Nova Scotia

Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)

$200/month

A new federal benefit providing $200/month for persons aged 18-64 with low income who have Disability Tax Credit approval. First month of eligibility was June 2025 with payments starting July 2025. Back payments available up to 24 months from application date. Most provinces have exempted the CDB from provincial benefit calculations, but Alberta claws back CDB from AISH recipients dollar-for-dollar.

Canada Pension Plan - Disability (CPP-D)

2025 rates: Basic $598.49/month, Average $1,203.88/month, Maximum $1,673.24/month; Children's benefit: $301.77/month per child

A monthly taxable benefit for people who have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan and are unable to work due to a severe and prolonged disability. Includes a children's benefit of $301.77/month per child. Quebec residents apply through the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) instead.

Canada's Autism Strategy

A federal autism strategy developed in collaboration with the autistic community, families, service providers, researchers, and provincial/territorial governments. AIDE Canada (Autism & Intellectual Disabilities Knowledge Exchange Network) is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada as part of this strategy, providing online resources, an inventory of services, and 6 in-person locations across Canada.

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Covers eligible dental services (no fixed monthly amount)

A federal dental care plan administered through Sun Life, available to eligible Canadians including those with Disability Tax Credit qualification. Covers essential oral health services including preventive care, restorative services, and other dental treatments.

Disability Benefit Navigation (DBN) Program

An ESDC-funded program where nonprofits provide one-on-one navigation support to help people with disabilities find and apply for benefits they are entitled to, including DTC, CDB, RDSP, CPP-D, and provincial benefits. Organizations are funded across all provinces and territories to provide free assistance.

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

2024 max disability amount: $9,872; supplement for under 18: $5,758

A non-refundable tax credit for individuals with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. The DTC is the gateway to other federal benefits including the Canada Disability Benefit, RDSP, and Child Disability Benefit. Can transfer unused portion to a supporting family member for a refund of up to approximately $1,400.

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

Grant: up to $3,500/year; Bond: up to $1,000/year

A long-term savings plan for people with disabilities who have the Disability Tax Credit. The federal government provides matching grants (Canada Disability Savings Grant up to $3,500/year) and bonds (Canada Disability Savings Bond up to $1,000/year for low income). RDSP exemptions from provincial asset tests vary: BC, NL, and Yukon fully exempt RDSP from asset and income tests.