3.2 Benefits | Federal and Provincial Disability Programs
Canada Disability Benefit
The Canada Disability Benefit is a federal financial assistance program aimed at providing support for Canadians with disabilities.
This program is a new income-tested benefit providing low- and moderate-income working-age persons with disabilities up to $200 per month in financial support. DTC qualification is required to collect this benefit.
This benefit is available for individuals between the ages of 18 to 64.
This program is available as of July 2nd, 2025.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program, administered through SunLife, designed to provide dental care coverage to uninsured Canadians who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
The CDCP aims to improve access to essential oral health services for eligible individuals. Covered services include:
• Preventive care
• Diagnostic services
• Restorative procedures
• Endodontic treatments
• Periodontal services
• Prosthodontics services
• Oral surgeries
Note: Cosmetic dentistry services, such as teeth whitening, are not covered.
The CDCP is a major step toward improving oral health care access for those facing financial and medical challenges, ensuring qualified individuals can receive essential dental care without financial barriers.
Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD)
Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) is a program provided by the Canadian government that offers financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe and prolonged disability.
To qualify, applicants must have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) through their work history, and the disability must prevent them from doing any substantial work for a prolonged period.
Key points:
• Eligibility: Applicants must have a medical condition that is severe, prolonged, and prevents them from working. You must have contributed to the CPP during your working years.
• Application: You need to submit medical evidence of your disability and demonstrate that you cannot work.
• Benefit Amount: The amount depends on how much you've contributed to the CPP during your working years.
CPPD benefits are intended to provide financial support for people who are unable to earn a living due to a disability. The CPPD is not paid past the age of 64.
Guaranteed Access Program (GAP)
The Guaranteed Access Program (GAP) is designed to provide a one-time, tax-free payout to a person's loved ones at the time of their passing.
This program is available to individuals who hold a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Certificate or are receiving benefits through a federal or provincial disability support program.
Participants contribute a small amount each month in return for a one-time lump sum payment (minimum $10,000) to the person of their choosing.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan for Canadians with disabilities. It includes:
• Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG): A matching contribution from the government, providing up to 300% on personal contributions, with a maximum of $3,500 per year ($10,500 per year if there are retroactive amounts available) and $70,000 lifetime.
• Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB): For those with a Family Net Income of less than $57,376, the government contributes up to $1,000 per year, even if no personal contributions are made, with a $20,000 lifetime maximum.
This program is designed to accumulate savings for a person's future. The Disability Bond and Disability Grant are paid up until the year the recipient turns 49 years of age.
Disability Amount | Transfer
If the person who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) does not have enough taxable income to use the full disability amount, they can transfer the unused portion to a supporting family member. This includes spouses, parents, or other relatives who provide support.
Transferring the disability amount can provide a significant tax refund—up to approximately $1,400 for the 2025 tax year. It allows a supporting family member to reduce their taxes owed by claiming the unused portion of the DTC.
To fully benefit from the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) for 2025, a person needs to have at least $15,000 to $17,000 in federal taxable income. If they are receiving less than this amount, they should consider transferring the disability amount to secure the full refund.
There may also be an opportunity to transfer the disability amount retroactively, if the full amount has not been claimed in previous years.
Provincial Disability Benefits Programs
Locate your province of residence below and click on the link for more information about the provincial disability benefits programs.
Alberta | Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
Provides financial and health benefits to eligible Albertans with a permanent medical condition that severely
impairs their ability to earn a living.
British Columbia | Disability Support Programs
There are several programs in BC for persons living with severe medical impairments.
Manitoba | Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities
Provides income support and access to services for persons with severe and prolonged disabilities.
New Brunswick | Disability Support Program
Delivers personalized supports to adults with disabilities to help them live independently.
Newfoundland and Labrador | Disability Policy Office Services
Coordinates services and supports for persons with disabilities, including home and community care.
Nova Scotia | Disability Support Program (DSP)
Provides residential and community-based support for individuals with disabilities.
Ontario | Disability Support Programs
There are several programs in Ontario for persons living with severe medical impairments.
Prince Edward Island | Accessibility Supports
Helps individuals with disabilities by providing financial assistance and support services.
Québec | Social Solidarity Program
Supports individuals with severely limited capacity for employment due to a disability.
Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID)
Provides income support to people with significant and enduring disabilities.
Northwest Territories | Income Assistance for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
Provides financial assistance to meet basic needs for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Nunavut | Income Assistance Program
Supports individuals and families, including those with disabilities, with basic needs through financial assistance.
Yukon | Services for Persons with Disabilities
Provides support services for Yukoners with disabilities, including community support and employment
services.
