Canada's new federal disability benefit for working-age Canadians. Learn about eligibility, payment amounts, how to apply, and how it interacts with other provincial benefits.
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a new federal program that provides monthly financial support to low-income working-age Canadians with disabilities. It was established under the Canada Disability Benefit Act, which received royal assent in June 2023, with payments beginning in July 2025.
The benefit targets Canadians aged 18–64 who have an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate and have low income. It is designed to reduce poverty among people with disabilities — a group that has historically faced significant financial barriers.
First payments: The CDB began issuing payments in July 2025. If you are eligible and applied before the deadline, your first payment would have arrived in late July 2025. If you haven't applied yet, apply through CRA My Account as soon as possible.
The maximum CDB amount for 2025 is:
| Situation | Maximum Annual | Maximum Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Single individual with DTC | $2,400 | $200 |
| Couple (both have DTC) | $4,800 | $400 combined |
Income-tested benefit: The $200/month maximum applies to single individuals with net income at or below $23,000 (approximately). For couples, the threshold is approximately $32,500. Above these thresholds, the benefit is reduced at a rate of 20 cents for every dollar of income earned above the threshold.
| Annual Net Income | Estimated Monthly CDB |
|---|---|
| Under $23,000 | $200 |
| $27,000 | $133 |
| $31,000 | $67 |
| $35,000 | $0 |
To qualify for the Canada Disability Benefit you must:
Don't have a DTC yet? The Disability Tax Credit is the gateway to many federal disability benefits. To apply, have a qualified medical practitioner complete Form T2201 and submit it to the CRA. Processing takes 8–12 weeks. Apply as early as possible — DTC approval is retroactive and can unlock backdated benefits.
You must have an approved T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate) on file with the CRA. Your doctor, nurse practitioner, or other qualified medical professional must certify that you have a severe and prolonged impairment in mental or physical functions.
You must have a tax return filed for the previous year. The CDB is income-tested, so your net income from your most recent tax return determines your payment amount.
Once you have an approved DTC and filed your taxes, apply for the CDB through CRA My Account online. You'll need to confirm your identity, residency, and consent to share information.
To receive your monthly CDB payments quickly, set up or confirm your direct deposit details in CRA My Account.
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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYAOne major concern with the CDB is whether it will cause provincial disability programs (like ODSP in Ontario or AISH in Alberta) to claw back equivalent amounts, leaving recipients no better off.
The federal government has worked with provinces and territories to limit clawbacks, but the approach varies by province. As of 2025:
| Province | CDB Clawback Policy |
|---|---|
| Ontario (ODSP) | CDB is exempt from income calculation — no clawback |
| Alberta (AISH) | CDB treated as exempt income — no full clawback |
| BC (PWD) | CDB partially exempt — check BC government for current rules |
| Other provinces | Policies vary — contact your provincial program administrator |
Always confirm with your provincial disability support office before applying for the CDB, to understand how it will affect your existing provincial benefits.