The federal government is moving ahead with providing support for individuals with disabilities. The number of Canadians and permanent residents who will benefit from this support has been expanded, from what was originally announced, to include approximately 1.7 million Canadians.

Eligible individuals will receive a one-time tax-free payment of $600, which will assist with the additional pressure on personal budgets resulting from the impacts of the pandemic.

Eligible individuals include those who possess a Disability Tax Credit certificate provided by the Canada Revenue Agency, who receive the Canada Pension Plan disability benefit or Quebec Pension Plan disability benefit, and/or who receive disability supports from Veterans Affairs Canada.

Canadians and permanent residents with disabilities who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit but have not yet applied will have a 60-day window to do so.

Seniors with disabilities who already received the $300 tax-free top-up to Old Age Security (OAS) will receive a payment of $300 under this new initiative. Those OAS recipients who also benefit from the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and who received the July 6 $500 tax-free top-up will receive an adjusted payment of $100.