Quick Answer
To apply for the Disability Tax Credit Canada in 2026: (1) download Form T2201 from canada.ca, (2) complete Part A yourself, (3) have your medical practitioner certify Part B, (4) submit to CRA by mail or through CRA My Account, and (5) wait 6 to 8 weeks for the assessment. There is no application fee.
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 Québec 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 may reassess applicable prior tax years and issue refunds or adjusted assessments
- 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 may start 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. Some denials can be changed on appeal when stronger medical documentation addresses CRA's functional criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Applying through CRA is free. There is no government application fee. Some private firms charge a contingency fee (15-30% of your refund) for handling the application; this is optional. Your medical practitioner may charge a form-completion fee, which varies by practice.
Typically 6-8 weeks. Digital submissions through CRA My Account may be faster. During peak tax season, expect 10-12 weeks.
Yes. Provincial disability programs do not automatically qualify you for the federal DTC. The DTC has its own functional criteria. Many people approved for ODSP/AISH/PWD are also approved for the DTC, but you must apply separately.
You can: (1) ask another practitioner who knows your case, (2) consult a specialist (psychologist, optometrist, occupational therapist) depending on your impairment, or (3) seek a second opinion from a doctor familiar with DTC certifications. Most provinces have practitioners who routinely handle T2201 forms.