The new Canada Disability Benefit is now here
Now let’s call upon elected officials to make it adequate, accessible and free from clawbacks.
Thanks to the tireless advocacy of disability rights organizations, the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is now a reality. Designed to reduce poverty among low-income, working-age persons with disabilities, the CDB marks a significant step forward.
This benefit acknowledges a harsh truth: 25% of Toronto food bank clients report having a disability, and 29% rely on social assistance as their primary source of income (Who’s Hungry 2024).
In partnership with over 40 coalition members, Daily Bread Food Bank has been a leading voice in advocating for a fully funded CDB. Through our Fund the Benefit campaign, nearly 150,000 letters were sent to elected officials, urging strong support. On March 3, the federal government announced the completion of CDB regulations, with the first payments set to roll out in July 2025.
While this is meaningful progress, the benefit falls short in key areas.
Of the 1.5 million Canadians with disabilities living in poverty, only 600,000 will qualify—and just 25,000 are expected to be lifted out of poverty by 2028.
To ensure the CDB is adequate, accessible and impactful, Daily Bread and disability rights advocates are calling on the federal government to make the following improvements:
1. Increase the benefit amount
Raise the benefit to lift recipients above the poverty line, and ensure future budgets include incremental increases to reflect the full cost of living with a disability.
2. Broaden eligibility
Align eligibility with the Accessible Canada Act by removing the requirement for a Disability Tax Credit certificate. Allow individuals receiving any provincial, territorial, or federal disability benefits to qualify.
3. Protect against clawbacks
The 2024 Fall Economic Statement proposed exempting the CDB from being treated as income under the Income Tax Act. This legislative change must be enacted urgently to prevent clawbacks from other income-tested supports like the Canada Child Benefit and provincial disability programs.
4. Individualize eligibility
Set the income threshold at or above the poverty line and base eligibility on individual income, not household income. This protects against financial dependence and abuse.
Learn more at fundthebenefit.ca or read CDB-related stories on our blog.
