In 2023, the Government of Canada passed the Canada Disability Benefit Act to create a supplementary financial benefit to support working-age Canadians with disabilities. The program details were finalized through regulations finalized earlier this year and set out requirements for eligibility, payment amounts, and other key topics.
The Canada Disability Benefit application process opens Friday, June 20, 2025, with payments expected to begin in July.
Are you eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit?
To be eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a person with a disability.
- Be between age 18 and 65.
- Be a resident of Canada.
- Have filed an individual income tax return for the most recent tax year (i.e., 2024 for those applying in 2025). If you live with a spouse or common-law partner, they must also have filed their most recent tax return.
- Hold an eligible Disability Tax Credit Certificate.
Individuals who are already recipients of the Disability Tax Credit and within the eligible age range will receive a letter from the federal government in the coming weeks. The letter will include a unique code that gives them access to a streamlined application process. More information on the application process is provided below.
To learn more about the eligibility criteria for the Canada Disability Benefit, visit the Government of Canada’s website and refer to the "Canada Disability Benefit – Do You Qualify" section.
How to apply for the Canada Disability Benefit
The Canada Disability Benefit will be administered through Service Canada and will include several different ways to complete an application, including:
- Electronically through an online portal.
- By telephone, with assistance from a Service Canada agent. To apply via telephone, call 1-833-486-3007.
- By printed form, dropped off at a Service Canada Centre.
- In person at a Service Canada Centre.
Instructions on how to apply using each method and access the online portal are available on the Government of Canada’s website.
As mentioned, those who are already recipients of the Disability Tax Credit and within the eligible age range will receive a letter from the federal government in the coming weeks with a unique application code and instructions on how to apply.
If you believe you are eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit but do not receive a letter, you should still apply. However, you will also need to complete the application process for the Disability Tax Credit before you can begin receiving payments through the Canada Disability Benefit.
To learn more about the Disability Tax Credit application process, visit the Government of Canada’s website and refer to the "Disability Tax Credit – How to Apply" section.
How much could you receive through the Canada Disability Benefit?
Eligible recipients may receive up to $200 per month, or $2,400 per year, through the Canada Disability Benefit. The payment amount for each recipient will depend on their level of income and marital status.
Eligible applicants will only receive payments if their level of income is below a certain threshold. This means that applicants can be deemed eligible for the Benefit based on their disability status and age but would not receive payment amounts if their income levels are higher than the threshold. The income thresholds are:
- $35,000 for single individuals.
- $44,500 for individuals living with a spouse or common-law partner who is not eligible to receive the Benefit.
- $56,500 for couples where both partners are eligible to receive the Benefit.
The maximum benefit amount of $200 per month will only be available to applicants whose annual household income is below $23,000 for single individuals, or $32,500 for those living with a spouse or common law partner.
The government also included a working income exemption of $10,000 for individuals, or $14,000 in combined working income for those with a spouse or common law partner. This means that employment income up to the given amounts will not be included in the level of income used to calculate the amount of money an eligible beneficiary will receive through the Canada Disability Benefit.
The federal government has created a Canada Disability Benefit payment estimator that you can use to see how much money you may be entitled to receive. To use the estimator, visit the hyperlinked page and click the “Start benefits estimator” button. This will take you through a survey which will require you to input your maritalstatus and details from your 2024 tax return.
Government of Canada Contact Information
For further information and assistance, you can contact Service Canada through their dedicated Canada Disability Benefit telephone number at 1-833-486-3007. Phone assistance will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.