The Child Disability Benefit is a key financial support program in Canada for families who care for children with disabilities. The Canada Revenue Agency manages this program and delivers tax-free monthly payments of up to $284.25 for each qualifying child. This amounts to $3411 per year during the benefit period running from December 2025 through June 2026. The program helps families cover extra costs that come with caring for a child who has a disability. These expenses often include specialized therapy sessions and medical treatments along with adaptive equipment and ongoing caregiving requirements. Since the benefit is completely tax-free families keep the full payment amount that gets deposited into their accounts each month.
What Makes the Child Disability Benefit Different?
The CDB is paid on top of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). The CRA adds the CDB automatically once eligibility is confirmed instead of requiring a separate application process. Families often rely on this support to offset the high and ongoing costs of raising a child with a severe and prolonged disability. These expenses may include assistive technologies & educational support. They may also include mobility devices & special transportation needs. Therapy not covered by insurance is another common expense.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 Child Disability Benefit
Families need to meet specific requirements to receive the $284 monthly payment. Eligibility depends on the child’s disability status and the family’s tax and residency circumstances.
Approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The child must have approval for the Disability Tax Credit through Form T2201 that a qualified medical practitioner completes. This approval shows the child has a severe and long-lasting physical or mental impairment.
Eligibility for the Canada Child Benefit
The family must already get the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). The CDB works as an addition to the CCB and is not available on its own.
Child Must Be Under 18
The benefit applies only to children under 18 years old during the payment period.
Residency Requirements The child must live with the parent or guardian who applies for the CCB and must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Annual Income Tax Filing
Parents or guardians must file their annual tax returns on time. The CRA uses the family’s net income from the previous tax year to determine the CDB amount.
Payment Amounts and Income Thresholds for 2025
The maximum benefit for December 2025 through June 2026 stays at $3,411 per year or about $284.25 each month. Payments start to decrease when a family’s adjusted net income goes above $81222 based on their 2024 tax return.\
Income Reduction Structure
| Family Net Income | Reduction Rate | Impact on CDB Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $81,222 | No reduction | Full monthly benefit provided |
| Above $81,222 (one child) | 3.2% rate | Benefit amount decreases gradually |
| Above $81,222 (two or more children) | 5.7% rate | Faster reduction in total benefit |
How the CDB Is Paid
The Child Disability Benefit gets paid once a month & typically arrives around the 20th. The CRA includes the CDB payment with the regular Canada Child Benefit deposit that families already receive. This means parents do not need to submit separate requests or fill out extra forms after their eligibility has been confirmed.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Administered by | Canada Revenue Agency |
| Maximum Annual Amount | $3,411 per child |
| Monthly Amount | Approximately $284.25 |
| Tax Status | Fully tax-free benefit |
| Payment Frequency | Paid monthly along with the CCB |
| Eligibility Basis | Child approved for DTC and living in a CCB-eligible household |
Key Program Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Administered by | Canada Revenue Agency |
| Maximum Annual Amount | $3,411 per child |
| Monthly Amount | Approximately $284.25 |
| Tax Status | Fully tax-free benefit |
| Payment Frequency | Paid monthly along with the CCB |
| Eligibility Basis | Child approved for DTC and living in a CCB-eligible household |
Impact of the $284 Monthly Benefit on Canadian Families
The Child Disability Benefit helps families handle the extra costs that come with raising a child who has special needs. The money can be used for therapy services that insurance does not cover completely.
– It can pay for specialized learning materials and speech therapy or occupational therapy or behavioral therapy.
– Families can buy mobility aids and assistive devices with this funding.
– The benefit also helps with additional transportation expenses and supports parents who need to work fewer hours to care for their child.
– These financial supports allow families to stay stable while making sure their children get the care they need.
Sample Monthly Benefit Calculations
| Family Net Income | Eligible Children | Amount per Child | Total Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| $70,000 | 1 | $284.25 | $284.25 |
| $85,000 | 1 | $246.46 | $246.46 |
| $90,000 | 2 | $200.78 | $401.56 |
| $100,000 | 2 | $133.97 | $267.94 |
CRA Updates and Inflation Adjustments for 2025
The CRA has updated the maximum CDB amount for 2025 to keep up with inflation. Families should watch for their deposits and check benefit information through their CRA My Account. Make sure to file your taxes on time so your payments continue without any delays.
