To qualify for the CDB, you must be between 18 and 64 years of age, a Canadian resident for tax purposes, hold a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate, and file an annual income tax return. If you do not already have the DTC, you must apply for it first, which requires a medical practitioner to complete the T2201 form.
The DTC is a prerequisite for the CDB. Have your medical practitioner complete the T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate. For autistic individuals, the relevant category is typically "mental functions necessary for everyday life." CRA processing of T2201 applications takes 6-8 weeks. Apply early to avoid delays in your CDB application.
The CDB is income-tested, so you must file an annual income tax return. If you have not been filing, you can file for previous years. Filing is free through CRA's online services or community volunteer tax clinics. Even if you have no income, filing is required to establish eligibility and calculate your benefit amount.
Apply for the CDB through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) online portal (My Account), by phone, or by paper application. You will need your Social Insurance Number, DTC certificate number, and most recent tax information. The online application is the fastest method and provides immediate confirmation of receipt.
The CDB is designed to supplement provincial disability programs, but each province determines how the CDB affects its own programs. Check with Ontario's ODSP office to understand whether CDB payments are treated as income for ODSP purposes. Advocacy organizations are actively working to ensure CDB is not clawed back from provincial benefits.
Government of Canada
Canada Disability Benefit Act and program details (canada.ca/disability-benefit)
Canada Revenue Agency
Disability Tax Credit (DTC) application process and T2201 form (canada.ca/cra)
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