Do I need a specific diagnosis to qualify for the DTC?

No. The DTC is based on functional impact, not diagnosis. CRA evaluates whether your condition causes a marked restriction in a basic activity of daily living — regardless of the specific diagnosis. Many people with common conditions like ADHD, depression, diabetes, or chronic pain qualify.

Can I qualify for the DTC if my condition is managed with medication?

Yes. CRA evaluates whether the restriction would be present without the medication or therapy, or whether the medication itself causes side effects that restrict daily functioning. A well-controlled condition can still qualify.

Can children qualify for the Disability Tax Credit?

Yes. Children with qualifying conditions can receive the DTC, and their parents or supporting family members can claim the credit. Children under 18 also qualify for the DTC Child Supplement (up to $5,500/year) and the Child Disability Benefit (up to $276/month).

Eligibility

Who Qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit?

The DTC is based on functional impact — not diagnosis alone. If your condition markedly restricts your ability to perform basic activities of daily living, you may qualify.

CRA's Eligibility Criteria

CRA evaluates DTC eligibility based on whether a condition causes a marked restriction in one or more of these basic activities of daily living:

Walking

Significant difficulty walking, even with appropriate aids such as a cane, wheelchair, or prosthesis.

Dressing

Unable to dress yourself without assistance, or it takes an inordinate amount of time.

Feeding

Unable to feed yourself without assistance, or it takes an inordinate amount of time.

Mental Functions

Significant limitations in adaptive functioning — memory, problem-solving, goal-setting, or judgment — that affect daily life.

Hearing

Significant hearing loss that restricts your ability to hear in everyday situations, even with hearing aids.

Speaking

Significant difficulty speaking so as to be understood by others in a quiet setting.

Vision

Significant vision loss that restricts your ability to perform daily tasks, even with corrective lenses.

Eliminating

Significant difficulty with bowel or bladder functions that requires daily management or assistance.

Life-Sustaining Therapy

Therapy needed to support a vital function — such as insulin therapy, dialysis, or chest physiotherapy — at least three times per week.

Cumulative Effects

Two or more conditions that, taken together, significantly restrict your ability to perform daily activities — even if neither condition alone would qualify.

CRA defines a "marked restriction" as being unable to perform the activity, or taking three times longer than someone of similar age without the impairment — all or substantially all of the time (at least 90%), for a continuous period of at least 12 months.

You do not need to have a specific diagnosis to qualify. CRA's assessment is based on how your condition affects your daily functioning, not on the diagnosis itself. CRA makes the final eligibility determination.