Starting June 20, 2025, working-age Canadians with disabilities can apply for the new Canada Disability Benefit, a monthly financial support payment of up to $200. The first payments will be issued in July 2025 to those who apply and are approved by June 30, creating a short but critical window to receive the benefit right away.
This benefit is part of Canada’s broader Disability Inclusion Action Plan, and the government has committed $6.1 billion over six years to reduce poverty and improve the financial security of more than 600,000 low-income people with disabilities.
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What is the Canada Disability Benefit?
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a federal income support program aimed at working-age adults (18–64) with disabilities who have low or no income. It is not taxable, and it is designed to supplement, not replace, other federal and provincial disability or income supports.
- Maximum Benefit: $2,400 annually, or $200 per month
- Start Date: First payments begin July 2025 for eligible applicants
- Application Launch: June 20, 2025
- Administered by: Service Canada
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Who Can Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit?
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be between 18 and 64 years old
- Have an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Be a Canadian citizen or resident (including permanent residents, some temporary residents, and protected persons)
- Have filed a 2024 income tax return
- If married or in a common-law relationship, their partner must also file their 2024 return
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How Much Will You Receive?
The monthly payment amount is based on household income, with full and partial amounts available depending on financial circumstances.
For Individuals Without a Partner
| Annual Income | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Less than $23,000 | Full $200 |
| $23,000 – $45,000 | Gradually reduced |
| Above $45,000 | Not eligible |
For Couples (Only One Person Eligible)
| Household Income | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Less than $32,500 | Full $200 |
| $32,500 – $58,500 | Gradually reduced |
| Above $58,500 | Not eligible |
If both partners qualify, they may each receive a benefit. In that case, payments reduce more gradually and phase out fully at a combined household income of $70,500.
Bonus for Workers: If the applicant earns $10,000 or more from employment, the income thresholds may be slightly increased to allow continued eligibility.
How to Apply Starting June 20
There are three ways to apply for the Canada Disability Benefit:
- Online via the official Service Canada portal
- By Phone with support from a Service Canada representative
- In Person at any local Service Canada office
If you are already approved for the Disability Tax Credit, you may receive a letter from the federal government with instructions and an invitation to apply. These letters will make the application process easier and faster.
What to Do Before June 20
To ensure a smooth application and avoid delays in receiving the first payment, individuals should:
- File their 2024 tax return
- Ensure their partner has also filed, if applicable
- Apply for the DTC if not yet approved, since DTC approval is mandatory for eligibility
The government has also launched a Canada Disability Benefit Estimator tool to help individuals estimate how much they could receive based on income and household size.
Missed the June 30 Deadline? You Can Still Apply
If someone misses the June 30 cutoff, they can still apply later in 2025. Eligible individuals who apply late can receive backdated payments for any missed months, as long as they qualify during that period.
The benefit is retroactive within a two-year window, giving applicants time to secure their DTC approval or finalize their taxes.
Why the Canada Disability Benefit Matters
Canadians with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty, face greater challenges in the labor market, and often incur extra costs for mobility aids, medical care, and accessible housing. This benefit aims to reduce financial inequality and ensure that every person with a disability can live with dignity and security.
The Canada Disability Benefit was shaped through consultations with over 8,000 stakeholders, including people with disabilities, Indigenous communities, and advocacy organizations. It reflects the federal government’s “Nothing Without Us” philosophy—ensuring that people with disabilities help lead policy design that affects their lives.
Final Thoughts
The Canada Disability Benefit is a landmark program that delivers monthly financial assistance to those who need it most. With applications opening June 20, 2025, and first payments arriving as early as July, eligible Canadians should prepare now to ensure they don’t miss this critical support.
If you’re eligible, review your documents, confirm your DTC status, and get ready to apply on or shortly after June 20. This benefit could be the difference between financial stress and stability in 2025 and beyond.