A much-awaited new benefit will soon be available for disabled Canadians. The Canada Disability Benefit Act (Bill C-22) received Royal Assent on June 22, 2023, and although the details of this new benefit are yet to be worked out, many Canadians are anxiously waiting for its implementation.
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2. Who can apply?
3. What is a disability in Canada?
4. How much does it provide?
5. What happens when you’re approved for CDB?
6. CDB impact on Long-term Disability Benefits
7. Can insurers claim credit on CDB?
8. Concerns about insurance companies
9. Free consultations
10. Why you should contact us
What is the Canada Disability Benefit?
The Canada Disability Benefit, or CDB, is a new federal benefit that is designed to assist lower-income Canadians with disabilities. The government specifically states the purpose of the CDB is to “reduce poverty and support the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities.”
Who can apply for the CDB?
Although the details of this new benefit have not yet been released, it is anticipated that the Canada Disability Benefit will be made available for Canadians aged 18-64 living with disabilities.
What is considered a disability in Canada?
In Canada, a disability is typically considered to be a physical or mental impairment that restricts a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
However, the specific criteria for what is considered a disability and the eligibility for disability-related benefits may vary depending on the program or benefit in question.
Generally, the factors used in determining a disability include duration, severity, medical diagnosis, and the impact on someone’s daily life.
How much does the benefit provide?
There are currently no details on the amount of money that the Canada Disability Benefit provides to claimants, how it is calculated, or how it interacts with other governmental and non-governmental benefits.
What happens when you’re approved for CDB?
There is currently no information on what happens when you are approved for CDB, as the details of this benefit have not yet been released. The federal government will provide more insight into the process and its details once it becomes available.
How does CDB interact with Long-term Disability policies?
It is not currently known how the Canada Disability Benefit will interact with short-term and long-term disability insurance policies.
Many disabled Canadians are receiving short-term or long-term disability benefits, either through their group benefits provider at work or through a private disability policy.
At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we have helped thousands of Canadians across the country receive short-term and long-term disability benefits owed to them by insurers who either refuse to pay, or who wrongfully deduct or reduce the benefits these individuals are owed under the insurance policies.
Can insurance companies claim credit for the CDB?
It is unknown at this time if insurers will try to claim credit for the Canada Disability Benefit. This was an issue that was raised by the Canadian Senate when the CDB Act was introduced and debated in Parliament.
Long-term disability insurance companies often deny claims unjustly and unfairly. Individuals across Canada routinely reach out to us for help to apply for short-term and long-term disability, as well as to advise them on their legal rights when they are denied those benefits.
Many turn to our LTD FAQ for quick answers to their most common questions about long-term disability benefits. Disabled Canadians can also get fast, accurate and FREE case assessments through the Pocket Disability Lawyer.
Concerns about insurance companies
The details of the CDB are still unknown and the regulatory framework needs to be worked on by the government, in cooperation with the provinces and territories throughout Canada.
It is vital that the purpose of the CDB – “to reduce poverty and support the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities” – is not thwarted by insurance companies who have historically done everything in their power to claim a deduction or credit for financial assistance provided by the government, such as CPP Disability and Workers’ Compensation.
The wording of each disability policy, along with the regulatory details that will be decided and voted upon, will be crucial to ensure that disabled Canadians receive as much financial assistance as possible. This benefit, which was designed to lift disabled individuals out of poverty, must not enrich insurance companies instead.
Free consultations
At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we stand ready to provide FREE advice about short-term and long-term disability claims, and represent individuals who have been unjustly, unfairly and wrongfully denied STD and LTD.
Our experienced disability lawyers can help individuals across all Canadian provinces (excluding Quebec). As Canada’s most positively-reviewed insurance and disability law firm, our team also handles critical illness, life insurance and mortgage insurance claims.
Contact us online or at 1-855-821-5900 for the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.
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