As of June 20, 2025, applications for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) are officially open. This federal income support program will provide up to $200 per month to eligible working-age Canadians with disabilities, beginning with the first round of payments in July 2025.
Designed to reduce poverty and support independence, the Canada Disability Benefit is a key component of the federal government’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Over 600,000 low-income individuals are expected to benefit from this targeted support, which represents a $6.1 billion investment over six years — plus $1.4 billion annually thereafter.
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What is the Canada Disability Benefit?
The Canada Disability Benefit is a monthly, tax-free financial support for low-income adults with disabilities. The maximum annual amount is $2,400, which translates to $200 per month. Payments begin in July 2025 for those who apply and are approved by June 30, 2025.
Although the legislation for the benefit was passed earlier, this is the first year that Canadians can actively apply for it.
Who is Eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit?
To qualify for the benefit, you must meet all five of the following criteria:
- Age: Be between 18 and 64 years old.
- Tax Status: Have filed your 2024 income tax return (mandatory).
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC): Be approved for the DTC.
- Residency: Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected/eligible temporary resident.
- Spousal Requirements: If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they must also file their 2024 tax return.
Income Limits and Monthly Payment Breakdown
The amount you receive depends on your household income. Those with lower incomes will receive the full $200/month, while those with higher earnings will see a gradual reduction in benefit amount.
For Individuals Without a Spouse or Partner:
| Annual Income | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Less than $23,000 | Full $200 |
| $23,000 – $45,000 | Reduced Amount |
| Above $45,000 | Not Eligible |
For Couples (Only One Person Eligible):
| Household Income | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Less than $32,500 | Full $200 |
| $32,500 – $58,500 | Reduced Amount |
| Above $58,500 | Not Eligible |
If Both Partners Are Eligible:
- Full benefit ($200 each) up to $32,500 household income.
- Phase-out begins above that, ending at $70,500.
Note: If you earn more than $10,000 from employment, you may still qualify for the full benefit due to earned income exemptions.
What You Need to Do Before Applying
To avoid rejection or delays, you must prepare early. Here’s how to get ready:
- ✅ File your 2024 income tax return — both you and your partner (if applicable)
- ✅ Ensure you are approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) — apply now if you’re not already approved
- ✅ Check and update your contact information with Service Canada
Without these steps, your application will not be processed.
How to Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit
Service Canada offers three ways to apply:
- Online: Through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
- By Phone: Call Service Canada to get assistance over the phone
- In Person: Visit any Service Canada Centre nationwide
If you already qualify for the DTC, watch for an invitation letter in the mail. It will include step-by-step instructions to help you apply quickly.
You can also use the online Canada Disability Benefit Estimator Tool to check how much you might receive based on your income and family size.
What If You Miss the June 30 Deadline?
Even if you apply after June 30, you’re still eligible for retroactive payments once approved. The government allows a two-year window for late applications, so you can still receive backdated monthly payments for the months you missed in 2025.
This flexibility is critical for people who may need more time to get approved for the DTC or collect necessary documents.
Why the Canada Disability Benefit Matters
The CDB is not just another government program — it represents a major milestone in disability rights in Canada. The goal is to ensure that no working-age adult with a disability lives in poverty due to systemic income gaps or barriers to employment.
This benefit is a core pillar of the “Nothing Without Us” philosophy — an approach that ensures people with disabilities are directly involved in shaping the policies that affect them.
Over 8,000 Canadians, including Indigenous leaders, healthcare advocates, and accessibility experts, helped co-create the program’s structure to ensure real-world impact.
Final Takeaway: Apply Early and Stay Informed
If you or someone you know may qualify for the Canada Disability Benefit, don’t delay:
- Applications are now open as of June 20, 2025
- Apply by June 30 to receive the first payment in July
- Use the CRA or Service Canada portals for support
The $200 monthly support could be a game-changer for many Canadians living with disabilities. With rising living costs, this payment offers essential relief and dignity to those who need it most.
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