federal · Canada-wide
Canada Disability Benefit
The Canada Disability Benefit is a new federal monthly payment for working-age people (18–64) with disabilities who hold an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC). It is income-tested: the more family income you have, the lower the payment. First payments went out in July 2025. From July 2026, the maximum is $204.20/month.
- Verified Aug 22, 2026
- federal program · Canada-wide
At a glance
- Worth:
- $204.20/mo
- Who:
- You are 18–64 years old (payments stop the month before you become eligible for OAS or GIS at 65).
- Apply:
- Official program page
What it could be worth
Amount
$204.20/mo
- Maximum: $204.20/month ($2,450.40/yr) for July 2026–June 2027, based on your 2025 tax return.
- You get the full benefit while your adjusted family net income (family income after certain deductions) is $23,000 or less for a single person, or $32,500 or less for a couple (2026 thresholds).
- Above that line, the payment drops by 20¢ for every dollar of income. Where both partners qualify, it drops by 10¢ each.
- Working income is exempt first: up to $10,000 for a single person, or $14,000 for a couple.
- There is a supplemental $150 lump sum from Fall 2026 to help offset the cost of getting the DTC.
Example: A single person with no working income keeps the full $204.20/month while adjusted family net income stays at or under $23,000. Above that, the payment drops by 20¢ for every dollar of income ($2.40 a year for every $10). A couple with one eligible partner earning $45,000 keeps the full benefit. After the $14,000 working exemption, $31,000 counts, which is under the $32,500 threshold. Your income sets your exact amount.
How it benefits you
- You get monthly cash on top of provincial supports: up to $204.20/month ($2,450.40/yr) for July 2026–June 2027.
- Up to $10,000 of working income is exempt before the income test, so part-time or low earnings do not wipe out the benefit.
- It no longer counts as income for the Guaranteed Income Supplement and other federal income-tested benefits (exempt since taxation years after 2024, under Bill C-15).
- Outside Alberta, where it offsets AISH, every province and territory exempts it from social assistance — so it is not clawed back.
What you need to qualify or apply
Needs the DTC first: this program unlocks once your Disability Tax Credit is approved. How the DTC works
Eligibility
- You are 18–64 years old (payments stop the month before you become eligible for OAS or GIS at 65).
- You hold an approved DTC certificate.
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- You file a tax return — amounts are worked out from adjusted family net income.
How to apply
- Confirm your DTC is approved — you cannot get this benefit without it.
- File your tax return (both spouses or partners, if applicable) so Service Canada can income-test you.
- Apply online (fastest), by phone, at a Service Canada office, or with the printed form. Have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) ready.
- If Service Canada sent you a letter, use its 6-digit application code to fill in your details.
- Back payments can go back up to 24 months from when Service Canada receives your application.
Documents you may need
- Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Legal status in Canada (and proof of legal representation, if someone applies for you).
- Direct deposit details (branch, institution, account number) so payments arrive reliably.
- Optional: line 23600 net income from your 2024 notice of assessment to speed up processing.
Read more from the official source
Checked ESDC — Canada Disability Benefit: How much you could receive · Sep 13, 2026
Amounts and rules can change — always confirm on the official source before applying.
This page is general information, not a CRA or provincial determination — amounts and rules can change. Not sure where you stand? The free benefits check walks you through it, or a Registered Social Worker can review your full situation.