The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a new federal support program designed to provide financial assistance to low-income, working-age Canadians with disabilities. Starting July 2025, eligible individuals may receive up to $200 per month, totaling $2,400 annually, to help ease financial stress and foster greater inclusion.
Key Details of the Canada Disability Benefit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Name | Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) |
| Administered By | Government of Canada |
| Implementation Date | Regulations effective May 15, 2025 |
| First Eligibility Month | June 2025 |
| First Payment Month | July 2025 |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly |
| Maximum Monthly Payment | $200 |
| Maximum Annual Payment | $2,400 |
| Payment Period | July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or mailed cheque |
| Retroactive Payments | Up to 24 months, not before June 2025 |
| Official Website | Canada.ca |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Canada Disability Benefit, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Age: Must be between 18 and 64 years old
- Residency: Must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Disability Status: Must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Tax Filing: Must have filed a tax return for the previous year (e.g., 2024 for 2025–2026 period)
- Legal Status: Must fall under one of the following categories:
- Canadian citizen
- Permanent resident
- Protected person
- Temporary resident living in Canada for the past 18 months
- Registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act
Spousal Requirement: If married or in a common-law relationship, your partner must also have filed a 2024 tax return, unless exempt.
Income Thresholds and Benefit Reduction
The Canada Disability Benefit is income-tested, meaning payments reduce as income increases.
Income Thresholds:
- Single individuals: Full benefit if adjusted income is $23,000 or less
- Couples: Full benefit if combined income is $32,500 or less
Benefit Reduction:
- Single individuals: Reduced by $0.20 for every dollar over $23,000
- Couples: Reduced by $0.20 for every dollar over $32,500
Working Income Exemption:
- Single individuals: First $10,000 of employment or self-employment income is exempt
- Couples: First $14,000 of combined income is exempt
Application Process
Although the application process is not open yet, eligible individuals can prepare by taking the following steps:
- Confirm DTC Eligibility: Make sure you’re already approved for the Disability Tax Credit
- File 2024 Tax Returns: You and your spouse/common-law partner (if applicable) should file your 2024 tax returns
- Monitor Updates: Stay informed via the official Canada Disability Benefit page on Canada.ca
Payment Dates
The first payment for the Canada Disability Benefit is expected in July 2025, covering eligibility from June 2025 onward.
Subsequent payments will be made monthly, with exact payment dates likely to align with other federal benefit schedules. These dates will be published through official sources.
Additional Support Programs
Eligible individuals may also benefit from other federal and provincial programs such as:
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC): Offers tax relief for individuals with disabilities
- Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D): Provides monthly support to those unable to work due to a disability
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): Long-term savings plan for individuals with disabilities
- Provincial and Territorial Programs: Additional assistance may be available depending on your location
Summary
The Canada Disability Benefit represents a significant step toward supporting low-income Canadians with disabilities. By providing up to $2,400 annually, the benefit aims to reduce poverty and improve financial stability.
To prepare, individuals should verify their DTC status, file their 2024 taxes, and stay updated via official channels to apply as soon as the process opens.
FAQs
When will the Canada Disability Benefit payments start?
The first payments will begin in July 2025, covering eligible individuals from June 2025.
How do I apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)?
Complete Form T2201 and submit it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). A medical practitioner must certify your eligibility.
Can I receive both the Canada Disability Benefit and CPP Disability benefits?
Yes, if you’re eligible for both, you may receive both payments without penalty.