Disability Tax Credit for Knee and Hip Surgery Recovery: Support for Seniors and Adults in Canada

Recovering from knee or hip surgery takes time, effort, and often, ongoing rehabilitation. Mobility limitations can make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, drive, or care for yourself. For seniors, recovery can also mean relying on family members or support services for daily activities.

At Count Smart, we help Canadians recovering from major joint surgery access the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Our role is to ensure your recovery challenges are clearly documented for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), so you can access the financial support you’re entitled to.

Yes. The CRA may consider post-surgery recovery eligible for the DTC when it causes prolonged and significant restrictions in mobility or self-care that last at least 12 months.

You may qualify if you:

• Use mobility aids such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair during recovery
• Require ongoing physiotherapy or rehabilitation several times per week
• Depend on help for dressing, bathing, or moving around safely
• Experience pain or stiffness that limits mobility and independence
• Are unable to return to work or resume normal activities for an extended period

Eligibility is based on how the surgery impacts your ability to function daily, not just on the operation itself. Even with assistive devices or therapy, you may qualify if mobility restrictions persist.

For seniors, hip or knee replacement recovery often brings challenges with stairs, driving, or standing for long periods. Many adults also face lengthy rehabilitation programs and modified work routines.

The Disability Tax Credit helps reduce these financial pressures by lowering your annual taxes and potentially providing retroactive refunds. The funds can help pay for physiotherapy, mobility equipment, home modifications, or part-time assistance during recovery.

At Count Smart, we help ensure your CRA application reflects how recovery affects your day-to-day life especially the time and effort spent managing pain, therapy, and movement limitations.

To qualify, the CRA requires documentation showing that your recovery causes significant restrictions lasting 12 months or more.

You’ll need:

• A Form T2201 completed by your physician, orthopedic surgeon, or rehabilitation specialist
• Notes outlining the surgery date, recovery timeline, and mobility restrictions
• Physiotherapy or rehabilitation reports showing ongoing treatment needs
• Records describing use of mobility aids or assistance required for personal care

Count Smart helps coordinate with your medical professional to ensure your documentation clearly describes the recovery period, functional limitations, and impact on independence.

Approved applicants may be eligible for:

• $1,958 to $3,169 per year in non-refundable tax credits, depending on province and tax return
• Retroactive refunds for up to 10 years if previously eligible but not approved
• The ability to transfer unused credits to a spouse, or family member who provides support

These credits can make recovery more affordable by helping with therapy costs, adaptive devices, and household modifications such as grab bars or ramps.

Call us today to find out if your recovery qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit.

Applying for the DTC while recovering from surgery can feel complicated. Count Smart makes the process simple and stress-free:

1. Free Eligibility Review – We review your recovery progress and determine whether it meets CRA’s criteria.
2. Medical Coordination – We communicate with your surgeon or family doctor to ensure medical details are clear and complete.
3. Document Preparation – We compile and organize non-medical paperwork for a complete and compliant submission.
4. Ongoing Support – We track your application, update you on progress, and assist with any CRA requests or appeals.

Learn more about our process by visiting our How It Works page.

At Count Smart, we understand the challenges of recovering from major surgery. Our compassionate team ensures that your DTC application is accurate, complete, and compliant so you can focus on healing while we handle the paperwork.

Book your free consultation today and let Count Smart help you access the Disability Tax Credit for knee or hip surgery recovery.