CDB
The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. It is paid as a supplement to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). For the period of July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum benefit is $3,480 per year ($290 per month) per eligible child.
• CDB is paid automatically once your child's DTC is approved — no separate application needed • The DTC for children can be applied retroactively for up to 10 years — you may be owed back payments • CDB stacks with provincial autism programs and other family benefits • If denied the DTC, you can appeal to CRA. Deadlines apply, so check your decision letter. • A child's DTC also unlocks RDSP eligibility
• You must be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for the child; • Your child must be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC); • You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes; • You must file your income tax return annually, even if you have no income.
• Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate (completed by a medical practitioner and approved by the CRA); • Annual income tax returns for you and your spouse or common-law partner.
1. Ensure your child is approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) by having a medical practitioner complete Form T2201 and submitting it to the CRA. 2. Ensure you are receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). 3. File your annual income tax return. 4. No separate application for the CDB is required; it is calculated and paid automatically once the DTC and CCB requirements are met.
• Not knowing the CDB exists — many families only know about the CCB • Not applying for the child's DTC — you must have an approved DTC to receive CDB • Not going back 10 years if your child should have had the DTC earlier • Assuming the benefit is too small to bother with — $264/month adds up
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
CPP Children's Benefit
A monthly payment to the dependent children of someone receiving the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit, or of a deceased CPP contributor.
View detailsRepayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with Disabilities
Helps student loan borrowers with disabilities who are struggling to repay by reducing or pausing monthly payments based on income and family size, with an extended eligibility period.
View detailsCanada Disability Savings Bond
Money the Government of Canada pays directly into a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for low- and modest-income Canadians with disabilities — no contribution required.
View detailsFree disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.
National
Pathway to Benefits is a free, national disability benefits navigation program led by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. It helps Canadians with disabilities and their families navigate the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and provincial and territorial support programs, with plain-language guidance and personalized assistance by phone and online.
Languages: English, French
National
The GAIN Program (Guidance & Assistance in Navigating Disability Support) is a free service offered by Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC). VLRC's Disability Benefit Navigators provide one-to-one support to help people with disabilities understand and apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), and other federal, provincial and territorial credits and benefits, including help with appeals. Although operated by VLRC, the GAIN Program assists people with all disabilities, not only vision loss.
Languages: English, French
National
Disability Alliance Canada is a national cross-disability non-profit that provides free one-on-one support to help people navigate federal disability programs, including the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (CPP-D), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). They also offer educational guides, training and workshops, and help with applications, reconsiderations, and appeals.
Languages: English, French
Application denied?
If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.
DTC Help by BJ Clancy is an independent Facebook resource focused on Canada's Disability Tax Credit (DTC). In addition to sharing information and answering questions about the DTC, BJ Clancy can help people understand and work through the DTC application forms and process. The page also provides a space for people to ask questions and discuss their experiences with the Disability Tax Credit. Independent resource. Not affiliated with the Canada Revenue Agency or the Government of Canada.
View details Financial AssistanceRDSP Connect is a private service that helps people understand Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) eligibility and navigate the RDSP process. Services include a free consultation to review eligibility, help completing the documentation to open an RDSP, and ongoing support with planning contributions and investments with the goal of maximizing Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds. Each year, RDSP Connect reviews the client's Grant and Bond Entitlement Statement with them, and can point people to resources for Disability Tax Credit (DTC) questions. RDSP Connect is not a government service and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or with Accessible Compass. This listing is for information only — it is not an endorsement, and Accessible Compass does not guarantee any outcome, including DTC or RDSP approval or any financial result.
View details Financial AssistanceSlinn Tax provides virtual tax services with a focus on Canadians who have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The service offers reviews of DTC-approved tax years to help identify potentially missed tax credits, deductions, benefits, adjustments, and eligible family transfers. Slinn Tax also provides personal income tax preparation and disability-related tax resources. Slinn Tax is an independent, third-party tax service — it is not a government program and is not an Accessible Compass service. Accessible Compass does not provide, endorse, or guarantee the professional services offered by this provider.
View detailsAccessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.
