The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) has officially launched, with the first monthly payments starting this week for approved applicants.
This benefit aims to provide financial relief to low-income working-age Canadians with disabilities, helping improve their standard of living and financial security.
Key Launch Dates and Payment Timeline
The benefit officially opened for applications in June 2025, with payments beginning Thursday, July 17, 2025, for those whose applications were approved by June 30.
Moving forward, payments will be issued on the third Thursday of each month.
If your application is approved after July 2025, you’ll begin receiving payments the following month. Back payments will also be made for eligible months, starting from June 2025, but not before.
Eligibility for the Canada Disability Benefit
To qualify for the Canada Disability Benefit, applicants must meet the following criteria:
General Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident (living in Canada for the past 18 months), protected person, or registered under the Indian Act
- Be between 18 and 64 years of age
- Have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Tax Filing Requirement:
- Both the applicant and their spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed their 2024 federal income tax returns
Disability Tax Credit (DTC):
To be eligible for the DTC, applicants must demonstrate a marked restriction in one or more essential daily functions such as:
- Walking
- Mental functions
- Feeding
- Dressing
- Hearing or speaking
- Vision
- Requiring life-sustaining therapy
How Much Will You Receive?
The maximum annual amount available through the Canada Disability Benefit from July 2025 to June 2026 is $2,400, equivalent to $200 per month.
This amount may vary depending on your family’s net income, and annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) will ensure the benefit keeps pace with inflation.
Working Income Exemption:
| Situation | Working Income Exemption |
|---|---|
| Single Applicant | Up to $10,000 exempt |
| With Spouse/Common-law Partner | Up to $14,000 exempt |
Note: Exceeding the exemption doesn’t automatically reduce the benefit.
How to Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit
Applications can be submitted in three ways:
- Online (recommended for faster processing)
- In person at a Service Canada office
- By phone at 1-833-486-3007
Required Information If You Got an Invitation Letter:
- Application code from the letter
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Legal status in Canada
- Direct deposit details
Required Information If You Didn’t Receive a Letter:
- SIN
- Mailing address
- Legal status in Canada
- 2024 net income (line 23600)
- Direct deposit details
Why the Benefit Matters
Leslie Church, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disabilities, highlighted that the benefit is a move toward equity, dignity, and justice for persons with disabilities.
“This benefit is about dignity, justice, and creating a more inclusive Canada — one where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
The rollout of the Canada Disability Benefit represents a milestone in federal support for Canadians with disabilities.
With the first payments arriving this week, those eligible are encouraged to check their status, apply if needed, and make sure their banking and tax information is up to date for timely deposits.
FAQs
How often are Canada Disability Benefit payments made?
Payments are issued monthly, on the third Thursday of each month.
What is the maximum benefit amount I can receive?
You can receive up to $200 per month, or $2,400 annually, depending on your income and household status.
What if I didn’t receive an invitation letter? Can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply even without an invitation letter by submitting the required documents through Service Canada.