Get a free, no obligation personal loan quote with rates as low as 9.90%
Get Started You can apply with no impact to your credit score

According to a 2022 Statistics Canada report, 27% of Canadians (or 8 million) have one or more disabilities. Many of these people struggle with chronic pain, limited mobility, and mental health. They may have difficulty maintaining employment, need supervised care, and face many financial challenges that push them into poverty.

To help alleviate some of the financial challenges persons with disabilities face, the Canadian government has instituted the disability tax credit.

What Is The Federal Disability Tax Credit?

The disability tax credit (DTC) is a federal non-refundable tax credit for persons with disabilities to reduce their tax burden. The credit allows the taxpayer to obtain a refund upon completion of their tax return. This tax return can be used to pay for the additional expenses required to care for a person with a disability.

Who Is Eligible For The Disability Tax Credit?

To qualify for the DTC, you must have a severe and prolonged impairment in one of the following categories, have significant limitations in two-plus categories, or be receiving life-sustaining therapy. The categories are as follows:

  • Walking
  • Mental functions
  • Dressing
  • Feeding
  • Eliminating (bowel or bladder functions)
  • Hearing
  • Speaking
  • Vision

How Much Can You Get With The Disability Tax Credit?

Eligible individuals can claim the following amounts for the 2023 tax year.

Base Disability AmountSupplement For ChildrenTotal
18 years and older$9,428N/A$9,428
17 years and younger$9,428$5,500$14,928

What Is A Disability Tax Credit Consultant?

The application process for the DTC is complex and lengthy. Overlooking even one crucial detail can be the difference between approval and rejection. It can take months to obtain permission for the credit. Even seasoned doctors and accountants have difficulty helping individuals complete the forms correctly.

 For these reasons, many people don’t bother with applying in the first place, thus losing out on the significant financial benefits provided by the DTC.

Disability tax credit consultants are experts who specialize in guiding individuals through the DTC application process, ensuring each required piece of information is presented and submitted correctly. They have the knowledge and experience to maximize a person’s chances of receiving approval.

Have a child with disabilities? Check out all the tax benefits available for parents.  

 How Do Disability Tax Credit Consultants Work? 

A disability tax credit consultant can help you in several ways: 

Guide You Through Filling Out The Correct Forms

Form T2201 is the form you must complete and submit to the government to secure approval for the DTC. It contains two sections. In Part A, you’ll fill out your personal details. Part B is filled out by your doctor, who must verify that you have a disability that meets the DTC eligibility criteria. Your doctor may not believe your claim is viable when, in fact, it is. A DTC consultant can communicate with your doctor and explain your eligibility. In cases where you don’t have a qualified physician to certify your disability, the DTC consultant can refer you to one who can review your file and provide the necessary assessment.

Increase Your Odds Of Approval

A DTC consultant understands the nuances of the DTC application process and can significantly increase your chances of getting approved – and in a timely manner. 

Ensure You Get The Right Amount

You want to ensure you get the maximum DTC amount you’re entitled to. A DTC consultant can determine the correct amount you’re eligible to receive, not only for the current tax year but prior tax years as well.

Provide Valuable Advice

A DTC consultant will aid you along the entire DTC application process, clarifying sections of the form you may have difficulty understanding. There’s nothing worse than having your application rejected because you misinterpreted a few words in a single question. The consultant will ensure the details you provide satisfy the eligibility requirements.

Check out how you can get a loan using your tax benefits like the CCB.

Cost of Disability Tax Credit Consultants

Like any other service, helping individuals prepare their DTC application comes with a price. If you hire a DTC consultant, expect the pay the following:

  • A flat fee for determining eligibility and completing form T2201.
  • A contingency fee. This fee is calculated as a percentage of the total refund received and typically varies between 15% and 40%. No contingency fee is charged if the application is unsuccessful.

However, these rates may change if the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Act (DTCPRA) comes back into force. According to the DTCPRA, disability tax consultants can only charge:

  • $100 charge for determination of eligibility of the DTC and helping to complete Form T2201.
  • $100 for a DTC-related claim made on an individual’s income tax return. Plus, $100 for each year the DTC is retroactive (up to nine taxation years are allowed).

The above fees are the maximum a DTC consultant can charge for assisting individuals with their application. The capped fees don’t apply to a DTC consultant’s work helping an individual appeal a rejected application. 

The fee limits also don’t affect medical professionals who aid applicants by completing Part B of form T2201. Provincial regulations and medical associations govern the fees they charge.

Should You Hire a Disability Consultant?

If you aren’t confident about completing the application on your own but feel that you would strongly benefit from the DTC, you should consider hiring a qualified DTC consultant. Until the fee limits under DTCPRA come into effect, be sure to thoroughly examine each consultant’s experience, knowledge, and most importantly, the fees they charge.

Disability Tax Consultant FAQs

How do I contact the CRA for help with the disability tax credit in Canada?

You can call 1-800-959-8281 to reach a telephone support agent or you can use their automated voice service by dialing 1-800-463-4421.

What’s the maximum I can get through the DTC?

You can get up to $9,428 as an adult and up to $14,928 as a child (17 and under).

Do I need a disability consultant?

If you’re confused about how to apply for the disability tax credit application, a disability tax consultant can be helpful. They can help you fill out the form and gather all the required documents you need to submit. This will ensure your application is processed smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of the program.
Mark Gregorski avatar on Loans Canada
Mark Gregorski

Mark is a writer who specializes in writing content for companies in the financial services industry. He has written articles about personal finance, mortgages, and real estate and is passionate about educating people on how to make smart financial decisions. Mark graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with a degree in finance and has more than ten years' experience as an accountant. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing poker, going to the gym, composing music, and learning about digital marketing.

More From This Author

Special Offers

More From Our Experts

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Consolidate-Tax-Debt.png
Can You Consolidate Tax Debt in Canada?

By Sandra MacGregor
Published on September 19, 2024

There are many ways you can consolidate tax debt in Canada. Find out how you can consolidate your tax debt to avoid penalties from the CRA.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Tax-guide.png
Ultimate Canadian Tax Guide

By Lisa Rennie

Looking for all the ins and outs of the Canadian tax system? We have everything you need to know about filling your income taxes in Canada.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cover-tax-debt-with-home-equity-loan.png
Can You Cover Your Tax Debt With A Home Equity Loan?

By Lisa Rennie

Do have a lot of tax debt? A home equity loan may be a cost effective way to cover your tax debt while making your payments affordable.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/federal-budget-2024.png
2024 Federal Budget: Making Homeownership More Achievable

By Sean Cooper

Check out the Federal Budget 2024 initiatives made to make housing more affordable and accessible in Canada.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Tax-Considerations-For-Parents-1.png
Family Tax Benefits For Parents

By Chrissy Kapralos

If you're looking for a federal or provincial family tax benefit as a parent, you'll come to find that there are many you can get in Canada

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tax-Tips-Low-Income-Earners.png
Tax Tips For Low-Income Earners In 2024

By Bryan Daly

If you're a low-income earner, this is the advice you need to take full advantage of income tax season this year.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Inheritance-Tax-In-Canada.png
Do You Pay Inheritance Tax In Canada?

By Jessica Martel

If you’re about to inherit a family asset, you may be concerned about its financial implications. Thankfully, you don't have too much to worry about w...

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/land-transfer-tax-ontario.png
Land Transfer Tax Ontario: What Buyers Should Know

By Lisa Rennie

Thinking about buying or selling a house in Ontario now or in the near future? You need to know how the land transfer tax will affect you.

Recognized As One Of Canada's Top Growing Companies

Loans Canada, the country's original loan comparison platform, is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's fastest growing companies by The Globe and Mail!

Read More

Why choose Loans Canada?

Apply Once &
Get Multiple Offers
Save Time
And Money
Get Your Free
Credit Score
Free
Service
Expert Tips
And Advice
Exclusive
Offers

Build Credit For Just $10/Month

With KOHO's prepaid card you can build a better credit score for just $10/month.

Koho Prepaid Credit Card