The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), enacted through Bill C-22, provides up to $200 per month ($2,400/year) to working-age adults (18-64) who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. For autistic adults, this supplements existing provincial supports like ODSP. Payments began in July 2025 and are automatically calculated based on income and DTC status.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
The Canada Disability Benefit is a federal income supplement for working-age adults with disabilities. Eligibility is tied to the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) — if you or your adult child are DTC-eligible, you may qualify. The benefit is income-tested, with maximum payments going to those with the lowest incomes.
The Canada Disability Benefit is a federal income supplement for working-age adults with disabilities. Eligibility is tied to the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) — if you or your adult child are DTC-eligible, you may qualify. The benefit is income-tested, with maximum payments going to those with the lowest incomes.
For autistic adults receiving ODSP in Ontario, the CDB provides additional federal income. The Ontario government has stated it will not claw back CDB payments from ODSP recipients, though advocacy groups continue to monitor this commitment.
To receive the CDB: (1) Ensure DTC eligibility is current — file or update Form T2201 with CRA. (2) File annual tax returns even if income is zero. (3) The CDB is calculated automatically by CRA; no separate application is needed if DTC is approved and taxes are filed.
ESDC
Employment and Social Development Canada, Canada Disability Benefit Regulations (2025)
Parliament
Bill C-22, Canada Disability Benefit Act (Royal Assent, June 2023)
Yes, the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and provincial OAP funding are separate programs. Learn how to stack both for maximum family support.
Children age out of OAP at 18 with no automatic transfer to adult services. Learn about the transition gap, Passport, ODSP, and planning ahead.
The Ontario Passport Program provides funding for adults 18+ with developmental disabilities. Learn amounts, eligibility, and how autism qualifies.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Verified Facts
$200/month, The Canada Disability Benefit provides up to for eligible Canadians with disabilities
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
1 in 50, According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement