Canada caregiver credit: who can claim it, the amounts and the lines on your return
Quick summary
The Canada caregiver credit is a tax credit for people who support a spouse, partner or relative with a mental or physical infirmity. The CRA lists amounts of $2,687 and up to $8,601, depending on who you support. If the person also has the disability tax credit, read how the disability tax credit application works.
Checked November 12, 2026. Main source: Canada Revenue Agency: Canada caregiver credit (modified January 20, 2026, read November 12, 2026). See all 1 source.
Key facts
- Smaller amount
- $2,687
- Source: CRA, modified January 20, 2026
- Larger amount
- Up to $8,601
- Source: CRA, modified January 20, 2026
- Form
- Schedule 5
- Source: CRA, modified January 20, 2026
- Proof
- Keep records. The CRA may ask for a medical practitioner's signed statement
- Source: CRA, modified January 20, 2026
Who you can claim it for
The person needs a mental or physical infirmity. The CRA says it must be one of these:
- Your spouse or common-law partner.
- Your child or grandchild, or your spouse's or partner's child or grandchild.
- Your parent, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew, or your spouse's or partner's. The CRA says the last group must have lived in Canada at some point in the year.
- The person must regularly and consistently rely on you for basic needs like food, shelter and clothing.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency: Canada caregiver credit (modified January 20, 2026, read November 12, 2026).
Find your line
Pick who you support. The tool reads from the CRA table below.
Pick who you support to see the lines.
The amounts and the lines
| Who you support | Amount | Line on your return |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse or common-law partner | $2,687 | 30300 |
| Spouse or common-law partner | Up to $8,601 | 30425 |
| Eligible dependant, age 18 or older | $2,687 | 30400 |
| Eligible dependant, age 18 or older | Up to $8,601 | 30425 |
| Eligible dependant, under 18 | $2,687 (one claim only) | 30400 or 30500 |
| Each child under 18 | $2,687 each | 30500 |
| Other dependant age 18 or older, not a spouse or eligible dependant | Up to $8,601 each | 30450 |
Source: Canada Revenue Agency: Canada caregiver credit (modified January 20, 2026, read November 12, 2026). The CRA says the amount you get depends on the dependant's net income and on whether other credits are claimed for them. The page does not say how, so use the CRA's Schedule 5 to work out your amount. These are credit amounts you use in the tax calculation, and they are not the same as the refund you get back.
What proof to keep
The CRA may ask for a signed statement from a medical practitioner. It should show when the infirmity began and how long it is expected to last. For a child under 18, the statement must also say the child will likely depend on others for a long, continuous and indefinite period, and needs much more help with personal needs and care than other children the same age.
You do not need that statement if the CRA already has an approved Form T2201 (the disability tax credit certificate) that covers the period.
Do not send documents with your return. Keep your records in case the CRA asks.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency: Canada caregiver credit (modified January 20, 2026, read November 12, 2026).
Common mix-ups
- A credit is not a refund. The amounts are used in the tax calculation, and they are not the same as money back.
- The two amounts are not the same thing. $2,687 is the smaller amount and up to $8,601 is the larger one. Which applies depends on who you support.
- For a child under 18 the rules are stricter. The statement must say the child will likely depend on others for a long, continuous and indefinite period and needs much more help than other children the same age.
- You do not send proof with your return. Keep it in case the CRA asks.
- Line 30500 does not need Schedule 5. The other lines do.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency: Canada caregiver credit (modified January 20, 2026, read November 12, 2026).
How to claim it
- Fill out Schedule 5 to work out the amount.
- Enter the result on the lines in the table. You do not need Schedule 5 for line 30500.
- Special rules apply if you pay child support or share custody. Read the CRA page for those.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency: Canada caregiver credit (modified January 20, 2026, read November 12, 2026).
Related guides
Check what you learned
3 quick questions. Nothing is saved or sent.
1. Is the caregiver credit the same as a refund?
2. Which line is used for each child under 18, per the table?
3. Do you send the medical statement with your return?
Questions people ask
What is the Canada caregiver credit?
A tax credit for people who support a spouse, partner or relative with a mental or physical infirmity. The CRA lists amounts of $2,687 and up to $8,601, depending on who you support.
Who can I claim it for?
A spouse or partner, a child or grandchild, or a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew, if they have an infirmity and rely on you for basic needs.
Which line do I use?
30300, 30400, 30425, 30450 or 30500, depending on who you support. The table above shows each.
Do I need a doctor's note?
The CRA may ask for a signed statement from a medical practitioner. You do not need one if the CRA already has an approved Form T2201 for the period.
Is there an income limit?
The CRA page does not give a number. It says the amount depends on the dependant's net income. Use Schedule 5 to work out yours.
Can I claim it and the disability tax credit?
The CRA page does not say. Ask the CRA or a tax preparer. An approved T2201 can replace the doctor's statement.