After years of anticipation, the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) was finally made available in July 2025. The benefit was initially proposed as a means to lift people with disabilities out of poverty. Despite significant organizing from advocates across the country, however, there remain issues around the new legislation and its rollout. Here is a look at our thoughts on the CDB so far, and how to prepare to apply for it.  

The Canada Disability Benefit remains too little for too few  

The CDB offers up to $200/month for up to $2400 a year to recipients of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) that qualify under restrictive income thresholds. Single individuals, for example, qualify for the full amount if their income falls below $23,000, with a working exemption of $10,000. The benefit gradually reduces until their income rises above $45,000. For more information on income thresholds and to find out how much you might receive, visit the federal government’s benefit estimator. 

But while these thresholds were set in place to ensure that the benefit goes to those who need it most, many people who struggle financially are not able to access the payment. Because the income exemption applies only to working income, many people with rental or investment income who still struggle to meet their basic needs are left out of the benefit. As income is measured by taxes that have already been filed, those who have experienced significant income changes in 2025 must wait until after the next tax season to qualify for financial support they may need now.  

Some people with disabilities who qualified are still missing their first payment. 

There were also complications around initial CDB payments. The government originally miscalculated working income, which left people who qualified early for the benefit with incorrect payment amounts. Service Canada acted swiftly and has already contacted those affected. However, these technical difficulties have caused payment delays that many cannot afford. We have heard from a few clients who are still waiting for their first payment amounts to be readjusted and returned to them.  

With the CDB in effect, Albertans with disabilities face more pressure to apply for the Disability Tax Credit  

Depending on where you live, applying for the CDB has been especially daunting. One of the central concerns around the CDB has been around how the benefit interacts with existing provincial and territorial disability programs. Most provinces and territories announced that CDB payments would not affect income or disability assistance payments; Alberta is currently the only province to claw-back CDB payments from disability assistance (AISH) payments.  

This summer, the Alberta government asked AISH recipients to provide updates on their DTC application status by September 5 or risk a reduction of their disability payments. This measure caused many people who rely on AISH to engage in a difficult, and at times, costly application process without the promise of additional money in their pockets. The Alberta government has agreed to fund medical costs related to applying, but it remains unclear how they will reimburse applicants.  

What to do to prepare 

While the CDB still has some kinks to work out, it is still the first benefit of its kind—a way for the federal government to provide some needed financial relief to people with disabilities facing exorbitant costs of living.  

If you are looking to apply, we recommend making sure you’re as prepared as possible:  

How to apply:  

• Step 1: Apply for the DTC. For in-depth guides and a tool to help you speak with your medical practitioner, visit our online app, My DTC: mydtc.dabc.ca (ENG), monciph.dabc.ca (FR) 

• If you’re living in Alberta, make sure you inform the government of your DTC status by filling out this questionnaire. 

• Step 2: Make sure your taxes are up to date.  

• Step 3: Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit online, by phone, in person, or by mail. For in-depth guides, frequently asked questions, timeline and next steps, visit canadadisabilitybenefit.ca 

To keep up to date on information about the CDB, visit Plan Institute’s website: canadadisabilitybenefit.ca. 

The Access RDSP Partnership can help you every step of the way 

If you need assistance with any step of the application process, or need help to appeal a decision, contact our Access RDSP Partnership. Services are available within BC and across Canada. 

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax you owe. You might know that eligible applicants must be approved for the DTC before gaining access to other benefits, like the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). It’s an important benefit—and many people with disabilities face barriers to accessing it because medical practitioners generally charge a fee for filling out their part of the DTC application form.  

Last October, during RDSP Awareness Month, we launched our DTC Medical Fees Fund—a mutual aid fund that can help eligible applicants cover their DTC medical certification fees. A big thank you to all who have contributed to the Fund so far! It’s very encouraging to see the DABC community providing this support. We’ve now surpassed the $3,200 mark in total funds raised, with 100% of all funds contributed going directly to cover the cost of DTC applicants’ medical certification fees. 

From April 17th-May 17th, we accepted applications for our first round of funding. We had very high interest in the fund! While we weren’t able to cover every applicant’s DTC costs this round, we are renewing our call for support this RDSP Awareness Month. We want to help as many people as we can. 

Donations of all amounts are welcome, with every contribution of $100-250 covering approximately one applicant’s fee. Our most generous contribution so far has been from a donor providing $1000 to cover a handful of applicants’ fees. Donations through this fund are such a tangible way to know the personal impact of your gift. To make your contribution today, click the following link and scroll to the bottom of the page: DTC Medical Fees Fund | DABC. 

Can’t donate? We’d be very appreciative if you could help spread the word! 

Today, October 1st, marks the beginning of RDSP Awareness Month! In 2014, the government of BC declared October RDSP Awareness Month to help raise awareness about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The RDSP is the world’s first savings plan specifically designed for people with disabilities.  

The RDSP is particularly revolutionary because people who are eligible for the RDSP can benefit even if they cannot put any money into the plan or can contribute very little. Individuals 49 and under who qualify for the RDSP may be eligible for government grants and bonds, which can total up to $90,000 over the lifetime of the RDSP—and, in BC, it will not affect other disability benefits. 

To open an RDSP, you must be found eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). More people would qualify than you might think.  

Do you have difficulty with either walking, eating, making meals, getting dressed, speaking, hearing, seeing, using the toilet, or with mental functioning? Or do you need a type of therapy to help keep you alive? If so, watch this space and follow us on social media to learn more about how you might be eligible.  

Throughout October we’ll be posting about all things RDSP and DTC, including: 

• Our online DTC tool, My DTC: https://mydtc.dabc.ca/ 
• Access RDSP’S two upcoming “Ask the Experts” online sessions: Disability Tax Credit and Tax Topics on the DTC (October 22nd) and the RDSP and Financial Planning (October 27th)
• Our DTC Medical Fees Fund, through which we aim to lessen financial barriers people may experience to applying for the DTC 
• The DTC and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) 
• The DTC and its other benefits 

If you need help with the Disability Tax Credit: 

• BC Residents: Contact Access DTC at dtc@dabc.ca or 604-923-8136
• Residents of all other provinces: Contact Disability Alliance Canada at dtc@disabilityalliancecanada.ca or (604) 606-4160 
• Reach out to our Access RDSP partners at Plan Institute and BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS): https://www.rdsp.com/access-rdsp/  

Learn more at https://www.rdsp.com/month/.