Disability Tax Credit Approval or Denial Letter: What It Means

When the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) finishes reviewing a Disability Tax Credit (DTC) application, it sends a notice of determination. It tells you whether you’re approved, for which years, and, if you’re denied, why. The DTC matters beyond taxes: it’s the key to other programs, including the Canada Disability Benefit.

What it looks like and who sends it

The notice comes from the CRA. If you’ve signed up for email from the CRA, you get an email saying the notice is in your CRA account. If not, it comes by mail. If you never got one, make sure the CRA has your current address.

The notice says whether your application is:

  • approved permanently, with no end date
  • approved for a set period, with an end date
  • denied, with the reasons

The CRA’s decision is based on how the information from your medical practitioner meets the DTC rules, especially how the impairment affects your daily life.

If you’re approved: what it means

You can claim the DTC on your tax return for the years shown on the notice.

  • No end date: you don’t need to apply again unless the CRA asks.
  • An end date: you’ll need to reapply at the end of that period, or sooner if the CRA asks. The CRA warns you on your Notice of Assessment one year before it expires, and again in the year it expires. You can reapply any time in that year to avoid a gap.
  • Past years: if you ticked the box on the form asking the CRA to adjust earlier returns, it will reassess those years for you. If not, you can ask it to change those returns.
  • You must tell the CRA in writing if your condition improves so that you no longer meet the rules.

What the DTC can unlock

Being approved may help you get:

  • the Canada Disability Benefit, for people aged 18 to 64. It isn’t automatic: you have to apply separately. See our CDB guide.
  • the Child Disability Benefit, added to the Canada Child Benefit for an eligible child
  • the Canada Workers Benefit disability supplement
  • a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

If you get the Canada Disability Benefit, there is also a one-time $150 supplemental payment to help cover the cost of getting the DTC. It’s paid automatically. See our check on the $150 payment.

If you’re denied: what it means

The notice lists the reasons. Take out your copy of the application, Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, and compare what it said with the reasons and the DTC rules.

Do you need to act?

  • Approved, no end date: No. Keep the notice safe, and apply for the Canada Disability Benefit if you’re 18 to 64.
  • Approved with an end date: Note the date. Plan to reapply before it runs out.
  • Approved for fewer years than you expected, or denied: You can ask for a review or file an objection.

Exactly what to do after a denial

You have three options, and you can talk to the CRA before choosing.

  1. Ask for a review and send new information. Send new or updated medical reports, or a letter from a medical practitioner who knows your situation, describing how the impairment affects you. Mail it to the tax centre that processed your application: Jonquière Tax Centre (2251 René-Lévesque Blvd, Jonquière QC G7S 5J2), Sudbury Tax Centre (PO Box 20000, Station A, Sudbury ON P3A 5C1) or Winnipeg Tax Centre (PO Box 14000, Station Main, Winnipeg MB R3C 3M2). Keep a copy.
  2. File a formal objection within 90 days of the date on the notice of determination. You can do this online in your CRA account or with form T400A.
  3. Call to discuss your application at 1-800-959-8281.

If you’re still not eligible, other disability-related deductions and credits may still apply to you.

How to check it’s real

  • The notice will also be in your CRA account. Sign in by typing canada.ca into your browser yourself.
  • The CRA warns about texts and emails that use the Disability Tax Credit’s name, with a link and a code. The CRA doesn’t send benefit messages with links to click.
  • You can apply for the DTC and ask for a review directly with the CRA. If a company offers to do it for a share of your refund, read the agreement carefully before you sign.

Who to call

  • CRA individual line (DTC questions): 1-800-959-8281 (TTY 1-800-665-0354).
  • Canada Disability Benefit: 1-833-486-3007.
  • To report a scam: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, 1-888-495-8501.