Canada Disability Benefit provides up to $2,400 a year (or $200 a month) to low‑income Canadians aged 18–64 who live with a qualifying disability. Starting July 2025, this new federal program will bridge gaps in existing supports by helping cover costs like accessible housing, medical care, assistive devices, and daily living expenses.
To apply, you must hold an active Disability Tax Credit (DTC), file your 2024 tax return, and meet residency requirements. Applications open June 20 2025, and the first payments will arrive in July. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, how benefits are calculated, and practical tips to ensure you receive every dollar you’re owed.
Table of Contents
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What Is the Canada Disability Benefit?
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Canada Disability Benefit Eligibility Criteria
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Understanding the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
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How to Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit
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Canada Disability Benefit Payment Amounts
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Application Deadline and Payment Timeline
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Tips to Maximize Your Canada Disability Benefit
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Conclusion and Next Steps
What Is the Canada Disability Benefit?
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a new federal income support program launching July 2025. It pays up to $2,400 per year (or $200 per month) to low‑income Canadians with disabilities aged 18–64. The CDB aims to close a gap in Canada’s social safety net by supplementing provincial supports and offsetting costs for housing, medical care, assistive devices, and daily living expenses. Service Canada will administer the benefit through a streamlined, accessible process. For full details, visit Service Canada’s official page.
Canada Disability Benefit Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Canada Disability Benefit, you must meet all these requirements:
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Age: You must be between 18 and 64.
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Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Approval: You need an active DTC certificate from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
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Tax Filing: You and your spouse or common‑law partner (if any) must have filed your 2024 federal income tax returns.
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Residency: You must reside in Canada for tax purposes and be:
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A Canadian citizen, or
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A permanent resident, or
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Registered under the Indian Act, or
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A protected person (e.g. a refugee), or
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A temporary resident who has lived in Canada at least 18 months.
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If you meet these rules but do not receive an invitation letter by June 2025, you can apply through Service Canada directly.
Understanding the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The DTC is a prerequisite for the Canada Disability Benefit. It is a non‑refundable tax credit for people with severe and prolonged impairments. To qualify for the DTC, you must:
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Have an impairment that limits basic daily activities (walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, feeding, dressing, or mental functions) at least 90% of the time.
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Expect the impairment to last at least 12 months.
To apply or renew your DTC status, complete CRA Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate) with a qualified medical practitioner. Processing may take 4–6 weeks, so start early. Community organizations funded by the federal government can provide free support to complete your DTC and CDB applications.²
How to Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit
The Canada Disability Benefit application opens June 20, 2025. You can apply in three ways:
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Online: Use the Service Canada portal with screen‑reader support and language options.
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In Person: Visit any Service Canada Centre. Staff can guide you through the form.
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By Phone: Call the dedicated CDB hotline for verbal assistance.
Before you start, gather:
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Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
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Proof of DTC approval (CRA notice)
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Your 2024 tax assessment
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Identity documents (passport, health card, or driver’s license)
Service Canada and partner organizations will host drop‑in clinics and virtual help sessions from June 20–30.
5. Canada Disability Benefit Payment Amounts
The CDB delivers up to $2,400 annually, based on your adjusted family net income (AFNI). The AFNI calculation:
AFNI = (Line 23600 of your tax return + partner’s line 23600)
− (UCCB & RDSP income lines) + (repaid amounts)
− working‑income exemption
| Family Status | Income Threshold | Exemption | Reduction Rate | Max Yearly Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no partner | $23,000 | $10,000 | 20 % | $2,400 |
| One partner eligible | $32,500 | $14,000 | 20 % | $2,400 |
| Both partners eligible | $32,500 | $14,000 | 10 % | $2,400 each |
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Single: If AFNI ≤ $23,000 after exemptions, you get $200/month. For every $1 above, you lose $0.20.
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One partner: If combined AFNI ≤ $32,500, you get the full amount. Above that, reduction is 20 %.
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Both partners: Each person can receive up to $200/month. Above the threshold, reduction is 10 % per person.
Example:
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Jane’s AFNI is $16,000. She qualifies for $200/month.
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Dan’s AFNI is $25,000. After exemption, he’s $2,000 over. He loses $400/year. He receives $166.67/month.
Application Deadline and Payment Timeline
To receive your first CDB payment in July 2025, apply by June 30, 2025. Key dates:
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June 20, 2025: Application opens.
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June 30, 2025: Deadline for July payment.
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July 2025: First payments issue.
Late applicants can still join. The CDB allows retroactive payments for up to 24 months from application date, but not before July 2025. Annual inflation adjustments begin July 2026, using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Tips to Maximize Your Canada Disability Benefit
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File Taxes Early
Submit your 2024 return by February or March to avoid last‑minute rush. Use CRA’s NETFILE service for instant confirmation. If you need help, attend free community tax clinics or virtual workshops. -
Confirm Your DTC Status
Apply for or renew the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) at least six weeks before June 20, 2025. Ask your doctor to complete Form T2201 accurately. Call the CRA at 1‑800‑959‑8281 for updates on your application. -
Use the Benefit Estimator
Visit the Service Canada website and input your family income and working‑income exemption details. This Canada Disability Benefit estimator shows your expected monthly payment and helps you plan for expenses like rent and medical devices. -
Seek Community Support
Local disability‑service organizations offer free one‑on‑one assistance. They can review your forms, arrange interpreters, or guide you through online portals. Search for “disability navigator” on Canada.ca to find help near you. -
Keep Complete Records
Scan and save PDFs of your DTC approval, tax assessments, and CDB application confirmation. Store paper copies in a dated, labeled folder. You’ll need these documents for any follow‑up or appeal. -
Apply Before the Deadline
Submit your application by June 30, 2025, to get the July payment. Early submission reduces processing time and gives you a buffer if Service Canada requests additional information.
By following these steps, you can maximize your Canada Disability Benefit and secure timely support.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Canada Disability Benefit offers up to $2,400 per year to eligible Canadians with disabilities. To take advantage:
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Verify your DTC status with CRA.³
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File your 2024 tax return before April 30, 2025.
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Apply by June 30, 2025, through Service Canada.
Share this guide with friends, family, and community groups. Spread the word so no one misses this vital support. For more information, visit:
Your action can make the Canada Disability Benefit a reality for thousands of Canadians in need.
