Canada has officially announced the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), offering up to $2,400 per year (or $200 monthly) starting July 2025.
This non-taxable benefit is designed to support low-income, working-age adults with disabilities and help reduce poverty across the country.
If you or someone you support is between 18 and 64, this benefit could offer critical monthly support. Here’s a complete guide on eligibility, application requirements, and how to get started.
Canada Disability Benefit: At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Payment | Up to $2,400 (or $200/month) |
| Start Date | July 2025 |
| Application Opens | June 2025 |
| Eligibility Age | 18–64 years |
| Key Requirement | Must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) |
| Residency | Must be a Canadian resident |
| Tax Filing | Must have filed 2024 income taxes |
| Taxable? | No – it’s tax-free |
Purpose of the Canada Disability Benefit
The CDB was established under the Canada Disability Benefit Act, passed in 2023. Its goal is to support working-age Canadians with disabilities who often face financial challenges not addressed by provincial programs.
It complements, but does not replace, existing provincial or territorial assistance and is modeled on Canada’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The benefit helps cover:
- Housing and rent
- Utility bills
- Food and groceries
- Medical expenses
- Transportation costs
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
You may qualify for the Canada Disability Benefit if you meet all of the following conditions:
1. Age
- You must be between 18 and 64 years old at the time of application.
2. Residency
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or registered under the Indian Act.
- Temporary residents must have lived in Canada for at least 18 months.
3. Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- You must have DTC approval from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- To apply, submit Form T2201, completed by a medical practitioner.
4. Tax Filing
- You must have filed your 2024 personal income tax return before applying.
5. Incarceration Clause
- Those serving federal prison sentences of two years or more are not eligible, except during their first or final month of incarceration.
How Much Will You Get?
- Maximum benefit: $2,400 per year
- Paid in monthly installments of up to $200
- Final payment amounts may be adjusted based on other income sources, with specific formulas to be announced by May 2025.
This benefit will not affect eligibility for most provincial disability benefits or federal programs.
How to Apply
Applications open June 2025. Get a head start by completing these steps:
Apply for the Disability Tax Credit
- Submit Form T2201 to the CRA.
- Required before you can apply for the CDB.
File Your 2024 Taxes
- Deadline: April 30, 2025
- Your income return determines eligibility.
Prepare Your Documents
- Government-issued ID
- Proof of residency
- DTC confirmation
- Direct deposit information
Submit Your Application
- Apply online via canadadisabilitybenefit.ca
- Or by mail through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Track Your Status
- Use your My Service Canada Account for updates and confirmations.
Important Dates to Remember
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 15, 2025 | Final benefit regulations released |
| June 2025 | Application portal opens |
| July 2025 | First payments issued |
Provincial Compatibility
The CDB is designed to work alongside provincial programs. Some provinces have already confirmed that receiving CDB won’t reduce local disability assistance, though you should verify with your provincial agency for exact rules.
The $2,400 Canada Disability Benefit launching in July 2025 is a major financial support for adults living with disabilities.
With simple requirements like DTC approval, 2024 tax filing, and Canadian residency, many Canadians will qualify.
Whether you’re helping yourself or someone else, start preparing now. Apply for the DTC, get your documents in order, and watch for the June 2025 application opening.
This is money you deserve—don’t miss the chance to access it.
FAQs
When does the Canada Disability Benefit begin?
The first payments will be issued in July 2025.
Is DTC approval required?
Yes, the Disability Tax Credit is a mandatory requirement to qualify for the benefit.
Is the $2,400 payment taxable?
No, the Canada Disability Benefit is completely non-taxable and won’t reduce other federal benefits.
