We’re About to Lose the Canada Disability Benefit—Here’s What You Need to Know!

People with disabilities in Canada have waited far too long for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). With 1.6 million people with disabilities living below the poverty line, the CDB can’t come soon enough for those eligible. We’re in the final stretch, but the finish line still feels just out of reach.

Where We Sit

For those who may not be aware, draft regulations for the CDB were released last June, and the government has already received public feedback—yet they remain unfinalized. With Parliament now prorogued until March 24 and the possibility of a federal election looming, the CDB is at serious risk of being delayed again, leaving working-age people with disabilities waiting and disappointed once more.

Finalizing these regulations is the last critical step to launching the CDB. While we know the benefit isn’t perfect, it represents an essential starting point. If these regulations aren’t finalized before a federal election is called, this urgently needed benefit could face even further delays.

Why the CDB Matters

The CDB was introduced as a historic measure to lift people with disabilities out of poverty. However, current estimates suggest the benefit could be as low as $200 per month—just $2,400 annually. While this provides some relief, it is far from enough to meet the additional costs of living with a disability.

Amanda MacKenzie of March of Dimes Canada highlighted this challenge in a recent interview, emphasizing that while the proposed benefit is less than many had hoped, it would still provide critical support for individuals struggling to afford basic needs like housing and food. Yet, the promise of lifting people with disabilities out of poverty remains unfulfilled.

Why Action is Urgent

The clock is ticking. Without finalized regulations, the CDB risks becoming a casualty of political delays. If a federal election is called before the regulations are completed, implementation could be pushed back indefinitely. This would leave millions of Canadians with disabilities waiting even longer for much-needed financial support.

What You Can Do

We cannot allow this to happen. Here’s how you can join the movement to ensure the CDB is finalized and strengthened:

1. Join the Advocacy Effort: Visit Guarantee the CDB to sign your name in support, learn about advocacy opportunities, and amplify the message.
2. Raise Awareness: Share this message with your networks and help others understand the urgency of finalizing the CDB regulations.
3. Contact Your Member of Parliament: Urge policymakers to prioritize the finalization of the CDB regulations and push for a benefit amount that truly addresses poverty.

A Call for Accountability

The Canada Disability Benefit represents a critical opportunity to address systemic inequities and provide meaningful support to people with disabilities. But $200 per month is not enough to fulfill the promise of lifting people out of poverty. We must ensure the government not only finalizes the regulations but also commits to improving the benefit to reflect the true cost of living with a disability.

This Is Our Moment

The Canada Disability Benefit is at a critical crossroads. While it’s not perfect, it’s an essential step forward. If we lose momentum now, millions of Canadians with disabilities will be left waiting—once again—for the support they deserve.

We can’t let that happen. Together, we have the power to make the CDB a reality. Sign today. Share this message. And let’s make sure the voices of Canadians with disabilities are heard loud and clear.

Thank you for your advocacy and commitment to equity.