New Canadian Government Benefit Launched In 2025 – How To Apply Before It’s Too Late
The Canadian government has rolled out a new monthly payment in 2025 — the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) — aimed at boosting the financial security of low-income Canadians with disabilities.
Payments began this summer, but the good news is that it’s not too late to apply. Eligible individuals can still receive monthly payments and even retroactive back pay for months they qualified since June 2025.
What Is the Canada Disability Benefit?
The Canada Disability Benefit officially launched in June 2025, with the first payments deposited in July and the second round in August.
This benefit provides up to $200 per month ($2,400 per year) to eligible Canadians between 18 and 64 years old who live with a disability.
The CDB was designed as a permanent financial support program, not a one-off payment, to address the persistent challenges faced by disabled Canadians.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Canada Disability Benefit, you must:
- Be between 18 and 64 years old
- Be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Have filed your 2024 income tax return (and your partner’s if applicable)
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Hold valid status (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, Indian Act registrant, protected person, or long-term temporary resident)
Exclusions:
- Individuals incarcerated in federal penitentiaries for over two years (except the first and last month).
- Those over 65 cannot newly apply but may still receive back pay for the period they were eligible before turning 65.
How Much Can You Get?
The maximum monthly amount is $200. However, the benefit is income-tested, meaning the actual amount depends on your earnings.
- Singles: Full $200 if annual income is under $23,000. With the $10,000 working income exemption, you can earn up to $33,000 (if at least $10,000 is from employment) before the benefit begins to reduce. For every dollar above, the benefit reduces by 20 cents.
- Couples: Full benefit if combined income is under $46,500, provided at least $14,000 is from employment. If both partners are eligible, reductions apply at 10% per dollar above the threshold.
Canada Disability Benefit Payment Breakdown
| Household Type | Income Threshold | Full Monthly Amount | Reduction Rate | Max Annual Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | <$23,000 | $200 | 20% per $1 | $2,400 |
| Single (with exemption) | <$33,000 (with $10,000 work income) | $200 | 20% per $1 | $2,400 |
| Couple | <$46,500 | $200 each (if both eligible) | 10% per $1 | $4,800 combined |
| Rural/remote areas | Same thresholds | $200 + possible provincial top-ups | Varies | $2,400+ |
Payment Dates and Back Pay
The first payment was deposited on July 17, 2025, and the second round on August 21, 2025. Payments are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month:
- September 18, 2025
- October 16, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 18, 2025
If your application is approved late, you can still receive back pay for up to 24 months, as long as those months fall after June 2025.
How to Apply
You can apply in four ways:
- Online via the official CDB portal.
- In person at any Service Canada location.
- By phone at 1-833-486-3007 (TTY: 1-833-467-2700).
- By mail or by dropping off a printed form at Service Canada.
When applying, prepare:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Proof of legal status in Canada
- Your 2024 tax information
- Direct deposit details (for faster payment)
Applicants who received a 6-digit application code from Service Canada should use it for quicker processing.
Processing Time
Once submitted, applications can take:
- Up to 28 days if filed directly.
- Up to 49 days if filed through a legal representative.
Payments — including retroactive amounts — are issued on the third Thursday of the month after approval.
The Canada Disability Benefit is one of the most significant new supports launched in 2025. With monthly payments of up to $200, plus the chance to receive retroactive back pay, it offers meaningful financial relief for Canadians with disabilities. If you haven’t applied yet, it’s not too late — take action today and secure the support you deserve.
FAQs
Yes. Applications are ongoing. If approved, you can also receive retroactive payments back to June 2025.
You may still qualify for a partial benefit. Payments gradually reduce based on your income and your partner’s, if applicable.
Yes, approval for the DTC is mandatory before you can access the Canada Disability Benefit.