A complete guide to federal income supports available to Canadians with disabilities — from EI sickness benefits and the Disability Tax Credit to the new Canada Disability Benefit.
| Benefit | Type | Maximum | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| EI Sickness Benefits | Short-term income replacement | $668/week, 15 weeks | 600 insurable hours, unable to work |
| Disability Tax Credit (DTC) | Non-refundable tax credit | ~$1,687/year tax savings | Approved T2201 from medical practitioner |
| Child Disability Benefit (CDB) | Monthly tax-free payment | $3,173/year per child | Child has approved DTC; parent receives CCB |
| Canada Workers Benefit — Disability Supplement | Refundable tax credit | $784/year | Approved DTC + low income + working |
| Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) | Monthly federal benefit (new 2025) | $200/month | Age 18–64, approved DTC, low income |
| CPP Disability | Monthly pension | ~$1,606/month | CPP contributions + severe disability |
EI sickness benefits are the first line of income support for working Canadians who become unable to work due to illness, injury, or disability. Key facts for 2025:
EI sickness benefits cover both physical and mental health conditions — anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions all qualify if a medical professional certifies that you are unable to work.
The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable federal tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax you owe. While it doesn't put cash directly in your pocket like other benefits, it's a gateway to several other programs — including the new Canada Disability Benefit.
The federal DTC reduces your taxable income by approximately $9,872 (2025 base amount), resulting in federal tax savings of about $1,481. Provincial tax savings add more on top.
Have a qualified medical professional complete Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate) and submit it to the CRA. Processing takes 8–12 weeks. Once approved, the DTC can be applied retroactively for up to 10 years.
Who qualifies for the DTC? You must have a severe and prolonged impairment in one or more mental or physical functions. The condition must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months. Conditions include physical mobility issues, vision/hearing impairment, cognitive/developmental disabilities, chronic illness, and mental health conditions.
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is Canada's newest federal disability income program, paying up to $200/month to eligible working-age Canadians with disabilities. It launched in July 2025.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum monthly benefit | $200/month ($2,400/year) |
| Age range | 18–64 years old |
| Key requirement | Approved Disability Tax Credit (T2201) on file with CRA |
| Income test | Reduces at 20 cents per dollar above ~$23,000 (single) |
| How to apply | Through CRA My Account |
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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYAThe Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) benefit is a monthly payment for Canadians under 65 who have made sufficient CPP contributions and have a severe and prolonged disability that prevents them from working at any job regularly.
| Feature | 2025 Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum monthly benefit | $1,606.78 |
| Average monthly benefit | ~$1,100 |
| Contribution requirement | Made CPP contributions in 4 of the last 6 years (or 3 of last 6 for longer contributors) |
| Disability standard | Severe AND prolonged — prevents any substantially gainful work |
| Taxable | Yes — CPP-D is taxable income |