The Government of Canada has announced a one-time, non-taxable $600 payment to offset some of the financial stress people with disabilities may have experienced during the pandemic. Some of these additional expenses may include higher costs for personal protective equipment, medical supplies and medications, professional support, or increased use of taxis and home delivery services. Approximately 1.7 million Canadians will receive this one-time payment.

Update: The deadline to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to receive the one-time payment has been extended from September 25 to December 31, 2020.

Eligibility

Individuals who are eligible for the one-time payment:

• individuals who have an existing valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate
• persons who are eligible for the DTC and who apply for it by December 31, 2020
• beneficiaries as at July 1, 2020 of either:
• Canada Pension Plan Disability
• Quebec Pension Plan Disability Pension, or
• one of the following disability supports provided by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC):
• Disability Pension
• Disability Award
• Pain and Suffering Compensation
• Critical Injury Benefit
• Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program
• Income Replacement Benefit, and/or
• Canadian Forces Income Support

Seniors with disabilities, who were eligible for the one-time seniors payment announced on May 12, 2020, will also be eligible for the one-time payment to persons with disabilities. If you are eligible for both payments, you will receive a total amount of $600 broken into 2 payments:

• if you received the $300 one-time seniors payment for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, you will receive an additional $300
• if you received the $500 one-time seniors payment for both the OAS pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance, you will receive an additional $100

Payment

If you are already receieving one of these above benefits, you do not have to apply to receive this one-time $600 non-taxable payment. The Government of Canada expects to issue the payments beginning this fall, in the form of a cheque or direct deposit. It is important that you keep your information, such as address and direct deposit information, up to date with the Government of Canada.

Visit the Government of Canada website for more details, or contact one of the following to confirm your eligibility and personal information:

Canada Pension Plan Disability: 1-800-277-9914

Disability Tax Credit: 1-800-959-8281

Veterans Affairs Canada: 1-866-522-2122