Canada · Preparation checklist

Disability Tax Credit application checklist

Applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) means completing Form T2201, the Disability Tax Credit Certificate. Part A is filled out by the person with the impairment or their legal representative; Part B must be certified by a medical practitioner who describes the effects of a severe and prolonged impairment in one of the CRA's specific categories. This checklist walks through the real steps in the order they happen. Tick items as you go.

Based on the CRA's published guidance on applying for the DTC. FeatherKeep does not decide eligibility, complete forms, or provide tax advice — confirm details on canada.ca or with a tax professional.

1. Step 1

   Check the impairment against the CRA's eligibility categories

   The CRA looks for a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions — prolonged meaning it has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months in a row. The effects must meet the criteria in one of these categories: vision, speaking, hearing, walking, eliminating (bowel or bladder functions), feeding, dressing, or mental functions necessary for everyday life. You may also qualify through life-sustaining therapy, or through the cumulative effect of significant limitations in two or more categories. Eligibility is decided by the CRA based on what the medical practitioner certifies — not by a diagnosis on its own.

2. Step 2

   Identify a medical practitioner who can certify this impairment

   Part B can only be completed by a medical practitioner, and who is allowed to certify depends on the impairment. A medical doctor or nurse practitioner can certify all impairments. Others are limited to their area: optometrist (vision), audiologist (hearing), occupational therapist (walking, feeding, dressing), physiotherapist (walking), psychologist (mental functions), speech-language pathologist (speaking). If they charge a fee to complete the form, you pay it — but you may be able to claim it as a medical expense.

3. Step 3

   Gather documentation of the functional limitations

   The practitioner is describing what daily life actually looks like: how long tasks take, how often help is needed, how consistent the limitation is. A dated record of the care you already provide — appointments, medications, assistance with dressing, feeding, mobility, supervision — gives them something concrete to work from instead of a single appointment's recollection. This does not decide eligibility; it helps the conversation be accurate.

4. Step 4

   Choose one method: the digital form or the paper T2201

   Both Part A and Part B must be submitted the same way — the CRA cannot process an application split across formats. Digital: the person with the impairment (or their legal representative) completes Part A in their CRA account or by phone, then receives a reference number to give to the practitioner, who submits Part B online. The reference number is valid for up to 12 months and can be used once. Paper: download Form T2201 from canada.ca, have Part B completed, and mail the signed form to the CRA.

5. Step 5

   Decide who is claiming the credit before you submit

   If the credit will be split with, or transferred to, a supporting family member, include that person's information in Part A question 2. Doing it up front saves a later request. If you can, submit the application before filing the tax return — the CRA reviews the DTC application before assessing the return, so filing them together can delay your assessment.

6. Step 6

   Submit, and keep a copy of everything you sent

   With the digital form, the application is submitted automatically once the practitioner completes Part B, and you can track status in your CRA account. With paper, keep a scan or photocopy of the signed form and note the date you mailed it.

7. Step 7

   Ask about earlier years if the impairment goes back further

   Approval can cover past years. Your notice of determination shows which years you are eligible for. If it covers previous years, you must separately request a change to the tax returns for each of those years — the CRA generally accepts adjustment requests going back up to 10 previous calendar years. A tax professional can tell you what applies in your situation.

8. Step 8

   Know what happens after submission

   The CRA reviews the application based on the information the medical practitioner provided and responds in writing with a notice of determination showing the years you are eligible for. You do not need to re-apply each year unless the CRA asks for a new application. If it is denied, the notice explains why — and you have the right to file an income tax objection within 90 days of the date on the notice.