FREE GUIDE — NATIONAL
Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) (2026)
Monthly, non-taxable financial support for working-age Canadians with disabilities. Maximum $200/month ($2,400/year) for the July 2025 - June 2026 benefit year. Administered by Service Canada.
Benefit amount — as of 2026-07
$200 / month ($2,400/year)
July 2025 - June 2026 benefit year · calculated on 2024 adjusted family net income · non-taxable · indexed to inflation annually (will not decrease if cost of living drops)
Amounts are for the July 2025 - June 2026 benefit year, calculated on 2024 adjusted family net income. Figures re-index annually -- verify current amounts at canada.ca.
2026 DTC process changes — affects every CDB applicant
July 14, 2026
The CRA account "Submit documents" section can no longer be used for DTC applications -- must use the digital DTC form or mail.
September 8, 2026
Pre-2023 versions of Form T2201 (the DTC application form) are no longer accepted. Current versions: 23e/23f.
Eligibility
Step 0 (mandatory gateway): Approved Disability Tax Credit
You must have an approved DTC before you can receive the CDB. The DTC is a two-part Form T2201 — Part A (you) and Part B (signed by a medical practitioner). CRA decides based on Part B alone. If your DTC is not yet approved, start there.
Disability Tax Credit guide →Income test
As of 2026-07 — July 2025 - June 2026 benefit year · The $23,000/$32,500 thresholds, $10,000/$14,000 exemptions, and 20%/10% reduction rates are for the July 2025 - June 2026 benefit year. Figures re-index annually.
| Situation | Working-income exemption | Full-benefit threshold | Reduction above threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single / separated / divorced / widowed | $10,000 | $23,000 or less | 20% per $1 over threshold |
| Has a spouse / partner (only one is CDB-eligible) | $14,000 combined | $32,500 or less | 20% per $1 over threshold |
| Both partners are CDB-eligible | $14,000 combined | $32,500 or less | 10% per $1 each |
Use the official estimator to calculate your exact benefit amount:
Service Canada CDB estimator →How to apply
Applications opened June 20, 2025. Payments begin the month after approval, on the 3rd Thursday of the month.
What you need
- • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- • Mailing address
- • Status in Canada
- • 2024 line 23600 of tax return (optional but speeds processing)
- • Direct deposit information
- • 6-digit application code (if received by letter)
Back payments: Up to 24 months from application receipt -- but never before June 2025.
2026 payment dates
3rd Thursday of each month — source: canada.ca/en/services/benefits/calendar.html
January
Jan 15
February
Feb 19
March
Mar 19
April
Apr 16
May
May 21
June
Jun 18
July
Jul 16
August
Aug 20
September
Sep 17
October
Oct 15
November
Nov 19
December
Dec 17
Annual renewal
No reapplication required. Service Canada reviews eligibility yearly and sends a confirmation letter each June. (began June 2026)
Applicant and partner must file taxes by April 30 to maintain uninterrupted 2026-2027 payments.
Don't have the DTC yet?
The Disability Tax Credit (Form T2201) is the prerequisite for the CDB. Our guide walks through eligibility, the Part A/Part B requirements, which medical practitioners can certify, and what to do if CRA returns your application.
Full Disability Tax Credit guide →Free eligibility + application checklist
Download a printable PDF with the DTC gateway, eligibility checklist, income test, application steps, and renewal reminders.
Free. General information only -- not legal or regulatory advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Canada Disability Benefit?
The maximum is $200/month ($2,400/year) for the July 2025 - June 2026 benefit year, based on 2024 adjusted family net income. It is non-taxable and indexed to inflation annually. Verify the current amount at canada.ca.
Do I need the DTC to get the CDB?
Yes. An approved Disability Tax Credit is the mandatory gateway. Without it, you cannot receive the CDB regardless of income or disability severity.
What income is excluded from the CDB income test?
Working income: up to $10,000 (single) or $14,000 combined (couple) is excluded as of 2026-07. Figures re-index annually.
What are the 2026 DTC process changes?
July 14, 2026: the CRA "Submit documents" feature can no longer be used for DTC — use the digital form or mail. September 8, 2026: pre-2023 T2201 versions no longer accepted; use versions 23e or 23f.
Does the CDB affect my taxes or other benefits?
The CDB is non-taxable and does not appear on a tax slip. It does not count as income for GST/HST credit or other income-tested benefits. Verify with Service Canada if you receive provincial benefits.
Official sources
Last verified: July 2026 · Benefit figures re-index annually — verify current amounts at canada.ca before applying.