Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to receive the Disability Tax Credit before applying for the Canada Disability Benefit?

Yes. The Canada Disability Benefit is only available to applicants who are approved for and receive the Disability Tax Credit.

2. Why does my income affect the benefit amount?

The Canada Disability Benefit is an income-tested benefit. Eligibility and payments are determined by your net family income from the previous tax year.

3. What is the maximum benefit amount?

The maximum benefit payment is $200 per month or $2,400 per year.

4. When do I receive monthly payments?

• Qualifying applicants will receive a benefit payment every 3rd Thursday of the month between July and June of the following year.
  Please review the benefit payment calendar – Benefits payment dates – Canada.ca.
• If your total yearly benefit payment is less than $240 (i.e., less than $20 a month), you will receive one lump sum payment for the full year instead of monthly payments.

5. What happens if I receive an overpayment?

Recipients of the CDB must notify the government of any changes to their situation in a timely manner.
Penalties may be applied if you knowingly:

• Provide false information, or
• Receive the benefit while knowing you are not eligible.

6. What to do after a benefit recipient passes away?

• If a benefit recipient passes away, contact Service Canada and notify the Canada Revenue Agency of the date of death to avoid an overpayment.
  You will need to cancel the benefit on behalf of the deceased person.
• If a beneficiary dies, their heirs or estate will be eligible to receive a benefit payment for the month in which the beneficiary died (unless that payment has already been received).
• If you receive benefit payments and your spouse or common-law partner has died, contact Service Canada to provide their date of death. Your benefit amount will be recalculated based on your new family income.