What is the Disability Tax Credit?

The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit issued by CRA to either increase your income tax refund or reduce a balance owing to CRA.

How does it work?

The program is designed for any Canadian who is impaired mentally or physically and who has experienced symptoms for 12 consecutive months. Once you contact us we will send you out a welcome package and start the application process.

Do I have to be working to receive a financial benefit?

No, you do not need to be working. We can transfer the credits to a family member who has helped support you. They will receive the refund on your behalf.

Do I have to wait until tax season to apply?

No. We are able to assist you anytime of the year.

Once I am approved do I have to apply again each year?

No. CRA will approve you for anywhere between the current year and indefinitely. Each case is different and there is no way to determine how long you will be approved for until the application is processed.

How long does it take to receive my money?

It generally takes 16-20 weeks to receive your money once your application is submitted.

Do I have to pay taxes to Revenue Canada on my money once I receive it?

No. The money is non-taxable.

What are my chances of being approved?

While we cannot guarantee that you will be approved, we will do everything we can to assist you. We do have a very high success rate.

Can I do this on my own?

The entire process to claim the Disability Tax Credit is very time consuming and complicated. Submitting the application on your own can result in a high likelihood of rejection, even if you are accepted the refund you would receive could be far less than what you are entitled to. We have many clients who have tried on their own who have either been declined or were approved but never received any financial benefit.

Can I apply on behalf of my child or another family member?

Yes.

My son/daughter is under 18 and has a disability. Can he/she claim the Disability Tax Credit?

Yes. The Disability Tax Credit can be transferred to supporting family members so that the child with the disability can claim the Disability Tax Credit.

Will this affect my taxes in any way?

No. This program is based only on taxes that have already been paid to CRA by you or the person claiming on your behalf.

Will I be affected if I try to apply for ODSP or CPP Disability?

No, this tax credit is a completely separate program and is not designed to be a supplement for income.

I am not severely disabled; can you still help me apply for the Disability Tax Credit?

Yes, there are many conditions that qualify and CRA is recognizing more disabilities all of the time. CRA will decide your eligibility by how you are affected by your condition and the information provided by your medical practitioner.

What assurances do I get that my information is kept confidential?

We treat your information with respect and we do not communicate with anyone regarding your file without your knowledge or permission. You may request a copy of our privacy policy at any time by contacting us.

My family member had a disability but has sadly passed away, is there anything that can be done to assist the estate with claiming the DTC on their behalf?

Yes. This is actually a very common situation where someone was deceased prior to a family member contacting us. There have also been many times that a person passes away during the application process. We will work very closely with the executor or estate representative to make the process as seamless as possible and to be sure the estate receives all refunds that they are entitled to.

The person who has always assisted me financially has passed away, would the estate be able to claim the benefit that they would have been entitled to receive?

Yes, this is a common situation and we will work with the executor or estate representative to make sure that the estate receives the maximum amount they would be entitled to receive on your behalf.