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Claim the Disability Tax Credit for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Canada

Raising a child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) presents unique challenges that can impact daily life and family dynamics. In Canada, families may be eligible for financial relief through the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) if their child’s condition significantly impairs mental functions. At Count Smart, we specialize in guiding parents through the DTC application process, ensuring you receive the support you’re entitled to.
What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a behavioural condition characterized by a persistent pattern of angry, irritable moods, argumentative behaviour, and defiance toward authority figures. Children with ODD may frequently lose their temper, argue with adults, and deliberately annoy others. These behaviours often lead to difficulties at home, school, and in social settings, affecting the child’s ability to function effectively in daily life.
Does ODD Qualify for the Disability Tax Credit?
Yes, ODD can qualify for the DTC if it results in a severe and prolonged impairment in mental functions necessary for everyday life. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assesses eligibility based on the extent to which the condition restricts mental functions such as adaptive functioning, memory, problem-solving, goal setting, and judgment. A medical practitioner must certify that the impairment has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months.
How Count Smart Supports Your DTC Application
Navigating the DTC application process can be complex, especially when managing a child’s behavioural condition. Count Smart offers comprehensive support to simplify this journey:
- Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your child’s condition to determine alignment with CRA’s DTC criteria.
- Form Completion & Submission: Our experts assist in accurately completing Form T2201, emphasizing how ODD affects your child’s mental functions.
- Coordination with Healthcare Providers: We liaise with your child’s medical professionals to ensure thorough and precise documentation.
- Retroactive Refunds: Eligible families may receive up to 10 years of backdated tax credits.
- Ongoing Support: We remain by your side throughout the process, addressing any CRA inquiries or additional documentation requests.
Additional Financial Supports
Beyond the DTC, families caring for a child with ODD may be eligible for other benefits:
- Child Disability Benefit (CDB): A tax-free monthly payment for families with a child under 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment.
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): A long-term savings plan to help parents and others save for the financial security of a person eligible for the DTC.
Count Smart can guide you through the application processes for these additional supports, maximizing the financial assistance available to your family.
Why Choose Count Smart?
Our mission is to alleviate the financial and administrative burdens faced by families managing ODD.
- Specialized Expertise: We focus exclusively on DTC applications related to mental health conditions, including ODD.
- Personalized Service: Every family’s situation is unique; we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
- Proven Success: Our team has successfully assisted numerous Canadian families in securing DTC approvals and retroactive refunds.
Start Your Disability Tax Credit Application Today
Don’t let the complexities of the DTC application process deter you from accessing the support your family deserves. Contact us today to begin your application or schedule a free consultation with our specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About DTC for Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) may qualify for the DTC if it results in a severe and prolonged impairment in mental functions necessary for daily living—such as judgment, adaptive functioning, emotional regulation, not understanding consequences . A licensed medical practitioner must certify that the impairment has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months.
The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit that reduces the amount of federal and provincial income tax you owe. Once approved, it can also unlock access to additional programs like the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), which offer ongoing financial support for families.
Yes. If your child met the CRA’s eligibility requirements in previous years, you may be able to apply for retroactive DTC benefits—potentially going back as far as 10 years. This can result in significant tax refunds and additional credits.
While ODD is not explicitly listed as a disability, it can qualify under the CRA’s definition if it causes substantial limitations in essential mental functions over a prolonged period. Each case is reviewed based on medical documentation and its impact on daily life.
On average, the Canada Revenue Agency processes DTC applications in 8 to 16 weeks. At Count Smart, we work closely with families and healthcare providers to ensure the application is accurate and fully compliant, helping to prevent delays and improve approval chances.