The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable federal tax credit for people with a severe and prolonged impairment. Many autistic children and adults qualify based on the effects of the impairment on daily living — not the diagnosis name alone. CRA approval is also required before you can open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
How to apply
Download Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate).
Complete Part A (person with the disability / supporting family member).
Have a medical practitioner complete Part B. They must describe functional impacts in enough detail for CRA to assess eligibility.
Submit to CRA (online via My Account, by mail, or with a tax return). You can apply any time of year.
After approval
Claim the disability amount on your tax return (or transfer from a dependant).
Children under 18 may also qualify for the Child Disability Benefit.
Open an RDSP to access Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds.