The DTC (Disability Tax Credit) lowers the income tax you owe. It also unlocks the Child Disability Benefit (up to $3,411 per year, tax-free as of July 2025) and the RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan) -- a tax-free savings account with up to $90,000 in government grants.
Get the latest version from the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) website. You fill out Part A (personal information).
Bring the form to the doctor or psychologist who diagnosed your child. They fill out Part B.
Tip: Give them examples of your child's daily challenges -- things like social interaction, safety awareness, and self-care skills.
Upload the scanned form via CRA My Account ("Submit Documents") or mail it. Wait times are typically 8-12 weeks.
For autism, you usually apply under "Mental functions necessary for everyday life". The challenges must be serious (present 90% of the time) and lasting (12 months or more).
If your child does not have a severe challenge in just one area, they may still qualify by combining multiple areas of difficulty (for example, social interaction plus self-care together).
Once approved, the CRA will automatically assess your eligibility for the Child Disability Benefit. Next, you should open an RDSP.
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Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: February 1, 2026.
Verified Facts
$200/month — The Canada Disability Benefit provides up to for eligible Canadians with disabilities
87,692 — children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
1 in 50 — According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
23.1% — 23,875 children enrolled in Core Clinical Services; 20,293 have active funding agreements ()
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
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