Do I Qualify for the Disability Tax Credit?

Eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit is not black and white. There are some requirements in order to qualify and be eligible for a tax refund:
Taxable Income
  • Individuals or their family members must have been paying Federal and/or Provincial taxes in the years they have suffered from their health condition
  • Typically, individuals with taxable income over $20,000/year will have paid taxes
  • Common taxable income sources include employment income, workers compensation, pension, and registered account withdrawals
  • Common income sources that are not taxable include disability payments, social benefits, and child support payments
Restricted for More Than 12 Months The health condition must be prolonged, meaning it must have lasted, or is expected to last, for more than 12 months
Restricted in a Basic Daily Function The health condition(s) must significantly impact one or more basic functions of daily living. “Basic functions” include:
  • Need for life sustaining therapy (e.g. Insulin injections), or
  • Walking, or
  • Feeding, or
  • Dressing, or
  • Decision making, or
  • Problem solving, or
  • Going to the bathroom, or
  • Speaking, or
  • Hearing
Common Health Conditions that Qualify Here are some common health conditions that result in being eligible for the Disability Tax Credit – Click here for a full list of conditions.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Diabetes
  • Crohns and Colitis
  • COPD
  • Chronic Pain
  • Herniated Disc
  • Spinal Stenosis

Search FAQs

What if I don’t work?

You can still qualify! Many individuals who don’t work still pay taxes (disability payments from their employer, pension income). Additionally, in many cases, we are able to transfer credits to a spouse or family member in the instance that the individual with the disability does not pay taxes.

Can I apply on behalf of a deceased family member?

Yes! As long as the individual has been deceased for less than 10 years.

Can I apply for a family member?

Yes! Give us a call.

Should I apply if I don’t have a job?

The simple answer is yes. In order to receive a refund, however, you or your spouse need to have been paying taxes in previous years. Just because individuals aren’t working does not mean they haven’t paid taxes.

How can I tell if I pay taxes?

Paying taxes means any contribution to the CRA as a result of earning income. Individuals who earn working wages, pension income, RRSP income, disability income, and dividend or investment income are some examples that will typically result in paying taxes.

What happens if I’ve been denied?

Many people are denied on their first or even second attempts. Often when individuals apply on their own, they are denied as they don’t understand the “tricks” to a successful application.

We have a strong track record of getting previously denied individuals approved.