The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that reduces the taxes of a person with a disability or their caregiver.
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The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit available to individuals with disabilities or their family caregivers. The DTC can help reduce the amount of income tax owed by eligible individuals or their family caregivers as outlined by the Government of Canada.
Learn About
- Learn more about eligibility and how having a chronic health condition may qualify you for a disability tax credit in Canada. The DTC is based on specific criteria set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which includes a significant restriction in one or more basic activities of daily living or a significant impairment in physical or mental functions. Learn more about eligibility for DTC from the Government of Canada.
- Understand that to apply for the DTC, a qualified health care professional must certify that a person has a severe and prolonged impairment that meets the CRA’s eligibility criteria. Review eligibility to see the list of qualified health care professionals.
- Learn how to apply for DTC from the Government of Canada.
- Know that if you receive the DTC you can then apply for a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
How to Apply
- To apply for the DTC you need to fill out and submit Form T2201 which is a certificate that you can obtain from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Follow these instructions from the Government of Canada.
- Apply for the DTC online by signing into your CRA My Account and selecting “Benefits and credits” and then “Apply for DTC”.
- Know that you can also apply by phone by calling the CRA at 1-800-959-8281. Be prepared with your social insurance number (SIN), full name and date of birth. complete address, and assessed tax return or notice of assessment documents.
- You do not need a My Service Canada account (as with other Canadian benefits) to apply for the Disability Tax Credit.
Explore Other Benefits
- Understand that Wayfinder is an online tool provided by the Canadian government to help people with disabilities and their families navigate various federal and provincial programs and services. It is specifically aimed at helping individuals with disabilities find the support they need in areas like health care, financial assistance, and community services. Whereas the Benefits Finder is broader and not limited to individuals with disabilities—it helps all Canadians find benefits they might be eligible for, based on their personal circumstances. See the list of benefits offered by the Government of Canada.
- Explore the Benefits Finder to learn more about publicly funded benefits and those you might be eligible to receive.
- Know that having a chronic health condition, dependent on your physical and mental health capacity, may also qualify you for disability benefits such as the Disability Tax Credit, Registered Disability Savings Plan, and Canadian Pension Plan-Disability.
- Learn about benefits specifically design for people with disabilities (including people with limiting chronic health conditions) by using the Disability-Benefits-Compass from Prosper Canada.
- Check out the government of Canada Retirement Hub to learn about how to plan for, apply, and manage your public benefits.
- Use the Canadian Retirement Income Calculator to learn about some of your potential retirement income by combining your expected OAS pension and CPP Disability pension.
- Work with an accountant to ensure your income tax is filed every year. Know that an income tax assessment is required for most government benefits and services.
If you have a chronic health condition or disability, explore all available pensions and benefits early to support your financial and lifestyle plans while managing your health. Mywell Health lists potential benefits under My Financial Plan, with more details in the resource kit.
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