Every year, thousands of Quebec family caregivers leave money on the table. Not out of negligence, but because available tax-support programs are little known, misunderstood, or simply difficult to navigate. The caregiver tax credit in Quebec can represent meaningful support, depending on your situation.
Whether you live with a parent who is losing autonomy, support a loved one from your own home, or pay for respite services, you may be entitled to significant tax assistance. Here is what you need to know so you do not miss out.
Tax-credit amounts can be indexed or changed. The figures below are based on official pages consulted in July 2026. Always verify the rules for the tax year you are filing before submitting your return.
What is the caregiver tax credit in Quebec?
The tax credit for caregivers is a refundable tax credit offered by the Quebec government. Refundable means you can receive the amount even if you do not owe income tax: it can be paid directly as a refund.
This credit is intended for people who support a loved one with a severe and prolonged impairment in mental or physical functions, or who live with a loved one aged 70 or over. It is divided into two components depending on the caregiver’s situation.
Component 1: supporting a person with an impairment
This component applies to a caregiver who supports a loved one aged 18 or older with a severe and prolonged impairment. According to Revenu Québec, two situations are covered:
- With cohabitation: the credit can reach $2,988 depending on the situation, for a person aged 18 or over with an impairment who needs assistance.
- Without cohabitation: the credit can reach $1,494 depending on the situation, if the support conditions are met.
Component 2: living with a loved one aged 70 or over
This component does not require an impairment. It applies to someone who lives with an eligible relative, other than their spouse, who is aged 70 or over. The credit can reach $1,494, and Revenu Québec’s cohabitation conditions must be met.
The additional amount for specialized respite services
Beyond the basic caregiver tax credit, respite expenses are often overlooked. If your loved one has a severe and prolonged impairment, you may also be able to claim an additional amount for specialized respite services, such as care or supervision.
According to Revenu Québec, this additional amount equals 30% of eligible expenses. Eligible expenses are capped at $5,200 per eligible care receiver, which means a maximum additional amount of $1,560.
This is especially relevant for families who use respite and in-home presence services. Properly filed receipts for these services can become concrete tax support when you file your return.
The Canada caregiver credit: federal support
Unlike Quebec’s caregiver tax credit, the federal government offers the Canada caregiver credit, a non-refundable tax credit that reduces tax payable but does not generate a refund if you do not owe tax.
It applies to people who support a spouse or common-law partner with a physical or mental infirmity, a dependent minor child with an infirmity, or an eligible relative aged 18 or older with an infirmity, such as a parent, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece.
The advantage of the Canada caregiver credit is that it does not require cohabitation. Distance is therefore not, in itself, a barrier to eligibility.
Comparison table of the main caregiver credits
The table below summarizes the main programs related to the caregiver tax credit and related forms of support.
| Program | Level | Type | Maximum amount | Cohabitation required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tax credit for caregivers, component 1 with cohabitation | Quebec | Refundable | Up to $2,988 | Yes |
| Tax credit for caregivers, component 1 without cohabitation | Quebec | Refundable | Up to $1,494 | No |
| Tax credit for caregivers, component 2, age 70 and over | Quebec | Refundable | Up to $1,494 | Yes |
| Additional amount for specialized respite | Quebec | Refundable | Up to $1,560 | Depends on criteria |
| Canada caregiver credit | Federal | Non-refundable | Up to $8,601 depending on the line and situation | No |
These credits can often be combined. A caregiver who lives with a parent aged 70 or over with an impairment may, in some cases, combine a provincial credit, the additional respite amount, and the federal caregiver credit.
Would you like to assess what you may be entitled to? Our team can point you toward the right resources to clarify your eligibility.
Eligibility conditions you need to know
Before claiming the caregiver tax credit, make sure you meet the following criteria:
- You are resident in Quebec on December 31 of the year concerned.
- You did not receive any payment for the help provided to the care receiver.
- No one else is claiming an incompatible credit for you or for the same care receiver.
- You or your spouse were not exempt from income tax for the year in question.
For credits related to an impairment, you will generally need form TP-752.0.14, Certificate Respecting an Impairment, confirming that the care receiver needs assistance to carry out a basic activity of daily living. The certificate must be completed by a health professional.
How to maximize your tax support as a caregiver
A few concrete strategies can help optimize your caregiver credit claims in Quebec.
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Keep every service receipt. Expenses related to home care, respite, sitting, or supervision services may be eligible. Without supporting documents, these amounts cannot be claimed.
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Combine provincial and federal credits. Both levels of government have their own rules and forms. They are often cumulative, but not always. Consult a tax specialist or use official government tools to validate your situation.
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Think about other caregiver support. Quebec also offers direct allowances for caregivers in certain contexts. These allowances are distinct from tax credits. To learn more about available support, see our article on financial help for family caregivers in Quebec.
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Anticipate changes in situation. If the care receiver moves into a residence, your eligibility for Quebec credits may change. Planning ahead helps avoid surprises at tax time.
Conclusion
The caregiver tax credit in Quebec is one of the most accessible forms of financial support for people caring for a loved one who is losing autonomy. Yet it remains underused. Whether it is component 1, component 2, or the additional amount for respite services, each program has its own rules and deserves careful review.
Taking the time to understand these programs can make a real difference in your budget and in your ability to maintain quality support for your loved one.
Do you use home-care services for a loved one? Contact our team to understand which fees may qualify and how to maximize your tax refund.
FAQ
Who can claim the caregiver tax credit in Quebec?
Any Quebec resident who supports a loved one aged 18 or older with a severe and prolonged impairment, or who lives with a loved one aged 70 or over, may be eligible for the caregiver tax credit. The rules vary according to the period of support, cohabitation, relationship to the care receiver, and tax situation. You must not be paid for the help you provide.
Can the caregiver tax credit be combined with other forms of support?
Yes, in many situations. The Quebec tax credit for caregivers can be combined with the Canada caregiver credit and with the additional amount for specialized respite services. Some Quebec credits are not compatible with each other. Consult Revenu Québec, the Canada Revenue Agency, or a tax specialist to validate your combination.
Are respite fees paid to a private agency eligible?
Fees paid for specialized respite services, such as care or supervision at home, may qualify for the additional amount if the care receiver has a severe and prolonged impairment and the services meet Revenu Québec’s definitions. Keep all receipts and verify the criteria for the tax year concerned.