In 2025, the Government of Canada introduced the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), a federal initiative aimed at providing financial support to working-age Canadians with disabilities. This benefit is designed to alleviate poverty and enhance the quality of life for eligible individuals.
The CDB offers a monthly payment of up to $200, totaling $2,400 annually, to qualifying individuals. Administered by Service Canada, the benefit is intended to supplement existing provincial or federal supports, helping recipients cover essential expenses such as rent, groceries, medical care, and transportation.
The program reflects a growing recognition of the systemic barriers faced by many Canadians with disabilities, including unemployment, underemployment, and higher living costs. It is important to note that the CDB is non-taxable and does not impact eligibility for other federal benefits.
To qualify for the CDB, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Between 18 and 64 years old.
- Disability: Must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
- Residency: Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the past 18 months, protected person, or individual registered under the Indian Act.
- Tax Filing: Both the applicant and their spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed their 2024 federal income tax return.
- Income: Must meet the income thresholds set by the government.
- Incarceration: Applicants serving a sentence of imprisonment of two years or more in a federal penitentiary are not eligible, except for the first and last month of incarceration.
Note: The first month of eligibility for the CDB is June 2025, with payments beginning in July 2025 for applications received and approved by June 30, 2025.
Eligible individuals can apply for the CDB through the following methods:
- Online: Via the Service Canada online portal.
- Phone: By calling 1-833-486-3007.
- In Person: At a Service Canada Centre.
- Mail: By submitting a printed application form.
Applicants should ensure they have the following documents ready:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Proof of residency.
- 2024 Notice of Assessment.
- Direct deposit information (optional but recommended).
Note: If an individual is approved in September 2025, payments will begin on October 16, 2025, and will include any applicable back payments.
- Payment Amount: Up to $200 per month, or $2,400 annually.
- Payment Schedule: Payments are issued on the third Thursday of each month.
- Payment Methods: Recipients can choose to receive payments via direct deposit or cheque.
- Back Payments: Eligible individuals may receive back payments for up to 24 months from the date their application is received, but not for any months prior to June 2025.
The CDB is intended to complement, not replace, existing provincial disability programs. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta may adjust their programs to coordinate with the federal benefit.
In some cases, the federal benefit may be exempt from income calculations for provincial disability payments, preserving access to provincial health and housing supports.
However, in Alberta, the CDB is considered income and may lead to a reduction in provincial assistance for individuals receiving AISH or Income Support.
The Canada Disability Benefit 2025 represents a significant step toward improving the financial well-being of working-age Canadians with disabilities. By providing direct financial support, the program aims to alleviate poverty and enhance the quality of life for eligible individuals.
It is important for applicants to stay informed about eligibility criteria, application processes, and payment schedules to ensure they receive the support they are entitled to.
Individuals aged 18 to 64 who are approved for the Disability Tax Credit, are Canadian residents, have filed their 2024 income tax return, and meet the income thresholds are eligible.
Eligible individuals can receive up to $200 per month, totaling $2,400 annually.
Payments begin in July 2025 for applications received and approved by June 30, 2025.
