After you apply
After you apply for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), here is what you can expect as you wait for a decision on your application, how long you may have to wait, and what you can do next.
Questions
What to expect after I apply?
After you submit your Canada Disability Benefit application, Service Canada will decide if you qualify based on your application and previous eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit. After review, they will send you a letter with an eligibility decision.
How long will I have to wait?
- You should receive an eligibility decision letter within 28 days of applying for the benefit.
- For applications processed by a legal representative, an eligibility decision should be expected within 49 calendar days.
How do I check the status of my application?
To check the status of your application, please follow the guidance on the Service Canada Benefit page: Contact us – Canada.ca
What happens when your application is approved?
- You will receive a letter confirming your eligibility for the Canada Disability Benefit within 28 days after submitting your application.
- Your first benefit payment is paid one month after your application is received and approved.
- If you applied and qualified after the initial eligibility date in June 2025, you will receive payments for the earlier months in which you qualified.
There will be no payments for months prior to June 2025.
What happens if your application is denied?
1. Request a reconsideration
If you are deemed ineligible, you can request a reconsideration. You must submit a request within 180 days of the date of your decision letter.
To submit a request for reconsideration:
- Print and complete a reconsideration request form.
- Drop it off at a Service Canada office or mail it to: Service Canada Centre CDB Processing Centre P.O. Box 60 Boucherville, QC J4B 5E6
Reconsiderations should be reviewed within 56 calendar days. Service Canada will review your application, and any new information provided in your request, and send you a decision by mail.
2. If your reconsideration request is denied
If your request for reconsideration is denied, you can contact the Social Security Tribunal of Canada (sst-tss.gc.ca) to file an appeal. The SST will notify Service Canada of your appeal.
3. I need help with my appeal
Disability Alliance
Disability Alliance Canada (DAC) provides step-by-step support through applications, renewals, denials, and appeals. They also help people apply for any benefit related to the DTC once approved.
Contact info@disabilityalliancecanada.ca or call (604) 606-4160.
Plan Institute
You can contact the Plan Institute for free one-on-one support to guide you through the process of applying for the Canada Disability Benefit.
Toll-free helpline 1-844-311-7526 | email helpline@planinstitute.ca
Review other key disability benefits
Please look at the other benefits you may be able to get if you do not already:
Social Solidarity Program and Basic Income Program
Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities
Assured Income and AccessAbility Supports
Social Assistance and the Supplementary Allowance
Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability
Disability Benefits under the Quebec Pension Plan
Persons with Disabilities designation (BC)
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
Canada Pension Plan–Disability benefit
Registered Disability Savings Plan
Explore more benefits
When finished with the four disability benefits, learn about other benefits you can receive.
If you already have the 4 key benefits on this site, you can look for other benefits you may be able to get. Please look at our Benefits Wayfinder tool which will show other disability and non-disability related benefits available.