This week, eligible Canadians can look forward to two major federal benefit deposits hitting their bank accounts — the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) on March 19 and the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) on March 20.
Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) — Deposited March 19
What Is the Canada Disability Benefit?
The Canada Disability Benefit is a federal financial support program designed for working-age Canadians — specifically those between 18 and 64 years old — who are living with a disability. The program began accepting applications in June of last year and remains open for new applicants.
Once approved, recipients start receiving funds the month following their approval, and payments can even be backdated by up to 24 months from the application receipt date — though no retroactive payments apply to any period before June 2025.
Who Qualifies?
To be considered eligible, applicants must fall into one of these residency or citizenship categories:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents
- Temporary residents who have lived in Canada for the past 18 consecutive months
- Protected persons
- Individuals registered (or eligible to be registered) under the Indian Act
In addition, applicants must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and be between ages 18 and 64.
Those who qualify would typically have received an invitation letter from Service Canada containing a unique six-digit application code. However, individuals who didn’t receive a letter may still apply, provided they have a spouse or common-law partner and both have filed their 2024 federal income tax return.
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How Much Can You Receive?
The maximum annual CDB payment for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit period is $2,400, which works out to $200 per month. This amount is indexed to inflation and will be adjusted upward in July 2026 in line with the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) 2026 indexation increase.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — Deposited March 20
What Is the Canada Child Benefit?
The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment from the federal government to help Canadian families manage the costs of raising children under the age of 18. Families in British Columbia and Ontario will additionally receive their respective provincial child benefit payments on the same date.
Current Payment Amounts (July 2025 Benefit Year)
Following a 2.7% indexation increase applied in July 2025, the updated CCB amounts are:
- Children under 6: $7,997 annually / $666 per month
- Children aged 6–17: $6,748 annually / $562 per month
- Child Disability Benefit (CDB): Increased to $3,411 annually
What’s Coming in July 2026?
A further 2% indexation boost is scheduled for July 2026, raising the amounts to:
- Children under 6: $8,157 annually (up $160)
- Children aged 6–17: $6,883 annually (up $135)
- Child Disability Benefit: $3,480 annually (up $69)
Families can verify their eligibility using the CRA’s online eligibility tool.
Conclusion
This week brings important financial relief for two groups of Canadians — those living with disabilities and families raising children. The CDB payment on March 19 offers up to $200/month for eligible working-age Canadians with disabilities, while the CCB deposit on March 20 provides meaningful monthly support for parents, with amounts increasing annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living. If you believe you qualify for either benefit, it’s worth checking your eligibility and applying without delay to avoid missing out on retroactive payments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When will the Canada Disability Benefit be deposited this week? A: The CDB payment is scheduled for Thursday, March 19.
Q: Can I still apply for the Canada Disability Benefit if I didn’t get an invitation letter? A: Yes, you can still apply if you have a spouse or common-law partner and both of you have filed your 2024 federal income tax return.
Q: How far back can CDB payments be backdated? A: Payments can be retroactive for up to 24 months from your application date, but not for any period before June 2025.
Q: Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable? A: No, the CCB is entirely tax-free.
Q: When will CCB amounts increase again? A: The next CCB increase is set for July 2026, based on a 2% indexation rate applied by the CRA.
