Yes, Applied Behaviour Analysis therapy qualifies as an eligible medical expense under the Income Tax Act Section 118.2 in Canada. Families claim ABA costs on Line 33099 of their federal return for an approximate 15% federal non-refundable tax credit, plus additional provincial credits that vary by province. Speech-language pathology and occupational therapy are also eligible.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
Every dollar you spend out of pocket on ABA therapy — including the portion not covered by insurance or OAP — is potentially claimable as a medical expense on your Canadian tax return. You claim these expenses on Line 33099 (medical expenses for self, spouse, or common-law partner and dependents) of your federal return. The federal non-refundable tax credit is approximately 15% of eligible expenses above the annual threshold.
The medical expense claim works alongside the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), which provides an additional $9,000+ in federal non-refundable credits annually. If your child qualifies for the DTC, you can also open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and receive up to $3,500 per year in government matching grants. These are separate from the medical expense claim — you can benefit from both.
Every dollar you spend out of pocket on ABA therapy — including the portion not covered by insurance or OAP — is potentially claimable as a medical expense on your Canadian tax return. You claim these expenses on Line 33099 (medical expenses for self, spouse, or common-law partner and dependents) of your federal return. The federal non-refundable tax credit is approximately 15% of eligible expenses above the annual threshold.
ABA therapy supervised by a registered psychologist is the most straightforward claim. Therapy delivered by BCBAs or RBTs may also qualify when prescribed by a medical practitioner. Keep all receipts, invoices, and letters of medical necessity. The CRA can request supporting documentation at any time during the standard reassessment period.
The medical expense claim works alongside the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), which provides an additional $9,000+ in federal non-refundable credits annually. If your child qualifies for the DTC, you can also open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and receive up to $3,500 per year in government matching grants. These are separate from the medical expense claim — you can benefit from both.
Provincial tax credits for medical expenses vary. Ontario provides an additional credit through the Ontario Health Premium and the Ontario Trillium Benefit. Consult a tax professional experienced with disability-related claims to ensure you are maximizing all available credits — many families leave thousands of dollars on the table because they do not know what they are entitled to.
CRA
Canada Revenue Agency — Income Tax Act Section 118.2, Eligible Medical Expenses (2025)
CRA
Line 33099 — Medical Expenses for Self, Spouse, and Dependants (2025)
Yes, privately paid ABA therapy qualifies as a medical expense on your tax return. Learn how to claim autism therapy costs and maximize your tax relief.
Yes, the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and provincial OAP funding are separate programs. Learn how to stack both for maximum family support.
Compare RDSP and RESP savings vehicles for families of autistic children. Learn about government matching grants, contribution limits, and withdrawal rules.
Private ABA therapy in Ontario costs $50-80/hour (RBT) and $120-200/hour (BCBA). Full intensive programs cost $50,000-$80,000/year. See the cost breakdown.
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.
Verified Facts
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) delivered to children aged 18–30 months produced significant gains in IQ, adaptive behaviour, and autism severity — some children no longer met diagnostic criteria at follow-up
Cochrane systematic review finds evidence that early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) may produce positive effects on adaptive behaviour and communication for young children with ASD (low certainty of evidence)
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four