What is the Child Disability Benefit (CDB)?
The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is a tax-free monthly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for families caring for a child under 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. It is administered by the CRA.
Who is eligible?
To get the CDB, you must:
- Be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
- Have a child eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
A child is eligible for the DTC when a medical practitioner certifies on Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate) that the child has a severe and prolonged impairment, and the CRA approves the form. You can send the form at any time during the year.
How to apply?
If you are already getting the CCB for your child who is eligible for the DTC, you do not need to apply for the CDB. You will get it automatically. If this is your first time getting the CDB, the CRA will automatically calculate your payments for the current and two previous benefit years. For years before that, send a written request to your tax centre.
How much can you receive?
Your CDB payments are calculated using:
- Number of eligible children
- Adjusted family net income (AFNI)
Every July, payments are recalculated based on your AFNI from the previous year. For July 2026 to June 2027, you could get up to $3,480 ($290 per month) for each child eligible for the DTC. The benefit starts being reduced when AFNI exceeds $82,847. The reduction is 3.2% of the amount above $82,847 for one eligible child, and 5.7% for two or more eligible children.
Use the child and family benefits calculator to estimate your payments.
How to continue getting benefits?
You must remain eligible for the CCB and your child must remain eligible for the DTC. To avoid delays, file your taxes on time every year, even if you had no income. Your spouse or common-law partner must also file on time. Keep your personal information updated with the CRA.
Relationship with CCB
The CDB is separate from the CCB but linked. It is an extra payment automatically given to families already receiving CCB for a child eligible for the DTC.
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