How To

How to Apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) for Autism in Ontario

The Disability Tax Credit reduces federal income tax and unlocks the Registered Disability Savings Plan. Here is how to apply.

How to Apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) for Autism in Ontario

The Disability Tax Credit reduces federal income tax and unlocks the Registered Disability Savings Plan. Here is how to apply.

  • Download CRA Form T2201
  • Have a qualified practitioner certify the form
Show all 4 facts
  • Complete Section A yourself
  • Submit to CRA
Verified: 2026-08-10
Scope: Ontario, Canada

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1
    Download CRA Form T2201

    Get the Disability Tax Credit Certificate (T2201) from canada.ca/disability-tax-credit or by calling CRA at 1-800-959-8281.

  2. 2
    Have a qualified practitioner certify the form

    A registered psychologist, family physician, pediatrician, or nurse practitioner can complete the medical section. The practitioner may charge a fee (typically $50-$150).

  3. 3
    Complete Section A yourself

    Fill in your personal information and your child's information in Section A of the form. Ensure all fields are complete before submitting.

  4. 4
    Submit to CRA

    Submit by mail to your tax centre or electronically via My Account at canada.ca/my-cra-account. CRA processing times change over time; confirm current processing times with the CRA before making plans.

  5. 5
    Use the DTC to open an RDSP

    If approved, you are eligible to open a Registered Disability Savings Plan. The federal government will match contributions through the Canada Disability Savings Grant and Bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

Where the waitlist stands

Families navigating autism services in Ontario face a documented multi-year wait. Here is the Ontario data — and a two-minute way to push back, when you are ready.

Citable source facts(3)Question-and-answer pairs with their source and verification link.

How do I register for the Ontario Autism Program?

Verified

To register for the OAP, contact AccessOAP (1-833-425-2445) or create an account at accessoap.ca. You must provide a valid ASD diagnosis letter. Registration date determines your waitlist priority. Once registered, you can immediately access Foundational Family Services while waiting for Core Clinical Services.

Source: AccessOAP · Verify Link

Who is eligible for OAP funding?

Verified

OAP eligibility requires the child to: (1) be under 18 years of age, (2) strictly reside in Ontario, and (3) have a written diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from a qualified professional. Only children with a confirmed diagnosis can register; suspected cases must complete assessment first.

Source: Ontario.ca OAP Eligibility · Verify Link

Where can I get an autism diagnosis in Ontario?

Verified

Diagnoses are provided by psychologists, developmental pediatricians, or qualified medical specialists. Public hospital assessments are free (OHIP) but have 1-2 year waits. Private assessments cost $2,500-$4,000 and are faster (2-4 months). Both are accepted by OAP if they meet DSM-5 standards.

Source: Autism Ontario Diagnosis Guide

About This Article

Written by

Founder & Autism Advocate

Parent of autistic child navigating OAP system