DTC for Vision & Hearing Conditions
Vision Loss, Blindness, Hearing Loss, Deafness
Significant vision or hearing loss that affects your daily functioning can qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. CRA has specific criteria for these sensory impairments.
What CRA Looks For
- Vision: Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correction, or visual field of 20 degrees or less
- Hearing: Profound hearing loss (hearing level of 70 decibels or more in the better ear)
- Significant impact on daily functioning despite corrective devices
- Condition must be prolonged (lasting at least 12 months)
- For partial loss: marked restriction in performing daily activities related to seeing or hearing
Examples of Qualifying Situations
- Legal blindness or severe vision impairment
- Macular degeneration significantly affecting daily vision
- Glaucoma causing substantial visual field loss
- Profound hearing loss or deafness from birth or acquired
- Progressive hearing loss requiring significant accommodation
- Combined vision and hearing impairments
Why Applications Get Denied
- Visual acuity or field measurements not clearly documented
- Hearing test results not properly included or interpreted
- Application does not describe functional impact on daily activities
- Corrective device effectiveness overstated in the application
- Insufficient specialist documentation
How We Help
- We coordinate with ophthalmologists and audiologists for accurate documentation
- We work to ensure test results are properly presented in CRA-required format
- We document the functional impact on daily living beyond just test measurements
- We review eligibility for retroactive claims from the onset of significant impairment
- We handle applications for both vision and hearing impairments when applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be legally blind to qualify?
Not necessarily. While legal blindness (20/200 or less) is a clear qualifier, significant vision loss that markedly restricts daily activities may also qualify, especially in combination with other conditions.
Can I qualify if I wear hearing aids?
Yes. CRA assesses your functional limitations even with corrective devices. If your hearing loss still markedly restricts daily activities despite hearing aids, you may qualify.
What specialist reports are needed?
We coordinate with your ophthalmologist or audiologist to obtain the specific test results and functional assessments CRA requires.
Can children with hearing or vision loss qualify?
Yes. Children with significant hearing or vision loss can qualify for both the DTC and the Child Disability Benefit.
What level of vision loss qualifies for the DTC?
CRA generally considers vision impairment qualifying when visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in both eyes with corrective lenses, or when the visual field is 20 degrees or less. However, other significant vision impairments that markedly restrict daily functioning may also qualify. A qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist can certify the T2201.
Can hearing loss qualify if I use hearing aids?
Yes. CRA assesses hearing with the best corrective device available. If your hearing loss still markedly restricts your ability to hear — for example, if you cannot understand conversational speech even with hearing aids — you may qualify. The assessment focuses on functional impact in everyday situations.
Think You May Qualify?
Take our free eligibility assessment. It takes less than 2 minutes and there's no obligation.
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