If you’re living in Canada and looking for financial support due to disability, the newly introduced Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) for 2025 is something worth understanding. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) together with Service Canada, this program aims to deliver direct monthly income to eligible individuals aged between 18 and 64, who meet the criteria. Knowing the payment dates, eligibility rules, and how much you might receive in Canada will help you plan ahead and ensure you don’t miss out on what you’re entitled to.
Eligibility – who qualifies for the benefit in Canada
To be eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit in 2025, you must fulfil a set of criteria. You need to be between 18 and 64 years old at the time of claim, and you must have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). You should be a Canadian resident for tax-filing purposes and meet citizenship or permanent residency requirements. Also, you and your partner (if applicable) must have filed your 2024 federal income tax return in order for your income to be assessed. These rules help determine how much you receive, meaning the benefit amount is not the same for everyone.
Payment amounts & schedule – how much and when you will get paid
The payment plan for the CDB is now published by the Government of Canada. The first payment month is June 2025 for approved applications, with actual deposits starting July 2025. Payment dates for 2025 include July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20 and December 18. As for amounts, the maximum payment will depend on your income and household situation — it isn’t a flat rate for everyone. The government emphasises that lower-income recipients will generally receive a larger benefit amount.
How to apply & what to check before submitting
Applying for the benefit is done online through Service Canada via your CRA account, or via paper if needed. It’s essential to gather documents such as your approved DTC certificate, tax return information, proof of residency and identity. Before applying, check that your bank account details are current (direct deposit is the fastest method), and verify that your most recent tax filing is complete. Also be aware that if you were eligible earlier (after June 2025) but only applied later, you may receive retroactive payments for up to 24 months from your approval date.
Quick reference table – program details at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligible age | 18 to 64 years old (at time of application decision) |
| First month of eligibility | 2025 |
| First payment date | Third Thursday of first eligible month, payments from July 2025 |
| Maximum benefit amount | Varies by income; lower-income households receive more |
| Retroactive payments | Up to 24 months from approval date |
| Application method | Online via CRA My Account or paper application |
| Important tax filing | 2024 federal return must be filed to assess benefit amount |
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FAQs
Q1: Can I claim this benefit if I’m over 64?
A1: No, the benefit targets ages 18-64, though some retroactive eligibility applies up to your 65th birthday.
Q2: Will receiving this benefit reduce my provincial disability support?
A2: It depends on your province; you should check with your provincial benefit office.
Q3: Is the payment taxable income?
A3: The benefit is tax-free for recipients in Canada but still needs reporting where required.
Q4: Do I need to re-apply every year to keep getting it?
A4: You may need to update your information if your income or living situation changes.
