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Federal Program

Disability Tax Credit

DTC

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable federal tax credit that helps individuals with severe and prolonged physical or mental impairments — or those supporting them — reduce the income tax they owe. It is not a monthly payment, but it is the gateway to other programs such as the Canada Disability Benefit, the RDSP, and the Child Disability Benefit.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Free help with the DTC

Plan Institute's free national Disability Planning Helpline » offers one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit, the RDSP, and future planning — by phone, email, or video call, anywhere in Canada.

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External service

Need professional tax help after DTC approval?

Slinn Tax is an independent, third-party virtual tax service for Canadians who have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit. It reviews DTC-approved tax years for potentially missed credits, deductions, and eligible family transfers, and prepares personal income tax returns. This is not a government program or an Accessible Compass service, and Accessible Compass does not endorse or guarantee its services. Always compare options and confirm fees before you hire any tax preparer.

Visit Slinn Tax info@slinntax.comView listing on Accessible Compass

Useful Tips for Applying

• The DTC is worth up to $1,448 in federal tax savings for 2026 (credit amount: $10,341, up from $10,138 in 2025) • Even if you owe no tax, apply — the DTC unlocks the RDSP, Canada Disability Benefit, and other benefits • You can claim retroactively for up to 10 years of past taxes • 2026 under-18 supplement: The estimated indexed disability supplement amount is approximately $6,033 for 2026. CRA has not yet published the official 2026 supplement amount on its DTC claiming page, so this figure should be treated as an estimate until the official amount is confirmed. This is a non-refundable tax credit amount, not a $6,033 cash payment. • Once approved, you don't need to reapply unless CRA specifies an expiry date • Having the wrong type of practitioner sign the form is the most common reason for rejection • Proposed changes announced in the Spring Economic Update 2026 (May 2026) would streamline DTC applications for certain long-term conditions and expand the medical practitioners who can certify eligibility. These measures are proposed only — consultations on draft legislation are pending, so they are not yet enacted and should not be treated as final.

Who May Qualify

• Individuals of any age with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. • The impairment must be present all or substantially all of the time (generally 90% or more). • A marked restriction in one category of daily living, or significant limitations in two or more categories, or a need for life-sustaining therapy meeting specific criteria. • Eligibility is based on the functional impact on daily activities, not on a diagnosis alone.

Required Documents

• Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate) — Part A completed by the applicant, Part B by a qualified medical practitioner

How to Apply

1. Log in to CRA My Account to apply digitally, or obtain the current Form T2201. 2. Complete Part A with your personal information. 3. Have a qualified medical practitioner complete Part B. 4. Submit via your online account or by mail. 5. Wait for a Notice of Determination from the CRA.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Having the wrong type of practitioner sign the form • Not describing the cumulative effect of multiple restrictions • Forgetting you can claim retroactively (up to 10 years) • Not applying because you think your disability isn't 'severe enough' • Missing that the DTC unlocks other benefits like RDSP

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Canada Workers Benefit – Disability Supplement

The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit for low-income working people. If you are approved for the Disability Tax Credit, you may also receive the CWB disability supplement — an extra amount on top of the basic CWB to help offset the additional costs of working while living with a disability.

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CCCFederal

Canada Caregiver Credit

A federal non-refundable tax credit for Canadians supporting a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent relative with a physical or mental impairment. For the 2026 tax year, you can claim up to $8,773 for an infirm dependent aged 18 or older, or up to $2,740 for an infirm child under 18. This credit reduces the amount of federal income tax you owe but does not result in a refund if you owe no tax.

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Medical Expense Tax Credit

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Need help from a real person?

Free disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.

Government-funded navigation service

Indigenous Disability Canada / BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)

National

Indigenous Disability Canada / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization providing cross-disability support and navigation services to Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) peoples in Canada with disabilities. It delivers the National Indigenous Navigation Services to help Indigenous persons with disabilities access the Disability Tax Credit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and other federal, provincial and territorial disability benefits.

Languages: English, French

1-250-381-7303 (BC); 1-613-899-6893 (National Coordinator, Ottawa)Website
Government-funded navigation service

Disability Alliance Canada

National

Disability Alliance Canada is a national cross-disability non-profit that provides free one-on-one support to help people navigate federal disability programs, including the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (CPP-D), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). They also offer educational guides, training and workshops, and help with applications, reconsiderations, and appeals.

Languages: English, French

Website
Government-funded navigation service

Inclusion Canada

National

Inclusion Canada is the national federation working to advance the full inclusion and human rights of people with an intellectual disability and their families across Canada. Its Barrier-Free Benefits program provides free one-on-one disability benefits navigation support across Canada.

Languages: English, French

1-855-661-9611Website

Application denied?

If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.

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Resources in this area

Disability Advocacy

DTC Help by BJ Clancy

DTC Help by BJ Clancy is an independent Facebook resource focused on Canada's Disability Tax Credit (DTC). In addition to sharing information and answering questions about the DTC, BJ Clancy can help people understand and work through the DTC application forms and process. The page also provides a space for people to ask questions and discuss their experiences with the Disability Tax Credit. Independent resource. Not affiliated with the Canada Revenue Agency or the Government of Canada.

View details Financial Assistance

RDSP Connect

RDSP Connect is a private service that helps people understand Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) eligibility and navigate the RDSP process. Services include a free consultation to review eligibility, help completing the documentation to open an RDSP, and ongoing support with planning contributions and investments with the goal of maximizing Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds. Each year, RDSP Connect reviews the client's Grant and Bond Entitlement Statement with them, and can point people to resources for Disability Tax Credit (DTC) questions. RDSP Connect is not a government service and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or with Accessible Compass. This listing is for information only — it is not an endorsement, and Accessible Compass does not guarantee any outcome, including DTC or RDSP approval or any financial result.

View details Financial Assistance

Slinn Tax

Slinn Tax provides virtual tax services with a focus on Canadians who have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The service offers reviews of DTC-approved tax years to help identify potentially missed tax credits, deductions, benefits, adjustments, and eligible family transfers. Slinn Tax also provides personal income tax preparation and disability-related tax resources. Slinn Tax is an independent, third-party tax service — it is not a government program and is not an Accessible Compass service. Accessible Compass does not provide, endorse, or guarantee the professional services offered by this provider.

View details

Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.

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