Starting June 20, 2025, the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is officially accepting applications. This monthly financial support of up to $200 will begin its first disbursement in July 2025 for eligible applicants who apply and are approved by June 30.
The benefit is part of Canada’s broader Disability Inclusion Action Plan, aiming to improve income security for working-age people with disabilities.
With a funding commitment of $6.1 billion over six years and $1.4 billion annually going forward, the program is expected to reach over 600,000 low-income Canadians with disabilities.
Who Can Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit?
To qualify for the Canada Disability Benefit, applicants must meet specific criteria. Here are the basic eligibility requirements:
- Must be between 18 and 64 years old
- Must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Must be a Canadian citizen or resident (including permanent, protected, and certain temporary residents)
- Must have filed a 2024 income tax return
- If married or in a common-law relationship, the partner must also file their 2024 tax return
Eligibility hinges heavily on the applicant’s DTC status and current income tax filings.
Monthly Payments and Income Limits
The maximum benefit amount is $200 per month, or $2,400 per year. However, payment amounts depend on individual or household income. Here’s a breakdown of how the benefit is calculated:
For Individuals Without a Spouse or Partner
| Annual Income Range | Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Less than $23,000 | Full $200 |
| $23,000 – $45,000 | Gradually reduced |
| Above $45,000 | Not eligible |
For Couples (Only One Partner Eligible)
| Household Income Range | Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Less than $32,500 | Full $200 |
| $32,500 – $58,500 | Gradually reduced |
| Above $58,500 | Not eligible |
Benefit amounts decrease gradually above the minimum income thresholds, phasing out completely once income exceeds the upper limit.
What to Do Before You Apply
To ensure a smooth application process and avoid delays in receiving the July 2025 payment, applicants should:
- File their 2024 income tax return
- Ensure their spouse or partner has also filed
- Apply for and obtain approval for the DTC, if not already approved
These steps are mandatory, and without meeting these requirements, applications will not be processed—even if submitted before the June 30 deadline.
How to Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit
The government has designed the application process to be accessible and flexible. Applicants can submit their forms through any of the following three methods:
- Online via the official Service Canada portal
- By phone with the help of a Service Canada representative
- In person at any Service Canada office
Each method ensures support for those with mobility, communication, or accessibility challenges.
Late Applications and Retroactive Payments
While the first payment window closes on June 30, 2025, applicants who apply after this date can still qualify. If deemed eligible later in the year, applicants can receive back payments for any missed months, provided they apply within a two-year window.
This flexibility is designed to ensure that no eligible person is left behind due to delays in DTC approval, tax filing, or document preparation.
Why This Benefit Is Important
The Canada Disability Benefit addresses the economic challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Canada, especially those of working age who struggle to maintain a stable income due to health and accessibility barriers.
In addition to helping cover basic living costs, this program is a step toward building a more inclusive and equitable society. It is also guided by the principle of “Nothing Without Us,” involving over 8,000 Canadians—including Indigenous communities, disability advocates, and local governments—in shaping the benefit’s design.
The Canada Disability Benefit is now open for applications, with $200 monthly payments starting in July 2025. Eligible Canadians should complete tax filings, verify DTC approval, and apply by June 30 to receive the first payments on time.
FAQs
How much is the Canada Disability Benefit in 2025?
Eligible individuals can receive up to $200 per month, depending on income.
When do payments begin?
Payments start in July 2025 for those who apply and are approved by June 30, 2025.
Is the benefit taxable or counted against other assistance programs?
The benefit is non-taxable and designed not to reduce other federal disability supports.