On July 17, 2020 the Government of Canada announced a one-time $600 payment for people with disabilities. The payment is meant to help with the extra costs people with disabilities are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The payment is expected to be sent to people sometime this Fall, but no specific date has been announced.  

Am I eligible? 

To receive the one-time $600 payment, a person must: 

  • Have a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate provided by the Canada Revenue Agency; or
  • Receive Canada Pension Plan disability benefit (CPP-D) or Quebec Pension Plan disability benefit (QPP-D) as of July 1, 2020; or
  • Receive disability supports provided by Veterans Affairs Canada as of July 1, 2020. This includes:
    • 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.

What if I receive provincial / territorial income assistance? 

Getting provincial or territorial income assistance (like ODSP in Ontario, or AISH in Alberta) does not automatically make someone eligible for the one-time $600 payment. Some people who receive provincial / territorial income assistance may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Having the DTC will allow you to get the $600 payment.


If I already have the Disability Tax Credit, do I need to apply for the $600 payment? 

People who have the DTC will be sent the $600 payment automatically. There is no separate application for this payment. This also applies to people who receive CPP-D, QPP-D or disability supports through Veterans Affairs Canada. 

I don’t have the Disability Tax Credit, but I think I might be eligible. How do I apply? 

The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their family members reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. Having the DTC can also open doors to other programs. 

PLAN Institute is a non-profit organization that offers their services for free. They have a toll-free helpline to assist people with the DTC application process. You can call them at 1-844-311-7526. 

If you decide to apply for the DTC you have until September 25, 2020 to get your application submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency. The government is encouraging people to apply right away so that all their paperwork is received before September 25th.  This does not mean you need to be approved by September 25th. 

The government plans to process the DTC applications they receive as quickly as possible. They hope to make a decision about each application in 8 weeks, in most cases.  

You can still apply for the DTC after September 25th, but you won’t be eligible for the $600 COVID-19 disability payment. 


I’m a senior with a disability, will I get this $600 payment? 

During the COVID-19 pandemic two types of payments have been available for seniors:

  • A one-time $300 payment for seniors who receive Old Age Security (OAS). 
  • A one-time $500 payment for seniors who receive OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. 

Seniors with a disability who meet the eligibility criteria for the one-time disability payment will get a second payment to bring their total to $600. That means:

  • Seniors who got the $300 Old Age Security Payment will get an extra $300. 
  • Seniors who got the $500 Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement payment will get an extra $100. 

Do I have to claim the $600 payment on my income-tax?

This one-time payment is non-taxable and non-reportable. That means you don’t need to report it on your income tax or pay taxes on it. 

Where can I find more information?  

You can learn more about the COVID-19 one-time payment for people with disabilities on the Government of Canada website.