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Our Most Common Questions
We've Got Answers to the Questions Everyone's Asking
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Disability Tax Credit a monthly payment? A: No, the DTC is not a monthly payment. It's a non-refundable tax credit that reduces your potential tax liability, helping eligible individuals offset disability-related expenses by lowering their income tax. However, other benefits like the Child Disability Benefit and the Canadian Disability Benefit provide monthly financial support to eligible individuals. For more details on these programs, please refer to our Benefits and Credits page.
Q: Who can qualify for the Disability Tax Credit? A: Individuals may qualify if they: • Have a severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment • Are markedly restricted in at least one daily activity (like walking, dressing, or mental functions) • Experience significant limitations in two or more categories of daily living • Have had your condition for at least 12 months (or is expected to last at least 12 months)
Q: What is the difference between a "marked restriction" and a "significant limitation"? A: A marked restriction occurs when you are unable to perform an activity or when it takes you at least three times longer than someone without the impairment, even with the aid of therapy or devices. This restriction must be present for at least 90% of the time. A significant limitation arises when two or more impairments combine to have a cumulative effect that is equivalent to a marked restriction.
Q: Is eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit based on a diagnosis? A: No, a specific medical diagnosis doesn't determine eligibility. Instead, what matters is how profoundly your impairment affects your daily life. The DTC considers the severity of limitations in everyday activities such as walking, dressing yourself, or performing mental tasks, regardless of the underlying medical condition.
Q: Who is authorized to sign my application? A: Various healthcare professionals can certify your DTC application, depending on the nature of your impairment. Different practitioners are authorized to sign for specific categories of disability listed on the form. To see which medical experts can certify each impairment area, please check the list below. Medical Doctor - All impairments Nurse Practitioner - All impairments Optometrist - Vision Audiologist - Hearing Occupational Therapist - Walking, Feeding, Dressing Physiotherapist - Walking Psychologist - Mental Functions Speech-Language Pathologist - Speaking
Q: I don't have a doctor, can I still apply? A: If you don't have a family doctor, you can still apply for the DTC using the following methods: • Visit a walk-in clinic: Some walk-in clinics may be willing to complete the DTC application form for a fee. However, it's important to note that not all walk-in clinics will do this, especially if you haven't received care there before. • Consult a specialist or previous care provider: If you've received medical care for your condition, contact the specialist or clinic where you were treated. They may be willing to fill out the form based on your medical history. • Use a nurse practitioner: Nurse practitioners are qualified to certify all types of impairments for the DTC application. • Depending on your impairment, you may be able to seek help from other qualified medical practitioners: Please refer to the chart above on authorized practitioners. Remember, the key is finding a qualified professional who can accurately document your condition and its impact on your daily life.
Q: What if my doctor refuses to fill out the Disability Tax Credit form for me? A: If your doctor declines to complete your DTC form, you have several options: • Seek clarification: Ask why they're refusing to complete the form and address any concerns they may have. • Provide additional information: Explain the DTC's importance and how it impacts your life. Share with them the program's disability definition to help communicate the severity of your restrictions and show how it aligns with the current eligibility criteria. • Consider alternative healthcare providers: Based on your specific condition, other qualified medical professionals might be able to complete the DTC form. You could approach a different doctor or specialist who has a better understanding of how your condition impacts your daily activities. If necessary, you can ask your current physician for a referral to another provider who may be able to assist you. • Try telehealth: If the above options have not been successful, you can book an online appointment with a doctor who may be willing to complete the form. • Seek expert help: Consider contacting professional DTC providers or disability advocates for guidance and support as you work with your healthcare team. Each option aims to help you overcome the obstacle and get your DTC form completed accurately.
Q: Is it possible to apply for the Disability Tax Credit if I haven't fully discussed my condition's impact with my doctor? A: It's essential to be open with your physician about how your condition affects you. If your healthcare providers aren't aware of your impairments, they can't help you manage them or improve your quality of life. It's strongly recommended that you schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your health in detail and explore potential solutions. This conversation will not only benefit your overall care but also provide the necessary information for a DTC application.
Q: Does having a job disqualify me from receiving the Disability Tax Credit? A: No, you can still qualify for the DTC even if you are employed; eligibility is determined by the impact of your impairment, not whether you are working.
Q: Will my income determine if I'm eligible for the Disability Tax Credit? A: The DTC doesn't have an income threshold; eligibility depends on the impact of your impairment, regardless of your income level. Keep in mind that some other disability-related benefits, such as the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) and the disability supplement within the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), as well as the new Canada Disability Benefit, are income-based.
Q: Do I qualify for the Disability Tax Credit if I already receive provincial disability benefits? A: Being approved for provincial disability benefits doesn't guarantee approval for the DTC. The DTC has its own specific criteria, so you'll need to submit a separate application for this federal program.
Q: If I don't pay a lot in taxes, should I still apply? A: Even if you don't pay much in taxes, applying for the Disability Tax Credit can still be beneficial. You might be able to claim retroactive benefits, access other disability programs, or open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Additionally, you can transfer unused credits to a supporting family member who provides assistance with just one basic necessity (food, shelter, or clothing), helping them reduce their taxes.
Q: Do I have to re-apply every year? A: Not necessarily. DTC approval periods vary depending on the effects of the impairment. Your eligibility may expire after a certain number of years, and you will have to re-apply at the end of that period.
Q: Can I get compensation for previous years if I'm applying for the first time? A: Yes, you can potentially receive compensation for past years, even if you've never applied before. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may approve your DTC application retroactively to the year when you first became considered markedly restricted (or significantly limited in two or more categories for cumulative effects cases). However, it's important to note that while your approval might extend further back, the CRA will only provide compensation for up to 10 years retroactively, regardless of how long ago your impairment began. For retroactive compensation, it's important to have the necessary medical evidence to support your application for the relevant years.
Q. When will I know if I'm approved? A. The CRA typically aims to reach a decision within 8 weeks of receiving your application. However, delays can occur for various reasons, including the need for additional information from your physician (such as a Follow-Up Questionnaire), general processing delays, or missing information. To reduce the chances of avoidable delays, we strongly recommend having a Form Review completed before submitting your application to the CRA. You can monitor the status of your application using the Progress Tracker feature in your CRA account.
Q: How much will I receive if I'm approved? A: The amount you may receive upon approval depends on several factors, including the number of years approved, the taxes you’ve paid, your eligibility for additional benefits (such as the Child Disability Benefit), and other individual circumstances. While the exact amount varies from person to person, it is often significant and can be life-changing for many individuals. We recommend checking out our Benefits and Credits page and having a look at our sections about amounts for previous years on our Resources page.
Q: How do I request retroactive pay if I'm approved for prior years? A: To request retroactive pay for the DTC, you can: • Indicate on Form T2201: You can request retroactive adjustments directly on the application form. • Submit a T1 Adjustment: You can file a T1ADJ form for each applicable year if you didn’t request it initially. • Hire an Accountant: You can seek professional help to ensure all eligible years are claimed correctly.
Q: My child is now 18, can I still apply for them? A: If your child is now over 18, you can be listed as the claimant on the T2201 and maximize benefits by transferring any unused credits. The completed form must then be submitted either by mailing it to the Canada Revenue Agency or through the child's CRA My Account.
Q: I applied for the Disability Tax Credit but was denied, what can I do? A: If your application is denied, you have the option to request a review or file an objection with the CRA. You may also provide additional medical information or documentation to strengthen your case.
Q: Where can I find the Disability Tax Credit form (T2201)? A: You can find the T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate form on the CRA website. It is available for download in fillable PDF format, which you can open using Acrobat Reader 10 or higher. You can also print it out and fill it in by hand, or request alternate formats such as digital audio, electronic text, braille, or large print. A direct link to the T2201 is provided on our resources page!