CPP Disability Benefit | Canada Disability Benefit | Canada Disability Benefit 2024 | What is the CDB and why was it introduced | Who is eligible for the CDB and how to apply for it? | How much is the CDB and how will it be paid? | What are the latest updates and news about the CDB?
Are you a person with a disability living in Canada? Do you want to know more about the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), a new monthly payment that will be available to eligible Canadians with disabilities starting from 2024? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about the CDB, including:
- What is the CDB and why was it introduced?
- Who is eligible for the CDB and how to apply for it?
- How much is the CDB and how will it be paid?
- What are the latest updates and news about the CDB?
By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear understanding of the CDB and how it can benefit you or your loved ones. So, let’s get started.
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Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) 2024
What is the CDB and why was it introduced?
The CDB is a new monthly payment that will be available to eligible Canadians with disabilities starting from 2024. The CDB was introduced by the federal government in the 2021 budget as part of its commitment to build a more inclusive and accessible Canada for people with disabilities. The CDB aims to:
- Provide a consistent and reliable source of income for people with disabilities who face extra costs and barriers due to their disability.
- Reduce poverty and inequality among people with disabilities who are often among the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society.
- Support the participation and inclusion of people with disabilities in the social and economic life of Canada.
The CDB is expected to benefit about 1.8 million Canadians with disabilities who are currently not receiving adequate support from existing programs and services. The CDB will complement and not replace other federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal benefits that people with disabilities may be receiving.
Who is eligible for the CDB and how to apply for it?
To be eligible for the CDB, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a protected person, or a registered Indian under the Indian Act.
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must have a disability that is severe and prolonged, meaning that it:
- Affects your ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, feeding, or communicating.
- Is expected to last for at least 12 months or is likely to result in death.
- Is certified by a medical practitioner or a nurse practitioner.
To apply for the CDB, you will need to fill out and submit an application form that will be available online or by mail from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in 2023. You will also need to provide supporting documents, such as:
- Proof of identity and residency, such as a birth certificate, a passport, or a driver’s license.
- Proof of disability, such as a medical report, a prescription, or a letter from a health care provider.
- Proof of income and assets, such as a tax return, a bank statement, or a pay stub.
The CRA will review your application and determine your eligibility and amount of the CDB based on your income, assets, and disability. You will receive a notice of determination from the CRA informing you of the decision and the reasons for it. If you are approved for the CDB, you will start receiving the monthly payments from 2024. If you are denied or disagree with the decision, you can request a reconsideration or an appeal within a specified time limit.
How much is the CDB and how will it be paid?
The amount of the CDB will vary depending on your income, assets, and disability. The CDB will be calculated using a sliding scale that will take into account your individual and family circumstances. The CDB will be designed to ensure that you do not lose any benefits or services that you are currently receiving from other sources. The CDB will also be indexed to inflation to keep up with the rising cost of living.
The exact amount of the CDB will be announced by the federal government in 2023, after consulting with people with disabilities, their families, and their advocates. However, based on the 2021 budget, the CDB is expected to provide an average of $600 per month to eligible Canadians with disabilities, which is equivalent to about $7,200 per year. This is significantly higher than the current average of $300 per month that people with disabilities receive from the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), the main federal income support program for low-income workers with disabilities.
The CDB will be paid monthly by direct deposit or cheque to your bank account or mailing address. You will need to file your income tax return every year to continue receiving the CDB and to report any changes in your income, assets, or disability. You will also need to renew your application every few years to confirm your eligibility and update your information.
What are the latest updates and news about the CDB?
The CDB is still in the planning and development stage and is expected to be fully implemented by 2024. The federal government is working closely with people with disabilities, their families, and their advocates to design and deliver the CDB in a way that meets their needs and expectations. The federal government is also collaborating with the provinces, territories, and municipalities to ensure the coordination and integration of the CDB with other benefits and services that people with disabilities may be receiving.
Some of the latest updates and news about the CDB are:
- In June 2021, the federal government announced the creation of the CDB Advisory Group, a diverse and representative group of experts and stakeholders who will provide advice and guidance on the design and delivery of the CDB. The CDB Advisory Group will also engage with people with disabilities, their families, and their advocates across Canada to gather their input and feedback on the CDB.
- In September 2021, the federal government launched the CDB Engagement Portal, an online platform where people with disabilities, their families, and their advocates can share their views and ideas on the CDB. The CDB Engagement Portal will also provide information and updates on the CDB and the CDB Advisory Group. The CDB Engagement Portal will be open until December 2021 and anyone can participate by visiting https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/canada-disability-benefit/engagement-portal.html.
- In January 2022, the federal government will release the CDB Framework, a document that will outline the key features and principles of the CDB, such as the eligibility criteria, the payment amount, and the delivery mechanism. The CDB Framework will also include the results and recommendations from the CDB Engagement Portal and the CDB Advisory Group. The CDB Framework will be available for public consultation and feedback until March 2022.