QUESTION PERIOD — Employment and Social Development
Canada Disability Benefit
December 3, 2025
Senator Moreau, the Canada Disability Benefit Bill came to the Senate in 2023. Since then, I have raised concerns nine times about the status of that benefit. Each time, I’ve been reassured the government is focused on persons with disabilities receiving the benefit in a timely and reliable manner.
Yesterday, The Globe and Mail reported that Canadians with disabilities are waiting three to six months for the Canada Revenue Agency, or CRA, to review their applications for the Disability Tax Credit, which is a government-imposed requirement for the Canada Disability Benefit.
In September, the Minister of Finance said they have a 100‑day plan to improve the CRA service standards. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, could you assure Canadians with disabilities that they will receive timely service so they can finally receive the Canada Disability Benefit?
Thank you, Senator Coyle. I’m happy to rise, as did my predecessor, to say this remains a priority for the government and to ensure that persons with disabilities receive their benefits in a timely and effective manner. That’s why Budget 2025 announced a blanket $150 cheque to cover Disability Tax Credit costs for persons receiving the Canada Disability Benefit because they have to incur costs in order to be able to receive and continue to receive the benefit.
This will help remove financial barriers and help lift Canadians out of poverty. The government remains committed to building on their cross-departmental work to improve the Canada Disability Benefit and the Disability Tax Credit as well.
Thank you. I hope that does speed things up. I think it will help with the cost issue, but will it help accelerate it?
According to the latest available data from 2017, up to 80% of Canadians with severe disabilities had not claimed the Disability Tax Credit. It’s concerning that the majority of Canadians with severe disabilities do not claim this credit. What is the government doing to increase uptake in this tax credit so more people can rightfully take advantage of it and claim that disability benefit?
Thank you for the question. I mentioned that the government introduced the blanket $150 cheque to ensure that people with disabilities are able to cover the cost and access the Disability Tax Credit. For some people, it’s very important to have that additional amount.
In addition, the government has committed to automatic tax filing for low-income Canadians to ensure that they receive the benefits they are owed. This is important work to support Canadians with disabilities, and the government remains committed to that.
