What is the Disability Tax Credit?

The DTC is a non-refundable federal and provincial tax credit for Canadians whose disability significantly impacts their everyday functioning. It reduces the amount of income tax you owe — it is not a monthly payment or direct deposit.

If the person with the disability does not owe enough tax to use the full credit, the unused portion may be transferred to a supporting family member or spouse who does pay income tax.

A Simple Example

Here is how it works in plain terms:

The DTC does not give you extra money. It reduces what you already owe at tax time.

The exact savings depend on your income, province, and tax situation. The federal credit is approximately $1,500 per year. In Ontario, the combined federal and provincial savings are roughly $2,000 per year.

For children under 18, an additional amount may increase the yearly savings further, depending on family income and childcare expenses claimed.

Retroactive Claims

The DTC may be applied retroactively for up to 10 years if you were eligible in previous years but had not yet applied. When you complete Part A of the application, answer "Yes" to the consent question that allows the CRA to automatically reassess prior tax years — this does not happen on its own.

The amount refunded depends on how much income tax was paid during those years. This is a credit against taxes paid — if you paid little or no income tax in some years, the savings for those years will be lower or may not apply.

For families who consistently paid taxes and were eligible over the full 10-year period, retroactive savings may total approximately $15,000 to $20,000.

What other programs may become available if I am approved?

Approval for the DTC may provide access to additional federal and provincial supports, including:

• Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) — the Government of Canada may contribute significant grants and bonds to help build long-term financial security
• Child Disability Benefit — monthly tax-free payments for eligible families with children under 18
• Canada Disability Benefit — a new federal benefit ($200 per month) for low-income adults aged 18 to 64 with disabilities; eligibility requires DTC approval and the amount depends on income and eligibility criteria
• Canada Workers Benefit Disability Supplement
• Various provincial disability programs and supports

Is there a new change for autistic people?

Who can apply?

Anyone whose condition significantly affects everyday functioning may be eligible. Eligibility is based on the impact of the condition on daily life — not the diagnosis alone. The CRA considers whether the impairment is significant, prolonged, and has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months.

What conditions may qualify?

At Autism Wellness, our psychologists can complete the Mental Functions section of the DTC application when a condition substantially affects everyday functioning. Conditions that may qualify include:

• Autism
• ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Intellectual Disability
• Learning Disabilities
• Acquired Brain Injury
• Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
• Anorexia Nervosa and other severe eating disorders

Please note: having a diagnosis alone does not guarantee approval. The CRA evaluates how significantly the condition affects day-to-day functioning.

I completed an assessment at Autism Wellness. Is the DTC included?

Yes. If you received an eligible diagnosis through a regular fee assessment at Autism Wellness, completion of the Mental Functions section of the DTC application is included in your assessment fee at no additional cost. You and your clinician fill out the DTC application together during a follow-up appointment, once your assessment, feedback session, and report have been completed and sent to you.

I have a diagnosis from another provider. Can you still help me?

Absolutely. If you were assessed elsewhere, we can still support you. You will need to bring documentation of your formal diagnosis — such as an assessment report or diagnostic letter — to your first appointment.

The process includes two virtual appointments:

Session 1 — $300

• Review of your assessment documentation and clinical history
• One-hour appointment to gather additional information needed for the application

Session 2 — $300

• One-hour appointment to complete the DTC application together
• Submission of the clinical section directly to the CRA

Please note that while we have helped many clients apply for DTC, receiving the credit is not guaranteed.

What do I need to do before my appointment?

Before your appointment, you must complete Part A of the DTC application yourself. Part A includes your personal information and consent. We complete the clinical section.

To complete Part A online:

1. Sign in to CRA My Account at canada.ca
2. Navigate to "Benefits and Credits"
3. Select "Apply for the Disability Tax Credit"
4. Complete Part A — at the end you will receive a reference number
5. Bring your reference number to your appointment

You can also complete Part A by phone:

• 1-800-959-8281
• Automated line: 1-800-463-4421

Apply online: canada.ca — How to Apply for the DTC

Why do I need a reference number?

Your reference number links your Part A to the clinical section (Part B) your psychologist submits. Without it, the application cannot be submitted electronically. Please have it ready before your appointment.

What happens during the appointment?

Your psychologist will review the DTC form with you, discuss how your condition affects daily functioning, and complete the clinical section using information from your assessment and your conversation. At the end of the appointment, it is submitted directly to the CRA through the practitioner portal.

Possible Outcomes

Approved

The CRA approves your application and notifies you through mail or CRA My Account. The credit is applied to eligible tax years.

CRA Contacts the Clinic

Occasionally the CRA contacts our clinic to confirm application details. We respond directly — no action is required from you.

CRA Requests Additional Information

In some cases, the CRA may request further documentation. If this happens:

• You will receive a notification through CRA My Account
• Please contact our clinic and we will explain the request (requests are mailed to our clinic)
• We will obtain your consent before completing any additional work

Additional fees for this work range from $150 to $300 depending on the scope of the request.

Application Denied

Sometimes applications are denied even when an individual experiences significant functional challenges. A denial is not necessarily final.

You have the right to appeal. We have supported clients through this process and can help by:

• Reviewing the CRA's decision
• Gathering additional clinical evidence
• Submitting a formal objection

Fees for appeals depend on the complexity of work involved and will always be discussed with you beforehand.

We are happy to help. Please reach out to Autism Wellness if you would like to discuss whether the DTC may be appropriate for you and what the next steps look like.

autismwellness.ca