Eligible Medical Conditions for the Disability Tax Credit

Explore the types of impairments and conditions that may qualify for the DTC — from physical limitations to mental health challenges and life-sustaining therapies.

Young woman sitting quietly on a sofa, appearing thoughtful and introspective

Mental Functions

Struggles with focus, memory, problem-solving, or emotional regulation may qualify as impairments in mental functions under the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Common conditions include ADHD, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. If these challenges affect your daily life for at least 12 months, you may be eligible for retroactive tax refunds and other benefits.

Key Signs:

  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

  • Trouble making decisions or managing emotions

  • Challenges with social interaction or daily living

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Middle-aged man using crutches in a bright living room, appearing focused and determined

Walking Impairments

Walking difficulties caused by chronic pain, reduced mobility, or balance issues may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) if they are severe and long-lasting.

Conditions like multiple sclerosis, arthritis, stroke recovery, or spinal cord injuries often impact day-to-day movement. If walking 100 meters is difficult, or if you rely on support, you may be eligible for benefits — including retroactive tax refunds and RDSP access.

Common challenges include:

  • Needing a cane, walker, or personal assistance

  • Frequent falls or poor balance

  • Shortness of breath after short distances

Check If You Qualify
Young Asian woman wearing sunglasses seated at a desk, gently petting her guide dog in a warm, well-lit room

Vision Impairments

If you experience significant vision loss — even with corrective lenses — you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Qualifying conditions include macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, optic nerve damage, and tunnel vision. Eligibility depends on how much your vision affects daily activities like reading, navigating, or recognizing faces.

Common challenges include:

  • Visual acuity of 20/200 or worse

  • Tunnel vision or limited peripheral vision

  • Dependence on assistive devices or guide dogs

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Older adult being assisted during mealtime with a caregiver supporting food intake

Feeding Impairments

Feeding impairments can make eating or drinking safely and independently a daily challenge. If these difficulties are long-term and significantly impact your routine, you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke recovery, developmental delays, or ALS may affect motor coordination, swallowing, or mealtime independence.

Common challenges include:

  • Trouble swallowing or risk of choking

  • Needing assistance or feeding devices

  • Difficulty using utensils or remembering to eat

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Smiling older woman using hearing aids in conversation with a caregiver at home

Hearing Impairments

If you have substantial hearing loss that limits communication even with hearing aids, you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Conditions like congenital deafness, age-related loss, or auditory processing disorders may impact speech understanding in everyday situations. This can lead to safety concerns, social isolation, and reliance on visual or assistive cues.

Common challenges include:

  • Needing lip-reading or sign language

  • Difficulty hearing in crowds

  • Limited benefit from hearing aids

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Nurse in blue scrubs checking the blood pressure of a male patient in a hospital bed with monitoring equipment in the background

Life-Sustaining Therapy

If you depend on medical treatments like dialysis, oxygen therapy, or complex insulin management to survive, you may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

To qualify, the therapy must be required long-term and take at least 14 hours per week — including setup, monitoring, and aftercare. This includes treatments for diabetes, kidney failure, respiratory conditions, and metabolic disorders.

Common qualifying therapies include:

  • Dialysis or ongoing oxygen use

  • Insulin pump therapy or enzyme treatments

  • Feeding tube or nutrition support

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Young woman using a speech tablet while seated at a table, assisted by a supportive healthcare professional

Speaking Impairments

Speaking impairments can affect a person’s ability to express themselves clearly or be understood by others. If these challenges are long-term and significantly affect daily communication, you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Conditions like stuttering, apraxia, aphasia, cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorder may impact verbal fluency, clarity, or the ability to form sentences.

Common signs include:

  • Difficulty articulating or slurring words

  • Relying on gestures, devices, or non-verbal cues

  • Frequent pauses, stuttering, or incomplete thoughts

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Middle-aged woman receiving assistance from a caregiver while putting on a cardigan in a bright, comfortable room

Dressing Impairments

If dressing independently has become difficult due to physical limitations or cognitive challenges, you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

This includes conditions like arthritis, stroke, cerebral palsy, dementia, and multiple sclerosis that affect coordination, memory, or mobility.

Common challenges include:

  • Struggling with buttons, zippers, or shoelaces

  • Needing help selecting clothing or getting dressed

  • Risk of falls or discomfort due to pain and fatigue

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Older man using a walker being assisted by a caregiver in a home bathroom setting

Eliminating Impairments

If you or a loved one has difficulty managing bladder or bowel functions independently, you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Qualifying conditions include incontinence, Crohn’s disease, colitis, spinal cord injuries, and neurological or cognitive disorders. These impairments often affect hygiene, bathroom safety, and dignity in daily life.

Common challenges include:

  • Incontinence or frequent accidents

  • Needing assistance or special aids

  • Difficulty recognizing or responding to the need to go

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Caucasian woman seated on a couch holding her forehead, appearing fatigued and unwell in a softly lit living room

Other Medical Conditions

Some chronic and rare medical conditions may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) if they severely affect your ability to function day-to-day over a long period.

This includes conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, post-concussion syndrome, migraines, and multiple chemical sensitivity. The CRA focuses on how your condition impacts daily life — not just the diagnosis.

Common challenges include:

  • Chronic pain, fatigue, or weakness

  • Neurological issues or cognitive fog

  • Pelvic pain or frequent unpredictable episodes

Check If You Qualify

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