Having your Disability Tax Credit application denied can be frustrating and discouraging — but it doesn't necessarily mean you don't qualify. In our experience, the majority of DTC denials are caused by documentation issues, not ineligibility. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you avoid them.
1. Diagnosis-Only Language
The most common mistake is describing the condition rather than its functional impact. CRA doesn't approve DTC applications based on diagnosis alone — they need to understand how the condition restricts your ability to perform basic activities of daily living. Writing "Patient has ADHD" is insufficient; the form needs to describe how ADHD affects the person's ability to manage daily tasks, maintain focus, or function independently.
2. Insufficient Detail About Restrictions
Vague descriptions like "has difficulty walking" don't give CRA enough information. The T2201 needs specific details: How far can the person walk? How long does it take? What assistance or devices are required? How does this compare to someone without the impairment?
3. Not Addressing "All or Substantially All of the Time"
CRA requires that the restriction be present "all or substantially all of the time" (generally interpreted as 90% or more). If the form doesn't clearly state this, or if it suggests the restriction is intermittent, the application may be denied — even if the person genuinely experiences the restriction most of the time.
4. Wrong Medical Practitioner Category
Different sections of the T2201 must be completed by specific types of medical practitioners. For example, a psychologist can certify mental functions but not walking. Using the wrong practitioner type for a given section is a common and easily avoidable error.
5. Missing the Cumulative Effects Category
Many applicants have multiple conditions that individually might not qualify but together cause significant restriction. The cumulative effects category exists for exactly this situation, but it's frequently overlooked. If you have two or more conditions, this category should be carefully considered.
6. Not Documenting Life-Sustaining Therapy Correctly
For conditions requiring life-sustaining therapy (such as Type 1 diabetes), the form must document that the therapy is required at least three times per week and that it takes a total of at least 14 hours per week (including preparation and recovery time). Many applications fail because the time calculation doesn't include all eligible activities.
7. Incomplete Form Sections
Leaving sections blank or incomplete — even sections that seem irrelevant — can trigger a denial. Every applicable section should be thoroughly completed with specific, detailed information.
8. Contradictory Information
If different sections of the form contain contradictory information (for example, stating the person can walk independently in one section but needs assistance in another), CRA may deny the application. Consistency across the entire form is essential.
9. Not Including the Impact of Medication
CRA evaluates restrictions even with the use of appropriate therapy, medication, and devices. If the form only describes the condition without medication, CRA may assume that medication resolves the restriction. The form should clearly describe the person's functional limitations even while receiving treatment.
10. Self-Applying Without Professional Guidance
While it's possible to apply for the DTC on your own, the T2201 form is a specialized document that requires precise, CRA-aligned language. Many self-applications are denied not because the person doesn't qualify, but because the form wasn't completed in a way that clearly communicates eligibility to CRA.
If your application has been denied, don't give up. At My Benefits Canada, we review denied applications at no additional cost, identify what went wrong, and reapply using proper CRA-aligned documentation. Many of our clients were previously denied before being approved with our support.
