FAQ

What happens if I lose my eligibility for a Disability Tax Credit?

It is common for people to lose eligibility for a period of time. Many people are only approved for a year or a certain number of years. To keep your eligibility, you must re-apply with the CRA. This also ensures that you keep your access to related benefits, like your Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Applications can take a few months to process, so you should start the renewal process at least six months before your Disability Tax Credit is set to expire. You are allowed to reapply up to one year before the expiry date.

Learn more about Losing Disability Tax Credit Eligibility.

Can I have the application completed by a medical practitioner in the U.S.?

The CRA will consider this. It depends on the circumstances. It is best to call the CRA, explain your situation, and ask them for direction.

My doctor is refusing to complete the application. Do they have a duty to help me?

Some doctors have misunderstandings about the Disability Tax Credit. This causes them to avoid completing the application. It can be very difficult to address in a patient-doctor relationship.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your doctor completing the form, you may want to find another doctor or medical practitioner to work with and apply once they are familiar with your medical history.

Access RDSP has created a guide to the Disability Tax Credit for physicians. If you are able to email a copy to your doctor or the clinic, this may help them understand what is needed from them and why they should help. Here is a printer-friendly version.

There is a CRA hot line for doctors that you could suggest they call: 1-800-280-2639.

If your doctor is willing to look at these materials, maybe you can have another conversation. It might help to talk about how the tax credit enables you to have a Registered Disability Savings Plan. Knowing that you want to save for your own or your children's future may help your doctor understand why this is so important to you.

Here are some more resources about working with your doctor: Fighting for fairness

Who can I transfer my Disability Tax Credit to?

If you have little or no taxable income, you can transfer some or all of your Disability Tax Credit to a parent, spouse, sibling, or child who takes an active part in your care. This care can be through financial support, help with food, clothing, or shelter.

Can medical practitioners charge me for filling in the Disability Tax Credit form?

Yes, they are allowed to charge you a fee for completing the form, as this service is not covered by the government. Typical fees are $100 to $200 each time they complete the form. If you owe taxes, you can claim this as a medical expense (line 33099 or line 33199 of your income tax return). If you cannot afford a fee, some doctors may be willing to reduce or waive it, if you explain your circumstances.

How do I check to see if I have the Disability Tax Credit already?

You can view your Disability Tax Credit information on the CRA’s My Account. This is a secure portal that lets you view your personal income tax and benefit information and manage your tax affairs online. You may need to register if you have not done so already. Representatives (including friends and family members) can access My Account on your behalf using Represent a Client.

Or you can contact the Canada Revenue Agency:
From Canada or the United States: 1-800-959-8281
From anywhere else: 613-940-8495.

If you use a teletypewriter, call 1‑800-665-0354 during regular hours of service.

How do I check the status of my Disability Tax Credit application?

Follow the guidance on the CRA's page Our review and decision.

I lived with a parent until I was 18. They did not claim the Disability Tax Credit for me. They have since died. Can I claim the tax credit for the years when I was under 18?

This would require retroactive adjustments to your late parent’s tax return. If you are not the legal representative for your late parent, you would need to speak to the person who filed the final tax return. Getting a retroactive adjustment from the CRA depends on how long ago the final tax return was filed. It may be helpful to call the CRA and ask for advice.

I am filing tax returns for my household. Can I claim a Disability Tax Credit for more than one person?

Each social insurance number is allowed one Disability Tax Credit application. You can claim as many DTCs as long as they are all valid. You could claim the DTC for yourself, your dependent and for your spouse or common-law partner if eligible.

Will the CRA automatically re-assess my taxes if I am approved for the Disability Tax Credit?

The CRA will re-assess your taxes if you selected “Yes” in Section 3 of the application form. It will only re-assess your taxes for the years you are approved for the Disability Tax Credit.

If you selected ‘No’ in Section 3, you could ask the CRA to re-assess your taxes. One way to do this is to complete a readjustment form for each year that you were eligible.

Or you can write a letter to the CRA asking to be re-assessed for previous years. Disability Alliance B.C. can help with preparing your letter.

Use the Disability Alliance B.C. helpsheet #14 pdf to help you complete the T2201 form. Contact CRA at canada.ca/disability-tax-credit or call 1-800-959-8281.