Federal · Money & taxes
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The master key. A tax credit that lowers the income tax you (or a family member) pay — and it unlocks most other disability benefits below.
What it is
A federal tax credit for people with a severe, long-lasting impairment in physical or mental functions. Getting approved is the single most important step, because it's what makes you eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit, RDSP, Child Disability Benefit and more.
Who it is for
Approval is based on how much your condition limits your everyday functions — not on the diagnosis name. Your doctor, nurse practitioner, psychologist, optometrist or audiologist documents this on Form T2201. Many conditions qualify when the limitations are well described.
Amount or value
≈ $10,138 tax credit / year + up to 10 years back-pay
How to apply
- Sign in to (or create) CRA My Account — or use the paper form.
- Fill Part A (your personal information).
- Ask a medical practitioner who knows you to complete Part B, describing how your condition limits your daily life.
- Submit through CRA My Account for the fastest processing.
- If approved, ask the CRA to reassess up to 10 past years — this can mean a large back-payment.
What you may need
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- A medical practitioner familiar with your condition
- Real examples of how it limits you (focus, memory, walking, self-care, etc.)
Practical tips
- The medical practitioner's section decides most approvals — ask them to be specific and give concrete examples of your limitations.
- You do NOT need to pay a private company a percentage of your refund. Applying directly is free.
- Denied? You can request a review or appeal. Many people are approved on a second try with stronger wording.
Timing
About 8 weeks once the CRA has the completed form.
Phone
CRA: 1-800-959-8281