Starting in July 2025, eligible Canadians with disabilities will begin receiving a tax-free $200 monthly payment through the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)—a new federal income support program introduced under the government’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
This benefit is aimed at low- and modest-income adults aged 18 to 64 who are living with a verified disability, many of whom face long-standing barriers to employment and affordability. More than 600,000 Canadians are expected to benefit from the program.
What Is the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)?
The Canada Disability Benefit is a monthly financial support program launched by the Government of Canada to assist adults with disabilities in meeting daily living expenses. Approved recipients will receive $200 per month—amounting to $2,400 per year—to help ease financial burdens related to housing, healthcare, food, and more.
The program is being managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in collaboration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Payments will be made via direct deposit into recipients’ accounts.
Who Qualifies for the $200 Monthly Disability Benefit?
To receive the CDB, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Be 18 to 64 years old
- Be a resident of Canada
- Have a verified disability
- Be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Have filed a 2024 income tax return
- Hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Belong to a low or modest income group
Only individuals who completed their application and met eligibility by June 20, 2025, will be included in the first round of payments starting in July 2025.
Important CDB Program Overview
Program Element | Details |
---|---|
Benefit Name | Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) |
Monthly Payment Amount | $200 |
Annual Total Support | $2,400 |
Eligible Age Range | 18 to 64 years old |
Disability Verification | Must have valid Disability Tax Credit |
Start Date | July 2025 |
Disbursement Method | Direct Deposit |
Application Portal | My Service Canada Account (MSCA) |
How to Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit
If you haven’t yet applied for the CDB, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
Step 1: Qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Submit Form T2201 to the CRA. This form assesses both physical and mental impairments. If your condition is permanent, the approval may only be required once.
Step 2: Choose How to Apply
You can apply for the benefit in one of the following ways:
- Online through the canada.ca portal
- By phone
- By mail
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Ensure you include:
- Medical documentation
- Proof of age and identity
- Your most recent tax return
- Employment history, if applicable
Step 4: Validate and Submit
Double-check all entries to avoid errors and submit as early as possible for faster processing.
Step 5: Register for MSCA
Sign up for a My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to monitor your application status, manage benefit payments, and update personal details.
How Can Recipients Use the $200 Monthly Benefit?
The CDB is intended to support essential living costs, particularly for individuals with limited income. The funds may be used for:
- Rent or housing expenses
- Groceries and daily meals
- Medical and personal care supplies
- Utility bills
- Accessible transportation
- Emergency savings
There are no restrictions on how the funds must be spent, giving recipients full control over their monthly benefit.
Why This Benefit Matters for Canadians with Disabilities
This newly launched program is a milestone in federal disability support and represents a significant shift toward greater economic inclusion and independence for disabled Canadians.
By targeting adults who often fall through the cracks of traditional employment-based support systems, the CDB provides stable, recurring assistance to cover basic needs—helping to reduce poverty and promote equal opportunity.
For many, this benefit could make the difference between survival and stability, especially amid the rising cost of living and inflation.
What to Do Before July 2025
If you believe you may be eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit, here’s what you should do immediately:
- Verify your DTC status with the CRA. If you’re not approved, start the process now by submitting Form T2201.
- File your 2024 income taxes, as this will be used to assess income eligibility.
- Set up a My Service Canada Account (MSCA) if you haven’t already, to manage payments and application details.
- Apply before June 20, 2025, to ensure you are included in the first payment cycle beginning in July.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When do Canada Disability Benefit payments start?
Payments begin in July 2025 for those who applied and qualified by June 20, 2025.
Q2. Is the $200 benefit taxable?
No. The CDB is completely tax-free and does not count as income on your tax return.
Q3. Do I need to reapply every year?
No. If you have a permanent DTC approval, and continue to meet income and residency requirements, the payments will continue without needing to reapply annually.
Q4. How will the money be sent to me?
Payments will be issued via direct deposit to your registered bank account through My Service Canada Account.
Q5. Can I receive other benefits alongside the CDB?
Yes. The CDB is separate from programs like the CPP Disability Benefit, and you may still qualify for provincial or other federal supports.