FAQs on the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)

What is the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)?

The CDB is a new federal benefit offering monthly support to low-income Canadians aged 18–64 with disabilities. Applications process begin June 2025, with payments starting July 2025.

Learn more: Canada Disability Benefit

Below are some common concerns you may have about the Canada Disability Benefit.

Who can apply?

You may be able to get the CDB if you:

Are 18–64 years old (applications open at 17.5 years of age, retroactive payment starts at 18)
Have approval for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Filed a 2024 federal tax return (you —and your spouse/common-law partner, if applicable)
Are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Have one of these statuses: citizen, permanent resident, registered under Indian Act, or temporary resident in Canada for 18+ months.
Not incarcerated in federal prison for 2+ years.

Learn more to see if you qualify here.

What is the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and how do I apply?

The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit for people with disabilities. The DTC is required to apply for the CDB.

To apply, you’ll need to complete a medical assessment with a qualified practitioner.

Learn more about Disability Tax Credit eligibility and application process here.

How do I apply for the Canada Disability Benefit?

Online - fastest way to apply.
By Phone: 1-833-486-3007 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
For the hearing impaired: Teletypewriter (TTY) 1-833-467-2700.
Visit a Service Canada office to apply in person.
You can also print the form, fill it in and mail it. Complete a printable Canada Disability Benefit application form or the Canada Disability Benefit Legal representative application form.
- Mail it to:
  Service Canada Centre
  CDB Processing Centre
  P.O. Box 60
  Boucherville, QC J4B 5E6

You can also drop off the completed forms at your nearest Service Canada office in person.

If you applying for yourself, this is what you’ll need:

Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Unique application code that was mailed to you. You can apply even if you did not receive a code by mail.
Tax status and 2024 income info - line 23600 on your federal tax return.
Your bank information for direct deposit - optional, but faster.

If you are applying as a legal representative on behalf of someone, additional documents are required.

Learn more about what you need to apply depending on your situation here.

What happens after I apply?

Service Canada will review your application.

Expect a letter with an eligibility decision within 28 calendar days of applying for the benefit.

However, if a legal representative is applying on your behalf, an eligibility decision should be expected within 49 calendar days of the application.

To check the status of your application, contact Service Canada.

When can I receive payments?

Payments begin the month after approval - expected by the third Thursday of each month.

You may receive up to 24 months retroactive back payments to June 2025, which is the first month the benefit starts.

If your total annual benefit is less than or equal to $240 ($20 or less per month), you’ll receive this as a one-time payment.

How much can I get?

Maximum is $200/month ($2,400/year).
The benefit is based on your income, and the benefit gradually goes to $0 if your income is above a certain amount.

If you are single: cutoff is $23,000 adjusted family net income.
If you have a spouse: cutoff is $32,500 adjusted family net income.

If you are working:

If you are single: first $10,000 in earnings is exempt.
If you have a spouse: first $14,000 in earnings is exempt.

Use the government's new CDB Estimator Tool to find out how much money you could get.

Find out how the CDB will affect other benefits you currently receive.

When can payments stop or change?

Payments may stop or change due to:

Not filing taxes by April 30 each year.
Income increases.
Change in marital status.
Not responding to Service Canada notices.
Incarceration lasting 2 years or more.

How do I stay eligible?

Maintain approved DTC.
Stay up to date on filing your income taxes every year.
Notify Service Canada of changes in any of the following: address, income, marital status.

Service Canada verifies eligibility yearly. No need to reapply.

Learn more about payments here.

Can I appeal a decision?

If you disagree with the eligibility decision, payment amount or think an error was made, you can ask for a reconsideration.

To do this, submit a request within 180 days of the date on your decision letter (found in the top right-hand corner). If you are a legal representative, you can request a reconsideration on someone's behalf.

If you are submitting your request after 180 days, you will need to explain what prevented you from submitting it sooner.

Your request will be reviewed by Service Canada staff who were not involved in making the original decision on your application.