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Federal Disability Programs, Benefits, and Credits

Text: "Federal Disability Programs, Benefits, and Credits" with Canada flag in the background

The Government of Canada has many programs to help you supplement your sources of income if you’re living with a disability. These include disability pensions, children’s benefits, savings plans and more. You may be eligible to get disability benefits from different sources. Apply for benefits as soon as possible. It may take up to several months before you receive any benefits.

Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability.html  

Agency: Employment and Social Development Canada 

Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits

Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html 

What These Benefits Offer
  • EI sickness benefits can provide you with up to 26 weeks of financial assistance if you can’t work for medical reasons. You could receive 55% of your earnings up to a maximum of $668 a week. 
  • You must get a medical certificate showing that you’re unable to work for medical reasons and for approximately how long. Medical reasons include illness, injury, quarantine or any medical condition that prevents you from working. 
How to Apply/Application

 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness/apply.html

 

Contact Information

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/contact/ei-individual.html
 

Note: If your medical condition is expected to be long-term or permanent, you may be eligible for other benefits, such as Canada Pension Plan disability benefits or Quebec Pension Plan disability benefits (see below). 

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefit

Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit.html  

CPP Disability Benefit

The disability benefit is a monthly payment you can get if you: 

  • are under 65 
  • contributed enough to the Canada Pension Plan 
  • have a mental or physical disability that regularly stops you from doing any type of substantially gainful work 
  • have a disability that is long-term and of indefinite duration, or is likely to result in death

CPP Post-Retirement Disability Benefit

If you currently get the monthly CPP retirement pension, you could receive the Canada Pension Plan post-retirement disability benefit if you: 

  • are 60 to 65 
  • contributed enough to the CPP 
  • have a mental or physical disability that regularly stops you from doing any type of substantially gainful work 
  • have a disability that is long-term and of indefinite duration, or is likely to result in death 
  • have been receiving the CPP retirement pension for more than 15 months or become disabled after starting to receive the retirement pension 

CPP Children’s Benefit 

If you are getting a disability benefit, any of your dependent children can get a monthly payment if they are: 

  • under 18, or 
  • between 18 and 25 and attending school full time 

How to Apply/Application

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit/apply.html  

Contact Information

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/contact/cpp.html 

 Note: If you live in Quebec, you would not apply for the disability benefit under the Canada Pension Plan. You can apply for the Quebec Pension Plan disability benefit (see provincial disability programs below).  

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Children’s Benefit

Website

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-childrens-benefit.html  

About This Program

  • The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) children’s benefits provide monthly payments to the dependent children of disabled or deceased CPP contributors. 
  • A child may be eligible if:  
  • The parent or guardian is receiving a CPP disability benefit (either the disability benefit or the post-retirement disability benefit) 
  • They are under 18, or 
  • Under age 25 and in full-time attendance at a recognized school or university 

    How to Apply/Application

    https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-childrens-benefit.html  

    Contact Information

     https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/contact/cpp.html 

    Note: Once a child turns 25, they are no longer eligible for these benefits. 

    Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

    Website

    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-disability-benefit.html  

    About This Program

    • The child disability benefit (CDB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. 
    • To get the CDB:  
    • You must be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) 
    • Your child must be eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC) 

    How to Apply

    If you are already getting the CCB for your child who is eligible for the DTC, you do not need to apply for the CDB. You will get it automatically. 

    Contact Information

    For general questions related to the CDB, call 1-800-387-1193 or for information related to the DTC, call 1-800-959-8281. 

    Disability Benefits for Veterans

    Website

    https://veterans.gc.ca/en/mental-and-physical-health/physical-health-and-wellness/compensation-illness-or-injury/disability-benefits  

    About This Program

    • A disability benefit is a tax-free, financial payment to support your well-being. 
    • The amount you receive depends on the degree to which your condition is related to your service (entitlement) and the severity of your condition, including its impact on your quality of life (assessment). 
    • To qualify for a disability benefit you must be one of the following: 
    • Canadian Armed Forces member or Veteran, 
    • a current or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), 
    • Second World War or Korean War Veteran (includes Merchant Navy), or 
    • certain civilians who served in the Second World War. 
    • You should apply for a disability benefit if you: 
    • have a diagnosed medical condition or disability; and 
    • are able to show that the condition is related to your service. 
    • If you qualify for a disability benefit, you will receive either a: 
    • Pain and Suffering Compensation – a life-time monthly benefit or lump sum benefit – the choice is yours. 
    • Disability Pension * – a life-time monthly benefit. If you have any dependents (e.g. spouse, common-law partner and/or children), your monthly amount will be increased. 
    • *A Disability Pension is provided if you served with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in the Second World War or Korean War. For other CAF service, a disability pension is provided in relation to any application prior to April 1, 2006.

    How to Apply/Application

    https://veterans.gc.ca/en/news-and-media/articles-veterans-and-families/what-do-i-need-include-my-application-disability-benefit OR https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/about-vac/resources/forms/document/pen-923  

    Contact Information

    https://veterans.gc.ca/en/contact-us 

    Student Aid

    Website

    https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans/disabilities.html  

    Education funding for people with disabilities: