Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) & ODSP Integration

Understanding the New Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)

The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a landmark federal income supplement enacted under the Canada Disability Benefit Act to reduce poverty among working-age Canadians with disabilities.

Starting in 2025, eligible individuals receive up to $200 per month ($2,400 annually) in direct federal payments.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the federal CDB:

1. You must be between ages 18 and 64.
2. You must have a valid, approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate on file with the CRA.
3. Income eligibility is tied to household income thresholds calculated via your annual tax return.

Ontario’s Zero Clawback Commitment

The most important question for ODSP recipients is whether provincial benefits will be reduced by federal payments.

The Province of Ontario has committed to 100% exemption for the Canada Disability Benefit. This means:

• Every dollar received from the CDB is completely exempt as income and assets under ODSP.
• Your monthly ODSP check will not be reduced by a single cent when you receive the CDB!

Because CDB eligibility requires the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC), ensure your Form T2201 is up to date with the CRA to receive automatic payments when launched!

DTC Requirement Reminder