In a major win for families caring for children with disabilities, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced a $2,000 increase to the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) starting July 2025.
This move is designed to ease the financial burden on households managing the rising costs of caregiving, therapies, medical needs, and adaptive equipment. It reflects the federal government’s focus on providing inclusive, long-term support to vulnerable families across Canada.
Monthly Payout Structure: How Much Will Families Get?
The $2,000 increase will not come as a one-time payment but will be evenly distributed across the benefit year. This means eligible families will receive an additional $166 per month, making it easier to budget for consistent needs such as:
- Occupational or speech therapies
- Special education resources
- Wheelchairs and assistive technology
The increased amount will be automatically included in the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments beginning July 2025.
Who Is Eligible for the 2025 CDB Increase?
To qualify for the additional $2,000 Child Disability Benefit, families must meet specific CRA eligibility guidelines:
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Child and caregiver must be residents of Canada |
| Age | Child must be under 18 years old |
| Disability Tax Credit (DTC) | Child must have an approved DTC certificate |
| Income Threshold | Based on adjusted family net income |
| Tax Compliance | 2024 tax return must be filed on time |
Importantly, new DTC approvals in 2025 will automatically be reviewed for the increased benefit, without requiring a separate application.
How to Receive the Full Amount Without Delays
To avoid any disruptions in payment and ensure timely access to the enhanced CDB, the CRA advises families to take the following actions:
- Confirm that the DTC is valid through 2025
- File 2024 taxes before the CRA deadline
- Update personal information (custody status, marital status, address) with CRA
- Use the CRA My Account portal to track benefits and compliance
Payments will continue to be deposited through the same method currently used for Canada Child Benefit payments.
Provincial Benefits That May Increase With CDB
Receiving the Child Disability Benefit often qualifies families for additional provincial and territorial supports, which may also be adjusted in light of the federal increase:
- Respite care funding for family caregivers
- Housing support programs for children with disabilities
- Education grants tailored to special learning needs
- Medical equipment assistance, such as walkers and communication devices
Families are advised to consult their local disability support offices to explore new or increased options for financial assistance that may now become available.
CRA to Launch Updated My Account Dashboard in July 2025
Alongside the benefit boost, the CRA plans to introduce an enhanced digital dashboard for My Account users by late July 2025. This new interface will help families:
- Track benefit disbursements in real time
- Check DTC and tax filing status
- Update contact details
- Monitor eligibility status without needing to contact support
The user-friendly redesign is aimed at making government support more accessible and transparent, especially for caregivers who rely heavily on these payments.
No Separate Application Required: The Process Is Automatic
Families currently receiving the Child Disability Benefit do not need to submit a new application for the increase. If your child is already approved for the DTC and your 2024 taxes are filed correctly, the additional $166 per month will be added automatically starting July 2025.
This seamless integration ensures zero paperwork and no wait times, allowing families to plan their caregiving budgets with confidence.
FAQs
Q1. Who qualifies for the $2,000 CRA Child Disability Benefit Boost?
Children under 18 with an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC), who live in Canada with a tax-filing caregiver, are typically eligible.
Q2. Is the $2,000 benefit paid as a lump sum?
No, the increase is spread out monthly—roughly $166 per month starting July 2025.
Q3. Do I need to apply separately to receive the increase?
No, the increase will be automatically added to your current CCB/CDB payments, provided all CRA requirements are met.
