How to Apply for Disability Tax Credit for an Ostomy in Canada by AJ Leveille
Living in Canada has more benefits than I can list here, but a good school system, solid transportation infrastructure, access to greenspace, relative safety, and healthcare top the charts. Of course, all of these things come with a cost – tax. It can be a tough pill to swallow for some, and traditionally for those living with a serious health condition (including a life altering ostomy surgery) paying additional taxes for essential medical supplies takes its toll. But now, relief is here.
The government has recognized that having an ostomy or disability chips away at your disposable income and corresponding quality of life. They have developed a disability tax credit that can help ease the costs associated with being ill. Below I will outline how to apply for a disability tax credit if you have an ostomy.
What Ostomy Patients Need to Know About Qualifying for a Disability Tax Credit in Canada
Do You Qualify?
For starters, you need to have had your ostomy for a minimum of 12 months, and show that you are restricted in eliminating your bowel or bladder 90 percent or more of the time. You must also validate that it takes you an inordinate amount of time to manage bowel or bladder functions. Basically government health professionals want to see it takes you at least 3 times longer to deal with your bladder or bowel functions when compared to the general public.
Anyone with an ostomy knows all of the above to be true. Changing pouches, maintaining good skin care, blockages, and emptying your pouch all can be used to calculate time put in to maintaining your condition. It just needs to be clear and written on your form when you apply. Your physician will be willing to provide an additional note for you (more on this below) for good measure.
How Do You Go About Getting the Disability Tax Credit?
You need to print off the T2201 form from the Government of Canada website or you can visit a Service Canada Center office near you to get one. Next, you need to fill in the applicable portions of the form, and I would suggest adding a separate personal statement. This can include a listing of the time involved along with the costs and duties you are required to do as someone living with an ostomy. Bring these items into your family doctor or nurse practitioner, pay the fee (typically around $150) and have your doctor sign off on it on page 5. While you have attached the personal statement describing how much extra time it takes to live with an ostomy it is important to have the doctor reiterate your condition, with something like this:
“The patient uses a device to eliminate the bowel or bladder. This patient is markedly restricted in eliminating with a device and takes an inordinate amount of time to personally manage bowel or bladder functions.”
Essentially, the CRA wants your doctor to echo your own claim. Remember, a doctor / nurse practitioner likely doesn’t have an ostomy, so you should certainly sit down with them and help direct the narrative.
In addition, take note that if your ostomy is permanent you will want to state that in the document. Doing so can keep you from reapplying for the tax credit every few years. Be sure to fill out section 3 on the form as is what allows CRA to adjust your taxes going back 10 years (YES 10 years) and eventually send you a cheque!
T2201 Form Completed – What Next?
With the T2201 locked and loaded you can now send off your completed application to the nearest tax center (page 6 of your application has a listing of addresses or visit the CRA website) and wait, and maybe wait some more. If you are denied, reapply. A denied application may simply be the result of insufficient physician wording (remember to sit down with your doctor to make sure they express your need properly) or you haven’t had the ostomy for more than 12 months. If the latter is the case, wait until the required amount of time has passed.
How Much Will You Get?
The amount of your return will vary greatly depending on your annual income.
What To Do With the Extra Dough?
It may be tempting to spend your new found cash on a trip to the islands but remember to invest in your health first. That said, be savvy when looking for ostomy supplies, choosing price competitive providers with the wealth of inventory you need (click here). However, if your provincial health insurance covers the bulk of your ostomy supplies (check here) you may be able to have some fun with that extra money after all – you deserve it!
Hi AJ,
What items are you allowed to claim on your taxes for the disability tax credit? Are grocery receipts that contain pricier food due to allergies count? I get my supplies covered by health insurance, but for some who don’t, are we allowed to claim those expenses on our taxes?
Thank you!
Hi Robin,
Thanks for reaching out with the question. It’s a bit of a complicated question, in short, no. While Canada does allow many items (See complete list in the link) to be applied to income tax returns, food does not qualify unless it’s due specifically to celiac disease (our CMO’s family has 2 children who are Celiac and they use this benefit).
For the specific wording around food items, please use this link the CRA website. You also may be eligible to claim medical expenses. See this Canada.ca link.
Thanks again!
Hi AJ,
Im tess I have 8months old son with downsyndrome he has hirschsprung desease so he has ostomy right now since april 23, 2021…and he was diagnosed also of infantile spasms and taking steroids right now…can i apply for disability tax credit? Does it have to be the surgeon who will certify the form? Or my family doctor can do that also? Does he have to be in his ostomy for 12months to qualify?
Hi Tess,
Thanks for reaching out. If you have a family Doctors note that will likely suffice. You would best to contact CRA directly to confirm your overall requirements first however.
We can always provide you with formal Pharmacy Receipts in the future as well so you can get reimbursed through insurance or any other assistance program. We also bill direct to BC Pharmacare or ODSP if you are in Ontario and you are set up with them.
Best wishes!
Hi my husband is dealing with his astomy he has to wear the bag permanently and also he is a heart patient and also he deals with mental illness we need some help how to get the forms. Thanks.
Hi Indira,
The Ostomy Canada website should have links to the forms you need.
Also, calling the Govt of Canada would be a good place to start.
We are here to help you and your husband with supply needs if you need us.
Thank you for this ostomy info. I would like the form sent to del6@shaw.ca so that I can view it and fill it in for me to fill it out.
Thanks again
Doreen Likness
del6@shaw.ca
778-846-6675
Hi Doreen,
We’re glad you found the article helpful.
The Disability Tax Credit Form is online via The Government of Canada.
Please visit their site to print and complete.
Wish you the best.
Thank you for this ostomy info. I would like the form sent to my email which you have on file so that I can view it and fill it in for me to fill it out. I have had an ostomy since 2018
Thanks again
Doreen Likness
I am a new permanent ostomy patient as of Nov, 2021….I am a senior on OAS and CPP do i qualify for a disability tax credit ? and if so how do I go about it?
Thanks
Judi
Hi Judy,
If you visit Ostomy Canada’s website there is a section about the Disability Tax Credit. It will guide you as to the process.
Take care!
I had my colostomy surgery 1 year ago. The reversal was to happen August 10/22.Due to complications,it didn’t. Now I have tha bag for life. I receive a check every six months from Health Canada for supplies.Can I still apply for disability?
Hi Carole,
Every person’s case is different.
When it comes to the disability tax credit application, you need to complete and submit it as instructed. Visit ostomycanada.ca for additional information.
my question is…I am a senior on a senior pension. It is my only source of income. I never get income tax refund for this reason. How do I apply for a tax credit refund in this case.
Thank you.
Louise
Hi Louise,
Look up the disability tax credit either on Ostomy Canada’s website, via Google or call CRA.
The application process will outline if you qualify but it is income based.
This means that if you don’t declare any income there’s nothing for the tax credit to take from.
Hi. I just discovered that there is possible tax relief through CRA for an ileostomy patient. I have had one for almost 40 years. (I’m 61 now) I didn’t know you could make any claim with CRA. I do meet the criteria. What steps do you recommend I take with CRA ? It would be amazing if I received some relief on my expenses from CRA. Thank you
Hi Glenn,
You need to complete and send in the disability tax credit form which is available to print online.
Be sure to visit Ostomy Canada’s website for more information as well.
It will be such a great thing for you to have once CRA has approved and process your application.
Hi,
Do you qualify for a disability tax benrfit if your supplies are covered by Veterans Affairs.
Hi Joseph,
We aren’t entirely sure but likely yes.
Give CRA a call and they will know the proper answer.
Here is the link that can help you moving forward:
Disability Tax Credit
I’m glad I saw this web site as I have had a colostomy for over 40 years and it is permanent. So far I’ve claimed my Ostomy supplies but I am still having to pay for almost half the amount which I send to my Health provider that I am also paying to have. Any suggestions would be really appreciate. Thank you