Income Tax Deductions & Credits
Medical Expenses Tax Credit for Speech, Language & Feeding Therapy
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows you to use the costs of therapy to help reduce the amount of tax you have to pay. Costs relating to speech, language and feeding therapy from a speech language pathologist and occupational therapist can be claimed as medical expenses for tax credits on your personal income tax return. You can claim any out-of-pocket expenses, or amounts that you were not reimbursed for. Our therapists are recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as medical practitioners.
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You will need to keep your invoices and receipts in case the CRA requests for them in the future. We provide invoices and receipts which have our company name, the client's name, date and costs of services, and the therapist who provided the services.
Disability Tax Credit for Speech, Language & Feeding Disorders
Your child and/or family may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) or the Child Disability Benefit. The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit that people with disabilities or their caregivers can apply for. Eligible individuals can claim the disability amount on their tax return which helps offset additional costs related to the disability. The DTC helps to reduce the amount of personal income tax.
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As well, being eligible for the DTC can be a precursor or requirement for other government programs such as: the Canada Workers Benefit, the Child Disability Benefit and the Registered Disability Savings Plan.
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Can I get the disability tax credit for my child's speech, language and feeding difficulty?
To be eligible for the DTC, an individual must have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions that result in a significant functional impact (i.e., ability to participate in daily activities).
To have a speech and language difficulty that is eligible for the DTC, the individual must:
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Have an impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months
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Have an impairment that is present at least 90% of the time
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Have difficulty speaking where familiar people are still unable to understand them. Or it takes 3 times longer to communicate compared to similar aged peers.
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To have a feeding difficulty that is eligible for the DTC, the individual must:
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Have an impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months
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Have an impairment that is present at least 90% of the time
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Be unable to prepare or feed themselves. Or it takes 3 times longer to eat compared to similar aged peers.
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The CRA encourages individuals who are unsure about their eligibly for the DTC to still apply.
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A person is also eligible for DTC if they have limitations in 2 or more of these categories: ​
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Speaking
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Feeding
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Hearing
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Walking
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Mental Functions
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Dressing
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Eliminating (bowel or bladder functions)
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Vision
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For example, if a child has difficulty with speech and language, and also has difficulty with feeding or picky eating, they may be eligible as they have limitations in 2 categories.
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How to get the Disability Tax Credit Form completed:
First we will need to complete an initial informal assessment to determine your child's speech, language and/or feeding skills. During our assessment, we will determine the severity of the challenges and if your child is eligible for the DTC. As well, we complete an informal assessment to understand the areas of opportunities and areas of strength. We will then work with you to discuss goals and what you are hoping for out of therapy!
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Please reach out to us at hello@chattytherapy.com if you want to apply for the Disability Tax Credit. Our therapists are able to certify speaking impairments and complete the Disability Tax Credit forms for clients who are eligible. We have an additional fee for the completion of the Disability Tax Credit form. This fee can also be claimed as a medical expense for tax credits.
