While a federal election is underway, we already know that a major change is coming on May 15: a new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).

WHY IT MATTERS: Just like the existing disability tax credit, this new disability benefit will require medical certification to confirm eligibility. In other words, this is another potential administrative burden for physicians. We’ve been working hard to minimize the impact.

WHAT’S COMING: Starting May 15, Canadians will be able to apply for the new Disability Benefit, with payments starting in July. 

• To be eligible for the Benefit, applicants must be approved for the existing Disability Tax Credit. 

• These applications require a lengthy medical assessment, which takes an average of 45 minutes for physicians to complete. 

• We estimate Manitoba sees 15,000 applications/​year, adding up to over 11,000 hours of physician time. 

• The new Disability Benefit might increase applications by 50%, adding to physician administrative burden.

WHAT WE’RE DOING: Doctors Manitoba, along with the CMA, have been meeting with the Canada Revenue Agency to advocate for less paperwork for doctors. We have pressed for:

• A simpler form compared to the existing 16-page assessment

• Opening up to more types of health professionals to certify eligibility

• A shorter renewal form, rather than repeating the full assessment again

• Remuneration for physician time to complete the form. 

We’ve also offered Manitoba as a pilot for testing a simplified renewal process, and we are optimistic this may start later this year. 

BACKGROUND: The Canada Disability Benefit is new, complementing the existing Disability Tax Credit. 

• The Disability Benefit will provide up to $200 per month for low- and modest-income working-age persons with disabilities, to a maximum of $2,400 annually. The CDB aims to improve financial security for people between the ages of 18 – 64 with disabilities.

• Applications will open on May 15, 2025 and payments will begin in July.

• To be eligible for the Benefit, applicants must have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit.

The Disability Tax Credit has existed for decades, and offers a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities reduce the amount of income tax they need to pay.

• The DTC aims to offset the costs that persons with physical or mental impairments, or their family members pay related to the impairment(s).

• Approval tax credit is also required for people to apply and be eligible for other federal benefits such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Child Disability Benefit, the Canada Dental Care Plan and more.