Disability Tax Credit Worth $20,015 in Canada: Think of Home Accessibility Expenses as your partner in easing the cost of upgrading a home so you or your loved ones can live safely and independently. This claim gives eligible Canadians a chance to deduct costs for qualifying renovations that make an eligible dwelling more accessible, safer, or easier to move around in.
Who Can Claim?
Qualifying Individual
A qualifying individual is:
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Someone eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) at any time in the year
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OR someone who is 65 years or older by the end of the year
Eligible Individual
An eligible individual is usually a close relative, such as:
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A spouse or common-law partner of the qualifying individual
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Relatives like a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt, uncle, nephew, or niece (including those of a spouse or partner)
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Someone who claims tax credits for the qualifying individual, like the Canada caregiver amount or the amount for an eligible dependant
If you fit one of these categories, you may be able to claim home accessibility expenses—even if you’re not the main resident, as long as you support someone who is.
What Counts as an Eligible Dwelling?
Your eligible dwelling must be:
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Located in Canada
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Owned (all or partly) by the qualifying or eligible individual
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Ordinarily inhabited (or expected to be) by the qualifying individual during the year
Tip: You can only claim for one main dwelling at a time, but if you move, both homes might qualify (the limit still applies across them all).
Qualifying Renovations: Examples That Count
Not every repair or improvement counts. Here’s what does:
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Renovations or alterations that become a permanent part of the home
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Must allow the qualifying individual to access, move in, or function better in the dwelling OR reduce the risk of harm in or around the home
Eligible Renovation Expenses include:
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Installing ramps, handrails, or non-slip flooring
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Grab bars in bathrooms
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Wheel-in showers or walk-in bathtubs
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Widening doors for wheelchair access
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Lowering cabinets or fixtures for easier reach
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Work to reduce injury risk (e.g., better lighting, stair lifts)
If you’re doing the work yourself:
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Claim the cost of building materials, fixtures, equipment rental, plans, and permits
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You cannot claim your own labor or tools
If a family member helps:
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Expenses only count if they are registered for GST/HST
If you hire a professional:
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The cost of work by electricians, carpenters, plumbers, architects is eligible as long as you keep receipts.
Ineligible Expenses: What You Can’t Claim
Some expenses are not eligible, such as:
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Household appliances (e.g., a fridge, not a wheelchair ramp)
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Electronics (TVs, home theatres)
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Routine repairs, maintenance, or cleaning
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Yard work, security services, or general gardening
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Any work to increase property value without accessibility aim
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Financing costs, like loan interest for renovations
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Portable items—that is, anything not permanently attached
If you use part of the home for business or rental, only claim the personal-use portion of shared improvements (like a ramp or widened doorway).
How Much Can You Claim?
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The annual maximum for all qualifying individuals combined at one home is $20,015
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For years prior to 2022, the max was $10,000, but it’s now $20,015 (update confirmed by latest government guidance)
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The credit equals 15% of your eligible expenses—so with a $20,015 claim, you could get up to $3,000 back
| Scheme Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Limit per Dwelling | $20,015 in eligible expenses |
| Maximum Tax Credit | 15% of expenses, up to $3,000 per year |
Making a Claim: The Simple Steps
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Keep records: Save all agreements, receipts, and invoices. They must show what was bought/installed, the vendor name/address, GST/HST number if applicable, work addresses, and proof of payment.
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Fill Federal Worksheet: Use the CRA’s chart for Line 31285 to tally up your eligible expenses.
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Report on Tax Return: Enter the final amount on Line 31285 of your federal return.
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Split the Claim if Needed: If more than one person claims, you must decide how to divide the $20,015 maximum.
Note: The CRA may ask for proof—don’t send receipts upfront but keep them handy.
FAQs
1. Can I claim if my relative does the work?
Yes—if your family member is registered for GST/HST and provides receipts, you can claim the expense.
2. What if I move during the year?
You may claim for multiple homes if you lived in more than one, but the total claim for all must not exceed $20,015.
3. Are these expenses also valid for the Medical Expense Tax Credit?
If your renovation is medically necessary, you may claim it for both the Home Accessibility and Medical Expense credits in the same year.
The aim of the Home Accessibility Expenses claim is to make Canada’s homes safer and more comfortable for those who need it most. Focus on smart, lasting improvements and keep thorough records—so you can enjoy both a more accessible home and real financial support when tax season rolls around.
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