Funding
The Disability Tax Credit and RDSP for Autistic Children and Adults in Canada
Learn how the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) works for autistic people in Canada, how to apply, and how DTC approval may open the door to a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and other disability benefits.
What is the Disability Tax Credit?
The Disability Tax Credit is a federal, non-refundable tax credit that helps eligible people with disabilities, or certain supporting family members, reduce income tax payable.
Autistic children and adults may qualify, depending on how their impairment affects their everyday functioning and whether they meet the Canada Revenue Agency's eligibility criteria. An autism diagnosis alone does not guarantee approval.
DTC approval can also provide access to other programs. In particular, it is generally required to open an RDSP and is one of the eligibility requirements for the Canada Disability Benefit. Each program has additional rules.
How to apply for the DTC
- Start the application. Use the digital Disability Tax Credit application through your CRA account, or obtain the latest version of Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate.
- Complete Part A. The person applying, or their legal representative, provides the required personal information and completes the applicant's section.
- Ask a qualified medical practitioner to complete Part B. The practitioner certifies the impairment and its effects on daily functioning. The CRA determines whether the eligibility criteria are met.
- Submit the application correctly. Complete the digital process or mail the paper form to the CRA. Do not send a paper or scanned T2201 through the general “Submit documents” function unless the CRA specifically requests it that way.
- Wait for the CRA's decision. If approved, check the eligibility period and whether you can claim the disability amount for previous tax years.
Keep a copy of your application and any supporting records.
Official resource: How to apply for the Disability Tax Credit
What is a Registered Disability Savings Plan?
A Registered Disability Savings Plan is a long-term savings plan designed to help eligible people with disabilities save for their future.
If the beneficiary qualifies, the Government of Canada may contribute through:
- Canada Disability Savings Grant: Matching contributions, subject to the applicable income, contribution, age, and lifetime limits.
- Canada Disability Savings Bond: Government contributions for eligible low- and modest-income beneficiaries, potentially without any personal contribution.
The amounts depend on eligibility rules, family income, contributions, and available government limits. Not every beneficiary receives the maximum amount.
How to open an RDSP
- Obtain DTC approval. The beneficiary generally must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit.
- Check the eligibility requirements. The beneficiary must have a valid Social Insurance Number, be resident in Canada when the plan is opened, and meet the applicable age rules.
- Choose a participating financial institution. Compare account fees, investment choices, services, and plan features.
- Identify the plan holder. The holder opens and manages the plan. For a minor, this may be a parent or another person legally permitted to act as holder. Rules for adult beneficiaries depend on their circumstances and legal authority.
- Apply for grants and bonds. Ask the financial institution to help you apply and confirm which government contributions the beneficiary may receive.
- Check family tax filings. Income information and tax filings can affect eligibility for grants and bonds. File any required outstanding returns and ask about unused grant and bond entitlements from eligible previous years.
A beneficiary can generally have only one RDSP at a time.
Official resource: How to open an RDSP
Important RDSP age limits
Government grants and bonds can generally be paid until December 31 of the year the beneficiary turns 49.
An RDSP may generally be opened until December 31 of the year the beneficiary turns 59, provided the eligibility requirements are met. Opening a plan later may limit the time available to receive government contributions.
The earlier a family establishes eligibility and understands its options, the more time it may have to plan. However, actual benefits depend on the beneficiary's circumstances and the program rules.
What about the Canada Disability Benefit?
The Canada Disability Benefit provides financial assistance to eligible adults aged 18–64.
DTC approval is required, but applicants must also meet other conditions, including residency, qualifying status in Canada, and tax-filing requirements. Eligibility is not automatic simply because someone has an RDSP or an autism diagnosis. Our guide on what changes at 19 explains when to apply alongside other adult supports.
Official resource: Canada Disability Benefit eligibility
Keep track of your family's next steps
Aviora Compass helps families organize important information, track application steps, and remember upcoming tasks. Explore Aviora Compass plans, or try the free Next Step Finder.
This guide provides general information, not tax, financial, or legal advice. Eligibility and contribution amounts depend on individual circumstances and current government rules. Confirm your situation with the CRA, Employment and Social Development Canada, or a qualified professional.