Canada Disability Benefit
The Canada Disability Benefit pays up to about $204 a month for July 2026 to June 2027 to people 18 to 64 with the disability tax credit. Income limits, examples and how to apply.
The short version
- The Canada Disability Benefit pays working-age adults (18 to 64) who are approved for the disability tax credit, up to about $204 a month ($2,450 a year) for July 2026 to June 2027.
- It's income-tested on last year's return: reduced by 20% of income over $23,000 for a single person, or over $32,500 for a couple, after a work income exemption of about $10,200 (single) or $14,300 (couple).
- Unlike most CRA benefits, you apply, through Service Canada, online, by phone or in person. Both spouses must have filed their returns.
- Back payments can go up to 24 months before you apply, but never before June 2025. That makes applying sooner rather than later the cheap mistake to avoid.
- People who got the benefit between July 2025 and June 2026 get a one-time extra $150 on September 17, 2026.
Canada Disability Benefit
The Canada Disability Benefit is the newest federal benefit, and it's modest: a couple of hundred dollars a month, at most. But it stacks on top of provincial support in most provinces, it's tax-free, and it's worth more than $2,400 a year to someone with little income. The two things that keep eligible people from getting it are the disability tax credit approval it requires, and the fact that, unlike the child benefit, it doesn't arrive on its own. You have to ask.
Who Qualifies
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 to 64 |
| Disability tax credit | Approved; see disability tax credit |
| Tax returns | Your previous-year return filed, and your spouse's, if you have one |
| Residence | Resident in Canada for tax, with an eligible status such as citizen, permanent resident or protected person |
| Income | Under the limits below, after the work income exemption |
At 65 it stops, and Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement take over; see benefits for seniors. For children with a disability, the separate Child Disability Benefit applies.
Would you qualify, and for how much?
Tell the assistant your age, province, last year's income (including what came from work), whether you have a spouse, and whether you have the disability tax credit. It estimates your Canada Disability Benefit and lists what to file first.
How Much (July 2026 to June 2027)
| Situation | Work income exemption | Reduced above | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, separated, divorced or widowed | About $10,210 | $23,000 | 20% |
| Couple, one spouse eligible | About $14,294 combined | $32,500 family income | 20% |
| Couple, both eligible | About $14,294 combined | $32,500 family income | 10% each |
Example, single person: last year's income was $8,000 of CPP disability plus $12,000 from part-time work, $20,000 in total. The first $10,210 of work income doesn't count, so countable income is about $9,790, under $23,000: the full $2,450 a year. With $20,000 of CPP disability and no work income, countable income is $20,000, still under $23,000: also the full amount. At $30,000 of non-work income, the reduction is 20% of $7,000, $1,400, leaving about $1,050.
How It Fits With Other Support
- Provincial disability support: Ontario and B.C. have said the benefit won't reduce their disability assistance. Other provinces vary; ask yours.
- Taxes: it's not taxable and doesn't count as income for other federal benefits.
- RDSP: disability tax credit approval also opens an RDSP, with government grants and bonds; see benefits for low-income Canadians.
- Canada workers benefit: people with the disability tax credit get an extra disability supplement; see Canada workers benefit.
How to Apply
- Get the disability tax credit approved if you haven't. A medical practitioner certifies form T2201. Past years can often be claimed too; see retroactive disability tax credit.
- File last year's return, and make sure your spouse files. Behind? See filing late.
- Apply to Service Canada online, by phone, in person or on paper. Processing takes about four weeks for a complete application.
- Set up direct deposit. Payments come on the third Thursday of each month; see benefit payment dates.
- File every year after that to keep it coming; see why benefits stop.
Canada Disability Benefit Questions
How much is the Canada Disability Benefit?
Up to about $204 a month, or $2,450 a year, for July 2026 to June 2027. It is reduced as income rises above $23,000 for a single person or $32,500 for a couple, after a work income exemption.
Who is eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit?
People aged 18 to 64 who are approved for the disability tax credit, are resident in Canada with an eligible status, have filed their previous year’s tax return (and their spouse’s), and have income under the limits.
Do I need to apply for the Canada Disability Benefit?
Yes. Unlike the Child Disability Benefit, it is not automatic. Apply through Service Canada online, by phone, in person or by mail.
Is the Canada Disability Benefit taxable?
No. It is tax-free.
Can I get back payments for the Canada Disability Benefit?
Yes, for up to 24 months before the month you apply, but not for any month before June 2025.
Does the Canada Disability Benefit reduce provincial disability support?
Ontario and British Columbia have said it will not reduce their disability assistance. Other provinces’ rules vary, so check with yours.
Sources: Government of Canada, Canada Disability Benefit; ESDC, Canada Disability Benefit amounts; Live in Canada, Canada Disability Benefit 2026 guide. Checked October 2026. The July 2026 to June 2027 amounts and exemptions come from a secondary source citing Service Canada; the $150 extra payment and back-payment rules come from the federal page. The examples are our estimates and ignore other details of how income is counted. Provincial interactions change; confirm with your province.
Last reviewed October 5, 2026 against CRA and Government of Canada sources. How we check our facts.