Canada Disability Benefit & CRA DTC In 2025 – Step-By-Step Guide To Apply
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is live for working-age adults with disabilities.
The first month of eligibility is June 2025, and payments started in July 2025 for applications approved by June 30. Ongoing payments are issued on the third Thursday of each month.
For the first benefit year (July 2025–June 2026), the maximum is $2,400/year ($200/month**)**, indexed to inflation.
The amount depends on adjusted family net income with working-income exemptions.
Quick Facts (2025)
| Program | 2025 Amount | Key Eligibility | How To Apply | First Payment/Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDB | Up to $2,400/year ($200/month) | Age 18–64, approved for DTC, filed 2024 tax return, Canadian resident/status | Online, by phone, in-office, or printed form to Service Canada (Boucherville, QC) | 3rd Thursday monthly after approval; back pay up to 24 months (not before June 2025) |
| DTC | Non-refundable tax credit (2024 base $9,872; child supplement $5,758) | Meets DTC impairment criteria certified by a medical practitioner | Digital DTC application via CRA My Account or Form T2201 by mail | Claim on your tax return; can transfer to a supporting family member |
Who Qualifies For The CDB
To qualify you must be 18–64, approved for the DTC, have filed your 2024 federal tax return (and your spouse’s, if applicable), and meet residency/status rules (citizen, PR, registered under the Indian Act, protected person, or certain temporary residents).
How Much You Can Receive
- Maximum: $200/month ($2,400/year) from July 2025–June 2026, indexed annually.
- Income test: Full amount if your (after working-income exemption) adjusted family net income is at or below $23,000 (single) or $32,500 (couple). Above those thresholds, the benefit tapers (generally 20% reduction for singles; 10% each if both spouses are eligible).
- Working-income exemptions: Up to $10,000 (single) or $14,000 (couple) of employment/self-employment income is excluded in the calculation.
Step-By-Step: Apply For The CRA Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Confirm Eligibility: Your impairment must markedly restrict basic activities or require life-sustaining therapy, certified by a medical practitioner (MD/NP; specialists for vision, hearing, mobility, mental functions, etc.).
- Choose Your Method:
- Digital application in CRA My Account (Part A by you; Part B completed online by your medical practitioner using your reference number).
- Paper Form T2201 (Part A by you, Part B by your practitioner), then submit online (upload) or mail to a CRA Tax Centre.
- Watch Processing: CRA notes processing delays; track status in My Account and wait for the notice of determination.
- Claim/Transfer: After approval, claim the disability amount on your tax return (line 31600 for self; 31800/32600 for transfers). 2024 reference amounts: $9,872 (base), $5,758 (child supplement).
Step-By-Step: Apply For The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)
- Get DTC Approved: You must have an approved DTC and have filed your 2024 return.
- Apply To Service Canada:
- Online (fastest), by phone, at a Service Canada office, or by printed form (CDB application or legal representative application). Mail printed forms to: Service Canada Centre – CDB Processing Centre, P.O. Box 60, Boucherville, QC J4B 5E6.
- Set Up Direct Deposit: Add banking details for faster payments; you can also change payment method later.
- Know Your Dates: Once approved, you’re paid the month after approval on the third Thursday, with any eligible back payments included. CDB is non-taxable.
In 2025, the Canada Disability Benefit finally delivers up to $200/month to qualifying working-age adults, but DTC approval is the gatekeeper.
Secure the DTC first via CRA My Account or Form T2201, then submit your CDB application with Service Canada to start monthly payments on the third Thursday after approval.
With income thresholds, working-income exemptions, and indexed amounts, this new benefit is designed to bolster financial security while keeping the process straightforward for those who prepare the documentation upfront.
