Canada Disability Benefit Update:
Draft regulations now open for public feedback
You are not alone in feeling dismay and frustration at the government's recent federal budget announcement, which allocates a maximum of only $200 per month for the new Canada Disability Benefit. This amount is much lower than what was recommended by the community and does not meet the needs of people with disabilities living in poverty.
To learn more about the community recommendations, please look at our Disability With Possibility Report. Arising from this report is our #BetterTheBenefit poster campaign-- more to come soon!
The draft regulations to the Canada Disability Benefit are now available online.
You have until September 23 to provide feedback.
For the moment, we encourage you to take the following steps:
- Apply for the Disability Tax Credit. Yes, it is not perfect. However, at this time you must have the DTC to receive the CDB.
- File your taxes. Even if you have zero income, the federal government needs to know your last income statement to be on the list to receive the CDB.
- Stay tuned! We are going to take some time to review the regulations, and will post more information soon.
In the meantime, we encouraging you to share your stories through sending a message by email to your elected officials, by requesting in-person meetings with elected officials where you live, or by approaching elected officials at community events.
The more MPs hear about the importance of the benefit and what is needed, the more likely they are to listen and make changes.
You can still help. Please take a moment to tell your MP.
This link makes sending a letter very easy.
SVP écrivez-nous à hello@disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca si vous désirez la correspondance en français.