T2201 Form: How to Apply for the Disability Tax Credit

When you or someone you love and care for has a physical or mental disability, life can feel overwhelming at times.

It can be helpful to know, however, that you may be eligible for financial help from the government. In addition to your local provincial resources, you might also qualify for the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC)— and up to 10 years of back credit as well.

In this guide, we'll share a complete rundown of why this tax credit is so important, who qualifies for it, and how the application process works for yourself or a loved one.

What is the Disability Tax Credit and why does it matter?

Sometimes a tax credit will add to or create an income-tax refund, and sometimes it will simply reduce the amount of tax you owe. The DTC is the second type—a non-refundable tax credit that may reduce your taxes owing—all the way to zero when applicable.

This tax credit is designed to help offset the extra living costs related to having a physical or mental disability, for yourself or a family member.

Who is eligible for the Canadian Disability Tax Credit?

To qualify for the DTC, you or your dependant must have a serious and prolonged physical or mental impairment that is certified by a qualified medical practitioner.

The eligibility criteria are lengthy but, in general, if you or a dependant experience difficulty performing daily living activities—such as walking, feeding yourself, hearing, speaking, mental functions, or are receiving life-sustaining therapy—you may be eligible for this tax credit and other related benefits.

What is a T2201 Form?

A T2201 form, or Disability Tax Credit Certificate, is a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) form used to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The form has two parts: Part A filled by the applicant (or their legal representative) and Part B certified by a medical practitioner, confirming the impairment's severity and duration. You can find the digital version or paper version available online. The T2201 form can be submitted via paper or digitally through your CRA My Account after your medical practitioner completes Part B.

Approval may take a few weeks, but can unlock the Disability Tax Credit, the Child Disability Benefit or eligibility to open a Registered Disability Saving Plan.

How do I apply for the Disability Tax Credit?

Claiming the DTC for either yourself or a dependant requires filling out and filing Form T2201 digitally or via regular mail. You're only responsible for completing Part A of the form with information about the applicant—whether that's you, your dependant, or someone else you're helping with the paperwork—and the medical practitioner completes the rest of the application to attest to the disability.

How to claim the Disability Tax Credit for yourself or a dependant

When claiming the tax credit for yourself, you'll provide basic information—such as your name, address, and birth date—in Part A. This section also requires you to authorize the CRA to contact your medical professional and give consent to have previous years' tax returns adjusted, if applicable.

To keep things simple, claiming the Disability Tax Credit for a dependant involves the exact same steps. You fill out the T2201 form on paper or digitally, supplying the information requested in Part A. Instead of putting in your own information, you'll put in information about your dependant.

In both cases, you'll receive a confirmation number after submitting the digital form.

Your medical practitioner must fill out Part B

If you filed the form digitally, give the confirmation number to your medical practitioner so they can fill out Part B digitally as well. They'll need to match the reference number, last name, and date of birth given in Part A.

With paper forms, your medical professional must fill out Part B on page 2, otherwise your application will be returned.

What happens after the T2201 is submitted?

Once the CRA receives all required forms and information, they generally mail you a reply notice within 8 weeks. If information is missing or unclear, processing may take longer.

After you receive a notice of approval, you can claim the tax credit on your next return using line 31600 for yourself, or 31800 for a dependant for current and future years.

How much Disability Tax Credit will I get?

When you file your taxes, anyone eligible for the DTC who is 18 years old or older by the last day of the year can claim $10,138, and up to $16,052 for individuals under 18. If they are dependent on someone else for care, they may be able to transfer all or some of that amount to them.

Is the Disability Tax Credit a monthly payment?

No, the DTC is a reduction in taxes on your current return. However, it is retroactive up to 10 years. If you qualified for the DTC in previous years and checked the box asking the CRA to adjust all applicable years, they will make the necessary changes on your behalf, and send the final amount due to you.

In 2025, The Canada Disability Benefit was introduced. The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a federal program for low-income, working-age Canadians (18-64) with disabilities, starting in July 2025. It provides up to $2,400 per year ($200 per month) for eligible individuals who are approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The amount is based on adjusted family net income. Submitting the T2201 does not automatically enroll you in the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). While approval for the T2201 (DTC) is a mandatory requirement to qualify for the CDB, it only makes you eligible to apply for or potentially receive other benefits.

A related service—the Child Disability Benefit (CDB)—provides tax-free monthly payments to families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. The Child Disability Benefit is a supplement to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) of up to $284.25 per month.