Disability Tax Credit Certified Impairments: Survey Says “No”

The federal government has made its intentions clear that there will be an expansion of those who are eligible to certify an individual for the Disability Tax Credit. Our May poll results are in. 83% of our readers voted against allowing public trustees, guardians and departments supporting Indigenous Services to certify impairments for the Disability Tax Credit.

Readers Tell Us: The comments we received were unequivocal. For example, Klaus says “Although it may not be easy, only medical doctors or qualified nurses should be able to verify and sign a Disability certificate.”

Bill was equally firm. “Based on my experience there needs to be fewer professions verifying and signing a disability tax certificate.”

Martin was also one of the “no” votes. “Any party that could benefit by having a person classified as disabled, should not be allowed to make that determination. Even if the determination was made honestly and objectively, it gives the appearance of being self-serving. And why just indigenous people. Why not everyone?”

Changes to DTC Certification: On May 29, in a statement, the Secretary of State responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, Wayne Long, announced changes to the application process to recognize “provincial or territorial public guardians and trustees as being qualified to certify applicants for the DTC for adults in their care for property matters who have a valid certificate of incapacity.” These changes are included in the Spring Economic Statement. 

A further broadening of the application process includes an expansion of the list of medical practitioners who may certify clients for the DTC, to include podiatrists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists.

There may be some confusion, though as the same government news release states that “an individual’s impairment and its effects must be certified by a qualified medical practitioner on the DTC application form (T2201) The Spring Economic Statement is allowing for a loosening of these criteria.

Indigenous Services and DTC: When it comes to departments supporting Indigenous Services certifying impairments for the DTC, a government statement says Indigenous Services Canada can’t directly certify medical forms but “they are expanding their administrative authority to help support and manage these applications.” This is somewhat ambiguous and doesn’t give a clear picture of how Indigenous Services or the agencies which support it might proceed with impairment certification.

Thanks for weighing in.  Please let us know your opinion on this month’s poll:

"According to CRA, Canadians experience improved service delivery and responsiveness from the CRA this tax season. Do you agree?"

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