Direct answer
The federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is available to autistic Canadians whose autism markedly restricts mental functions necessary for everyday life. Apply by completing CRA Form T2201, certified by a physician, psychologist, or nurse practitioner. Approved families receive a non-refundable federal tax credit worth approximately $1,200-$2,400/year; retroactive claims are allowed up to 10 years.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
Autism qualifies for the DTC under the 'mental functions necessary for everyday life' category, which covers memory, problem solving, goal setting, and adaptive functioning. The applicant or their legal representative completes Part A of Form T2201. A qualifying medical professional — physician, psychologist, occupational therapist, nurse practitioner, or speech-language pathologist — completes Part B, certifying the impairment. Submit the form to the CRA online (via My Account) or by mail.
Families who qualify for the DTC can claim retroactive credits going back up to 10 years on past tax returns using a T1-ADJ adjustment. This can result in a significant lump-sum refund for years the credit was not claimed. DTC eligibility is also the gateway to the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), which provides federal grants and bonds totaling up to $90,000 over a lifetime.
Autism qualifies for the DTC under the 'mental functions necessary for everyday life' category, which covers memory, problem solving, goal setting, and adaptive functioning. The applicant or their legal representative completes Part A of Form T2201. A qualifying medical professional — physician, psychologist, occupational therapist, nurse practitioner, or speech-language pathologist — completes Part B, certifying the impairment. Submit the form to the CRA online (via My Account) or by mail.
CRA reviews the application and issues a notice of determination. Once approved, the DTC allows the family to claim the federal disability amount on their tax return — $9,428 base amount for 2024 ($15,000 supplement for children under 18), yielding credits of roughly $1,200-$2,400 depending on income and province. If the autistic person cannot use the full credit, it can be transferred to a supporting family member.
Families who qualify for the DTC can claim retroactive credits going back up to 10 years on past tax returns using a T1-ADJ adjustment. This can result in a significant lump-sum refund for years the credit was not claimed. DTC eligibility is also the gateway to the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), which provides federal grants and bonds totaling up to $90,000 over a lifetime.
Families are encouraged to apply for the DTC even if their child currently has low taxable income, since DTC approval unlocks the RDSP and may unlock other provincial benefits. An autism diagnosis report or OAP registration letter can support the T2201 application as supplementary documentation. Some families are denied on first application; an appeal or resubmission with additional clinical documentation often succeeds.
CRA
Canada Revenue Agency, Disability Tax Credit — Guide RC4064 (2024)
CRA
CRA Form T2201 — Disability Tax Credit Certificate (2024)
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Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate