The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a federal benefit for working-age people with disabilities living on a low income. The benefit aims to address the disproportionate level of poverty experienced by people with disabilities. The maximum benefit amount is $2,400 a year, or $200 a month, and applications opened on June 20, 2025. To help you navigate what the CDB means for you or your family, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about CDB eligibility, how the benefit works, and what steps to take in order to receive the benefit.
Who is eligible to receive the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)?
Residents of Canada ages 18-64 who have filed an income tax return for the previous tax year are currently approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and meet the government’s low-income requirements.
What if I haven’t applied for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)?
You must be approved for the DTC before you can apply for the CDB. In order to apply for the DTC, you must have verification from a medical practitioner that your disability significantly affects daily activities as outlined by the government. Residents of Canada of any age with a valid SIN can apply.
When and how can I apply for the CDB?
Applications opened June 20, 2025. If you meet the eligibility criteria you can apply anytime, either through the online portal, over the phone, or by completing a printed form. Paper forms can be mailed or submitted in person at Service Canada. An individual can apply themselves, have someone help them or a legal guardian can apply on their behalf of the individual.
What if my loved one isn’t able to complete the application themselves, but I’m not their legal guardian?
You can help your loved one complete the CDB application. Your loved one must have an individual or joint bank account in their name, which the benefit will be deposited into.
Can I apply for the CDB of behalf of my loved one?
You may apply on behalf of someone else if you are the legal guardian or representative of that individual. There is a separate application form for this process and you will need to provide proof of legal authority. Note that Canadian Law doesn’t automatically consider parents as the legal guardians of their adult children, even though as parents they have always supported their child – once a person reaches the age or majority, they are considered responsible for their own decisions and finances.
Are provincial benefits affected by the CDB?
All provinces and territories but Alberta have confirmed that the CDB will be treated as exempt income and provincial supports will not be reduced for those who receive the federal benefit. Alberta has announced that CDB payments will be deducted dollar-for-dollar from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) with the net effect of no increase to Albertans’ disability benefits.
Should AISH recipients in Alberta apply for the CDB?
Yes, AISH recipients are required to apply for the DTC and the CDB if they have not already done so. AISH clients must also notify their local AISH office of the status of their DTC and CDB application before September 05 2025 or the full amount of the benefit will be deducted from subsequent AISH payments.
How do other sources of income affect the CDB?
The amount that you receive from the CDB will be lower if your taxable income (employment income) is higher than $23,000 for an individual or $32,000 for a couple. The benefit will be reduced by 20 cents for every $1 earned above those thresholds. The CDB is not taxable and will not increase an individual’s taxable income.
Where can I get support with the CDB?
Plan Institute has a very helpful website with detailed information about the CDB. They also run a helpline: 1-844-311-7526. Inclusion Alberta has resources that are specific to Albertans and take AISH into account.
Stop Alberta’s AISH Clawback: A Message from Paul Sawka
“I am saying this, not just for myself, but on behalf of many people. Please don’t take away this benefit.” – Paul Sawka
When Alberta announced it would claw back the new Canada Disability Benefit from AISH recipients, many people with disabilities were left feeling overlooked and unheard.
In a heartfelt open letter, CDSS Awareness Leader Paul Sawka shares how this decision could impact his independence and the lives of many Albertans with disabilities.
