Disability tax credit is what the word says- a tax credit ( so you have to make enough money to actually pay taxes).
Benefits of Getting Approved for the Disability Tax Credit in Canada: ✔Disability Tax Refund ✔Child Disability Benefits ✔Caregiver Credits
www.disabilitytaxservice.ca
Different people can fill out the form for it. Your physician can fill it out for any medical condition, while an Occupational therapist orphysio therapist can fill it out for functional disabilities- like if your walking is affected or if you need help with feeding yourself or getting dressed. The assessor must be convinced that your disability will last at least a year and also has to note how long he/ she has known you. In that sense, if your disability has been a few years and they have known you for that time, it possible could be retroactive. It just gives you a larger credit on your income tax.
The assessor has to describe the circumstances of your disability, just walking with a cane is not enough, they have to say that you are walking significantly slower or are unable to walk a certain distance. Same with other functions. Cognitive disability counts as well, but has to be documented by a doctor.
Vision loss could be documented by an eye doc, but has to be a certain degree.
Different diseases are eligible.
Having the form filled out might cost you a fee ( ask your Dr’s office). As OT, we usually filled this out for free. Once you are approved, you will get it automatically on your income tax, as they consider it permanently ( unless the one who filled it out said it is temporary)
Review the disability tax credit impairment categories to see if you may be eligible.
www.canada.ca