👶 Child Disability Benefit (CDB) – Canada Revenue Agency

The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is a tax‑free monthly payment made to families in Canada who care for a child under the age of 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. It is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is paid as part of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) program.

Official source: CRA – Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

📌 Eligibility Requirements

To receive the CDB you must meet the following conditions:

  • ✔ You (a parent or guardian) are eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
  • ✔ Your child is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), meaning the CRA has approved Form T2201 for the child.

You do not need to apply separately for the CDB if you already receive the CCB for a child who qualifies for the DTC — the CRA will automatically add the CDB to your monthly benefit. If it is your first time receiving the CDB, the CRA can calculate payments for the current benefit year and up to two previous benefit years.

💰 How Much You Can Receive

The amount of the Child Disability Benefit depends on your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from your most recent tax return and the number of eligible children. For the benefit period running from July 2025 to June 2026:

  • 💵 Up to $3,411 per eligible child per year (about $284.25 per month).
  • 📉 Benefit starts to be reduced when your AFNI exceeds about $81,222.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For one child, reduction is 3.2 % of income above the threshold; for two or more eligible children, reduction is 5.7 %.

These payments are non‑taxable and are designed to support families with the extra costs of caring for a child with significant care needs.

📆 Benefit Calculation and Payment Timing

Child Disability Benefit payments follow the same cycle as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). CRA recalculates your CDB amount every July based on your most recently filed tax return.

For example, payments from July 2025 to June 2026 are based on your 2024 tax return. If you haven’t filed, CRA may not have updated income information and this could delay or reduce your payments.

📋 How to Maintain Your Benefit

To continue receiving the CDB without interruption:

  • 📑 File your income tax return every year, even if you had no income.
  • 🏡 Keep your personal information (address, marital status, bank details) up to date with the CRA.
  • 🧾 Ensure your child continues to qualify for the DTC (valid T2201 on file).

If you don’t file your taxes, or if CRA does not have up‑to‑date information, your benefit could be reduced or stopped.

📌 Why the CDB Matters

Families caring for children with severe and prolonged disabilities often face significant costs for therapy, medical care, specialized equipment, and caregiving needs. The CDB is intended to help with these additional expenses and provide predictable support each month.

📚 Related Programs and Credits

  • 🍁 Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – base benefit that includes CDB when a child qualifies for the DTC.
  • 🧑‍⚕️ Disability Tax Credit (DTC) – prerequisite eligibility for the CDB.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Provincial and territorial child disability supplements – additional support in some provinces (e.g., BC).

Source: Canada Revenue Agency – Child Disability Benefit guidance and eligibility rules.