/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/03/30) */ We have recordings of you agreeing to our fee, and we have a signed contract which clearly indicates our charge of 33%. The signed contract is considered legally binding (copy available upon request and it was sent to the client). In addition, we have a recording (which is available and was also sent to the client) in which the fee was clearly indicated and agreed to. The client received a refund and therefore we have invoiced the client. We will not be refunding any amounts as the fee was clearly indicated in writing and verbally.

• Initial Complaint

  07/03/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Feb. 18, 2022 sent disability tax credit form ****** SINCE I'VE HEARD NOTHING! - I phone them I get some kids that can't verify they've received the forms or my SIN, which I gave them (I feel ****** for that)....... the CBA caught my attention because I need some help desparately. I make under $12,000 K/annum for the last 4 years, I've never been so poor in my life, I have multiple disabilities *********** Severe ****** ******* among 3 physical ailments but for decades bad ********** ********** things are getting worse, *************************************... I need some help but I can't find it!!!!

  Business response

  31/03/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/03/07) */ Hi, I hope all is well. I am not sure what the complaint is as your application form has not been completed. I understand you had issues with completing it online. Please provide us with your address and we will mail you a form to complete.

• Initial Complaint

  04/03/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Starting in December of 2021 I started the process with the Canadian Benefit Association for a possible disability benefit. They have now taken all of my personal information, financial information as well as health information and disappeared! No one will call me , or e mail me back regarding my case ***************************************************************************. They have everything and I am extremely worried. It is so ************** that I cannot get any communication.

  Business response

  28/03/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/03/04) */ Hi, I hope all is well. As our agent informed you, the review of your claim can take between 3 weeks to 3 months. You have provided us with all the information we need to conduct a review on December 14, 2021. It has not yet been 3 months. In addition, we have tried contacting you to ask a few more question, but have not been able to reach you. We have conducted the review. Please call the office at 1.844.336.1948 and one of our agents will be able to assist you. Thank you for your understanding. Consumer Response /* (2000, 7, 2022/03/04) */ (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.) Thank you for finally getting back to me. I understand they told me it takes up to three months. However, after giving someone all of your personal information , an email back would be professional. I have had a change of phone number and that is why I emailed multiple times. I will give the number provided a call. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  25/02/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This business is asking for 33% of a DTC claim a month later through email with an invoice attached when my dad had already paid them $503.04 on December 30 2020 and i got my reassessment of DTC on January 7th of $4198.87 and from my knowledge under the disability tax credit promoter restriction act they aren't allowed to overcharge except $100 maximum fee. But now they're invoicing me for 33% which is $1565.76. I would like this to be investigated and also, should I let them know that I am filing a complaint against them

  Business response

  05/04/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/02/28) */ Hello, I hope all is well. As per your contract, we charge 33% of any and every adjustment which we file. We notify you before we file and remind/confirm the fee. The restriction on charging for Disability Tax Credit has never been approved and therefore we have the right to charge as per your contract. You can check on the CRA website, it clearly states: Due to a court injunction, the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations are suspended until further notice. ***************** **********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

• Initial Complaint

  24/01/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My father, ******* *******, was misinformed and mislead to believe he qualified for benefits with the following business: Canadian Benefit Association ********************************************************************* This company failed to inform my father that they would be collecting 33% from his benefits. Thus, also not notifying ********** kids of same. I proceeded to complete the form for my father and wrongfully gave my SIN, before researching more on my father's behalf. Todays date, January 21, 2022 I have replied to CBA's email requesting to cancel request due to being misinformed. CBA has not replied nor acknowledge receipt of my email request. I am looking for information on how to protect myself, since I did the mistake of giving my SIN on the form provided to ******* ******* by CBA. I have uploaded the chain of emails received from CBA and my reply request from January 20 and January 21, 2022.

  Business response

  03/03/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/01/24) */ Hi, All the details about the fee we change is in the contract which we require our clients to sign prior to conducting an assessment. I can send you a copy of all the contracts you and your family members completed which indicate the fee. Regarding your email, as you said it was only sent on Friday the 21st. We require up to 72 business hours to reply to our clients especially during the pandemic. I see that we have not filed anything or even got to review the claim as it was only recently completed. You can contact CRA at ************** to cancel our authorization and I will cancel it from my end as well. Best of luck

• Initial Complaint

  04/01/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On Jan 2nd, 2022, I completed an application form for my husband to receive information (only) from the Canadian Benefits Association. I was asked for his SIN number, which, without thinking, I stupidly provided. Subsequently, I received an e-mail from ***** ****** Junior Associate, thanking my husband for signing up (he didn't) and telling me to click the button below to see the signed agreement, which I did. This agreement declared that there would be a 33 percent payout to the Association on any claim and it showed my husband's written signature at the bottom. My husband did not sign anything as he was unaware of any actions. It was definitely not his signature. ********************************************************************************************************************** I have informed the company, on their website, ******************************** and I have responded by e-mail to the Associate that I do not want this service.

  Business response

  17/01/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/01/04) */ Hello, I hope all is well. The only way we would receive your husband's signature would be from the person who provided him SIN. I am assuming that you signed the form online when you completed the form on his behalf. Before a form is completed, we provide the client with the agreement page which indicates the details about the fee (which we only charge if we file a benefit and get you a refund). I see that your spouse's file has been closed as you requested. We are registered with Canada Revenue Agency as a legitimate accounting company. If you wish, he can call them to remove our authorization. As an honest company, we do NOT sell any of our clients' information. Therefore, as you requested, his file has been cancelled and closed. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us at *************** Consumer Response /* (3000, 8, 2022/01/06) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I will accept the response once the company has notified the CRA that they are not an Authorized Representative. I personally had difficulty doing so. Business Response /* (4000, 10, 2022/01/13) */ Hi, I have been on the phone with the CRA for over an hour and they have finally informed me that they cannot do it for me. They said you may do it on "MyAccount" very easily, or call them at *************** You can also request a call back so you do not need to wait on the phone. Consumer Response /* (2000, 12, 2022/01/17) */ (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.) I have removed the Canadian Benefits Association as my husband's Authorized Representative with the Canada Revenue Agency. They informed me that others have also removed this company.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩