DTC for Mobility & Neurological Conditions
Chronic Pain, MS, Parkinson's, Stroke, Spinal Cord Injuries
Mobility impairments and neurological conditions that markedly restrict your ability to walk or perform daily activities can qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. This includes conditions affecting movement, balance, coordination, and neurological function.
What CRA Looks For
- Marked restriction in walking — unable to walk 100 metres on level ground without assistance
- Marked restriction in dressing, feeding, or other basic activities of daily living
- Need for assistive devices or personal assistance for mobility
- Significant impact on daily functioning due to neurological symptoms
- Condition must be prolonged (lasting at least 12 months)
Examples of Qualifying Situations
- Multiple sclerosis affecting mobility, balance, and daily functioning
- Parkinson's disease impacting movement, coordination, and daily activities
- Stroke after-effects causing mobility restrictions or cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries limiting walking and daily living activities
- Chronic pain conditions that markedly restrict walking or daily activities
- Cerebral palsy affecting movement and daily activity performance
Why Applications Get Denied
- Application does not adequately describe the extent of mobility restrictions
- Medical practitioner focuses on diagnosis rather than functional limitations
- Insufficient detail about the need for assistive devices or personal assistance
- Form does not address all affected areas of daily living
- Episodic conditions not properly documented for cumulative impact
How We Help
- We work to ensure the T2201 accurately describes your functional limitations in CRA-aligned language
- We coordinate with neurologists, physiatrists, and other specialists
- We document the impact on all relevant areas of daily living, not just mobility
- We review eligibility for both the walking restriction and other daily living categories
- We handle retroactive claims from the onset of your condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use a wheelchair to qualify?
No. You do not need to use a wheelchair. If you are unable to walk 100 metres on level ground without assistance, or if walking takes an inordinate amount of time, you may qualify.
Can chronic pain qualify for the DTC?
Yes. Chronic pain conditions can qualify if they markedly restrict your ability to walk or perform basic activities of daily living. The key is documenting the functional impact.
What about episodic conditions like MS?
Episodic conditions can qualify. CRA considers the cumulative effect of episodes on your daily functioning over time. We work to ensure this is properly documented.
Can I qualify for both mobility and mental function restrictions?
Yes. If your condition affects multiple areas, this can strengthen your application, particularly under the cumulative effects criteria.
Can chronic pain qualify for the DTC even without a clear diagnosis?
CRA evaluates functional impact, not diagnosis. If chronic pain markedly restricts your ability to walk or perform daily activities — even without a definitive diagnostic label — you may qualify. The key is documenting the functional restriction with your medical practitioner using CRA-aligned language.
I have multiple sclerosis but my symptoms fluctuate. Can I still qualify?
Yes. CRA recognizes that many conditions have variable symptoms. If your condition is prolonged (lasting or expected to last at least 12 months) and markedly restricts a basic activity of daily living for a significant portion of the time, you may qualify even if symptoms are not constant.
Think You May Qualify?
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