Marking a historic shift in social policy, the Canadian government has introduced the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) in 2025—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing poverty among working-age individuals with disabilities. This federal support program provides up to $2,400 annually (or $200 per month) to low-income Canadians aged 18 to 64 who qualify under specific criteria.
More than 600,000 Canadians are expected to benefit from this tax-free support, with the first payments scheduled for July 2025. The CDB is a key element of the government’s broader agenda to create a more inclusive, equal, and sustainable social safety net.
Who Is Eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit?
To qualify for the Canada Disability Benefit, individuals must meet the following conditions:
- Be aged between 18 and 64
- Have an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Be a Canadian tax resident
- Have filed a 2024 income tax return
- Fall within the low-income bracket
Only those with limited financial means are eligible, ensuring that the benefit reaches those who need it most. If applicable, the spouse or common-law partner of the applicant must also have filed taxes to fully establish household income eligibility.
How to Apply and Access Payments
The application window opened in June 2025, offering multiple ways to apply:
- By mail
- By phone
- In person at Service Canada Centres
Approved applicants will begin receiving their monthly $200 payments starting July 2025. Recipients can choose to receive the funds either via direct deposit or through a mailed cheque, depending on their preference.
This flexibility makes the benefit more accessible, especially for those with mobility or digital access challenges.
Why the Benefit Is Critically Needed
Canadians with disabilities often face higher living costs due to healthcare needs, mobility aids, and limited access to employment. The CDB aims to bridge this financial gap by providing a predictable and stable source of income that can help cover essential expenses like:
- Housing
- Healthcare services
- Transportation
In addition to federal assistance, the CDB is meant to complement existing provincial and territorial disability supports, creating a more comprehensive financial safety framework.
Built for Long-Term Financial Security
To ensure continued impact, the Canada Disability Benefit will be indexed to inflation starting July 2026. This means the benefit amount will adjust automatically each year, maintaining its value relative to the cost of living.
This indexing mechanism makes the program sustainable and forward-looking, ensuring that recipients do not see the value of their support eroded over time. It also fills a crucial gap between other federal programs such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Old Age Security (OAS).
Other Key Considerations and Retroactive Support
Eligibility is closely tied to tax filings, both for the applicant and their spouse or partner. To simplify access, the government is working to streamline the DTC approval process, making it easier for more individuals to qualify.
In some cases, retroactive payments may be issued for up to 24 months, provided the applicant is deemed eligible during that timeframe. This feature ensures no one is unfairly excluded due to delays in recognition of their disability status.