Arthritis and the Disability Tax Credit
Arthritis may qualify you for the Disability Tax Credit when its effects significantly limit everyday activities such as walking or getting dressed. The important question is not simply which type of arthritis you have, but how it affects you, how often you experience those limitations, and how long they have lasted.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect different joints and create different challenges. Pain and stiffness in your hips or knees may limit walking. Problems with your hands, shoulders or back may make dressing slow, difficult or dependent on another person’s help.
True North Disability Services can help you explore whether your circumstances may support an application. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee approval, and you do not have to decide whether you qualify before speaking with our team.
How arthritis can affect walking
Walking difficulties are not always obvious to someone watching you for a few moments. You may be able to leave the house but need frequent stops, walk much more slowly than other people your age, or rely on a cane, walker or another person’s assistance.
Useful details to discuss in an assessment include:
- The distance you can usually walk before pain, stiffness or another symptom makes you stop.
- The time it takes to cover that distance, including necessary rest stops.
- Whether difficulties continue when using your prescribed treatment or usual walking aid.
- How often you experience these restrictions and whether they have changed over time.
These details help explain the practical effect of arthritis. They are not a checklist that automatically establishes eligibility. Our article on qualifying for the Disability Tax Credit when you can still walk explores this question in more detail.
How arthritis can make getting dressed difficult
Dressing involves more than putting on a shirt. It may involve bending to reach your feet, lifting your arms, gripping fabric and managing small fasteners. Arthritis can make several of these movements difficult during the same routine.
For example, you may struggle to put on socks and shoes, pull clothing over your shoulders, manage buttons and zippers, or dress without another person’s help. Explain the tasks you find difficult, how much extra time they take and how often you need assistance. Read our guide to dressing difficulties and the Disability Tax Credit for practical examples.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: explain your own limitations
People with the same diagnosis do not necessarily have the same restrictions. Rather than relying on the name of your condition, describe what happens during your normal day.
For more information about these conditions, see osteoarthritis and disability in Canada and rheumatoid arthritis and disability in Canada. Our walking and dressing overview explains the connection between these everyday activities and a potential DTC application.
Preparing to discuss a Disability Tax Credit application
Write down a few real examples before speaking with your medical practitioner or our team. Include when the difficulties began, the treatment or aids you use, and the assistance you need. If symptoms vary, explain both better and worse days and how often each occurs. Do not describe only your worst day or minimize difficulties because you have adapted to them.
A medical practitioner must complete the medical portion of the application, and the Canada Revenue Agency makes the approval decision. TNDS can help you understand the process and discuss the information relevant to your circumstances.
What financial support may be available?
The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit. The tax benefit depends on your circumstances, including the years approved and the tax available to reduce. Eligible prior years may be reviewed, and a transfer to an eligible supporting family member may be possible where the rules are met.
Our Disability Tax Credit calculator can provide an estimate, not a guaranteed refund. DTC approval may also be relevant to other programs, including the Registered Disability Savings Plan, which has its own requirements.
Talk to TNDS about arthritis and your daily activities
If arthritis affects walking or dressing, contact True North Disability Services to discuss your circumstances. You can also start with our eligibility assessment.
If we’re not successful in securing your refund, there’s no charge from us. Our services page explains the process and fee arrangement.
