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Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)

What is the CDB?

The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a new monthly benefit from the Government of Canada. It is meant to help reduce poverty for working-aged people with disabilities who have low incomes.


While the benefit amount may not be enough for everyone, it can still help with some basic needs. We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply. We are also working hard to get the government to increase the amount.


Who Can Apply?

You may be able to get the CDB if you:

  • Are between 18 and 64 years old

  • Live in Canada

  • Have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

  • Have a low income

  • Are up to date on filing your income taxes


Not sure if you qualify? You can check here.


How to Apply

Applications opened on June 20, 2025.


To get the CDB, you must have the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).


If you don’t have it yet, you can learn more about how to apply here:


We can help you apply!


If you have the DTC and qualify for the CDB, you may have received a letter in the mail with a unique code and instructions on how to apply.


If you have a unique code, the application process is quicker and easier.

Want to see what the process looks like?


Watch this short video that provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply using your unique code.


You can apply in 4 different ways:

  1. Online – Portal 

  2. By Phone – See listing here 

  3. In Person – Find your local Service Canada Office here 

  4. By Mail - Click here to print out the form


What You Need Before You Apply

Before you apply, make sure you have:

  • Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

  • Your bank account information for direct deposit. (This is the fastest and safest way to get your payments)


If you didn’t get a letter, but you think you qualify for the CDB, you can still apply! You will also need:

  • Your mailing address

  • Your net income amount from line 23600 on your 2024 Notice of Assessment (this helps Service Canada speed up your application)


When will you get your money?

If your application is approved, your first payment will start the month after it's approved.


Don’t worry if you can’t apply right away!


You can apply anytime after June 20, 2025. If you apply later, you can still get back payments for the months you were eligible. These payments will go back to June 2025, which is the first month the benefit starts.


For example, if you’re approved in January 2026 and you were eligible starting in June 2025, you will get a lump sum payment covering June to December 2025 (7 months of payment)


Important Note: There will be no payments for months before June 2025.


It may take up to 28 days to process your CDB application.


Estimate Your Benefit

Not sure how much money you’ll get?


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


Right now, the maximum you can get is $2,400 each year, which is $200/month. The exact amount depends on your income and your household status. This means that if your income is higher, your benefit may be lower.


If Your Application is Denied: Reconsideration and Appeals


Step 1: Ask for a Reconsideration

If you disagree with the decision about your CDB application (eligibility, the amount, or you think a mistake was made), you can ask Service Canada to review your application again. This is called a reconsideration.


You have 180 days to ask for a reconsideration.


How to ask for a reconsideration:

  1. Fill out the reconsideration request form

  2. Then, drop it off at a Service Canada office or mail it to:

Service Canada Centre

CDB Processing Centre

P.O. Box 60

Boucherville, QC J4B 5E6


Service Canada will review your case and may contact you for more information. This can take up to 56 days.


Step 2: Appeal the Decision

If you’re still not happy after the reconsideration, you can appeal the decision to the Social Security Tribunal (SST). This means an independent decision-maker will review your case.


Important: You can only appeal after you get your reconsideration decision.

You have 90 days from the date of your reconsideration letter to submit an appeal.


How to appeal:

  1. Get your reconsideration letter from Service Canada

  2. Apply to the Social Security Tribunal (SST) online or by mail:

    1. Fill out the appeal form

    2. Include a copy of your decision letter and any other supporting documents

    3. Explain why you think the decision is wrong


You can learn more about the appeals process here.


Need Help?

Applying for government benefits can be confusing – but you don’t have to do it alone.


Here are some ways to get help:

  • Call Service Canada’s CDB hotline:

    • 1-833-486-3007 // teletypewriter (TTY): 1-833-467-2700

  • Visit any Service Canada Centre in person

  • Ask a family member or friend you trust

  • Visit the Canada Disability Benefit website for more information


Inclusion Canada has a new Barrier-Free Benefits program, which offers free, one-on-one help with disability benefits.


You can get help with applying for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from one of our Navigators. Contact one here.


Helpful Links & Resources

  • Inclusion Canada - download the CDB Application Guide (PDF) 👇

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