CTV News Ottawa

Updated: Fri Jul. 18 2008 6:55:02 PM

ctvottawa.ca

The federal government is launching a savings plan for children with developmental disabilities, but if Ontario families enrol, it may mean their provincial benefits are cut off.

In the 2007 federal budget, the government decided to help by creating a Registered Disability Savings Plan. Like an Education Savings Plan, the government will match what parents put in.

But 38-year-old Ildiko Fejes, who has been working at the CRTC for 17 years could see benefits she now enjoys taken away.

Working part time, she makes decent money, but the Ontario government claws back half her wages so she can benefit from the province's disability plan.

"I would probably estimate about $100,000 by the time she is 60 that she would have in the RDSP trust plan," said Kalman Fejes, Ildiko's father.

But saving in the federal plan and showing that money in the bank will mean the Ontario benefits all but disappear.

"it is very frustrating and that is why we are doing the very best to help with the private member's bill and make sure it is supported by as many Ontarians as possible," said Julie Fejes, Ildiko's mother.

The family has launched a website outlining the federal plan and calling on support for a Conservative private member's bill urging the Ontario government to follow other provinces and change the rules.

"Children with disabilities and their parents try to save for their futures. They shouldn't be penalized because they live in Canada's largest province," said Nepean-Carleton Conservative MPP Lisa McLeod.

Ontario Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur is on vacation and was unavailable for comment. A spokesperson in her office said they are aware of the private member's bill and are considering it.

They hope to have a decision made by December as that is when the federal savings plan goes into affect.