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How Can I Apply for the CDB?

Last Updated: July 4, 2025

Applications for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) opened on June 20, 2025. You can access the application forms and further information about the application process here. 

Before completing an application for the CDB, you should check whether you qualify for the benefit. 

Which application form should I use? 

You can apply for the CDB using either a printed application form or the online portal.

There are two printed application forms. The form you use to apply will depend on whether you are applying for yourself or on behalf of someone else.

If you apply online, you do not need to download and complete an application form. The portal will walk you through all the required questions, and you will submit directly through the portal itself. All applicants can use the same portal.

  • If you are applying for yourself:

    If you are the beneficiary of the CDB and you are applying for yourself, you can use the beneficiary application form or apply through the online portal. 

  • If you are a legal guardian or representative applying on behalf of someone else 

    If you are a legal guardian or representative for someone with a disability and you are applying for the benefit on their behalf, you should use the legal representative application form, or apply through the online portal. As part of the form, you will need to provide evidence that you are a legal guardian or representative for the person with a disability you are applying for. 

  • If you have already received a letter from Service Canada with an application code 

    You may have received a letter about applying for the CDB from Service Canada through the mail. This letter should include a unique 6-digit code that you can use to apply using a shortened application form through the online portal or by phone. Please note there is not a separate printed application form for those who received a unique code. 

How can I submit my application? 

You can submit your CDB application in four ways:  

  • Online: You can submit your CDB application through the online portal set up by Service Canada. 

  • By mail: You can print out your application and mail it to the following address:  

    Service Canada Centre 
    CDB Processing Centre 
    P.O. Box 60 
    Boucherville, QC J4B 5E6 

  • By phone: You can also submit your application over the phone, by teletypewriter (TTY) or use a sign language interpreter to call the dedicated video relay service (VRS) line. All numbers can be found here. 

  • In person at a Service Canada location

What information will I need to provide on the application form? 

The exact information you will be asked to provide will depend on whether you are applying using the 6-digit code you received from Service Canada, as well as whether you are applying for yourself or on behalf of someone else.  

Below is an outline of the main information that is needed for the form. Before you start filling out the form, it might be helpful to gather some of this information so that you have everything you need to complete the application. 

Personal information 

If you are applying for yourself, the application form will ask for some basic personal information, including your: 

  • Name 

  • Date of birth 

  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) 

  • Address 

  • Status in Canada (for example, if you are a citizen, a permanent resident, a protected person, or if you have status under the Indian Act) 

Service Canada will use this information to pull information about your DTC status and most recent tax return from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). 

If you are applying for the CDB on behalf of someone else as their legal guardian or representative, you should fill out this section of the form using the beneficiary’s information.  

Information about your net income (optional) 

There is an optional question which asks you to provide information about your net income from the previous tax year. You can find this number on line 23600 of the most recent Notice of Assessment. If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you should use their net income here. 

Providing this information will help to expedite your application, but it is not required. If you leave this question blank, Service Canada will pull this information directly from the CRA. 

Payment information 

The application will ask where you want to receive your CDB payments. You can decide to receive your payments in two ways: 

  • By direct deposit 

  • By cheque 

If you would like to receive your payments by direct deposit, you will need to provide your banking information as part of the form.  If you already have payment information on file with Service Canada, you can also request to use the same payment method for the CDB.  

Proof of legal authority (only required if you are applying on behalf of someone else) 

If you are applying for the CDB on behalf of someone else, the application form will ask you to provide a copy of your proof of legal authority to act on behalf of the applicant. Examples of this include: 

  • A court order that appoints a person, agency or institution as a trustee, committee or guardian 

  • A certificate of guardianship 

  • A Continuing or Springing Power of Attorney 

  • A dated letter or notice from the public trustee or public curator that contains the required information 

  • A confirmation of the tutorship  

Privacy notice and declaration 

At the end of the form, you will need to agree to the terms and conditions, as well as a privacy notice. 

Where should I go if I have questions about the application form? 

Service Canada has a designated call center for anyone with questions about the CDB and the application process. You can contact the call center at the following numbers: 

  • Telephone number: 1-833-486-3007 

  • Teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-833-467-2700 

  • Canada Video Relay Service: Visit this contact page to register through the appropriate system 

  • Outside of Canada: 1-833-486-2919 

  • You can also request a call back through this form. 

Plan Institute also operates a free national Disability Planning Helpline which offers free one-to-one support with a range of disability planning topics, including the CDB and the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

You can speak to one of our advisors about the CDB by emailing helpline@planinstitute.ca or by calling 1-844-311-7526.