What is the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)?

What is the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) in Canada.Updated June 2023. The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a highly beneficial but often overlooked tax credit available in Canada. It provides significant financial assistance when utilized correctly. Many Canadians mistakenly believe that only those who are “disabled” qualify for the DTC, but in reality, individuals with any medical condition may be eligible. Determining eligibility depends on how the symptoms of the condition affect a person’s ability to perform basic activities of daily living.

What sets the disability tax credit apart is its unique approval process and eligibility criteria, which differ from other tax credits and disability benefit programs in Canada. Moreover, the DTC serves as a determining factor for various government programs, such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), government bonds and grants, and other benefits and tax supplements. It is crucial to ensure accurate completion of the Disability Tax Credit application, as approval not only guarantees eligibility for the DTC but also opens doors to many other programs.

Approval for the disability tax credit can result in a disability tax credit refund of over $40,000, depending on factors such as the duration of eligibility (which can be retroactive for up to ten calendar years under the Fairness Provisions in the Income Tax Act of Canada) and other factors, such as the province or territory you reside in.

To qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), one must have a significant restriction in one or more basic activities of daily living, such as walking or getting dressed. This restriction must be present all or substantially all of the time (meaning at least 90% of the time) and be expected to last for a continuous twelve-month period. While this may seem straightforward, obtaining approval for the DTC can be challenging, and it is often just the beginning of the process to ensure individuals receive the maximum benefits they are entitled to.

Disability Tax Service specializes in reviewing individuals’ information to determine eligibility for the disability tax credit (DTC) and related benefits. We thoroughly explore all available options to ensure that you receive the maximum amount you are entitled to. Discover if you qualify for the disability tax credit now and let us assist you in navigating the application process to secure the benefits you deserve. Request a free eligibility assessment today.

The federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Amounts from 2012 to 2022 are as follows;

Year Disability Amount (Line 31600) Canada Caregiver Credit (in the years 2017 to present) Caregiver Amount (line 315 in the years prior 2016 and prior) 
2023 $8,986 $7,999
2022  8,870  7,525
2021  8,662  7,348
2020  8,576  7,276
2019  8,416  7,140
2018  8,235  6,986
2017  8,113  6,883
2016  8,001  4,667
2015  7,899  4,608
2014  7,766  4,530
2013  7,697  4,490
2012  7,546  4,402

 

This Post Has 18 Comments

  1. Jennifer Prendergast

    I’m so glad I applied for a few Benefits I never knew about, cause I never knew I’d be told I’m unable to return to work again and that was and still is very painful to deal with… have all your paperwork ready take your time then call, I took the chance and it was such a blessing in disguise and has now started my 2023 year off much better, hope I qualify for this one too…THANKS

  2. Judy noble

    If you get a disability tax return, which I did yesterday. I have direct deposit but my husband does not. Our accountant put in for split . Will he received a payment through the mail or is the total sent to my account

    1. Hi Judy,

      You will receive your share via direct deposit from the CRA and your husband will receive a cheque in the mail from the CRA shortly after.

  3. Cyndy Maracle

    Constant pain and is getting worse over this year. Dejenerative disk disease.
    Other help issues.

  4. jp

    hi, i was on odsp with a disability for years when i married my wife, she makes more than odsp allows so i was cut off and payed back my overpayment, they closed my file but can i still get my unused tax credits for those years?

    1. Disability Tax Service

      Hi JP,

      Thank you for your question. Have you already been approved for the disability tax credit? If not, we can determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the disability tax credit, free of charge. Find out if you qualify.

      One possibility is you may be able to transfer your disability tax credits to your spouse, although this would require review before I can recommend that. If you wish to explore this issue further, you can contact me directly at, peter@www.disabilitytaxservice.ca.

  5. calvin

    i wish to know of i am apporved to get this and how much would i get back.

  6. Leticia garcia

    I have been disable for over 4 years now and I want to apply for disability tax credit. Please let me know how to go about it. Thank you for your help.

    1. Hi Leticia,

      The best way to find out if you qualify for the disability tax credit and related benefits is to fill out a request for a free eligibility assessment here. We’ll be happy to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the disability tax credit, free of charge.

  7. garry kuiack

    my is blind an I receive the disditlity tax cedit and how do I applly

  8. John

    My son has had Type 1 Diabetes for the past ten years. He is now 19 years old. He is planning on applying for the disability tax credit this year, as he made $20,000 income for 2013.

    Do you have any estimate on how much of a tax credit he might receive ?

    Thanks,

    John H.

    1. Hi John,

      A couple of things you should consider.

      Your son may qualify for the disability tax credit in previous years, assuming the symptoms of his condition met the eligibility criteria in previous years. You’ll certainly want to explore this issue, even if your son did not pay enough income tax in those years, as you may be able to claim his credits on his behalf.

      The disability tax credit amount fluctuates from province to province. Before I can provide you with an estimate as to the amount he would receive for 2013, I would need to know some further details. We can explore these issues further if you would like. You can contact me directly at peter@www.disabilitytaxservice.ca.

  9. Michael winder

    My Freind Michael Winder has been approved for Disability Tax Credit for mental issues. However has recently lost right leg below the knee on top of mental capabilities .
    His disability credit has had no benefit at all for him to date??

    I am micheals POE and personal directive.
    But woud like further information please.
    Thanx Marla Madden

    1. Disability Tax Service

      Hi Marla,

      To answer your question, there could be a variety of reasons why your friends disability tax credit has been of no benefit to him. He may not pay enough federal income tax in order to claim the disability tax credit, in which case he may want to transfer his credits to a relative. That’s the most common reason. I’ve sent you an email so we can explore and discuss the issue in further detail.

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