Families in September 2025: Are You Missing This Child Disability Benefit? Having a disability or a child incurs an additional financial burden. The Government of Canada offers special benefits that would alleviate some of this burden to help families and individuals.
The two relevant benefits are the Children’s Disability Benefit (CDB) and the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) for adults. We might look a little closer at the way these programs operate, who is eligible to access them, and the impact they will have on Canadians.
What is the Child Disability Benefit (CDB)?
Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is an annual monthly payment of a tax-free allowance, which is given to those families who are bringing up a child under the age of 18 years with severe and long-term physical or mental impairment. This benefit is to assist parents in affording the additional expenses that may apply to raising a child with disabilities, including medical, therapeutic, or specialized treatment.
The CDB is an addition to an already existing benefit, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). When you have already received the CCB and your child is eligible to receive the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), you do not need to make an individual application. The payments will be automatic.
Overview of Families in September 2025: Are You Missing This Child Disability Benefit? – Overview
| Category | Details |
| Type | Tax-free monthly income support |
| Country | Canada |
| Scheme | Canada Disability Benefit |
| Department | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Benefit Amount | CDB: up to $3,411/year per child. Canada Disability Benefit: up to $200/month |
| Start Date | First payment Sept. 18, 2025 |
| Purpose | To reduce financial stress and improve security for people with disabilities and their families |
| Official Website | canada.ca |
Who Can Get the CDB?
Two primary requirements must be fulfilled to be eligible:
- You are required to already qualify under the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
- Your child has to be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
In case this is the first time you are receiving the CDB, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will consider your previous and current tax years and compute your payments. They can even automatically go up to 2 years. You may simply mail a written request in the case of previous years..
How Much Can Families Receive?
Beginning with the benefit year of July 2025 through June 2026, families earning up to $3,411 per child (approximately $284.25 per month) may receive this benefit in case their child is eligible to receive the DTC.
The amount, however, is dependent on your adjusted family net income (AFNI):
- The payments begin to be reduced in case your AFNI exceeds $81,222.
- On a single child that is eligible, the cut is 3.2% of the income exceeding 81,222.
- In the case of two or more eligible children, the cut is 5.7 percent of income above $81,222.
Each July, CRA recalculates your payments using your family income on the last year’s tax return. As an example, your 2024 tax return is used to determine your payment from July 2025 to June 2026.
Families can use the child and family benefits calculator on the CRA site to determine how much they could receive.
Keeping Your Benefits
To remain eligible to receive the CDB, you should:
- Remain eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
- Ensure that your child remains eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
- You must complete your taxes by the due date every year, even when you do not have any income or the income is tax-free. You must have a partner or spouse, and they must also file their taxes on time.
The CRA refers to the information on the tax returns in order to compute what you pay, and thus it is important to ensure that everything is updated. You should also update your personal information with the CRA in case of a change in your circumstances, including a change of address, marital status, or custody.
In the case of people who have left an abusive or violent environment, there are special provisions in the CRA that allow them to be able to obtain benefits without exposing either themselves or their families to danger.
What is the Canada Disability Benefit?
In July 2025, a new benefit will also be introduced called the Canada Disability Benefit. The benefit is aimed at low-income adults aged 18 to 64 who live with disabilities.
Canada Disability Benefit offers a maximum of $200 a month, which is disbursed through direct deposit or cheque. The initial installments will be made on September 18, 2025.
Similar to the CDB, eligibility requires qualification for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). This new program is expected to benefit approximately 600,000 Canadians through the federal government.
Why These Benefits Matter
The cost of disability can easily run high, both in the case of children and adults. Families might have to pay the prescription cost, mobility aids, therapy, or additional caregiving needs. These costs cause financial stress to many.
The government plans to release monthly payments to relieve some of this pressure and allow families and individuals to live with dignity, stability, and security. The CDB concentrates on families having children, whereas the Canada Disability Benefit assists adults, but with additional assistance, particularly those with low incomes.
Final Thoughts
Living with or caring for someone with a disability can be overwhelming at times—not only emotionally, but also financially. Programs like the Child Disability Benefit and the Canada Disability Benefit show recognition from the government that families and individuals with disabilities deserve extra support.
These benefits won’t remove all challenges, but they can make life a little easier. By helping with everyday expenses and providing some financial breathing room, they allow families and individuals to focus more on well-being, growth, and independence.
If you think you may qualify, check your eligibility, keep your taxes up to date, and don’t hesitate to explore these supports—they exist to help.
| Home Page | https://aiis.org/ |
FAQs for Families in September 2025
Q1. Do I have to claim the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) separately?
No. In the case you are already under the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and your child is a recipient of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the CDB will be automatically added.
Q2. How much can families receive through the CDB?
For July 2025 to June 2026, up to $3,411 per child per year (about $284.25/month). The amount decreases once the adjusted family net income is over $81,222.
Q3. Who can receive the new Canada Disability Benefit?
Low-income adults aged 18–64 who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Q4. How much is the Canada Disability Benefit?
Up to $200 per month, starting in July 2025. First payments are expected on September 18, 2025.
Q5. Do I need to file taxes to keep receiving benefits?
Yes. You and your spouse/partner (if any) must file taxes every year on time, even if you had no income. The CRA uses tax return information to calculate your payments.
