Commonwealth_ As its commitment to the betterment of the lives of individuals with disabilities in Canada, the Canadian federal government has tabled the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) as part of its comprehensive Disability Inclusion Action Plan. The new initiative assures outright financial assistance to working-age individuals with disabilities to fuel poverty alleviation and improve the quality of life. If you or your friend lives with a disability, the information that follows will address your questions about eligibility, application, and how much assistance you can anticipate.
Who is eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit?
The Canada Disability Benefit is for Canadians with a disability who are between 18 and 64 years old. To be eligible, applicants must meet several factors. One of the principal requirements is qualifying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). In addition, the applicants should have prepared and submitted their 2024 tax return of income to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If the applicant is married or common-law, the spouse or common-law partner also should have prepared and submitted their 2024 tax return, if required.
To simplify the process, the federal government will send out eligibility letters in June 2025 to Canadians who may be eligible for the benefit. The letter will contain an application code and simple-to-understand application instructions.
But if you do not receive a letter but are certain that you meet the requirements, you may apply. You will need to provide your mailing address and your net income, which is found on line 23600 of your Notice of Assessment for the year 2024.
How and When to Apply
The Canada Disability Benefit opens applications on June 20, 2025. You have several ways to apply:
Online, on the Government of Canada website.
By phone
In person at a Service Canada office
Applicants will be asked to provide their Social Insurance Number (SIN) and direct deposit information. Direct deposit is the payment method accepted by Service Canada because it is free from delay, convenient, and efficient.
Moreover, local community organizations across the country will help applicants with the application process. The organizations will be able to help Canadians apply not only for the CDB but also for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) that one must pay before one becomes eligible to receive the benefit. Individuals whose applications are received and approved before June 30, 2025, will get their first payment in July 2025.
How Much Will You Get?
The level of financial assistance received under the Canada Disability Benefit will differ, primarily dependent on the recipient’s adjusted family net income. The ceiling over a year is $2,400, or $200 monthly from July 2025 through June 2026.
To ensure the advantage is current and useful, it will be adjusted for changes in the cost of living inflation on an annual basis. Importantly, we will not reduce the benefit when the cost of living decreases. Besides, competent Canadians will further receive back payments for the time leading up to 24 months prior to the receipt of the application date. However, we will not include the back payments for any period prior to July 2025.
The Canada Disability Benefit is an important step in ensuring economic security and inclusion of Canadians with disabilities. By offering targeted assistance and simplifying the application process, the federal government is aiming to reach those most in need. If you or a relative may be eligible, it’s a beneficial idea to gather your required documents and prepare to apply when the application becomes available on June 20, 2025. Learn more at the Government of Canada website or speak with a local Service Canada representative.
