Applications for new Canada Disability Benefit opening soon

Eligible Canadians living with a disability can submit a Canada Disability Benefit application starting this week.

Canadians who meet the requirements can submit a Canada Disability Benefit application starting June 20. The federal benefit will provide financial support to people with disabilities.

"With the Canada Disability Benefit application set to open on June 20, financial support will be delivered to working-age, low-income persons with disabilities starting next month," said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.

Are you eligible?

You must meet several eligibility requirements to apply for the Canada Disability Benefit.

Eligible Canadians will also receive letters from the federal government inviting them to submit a Canada Disability Benefit application. The letter will include a code with instructions on how to apply.

Didn't get a letter? You can still apply for the benefit. You'll need to provide additional information, such as your mailing address and net income (line 23600) from your 2024 Notice of Assessment.

In addition, you can apply for the Canada Disability Benefit if you have a spouse or common-law partner, and both of you must have filed your 2024 federal income tax return.

You must also be one of the following:

• a Canadian citizen
• a permanent resident
• a temporary resident who has lived in Canada throughout the previous 18 months
• a protected person
• an individual registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act

You can also apply if you’re a Canadian resident between the ages of 18 and 64 who has already been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit that's meant to reduce the income tax paid by Canadians with physical or mental impairments, or their supporting family members.

To claim the DTC, you must have a medical practitioner certify the effects of your impairment. You may qualify if you have a marked restriction in at least one category: walking, mental functions, dressing, feeding, eliminating (bowel or bladder functions), hearing, speaking, vision or require life-sustaining therapy.

If your DTC application is approved, you can claim the disability amount on your tax return.

How much can you receive?

The amount you receive through the Canada Disability Benefit depends on several factors based on your family’s net income.

However, the maximum you could receive in payments from July 2025 to June 2026 is $2,400 or $200 per month. The amount will be adjusted annually for inflation, based on the current cost of living.

You may even be eligible for back payments for previous months — payments can be retroactive up to 24 months from the date your application is received. However, it doesn't apply to months before July 2025.

How can you apply?

You can submit an application online, in person at a Service Canada office, or by phone at 1-833-486-3007.

To apply, you'll need your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and direct deposit information, which is the most reliable way to receive payments.

You can submit your Canada Disability Benefit application starting June 20, and you'll want to do that soon — first payments will be sent out in July for applications received and approved by June 30.

Leslie Church, parliamentary secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour, for Seniors, and for Children and Youth, and to the Minister of Jobs and Families (Persons with Disabilities), said that the Canada Disability Benefit is an important step toward improving financial security for working-age persons with disabilities.

"Too many Canadians continue to face barriers that limit their full participation in our society and economy," she said. "This benefit is about dignity, justice, and creating a more inclusive Canada — one where everyone has the chance to thrive."