CASW Supports Reducing Barriers for Disability Tax Credit
April 30, 2026 - As part of 2026 Federal Spring Economic Update, the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) welcomes the government’s commitment to reducing barriers to the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) by simplifying the application process and expanding the scope of practitioners who can support applicants.
At the same time, CASW is troubled that social workers are not included on the expanded list of practitioners who can verify the impacts of impairment on the activities of daily living as required by the application.
CASW will continue to press for the inclusion of Registered Social Workers (RSW) within the scope of their training and practice, to improve access and reduce delays, and better reflect the realities of practice.
“The Disability Tax Credit must be accessible and equitable. Guided by our commitment to dignity and social justice, social workers can provide timely assistance to applicants which not only helps to reduce delays but also expands access especially in rural and remote communities,” notes CASW President, Barb Whitenect.
There are approximately 60,000 social workers in Canada. As the most numerous mental health providers, social workers have a broad scope of practice and unique training that spans across health and social care settings.
With broad skill sets to provide various types of support, social workers can provide assessments, therapeutic counseling, mental health and addiction services and referrals to other community supports. This scope of practice means that social workers can provide the assessment required by the DTC application similar to other professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health nurses.
“More than efficiency, including social workers increases equity of access, especially in rural and remote areas where we are often the only consistent regulated health and social practitioners within community,” points out Whitenect.