How to Apply for the Disability Tax Credit Canada in 2026

Step 1: Download Form T2201

The Disability Tax Credit Certificate is Form T2201, available free from the Canada Revenue Agency. Always use the current version, the form is updated periodically.

Two ways to obtain it:

• Download the PDF directly from canada.ca
• Request a paper copy by calling CRA at 1-800-959-8281

Print it out or fill it digitally; the CRA accepts both formats.

Step 2: Complete Part A (Applicant Section)

Part A is your responsibility. It covers:

• Section 1, Applicant information: full name, Social Insurance Number, date of birth, address
• Section 2, Tax years: indicate the years you want the credit applied to. You can claim up to 10 years retroactively
• Section 3, Credit transfer: if you want to transfer unused credit to a supporting person (spouse, parent), indicate that here
• Section 4, Authorization: sign authorising CRA to contact your medical practitioner if they need clarification

If you are applying for a child under 18 or a dependent adult, complete Part A on their behalf. A legal representative or trustee can sign for someone unable to sign themselves.

Step 3: Have a Medical Practitioner Certify Part B

Part B is the medical certification, the most important part of the application. Different impairment categories require different practitioner types:

• Vision: medical doctor or optometrist
• Speaking: medical doctor or speech-language pathologist
• Hearing: medical doctor or audiologist
• Walking: medical doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or nurse practitioner
• Eliminating (bowel/bladder): medical doctor or nurse practitioner
• Feeding or dressing: medical doctor, occupational therapist, or nurse practitioner
• Mental functions: medical doctor, psychologist, or nurse practitioner
• Life-sustaining therapy: medical doctor or nurse practitioner

Your practitioner must describe specific functional restrictions in objective terms, not just provide a diagnosis. See our T2201 form guide for full coaching tips.

Step 4: Submit to CRA

Two submission methods:

• Digital (recommended): upload through CRA My Account under "Submit documents". This is the fastest method
• Mail: send to the CRA tax centre address shown on your most recent Notice of Assessment (or for Quebec residents, the Sudbury tax centre)

Keep a copy of the completed form for your records before submitting.

Step 5: Wait for the Assessment

Typical timeline:

• Weeks 1-2: CRA receives and logs your T2201
• Weeks 2-6: a CRA assessor reviews Part B; may contact your practitioner for clarification
• Weeks 6-8: Notice of Determination is mailed to you

During peak tax season (February-April), expect 10-12 weeks. Track status through CRA My Account or by calling 1-800-959-8281.

Step 6: After Approval

• CRA automatically reassesses applicable prior tax years and issues refunds
• The credit applies on your future returns at line 31600 (or line 31800 if transferring to a supporting person)
• If you have a child under 18, the Child Disability Benefit starts automatically
• You can now open a Registered Disability Savings Plan
• Adults 18-64 can apply for the Canada Disability Benefit

If You Are Denied

You have 90 days from the date on the Notice of Determination to file a formal Notice of Objection. See our DTC appeal guide for the full process. Many denials are successfully reversed on appeal with stronger medical documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions