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Federal Program

Canada Caregiver Credit

CCC

A federal non-refundable tax credit for Canadians supporting a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent relative with a physical or mental impairment. It reduces the federal income tax you owe but does not produce a refund if you owe no tax. For the 2026 tax year the CRA indexes the Canada caregiver amount at $8,773 for an infirm dependant 18 or older (line 30425 for a spouse, common-law partner or eligible dependant, 30450 for another infirm dependant) and $2,740 for each infirm child under 18, a dependent spouse or common-law partner, or an eligible dependant (2025: $8,601 and $2,687). The amount is reduced by the dependant's net income above the Canada caregiver net income threshold of $20,601 for 2026 (2025: $20,197).

Last reviewed: September 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

Use the 2026 column of CRA's indexation chart (2.0% increase) for a 2026 return: $8,773 for an infirm dependant 18 or older, $2,740 for a child under 18, a spouse or an eligible dependant, and a $20,601 net income threshold. Do not carry 2025 figures ($8,601 / $2,687 / $20,197) onto a 2026 return; the CRA labels every amount by tax year. You do not need the Disability Tax Credit to claim this, though an approved T2201 can stand in for a medical statement. The CRA may ask for a signed statement from a medical practitioner showing when the infirmity began and how long it is expected to last. You can claim for a dependant who does not live with you if they rely on you for support, and only one person can claim the amounts for a given dependant. Do not send documents with your return — keep them in case the CRA asks.

Who May Qualify

You may qualify if you support a spouse, common-law partner, or a dependant such as a child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew who has a mental or physical impairment and regularly and consistently relies on you for basic ****** such as food, shelter and clothing. The amount is reduced by the dependant's net income above $20,601 for 2026 and by other credits claimed for that person. These are claim amounts, not payments: the credit reduces tax you owe and the actual reduction varies with your income and other credits.

Required Documents

• Signed medical certificate or letter from a doctor confirming the person's impairment and its duration • The dependent's net income information from their tax return • Completed Schedule 5 of your T1 income tax return

How to Apply

1. Obtain a medical certificate from the dependent's doctor confirming the impairment 2. Complete Schedule 5 when filing your annual income tax return 3. Claim the amount on Line 30425 (for spouse/eligible dependent) or Line 30450 (for other relatives aged 18+) 4. Keep the medical letter on file in case the CRA requests it for verification

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not claiming the credit for eligible relatives who don't live with you (e.g., parents in care homes) • Failing to have a signed medical certificate ready before filing the claim • Not realizing that the credit amount is reduced as the dependent's own income increases

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