Families caring for children with disabilities are set to receive additional support in 2025, as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed a $2,000 increase to the Child Disability Benefit (CDB).
This federal enhancement begins July 2025 and aims to ease the burden of growing medical and caregiving costs for eligible households.
How Much Will Families Receive?
Instead of a one-time payment, the $2,000 boost will be spread out evenly across the benefit year. This translates to an additional $166 per month, which will be automatically added to Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments for those who qualify.
Monthly Payout Breakdown
| Month | Additional Payment |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | $166 |
| August 2025 | $166 |
| September 2025 | $166 |
| … | … |
| June 2026 | $166 |
| Total Annual Boost | $2,000 |
This structure helps families plan ahead and cover ongoing expenses such as therapy, equipment, and adaptive learning tools.
Who Is Eligible for the $2,000 Increase?
To receive the enhanced CDB starting July 2025, families must meet the CRA’s eligibility criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Child and caregiver must reside in Canada |
| Child’s Age | Must be under 18 years old |
| Disability Tax Credit (DTC) | Child must have an approved and valid DTC certificate |
| Tax Compliance | 2024 tax return must be filed on time |
| Income Threshold | Based on family net income; full benefits for lower-income households |
Families newly approved for the DTC in 2025 will also be automatically assessed for the increase—no additional application is needed.
How to Ensure You Receive the Full Benefit
To avoid delays and receive your full monthly benefit, the CRA recommends:
- Confirming your DTC is valid through 2025
- Filing your 2024 tax return before the CRA deadline
- Updating personal information (custody, marital status, address)
- Using CRA My Account to track payments and eligibility
Payments will continue to be deposited through the same method as existing CCB benefits.
Other Provincial Supports May Increase Too
The CDB increase may unlock additional provincial or territorial programs, including:
- Respite care funding for parents and caregivers
- Housing support programs tailored to children with disabilities
- Assistive medical equipment grants
- Special education funding
Families should check with their local disability services office to determine if they qualify for enhanced provincial assistance following the federal boost.
New CRA My Account Dashboard Launching July 2025
In line with the benefit expansion, the CRA is launching a new My Account interface in late July 2025, offering:
- Real-time benefit tracking
- DTC and tax status updates
- Simplified contact and eligibility management
- A user-friendly design for caregivers needing quicker access to information
No Separate Application Needed for the Increase
Families already receiving the Child Disability Benefit do not need to reapply. As long as your child has an approved DTC and your taxes are filed, the $166/month increase will be applied automatically starting July 2025.
This streamlined approach ensures families get the support they need without additional paperwork or delays.
The CRA’s $2,000 increase to the Child Disability Benefit reflects a growing national commitment to supporting vulnerable families.
With automatic monthly payments, no reapplication needed, and enhanced provincial aid likely, eligible households can better manage care-related expenses and focus on what matters most—the well-being of their children.
Be sure to file your 2024 taxes, verify your DTC, and update your CRA details to take full advantage of this benefit boost.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $2,000 CRA Child Disability Benefit Boost?
Children under 18 with a valid DTC certificate and a tax-filing Canadian caregiver are generally eligible.
Will the $2,000 be paid all at once?
No, the increase will be paid monthly at $166 starting July 2025, alongside regular CCB/CDB payments.
Do I need to apply for the CDB boost separately?
No, the boost is automatically applied if your child is DTC-approved and your 2024 taxes are filed correctly.