Federal

Child Disability Benefit

Easy application

Need you to file taxes and apply separately

The Child Disability Benefit is a monthly, tax-free benefit for families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged physical or mental disability.

The benefit amount is determined based on:

  • The number of eligible children.
  • Adjusted family net income.
  • Marital status.

Use the Child and family benefits calculator to estimate how much you could get.

You may be able to get this benefit if you:

  • Are eligible for the Canada Child Benefit.
  • Your child is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.

If you are already getting the Canada Child Benefit for your child who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you do not need to apply for the Child Disability Benefit. You will get it automatically.

Photo ID

For example:

  • driver’s license
  • passport
  • other government-issued photo ID, such as a non-driver photo ID (Saskatchewan), British Columbia Services Card, Ontario photo card, General identification card (Nunavut), Voluntary ID (PEI), etc.

Proof of primary responsibility for the care and upbringing of the child

For example:

  • a letter from the day care or school authorities indicating the child’s home address and contact information on file
  • a letter from a social worker, physician, a band council, or a resettlement officer stating that they have personal knowledge that the child lived with you for the period you indicated
  • a registration form or a receipt from an activity or club the child was enrolled in for the period you indicated
  • a court order, decree, or separation agreement that explains the type of custody arrangement you have (for example, shared custody) and clearly shows the living arrangements for the child
  • any other document showing that the child lived with you for the period you indicated

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

Apply for the Child Disability Benefit:

  • Check your eligibility.
    • If you are already getting the Canada Child Benefit and your child is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you do not need to apply.
    • You will get the Child Disability Benefit automatically.
  • File your income tax and benefit returns every year.
    • You and your spouse/common-law partner must keep your returns up-to-date every year, even if you have no income to report.
    • The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses this information to calculate your payments.

If you have questions:

Call 1-800-387-1193 for the Child Disability Benefit, or Call 1-800-959-8281 for the Disability Tax Credit.

Last updated: August 11, 2022