Hi Starfish (funny that you and I are both fish, yes?).
You are right to be confused! All disability-related benefits tend to be hit and miss, as you note, with some people getting some of them, and others not.
Much depends on these factors (below I am referring not specifically to the DTC, but to various disability benefit programs within Canada):
-how willing you are to reveal all of your struggles (psychologically and emotionally, this can be a very difficult process and a real barrier for many people, as well as for the advocates who are attempting to help them with an application)
-the skill and knowledge of those supporting the application; in BC, some of the most well-meaning physicians will inadvertently kill a patient's chances of receiving benefits by wording things in a way the government can't see past. For example, many applications require that a person never be able to work again. That's absurd, as there are always developments in health research and *anyone* might work again. Doctors do not generally like to write a person off, though, nor to state that a person's situation is basically hopeless. The heart, intention, morality, and truth are all present -but unless the doctor *says* there is no expectation of employability, it's over. Ditto things like "employability". This word has a different definition for each application -the definition is always set out in the legal act and regulations relating to the benefit- but if an applicant, support person, or physician do not look this definition up and consider how it applies, it's over. This is where an advocate -preferably one who can be in direct communication with the doctor- is important. These folks are familiar with a program's legal definitions, intentions, etc, and can help you determine and -if applicable- demonstrate your eligibility.
-the education, awareness, and biases of those reviewing the application. Where this is an issue, and for BC's disability benefits it is in over 50% of cases, an appeal is necessary.
I once read this excellent saying, "Asking a mental health consumer to use the current mental health system is like asking a person with
quadriplegia to use stairs." I find this to be heartbreakingly accurate. But if you can get solid support, applications for different benefits can be worth it.
For sure not everyone is eligible for the DTC. Not even everyone with a disability is. But too many people give up upon first glance at disability-related forms, not realizing that the wording of the questions doesn't run the show. It's the answers that are more relevant, and a cover letter getting the details across can go a long way.
Yes, it is unlikely that you would need to use a fee-based service. I have no reason to believe they use nefarious practices -and these service providers are essential where there is no effective government-funded advocacy agency available to help- but using a free one nets you more, of course, and can be just as effective.