The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a new federal program aimed at improving financial security for working-age Canadians with disabilities. Starting June 20, 2025, eligible individuals aged 18 to 64 may receive up to $200 per month (maximum $2,400 annually, indexed to inflation).

Am I eligible?

To qualify, you must:

• Be between 18 and 64;
• Be approved for the Disability Tax Credit;
• Have filed your 2024 income tax return; and
• Be a Canadian resident for income tax filing purposes, meaning you are one of the following:
  • A Canadian citizen;
  • A permanent resident;
  • An individual registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act;
  • A protected person; or
  • A temporary resident who has lived in Canada for 18 months.

How do I apply?

Applications open June 20, 2025. You can apply:

• Online via the Service Canada portal;
• In person at a Service Canada office;
• By mail, using a paper application form.

What do I need to apply?

If you are already getting the Disability Tax Credit, you should receive a letter in the mail from Service Canada with a unique application code. You will need:

• Your application code;
• Social Insurance Number;
• Citizenship, immigration, or Indian Act status in Canada (you don’t need documentation, just know your status)

What if I didn’t get a letter?

If you receive the Disability Tax Credit, but didn’t get a letter, can still apply, but you’ll need your:

• Social Insurance Number;
• Mailing address;
• Citizenship, immigration, or Indian Act status in Canada (you don’t need documentation, just know your status);
• Net income (line 23600 from your 2024 notice of assessment) *optional;
• Direct deposit information *optional.

What if I haven’t applied for the Disability Tax Credit?

If you have not yet applied for the Disability Tax Credit, you can do so here.

Can I still qualify if I work?

Yes. You can earn income and still receive the benefit. The Working Income Exemption allows a portion of your income to be excluded when calculating your benefit amount.

What is my adjusted family net income?

Your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) is used to determine your benefit. AFNI is calculated as:

• Family net income;
• Minus Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) income;
• Plus any UCCB or RDSP repayments.

What are the financial thresholds and exemptions?

You can get an estimate of how much you can money you are eligible for from the CDB here.

In order to receive the maximum benefit of $200 per month, you must meet the criteria below.   

What if I earn more than the Maximum Adjusted Family Net Income?

If your AFNI exceeds the limit, your benefit is reduced by $0.20 for every dollar over the threshold.

Example:
Single person earning $35,000:
$35,000 – $10,000 (exemption) = $25,000
$25,000 – $23,000 = $2,000 over the limit
$2,000 × 0.20 = $400 reduction
$2,400 – $400 = $2,000 total benefit
$2,000 ÷ 12 = $166.67/month

How long will it take after I apply?

• Most applicants will receive a decision letter within 28 calendar days.
• If a legal representative (e.g., lawyer) applies on your behalf, it may take up to 49 calendar days.

When will I get paid?

If approved, your first payment will be issued the month after your application is approved. Payments are made on the third Thursday of each month.

For 2025, the payment dates are:

• July 17
• August 21
• September 18
• October 16
• November 20
• December 18

What if my application is denied?

You must ask for a reconsideration within 180 days of the date on your decision letter.

Will the CDB affect my legal claim?

If you’re represented by Bergeron Clifford LLP in a lawsuit, please contact your lawyer. The impact of the CDB on your case will depend on the type of claim involved, and your lawyer can provide specific guidance.

RACHEL LAW

Rachel joined Bergeron Clifford LLP in August 2022. Rachel has an undergraduate degree in English from Queen’s University, where she also completed her Juris Doctor. After finishing her articles at the Queen’s Law Clinics, Rachel was called to the Bar in Ontario and worked in family law and social assistance law before joining Bergeron Clifford LLP.

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