If you’re searching for how to apply for the Disability Tax Credit in Canada, especially for a neurodivergent child, you’re not alone.
Many British Columbia families delay applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) because the paperwork feels overwhelming. Others worry their child won’t qualify. And for many parents, describing their child’s challenges in clinical language can feel uncomfortable.
Here’s what matters: the DTC is not about defining your child by deficits. It is about documenting the level of support they require so your family can access available federal and provincial financial supports.
For families in BC, an approved Disability Tax Credit is now required to access the incoming* BC Children and Youth Disability Supplement, making this step especially important. (*to be transitioned in over the next year)
Please note that this article is not intended as financial or legal advice for your child or family. We strongly advise you to seek out professional support and advice if you’re navigating this for the first time.
Register your interest for our next free DTC support session here: (offered in Vancouver and live online) https://forms.office.com/r/GVaqpKBhX4.
The Disability Tax Credit Canada program is a federal benefit administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Eligibility is not based on diagnosis alone. It is based on functional impact. The CRA evaluates whether a child is “markedly restricted” in one or more basic activities of daily living compared to other children of the same age.
Many neurodivergent children, including those with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and mental health differences, may qualify if they require:
The DTC is a legislated federal program with defined criteria. Approval requires families to describe support needs in structured, clinical language, but approval can unlock important financial supports tied to federal and provincial programs.
Note that parents/caregivers must have up-to-date income tax filings with the CRA to qualify for the DTC.
To apply for the Disability Tax Credit, you must complete Form T2201 – Disability Tax Credit Certificate. Download Form T2201 directly from the Government of Canada website.
As the parent or caregiver, you complete the first section (Part A). Take your time. Be honest. Describe what daily life truly looks like, especially the parts that require additional time, prompting, supervision, or co-regulation.
Many parents worry that the Disability Tax Credit is difficult to get or that their child won’t qualify. In reality, many applications are denied because the functional impact wasn’t clearly described, not because a child is ineligible. You may attach additional information if needed.
A doctor, psychologist, nurse practitioner, or other qualified professional must complete the medical portion (Part B) of the DTC application. Bring clear examples of what your child’s daily, weekly, and monthly routines actually require. Even better, track support needs in a simple spreadsheet for at least six weeks, documenting:
Encourage your clinician to describe limitations in these functional terms (time, supervision, intensity) rather than listing general symptoms. For example, instead of: “Struggles with routines.” It is stronger to document: “Requires continuous adult prompting and 45 additional minutes each morning to complete age-appropriate self-care tasks.” Specific, concrete details significantly strengthen a Disability Tax Credit application.
You are not minimizing your child’s strengths. You are documenting the barriers and the level of support required to navigate them.
Once both sections are complete, submit Form T2201 to the Canada Revenue Agency for review. Keep copies of everything you submit. If approved, the Disability Tax Credit may be able to be applied retroactively for up to 10 years. Approval may also provide access to:
How long does it take to get approved for the DTC?
Processing times vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the application.
Can a child with ADHD qualify for the Disability Tax Credit?
Yes. Eligibility is based on functional impact, not diagnosis alone. If ADHD significantly restricts daily functioning compared to same-age peers, a child may qualify.
Can the Disability Tax Credit be applied retroactively?
Yes. If approved, families can request tax adjustments for up to 10 previous years.
Why are DTC applications denied?
The most common reason is insufficient detail about functional limitations. Clear descriptions of time, supervision, and severity are critical.
If you would like to learn more, register your interest in an upcoming training and support on filing your income taxes and applying for the Disability Tax Credit.
You do not have to navigate this alone. Accessing support is advocacy. And advocacy is care.
– Sara Jane R. Walker, Senior Manager, Communications
LDS is a community of dedicated professionals who write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.
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