The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to share that social service workers are now recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as authorized medical practitioners for the purpose of the medical expense tax credit. This means that your clients may be eligible to submit a portion of the costs of their sessions with you on their taxes.
In the summer of 2025, the Ontario Social Service Worker Association (OSSWA) brought this matter to the College’s attention noting that while social workers and many other regulated professions were considered medical practitioners for the purpose of claiming a medical expense tax credit, social service workers were not included in the authorized list. The College worked with OSSWA to draft a submission to the CRA asking that social service workers be added as a medical practitioner category.
As part of the College’s public protection mandate, this change will reduce barriers and increase access to mental health care for Ontarians. We encourage you to share this information with your clients.
For more information, please visit the CRA website.
Sign up for the January Coffee with the College session – featuring a representative from the Ontario Social Service Worker Association
We are pleased to invite registrants to the next date in our interactive series Coffee with the College, which will take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from noon to 1:00 p.m. Hosted by the Professional Practice Team, this engaging lunch and learn discussion explores some of the most common ethical and practice dilemmas that registrants encounter. Registrants will also be able to ask questions and engage in live consultations with the Professional Practice staff.
The January session will also include a representative from the Ontario Social Service Worker Association, who will talk about what their organization does and be available to answer your questions.
Register via the link below!
For questions or inquiries regarding Coffee with the College, contact the Professional Practice Department at practice@ocswssw.org.