This non-taxable supplement, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as part of the broader Canada Child Benefit (CCB), is designed to ease the high costs of specialized care, therapies, and adaptive needs associated with childhood disabilities.

As of 2025, eligible families can receive up to $276.83 per month per child, increasing to approximately $284.25 monthly for the 2025–2026 benefit year, based on updated inflation indexing and CRA thresholds.

This article delivers a comprehensive guide to the Canada Child Disability Benefit, covering who qualifies, how much is paid, how to apply, key rules from CRA, payment timelines, and strategies to avoid missed payments.

### What Is the Canada Child Disability Benefit (CDB)?

The Canada Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is a monthly, tax-free supplement paid to low- and middle-income families caring for a child with an eligible disability.

It is provided in addition to the standard Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and depends on both the family’s income and the child’s Disability Tax Credit (DTC) status.

This benefit plays a crucial role in helping families afford extra expenses such as specialized medical equipment, therapies, accessible transportation, medications, and support services needed for children with disabilities.

### CDB Payment Amounts in 2025 and 2026

The CDB is updated each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect inflation. The benefit is paid monthly per eligible child.

CDB Amount Table

Benefit Period	Monthly Payment	Annual Payment
July 2024 – June 2025	$276.83	$3,321.96
July 2025 – June 2026	$284.25	$3,411.00

Payments begin reducing as family income exceeds $81,222, based on CRA calculations and the number of eligible children.

### Income Thresholds and Reduction Rates

The CRA gradually reduces the benefit once adjusted family net income crosses the set threshold. These reduction rates help target support toward families most in need.

Number of Eligible Children	Reduction Rate (Above $81,222)
One	3.2% of income over threshold
Two or More	5.7% of income over threshold

There are exemptions on a portion of earned income:

$10,000 for single parents
$14,000 for couples
These protect working families from steep reductions when earning modest additional income.

### Eligibility Criteria for the CDB in 2025

To receive the Child Disability Benefit, families must meet all the following conditions:

CDB Qualification Table

Eligibility Factor	Requirement
Family Status	Must be receiving the Canada Child Benefit
Child Disability Status	Must have an approved DTC with CRA
Child Age	Under 18 years of age
Income Tax Filing	Must have filed current income tax return

This ensures accurate calculation based on income and CRA validation.

### How to Apply and Get Approved for the CDB

No separate application is needed if you’re already receiving the CCB and your child has an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

However, if your child has not yet been approved for the DTC, follow these steps:

CDB Application Steps

Obtain DTC Certification: Ask a medical practitioner to complete Form T2201.
Submit to CRA: Mail or upload the completed form to the CRA for review.
Wait for Approval: Once the CRA approves the DTC, you are automatically assessed for the CDB.
File Taxes Annually: Keep your income tax filings up to date to avoid benefit delays.

CRA will calculate your monthly entitlement automatically after approval.

### Monthly CDB Payment Schedule for 2025

CDB payments are issued on the third Thursday of every month, alongside Canada Child Benefit payments.

CRA Payment Dates (CDB 2025)

Month	Payment Date
November 2025	November 20, 2025
December 2025	December 20, 2025
January 2026	January 20, 2026

Payments are typically made by direct deposit, but paper cheques are issued if direct deposit info is not on file.

### Other Benefits That Work With the CDB

The Canada Child Disability Benefit is designed to supplement other support programs, not replace them.

Families can receive the CDB in combination with:

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Disability Tax Credit (DTC) refunds
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) grants
Provincial and territorial disability supports

Since the CDB is non-taxable, it does not affect eligibility for other CRA or provincial programs, offering significant financial relief without penalty

### Key CRA Rules and Tips to Avoid Payment Issues

To ensure you continue receiving CDB payments smoothly:

Respond to all CRA letters promptly.
File your taxes every year—even if your income is low or nil.
Update your banking details in CRA’s My Account.
Notify CRA if your family situation changes (e.g. separation, new custody arrangements, etc.).
Reapply for the DTC if the initial period expires before your child turns 18.

Being proactive with documentation and communication is critical to avoid interruptions in support.

### How the CDB Supports Canadian Families

The impact of the Canada Child Disability Benefit extends beyond financial relief.

Benefits for Families:

Supports quality care: Enables access to medical, therapeutic, and developmental services.
Promotes well-being: Improves emotional and physical quality of life for children with disabilities.
Helps parents stay employed: Income exemptions let caregivers continue part-time or flexible work.
Provides stability: Monthly payments bring predictability and peace of mind.
Non-taxable income: Families keep every dollar they receive.

This program reflects Canada’s commitment to inclusive support for vulnerable families.

By maintaining proper documentation and meeting CRA requirements, families across Canada can ensure seamless, ongoing support and an improved quality of life for their children.

(5) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How much is the Canada Child Disability Benefit in 2025?

Families can receive up to $276.83 per month for each eligible child between July 2024 and June 2025, increasing to $284.25 monthly from July 2025 to June 2026.

Q2. Who qualifies for the CDB?

To qualify, the child must be under 18 and have an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The family must also be receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and have filed recent tax returns.

Q3. Do I need to apply separately for the CDB?

No. If your child has an approved DTC and you receive the CCB, the CDB is added automatically by the CRA.

Q4. When are CDB payments made?

Payments are issued monthly, typically on the third Thursday of each month, alongside regular CCB payments.

Q5. Will the CDB affect my other benefits or be taxed?

No. The CDB is non-taxable and does not reduce other provincial or federal benefits like OAS, GIS, or CCB.