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Disability Tax Credit for Developmental Delays in Children
Developmental delays in children can affect more than just learning—they can impact communication, daily functioning, and emotional well-being. These challenges often place financial and emotional strain on families. In Canada, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) offers important financial relief for eligible families, yet the path to approval can feel overwhelming.
Count Smart specializes in helping families claim the DTC for children with developmental delays. With professional care and personalized guidance, we help ensure your child’s application reflects the full scope of their needs.
Understanding Developmental Delays: Why Early Support Matters
Developmental delays occur when a child experiences slower progress in critical areas such as speech, motor skills, social interaction, or problem-solving. These delays can stem from a wide variety of causes, including genetic conditions, neurological differences, or unknown developmental factors.
In many cases, these delays impact a child’s independence and day-to-day abilities. When these impairments are severe and prolonged, they may qualify for the DTC. Count Smart helps you assess whether your child’s condition meets the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) requirements and assists in presenting a well-supported claim.
What is Global Developmental Delay, and How Does it Relate to DTC?
Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is a diagnosis applied when a child under five shows significant delays in two or more developmental areas, such as cognitive skills, language, motor functions, or emotional regulation.
This condition is often linked to long-term support needs and special education plans. If your child has been diagnosed with GDD and their ability to function independently is affected, they may meet CRA’s criteria for the Disability Tax Credit.
Count Smart’s Expertise Makes the DTC Process Easier
Securing the DTC can feel daunting when you’re already managing therapy sessions, school meetings, and medical appointments. At Count Smart, we simplify the entire process, eliminating paperwork confusion and minimizing the risk of rejection due to incomplete documentation.
We begin with a detailed review of your child’s developmental history, followed by tailored support throughout the application process. This includes guidance on how to complete the DTC Form for Developmental Delay (Form T2201), coordination with medical professionals, and direct communication with the CRA. Our clients often secure thousands of dollars in tax relief—sometimes over $20,000.
Who Might Qualify? Conditions Often Linked to Developmental Delays
Each child’s challenges are unique, but several diagnoses commonly correlate with DTC eligibility when they result in marked daily impairments. These include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, often affecting social skills and communication
- Global Developmental Delay, which spans multiple domains
- Intellectual Disabilities, impairing learning and adaptive behaviour
- ADHD, particularly when it severely impacts focus, planning, or emotional regulation
- Neurological or genetic conditions, such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
We don’t rely solely on diagnostic labels, we focus on how the condition affects your child’s ability to function in everyday life.
Adults with a History of Developmental Delay: Can They Qualify?
While developmental delays are primarily diagnosed in childhood, some adults continue to experience challenges related to conditions first identified early in life. If an adult in your care struggles with basic functions due to a documented developmental history, they may also be eligible for the DTC. Count Smart can help assess and process these applications with the same careful attention given to child claims.
Begin Your DTC Claim with Confidence
Your child’s well-being deserves the right support—financially and emotionally. With Count Smart, you don’t have to navigate the Disability Tax Credit process alone. We combine professional expertise with a personal touch to help families across Canada receive the benefits they are entitled to. From eligibility assessment to final CRA approval, our team ensures your claim is as strong and stress-free as possible.
Learn more about how to qualify for the Disability Tax Credit in Canada or explore the DTC application process for developmental disorders with Count Smart.
Your Questions Answered: Understanding DTC Eligibility for Developmental Delays
The CRA requires that the impairment be “marked and prolonged,” meaning it severely restricts one or more mental or physical functions and is expected to last at least 12 months. Developmental delays may qualify if they significantly affect areas such as communication, adaptive behaviour, or learning.
Eligibility must be certified by a medical practitioner—typically a pediatrician, psychologist, or family doctor on CRA Form T2201. Supporting evidence such as developmental assessments, therapy notes, and IEPs from school can strengthen the application. Count Smart will guide you in collecting and organizing this documentation to present a clear and complete case.
Global developmental delay (GDD) is a diagnosis where a child under five shows substantial delays in at least two developmental domains. It is often associated with long-term challenges and can qualify for the DTC if the delays result in marked restrictions in daily activities.
If the delay results in prolonged and significant limitations in basic functions such as thinking, communication, or motor skills. The CRA’s definition of impairment focuses on the impact of the condition on daily life—not just the diagnosis itself.
The CRA typically takes between 8 and 16 weeks to process a DTC application. During this period, Count Smart remains in contact with you and the CRA to provide updates and respond to any information requests.
Adults who have a documented history of developmental delay and ongoing functional challenges may still qualify for the DTC. Count Smart can evaluate adult applications and provide the same expert guidance offered to families of children.
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