Many people are told by their Doctors that they do not qualify for the disability tax credit.  Since most Doctors do not do income taxes, here is some helpful information that applies to many people who were turned done before.
For example, consider a young man, 27 years old, who has MS.  MS will last a lifetime. We know that meets the criteria of 12 months (prolonged).

He is unable to get out of bed before noon.  Also, for a period of time he is unsteady on his feet.  However the Doctor felt he was not “disabled” and would not qualify for the disability credit.  In cases like this we can often help.  This may include talking to the Doctor’s own accountant to help him understand the changes in the tax act, or even suggesting that the patient sees another doctor or obtains a second opinion.

Here is some information to consider to qualify:

Markedly restricted

You are markedly restricted if, all or substantially all the time, you are unable (or it takes you an inordinate amount of time) to perform one or more of the basic activities of daily living even with therapy (other than life-sustaining therapy to support a vital function) and the use of appropriate devices and medication.


Mental functions necessary for everyday life

For the disability amount, you are considered markedly restricted in performing the mental functions necessary for everyday life if, all or substantially all the time:

  • you are unable to perform them by yourself, even with appropriate therapy, medication, and devices (for example, memory aids and adaptive aids); or
  • you require an inordinate amount of time to perform them by yourself, even with appropriate therapy, medication, and devices. An inordinate amount of time means that you take significantly longer than for an average person who does not have the impairment.

Prolonged

An impairment is prolonged if it has lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months.

We hope that this information helps demonstrate that there are a number of criteria that may enable you to qualify for the disability tax credit.  Your doctor’s input and involvement are of course important!…but you should not depend entirely on his/her opinion when it comes to tax matters.

To get all the details pertaining to your specific case, contact the Canadian Disability Tax Credit Group.