Canadians are getting bigger disability benefit payments this week
Eligible Canadians are getting increased Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) payments this week.
Since 2018, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has used a process called indexation to adjust benefit and credit payments to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living.
In 2026, the indexation increase will be two per cent, which means some benefit and credit payments will increase by that amount. In comparison, it will be a lower hike than the 2.7 per cent increase in 2025.
The maximum benefits and the income thresholds are indexed annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The CRA has increased the payment amounts for certain income-tested benefits starting on July 1, 2026, which is the beginning of the new benefit year. This includes the CDB, which will be paid out on Thursday, July 16.
Who’s eligible for this benefit
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The disability benefit provides financial support to people with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64 years old.
To apply, you must meet several eligibility requirements.
Canadians who qualify would have received letters from Service Canada inviting them to submit a Canada Disability Benefit application. The letter includes a unique six-digit code with instructions on how to apply.
If you didn’t get a letter, you can still apply for the benefit if you have a spouse or common-law partner, and both of you must have filed your 2024 federal income tax return.
To be eligible, you must be one of the following:
- A Canadian citizen
- A permanent resident
- A temporary resident who has lived in Canada throughout the previous 18 months
- A protected person
- An individual registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act
- You can also apply if you’re a Canadian resident between the ages of 18 and 64 who has already been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit that’s meant to reduce the income tax paid by Canadians with physical or mental impairments, or their supporting family members.
To claim the DTC, you must have a medical practitioner certify the effects of your impairment. You may qualify if you have a marked restriction in at least one category: walking, mental functions, dressing, feeding, eliminating (bowel or bladder functions), hearing, speaking, vision, or require life-sustaining therapy.
Although tax season is over, it’s important to note that if your DTC application is approved, you can claim the disability amount on your tax return.
Here’s how much more you could receive
The first month of eligibility for this benefit was in June 2025, and payments began in July 2025. You can still apply, and if you qualify for payments, you’ll begin getting money from the government the month after your application is approved.
“You may receive back payments for up to 24 months from when we get your application, but not for any previous months of eligibility prior to June 2025,” reads the government’s website.
Starting in July, the maximum monthly payment you could receive is $204.20, up from $200 in 2025. The payment will be based on your adjusted family net income from your 2025 federal income tax return.
Check out the other government benefits and credit payments that are increasing this year.