Starting in July 2025, Canadians between the ages of 18 to 64 can begin applying for a new federal disability benefit, which provides up to $200 a month for those who qualify.
But if you’re over the age of 65, don’t bother applying – the government deems you too old to receive this benefit.
A legacy promise made by former prime minister Justin Trudeau to help lift disabled people out of poverty, the new Canadian Disability Benefit (CDB) provides up to $2,400 a year – although the amount may be reduced depending on your income.
The Liberal government will invest $6.1 billion over six years to support over 600,000 Canadians who live with disabilities. While the new benefit won’t single-handedly lift someone out of poverty, it will provide a timely income boost for those with disabilities who struggle financially.
Many Canadians with disabilities fall into this category. Nationally, nearly one in six people with a disability live in poverty – nearly twice as high as those without disabilities, according to advocacy groups.
“The Canada Disability Benefit marks a significant step forward for working-age Canadians with disabilities,” says CARP’s advocacy spokesperson Bill VanGorder. (CARP is a partner of ZoomerMedia)/
However, he says it’s unfortunate the that CDB is only available to working-age Canadians between the ages of 18 and 64.
“The reality is that many Canadians continue to work – and certainly continue to face disability-related expenses – well beyond age 65,” notes VanGorder.
Instead, he says, seniors with a disability are forced to rely on a “patchwork” of existing federal supports, such as Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
The program is open to those who already qualify for the DTC. Applications are now open and payments start this month. The government will send notices to eligible Canadians with instructions on how to apply.
Learn more about the CDB by visiting the Government of Canada benefits page or a Service Canada office near you.
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