Raising a child with a serious disability can create significant financial strain. Between medical bills, specialized equipment, therapy, travel, and time off work, expenses quickly add up.
To ease this burden, the Canadian federal government provides the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) — a tax-free monthly payment designed to support families caring for children with disabilities.
The CDB is an additional payment that supplements the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for families whose child also qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). It is not a separate program but an add-on benefit for families already eligible for the CCB.
If your child under 18 qualifies for the DTC, and you receive or apply for the CCB, the CDB will be automatically added to your monthly payments. Each year in July, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recalculates the amount based on your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from the previous tax year.
For the benefit year July 2025 to June 2026, the maximum CDB amount per eligible child is $284.25 per month. The payment is reduced as your income increases beyond a specific threshold.
Below is a quick overview of the maximum monthly benefit:
| Number of Eligible Children | Maximum Monthly Benefit (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| One child | $284.25 |
| Two children | $568.50 |
| Three children | $852.75 |
Payments are typically sent out on the 20th of every month, although CRA may adjust the date for weekends or holidays. For instance, in July 2025, payments will be made on July 18, while in December 2025, they will be issued on December 12.
If your AFNI exceeds approximately $81,222, the benefit begins to decrease. For example:
- At $85,000 AFNI → around $274.18/month for one child
- At $105,000 AFNI → about $220.84/month
- At $195,000 AFNI → CDB reduces to $0
To qualify for the Child Disability Benefit, families must meet the following conditions:
- Child’s Age and Condition:
The child must be under 18 years old and have a severe and prolonged mental or physical impairment expected to last at least 12 months. - Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Approval:
Parents must complete Form T2201, certified by a medical practitioner, and receive CRA approval for the DTC. - Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Eligibility:
You must already receive or be eligible for the CCB. - Income and Compliance:
The benefit amount depends on family net income. Higher incomes mean reduced benefits. Parents must file taxes annually and update CRA with any changes in income, custody, or address.
To apply:
- Apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) using Form T2201.
- Apply or confirm your eligibility for the CCB using Form RC66 or the CRA’s online portal.
Once both are approved, CDB payments begin the month after eligibility is confirmed. If your benefit is $20 or less, CRA may combine multiple months into a lump-sum payment.
Retroactive payments may also be issued for the current and two previous benefit years.
You must continue meeting all requirements to keep receiving the CDB:
- File taxes every year so CRA can reassess your eligibility.
- Report major changes, such as income fluctuations, custody shifts, or address updates.
- If your child no longer qualifies for the DTC or turns 18, payments will automatically stop.
Failure to keep your information current may result in suspension or loss of payments.
The Child Disability Benefit provides vital financial relief to families caring for children with disabilities. By ensuring timely tax filings, maintaining DTC eligibility, and keeping the CRA informed of any changes, families can continue to receive this essential support throughout the year.
No. The CDB is an add-on to the CCB. You must qualify for the CCB first to receive the CDB.
The CRA recalculates the CDB every July, using the previous year’s tax return to adjust payment amounts.
If taxes are not filed, CDB payments are paused until the CRA receives updated income details. Filing annually ensures uninterrupted benefits.
