What is the $600 Disability Payment in Canada? : Who is Eligible for the New Canada Disability Benefit?
The $600 Disability Payment in Canada refers to a one-time, non-taxable financial aid provided to eligible individuals with disabilities. This initiative was introduced in response to the increased expenses faced by persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The payment was designed to help offset additional costs related to personal support workers, medication, and medical supplies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the $600 Disability Payment, individuals needed to meet specific criteria:
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Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Certificate: Applicants must have held a valid DTC certificate as of June 1, 2020.
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Current Disability Benefits: Recipients should have been receiving one of the following:
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Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD)
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Quebec Pension Plan Disability (QPPD)
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Disability supports from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
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Application Deadline: The application for the DTC had to be submitted by December 31, 2020, to be considered for the payment.
Payment Distribution
The $600 payment was distributed in two parts:
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$300 for individuals receiving the DTC certificate.
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An additional $300 for those who were also eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
Seniors eligible for both OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) received a total of $600.
Application Process
Eligible individuals did not need to apply separately for the $600 payment. The Government of Canada automatically issued the payment to those who met the criteria. Payments were made through direct deposit or by cheque, based on the information on file with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or other relevant agencies.
Conclusion
The $600 Disability Payment was a timely and essential support measure for Canadians with disabilities, acknowledging the unique challenges they faced during the pandemic. While this was a one-time payment, it underscored the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations during times of crisis.
For more detailed information on current benefits and support programs for individuals with disabilities, please visit the official Government of Canada website.