Nylie Nelson
In a major win for families caring for children with disabilities, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced a $2,000 increase to the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) starting July 2025.
This move is designed to ease financial pressure on households grappling with rising caregiving costs, aligning with the government’s strategy to provide inclusive and long-term support.
How Much Will Families Receive Each Month?
The $2,000 increase is not a one-time lump sum, but will be spread evenly across the benefit year. This works out to a monthly increase of approximately $166, helping families plan better for recurring expenses like therapies, special education, and medical equipment.
The updated monthly amount will be included in regular Canada Child Benefit (CCB) disbursements starting July 2025.
Eligibility Criteria for the $2,000 CDB Boost in 2025
To receive the increased benefit, families must meet the updated eligibility guidelines as outlined by the CRA:
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Child and caregiver must live in Canada |
| Age | Child must be under 18 years |
| Disability Tax Credit (DTC) | Child must be approved for the DTC |
| Income Threshold | Benefit amount is based on adjusted family net income |
| Tax Compliance | 2024 tax return must be filed on time |
Note: Families newly approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) in 2025 will automatically be considered for the boost once their eligibility is processed by CRA.
How to Receive the Full Benefit Without Delay
To ensure timely payment, families should:
- Confirm DTC status is approved and valid through 2025
- File 2024 taxes by the CRA deadline
- Update CRA with any changes in marital status, custody, or address
- Use CRA’s My Account portal to monitor benefit eligibility and disbursements
Payments will continue via the same bank account or payment method currently used for the Canada Child Benefit.
Additional Provincial Benefits Linked to the CDB
Receiving the Child Disability Benefit often opens the door to other provincial supports, such as:
- Respite care funding
- Housing assistance
- Educational grants
- Adaptive medical equipment subsidies
With the new $2,000 increase, provincial programs may reassess thresholds and increase their own support offerings. Families are encouraged to check with local disability service offices to maximize their benefits.
CRA Portal Update in July 2025
To improve user experience, the CRA will launch an enhanced dashboard on its My Account portal by late July 2025. This update will help families track benefit payments, check tax compliance status, and confirm eligibility—all in real time.
The CRA’s decision to enhance the Child Disability Benefit by $2,000 in 2025 represents a major step in supporting vulnerable families.
The increase provides consistent monthly financial relief, enabling better planning and access to care. With automatic payments and no separate application required, eligible families can benefit with minimal hassle.
Stay proactive with your tax filings and DTC approvals to ensure uninterrupted support.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $2,000 CRA Child Disability Benefit Boost?
Children under 18 with an approved Disability Tax Credit, living in Canada with a tax-filing caregiver, are generally eligible.
Is the $2,000 boost a lump sum or monthly increase?
The boost will be distributed monthly, adding roughly $166 per month to existing CDB payments starting July 2025.
Do I need to apply separately to get the increase?
No, the increase is automatic if your child is already approved for the DTC and you meet all CRA conditions.