Financial support for autism families in Canada — what you are entitled to and how to claim it.
Autism is explicitly recognised by the CRA. The DTC alone is worth $10,341 per year. Most families never apply.
A non-refundable federal credit for individuals with a prolonged impairment. Autism qualifies when daily life requires significant therapy or supervision.
Claimed by the parent or caregiver supporting a dependant with autism. Stacks on top of the DTC when the child is your dependant.
Once your child is approved for the DTC they qualify for the RDSP — the government contributes matching grants and low-income bonds for years.
What evidence the CRA needs for autism DTC applications
The CRA looks for proof that your child needs "life-sustaining therapy" — at least 14 hours per week of activities essential to their development and daily function. FeatherKeep logs that evidence as it happens.
A timestamped record of every dose — including melatonin, ADHD medication, and any prescribed supports — shows ongoing medical management.
Hours of ABA, OT, speech, behavioural support, or in-home worker visits all count toward the 14-hour life-sustaining therapy threshold.
Pediatrician, psychiatrist, developmental, dental and sensory appointments build the longitudinal record the CRA wants to see.
When it's time to apply, FeatherKeep exports a chronological summary your doctor can attach to the T2201 — no scrambling through notebooks.
See exactly which programs your family qualifies for
A 2-minute checker covers federal and provincial autism supports.
Open the benefit checkerInformation here is general and does not constitute legal or tax advice — confirm eligibility with your qualified accountant or the CRA.