The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is part of the Canada Child Benefit (new for 2016) program which includes the following monthly benefits:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- BC Family Bonus
- BC Early Childhood Tax Benefit
- Child Disability Benefit
All of the above benefits are not taxable. I won’t begin to explain which ones you may qualify for, however applying for these benefits is the easy part.
If you are already receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), you just need to submit the T2201 Disability Tax Certificate. The government will calculate what benefits you are entitled to.
How much is it worth?
The CDB is worth about $2,771 per year tax free (depending on your income level).
Can this benefit be back dated?
Yes! In the case the Child Disability Benefit, CRA will automatically calculate the amount for the current and the two previous CCB benefit years. To claim for previous years you must submit a written request to CRA. A written request is simply a letter detailing what you are asking for and why. Ensure that the letter includes all the details that CRA would need to complete your request. A sample letter can be found on the Files page.
The resulting refund can amount to a significant sum, especially if the Disability Tax Certificate is retroactive to the child’s birth.
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