Mark Davison was initially informed that his approved monthly payment from the new Canada Disability Benefit would be $53.36. This benefit was introduced by the federal government with the aim of uplifting hundreds of thousands of Canadians with disabilities out of poverty. Davison, a 53-year-old stroke survivor from Vancouver, expressed disappointment at the meager amount, considering his health challenges and current financial situation.
Having suffered a stroke two years ago, Davison now faces difficulties in walking and has limited function in his left hand. Despite receiving provincial disability payments, an early disability pension, and some compensation for a workplace injury, his total monthly income remains below $1,500. His optimism about the federal disability top-up program turned into frustration due to a chaotic rollout, a complex application process, and the inadequate financial support provided.
In August, Davison received a letter from Service Canada, the benefit administrator, indicating a possible error in calculating his payment. Although he was informed that he could receive up to the $200 maximum monthly allowance, he has only received a little over $100 in two months. This amount, according to Davison, is insufficient to cover even “half a bag of groceries” per month.
The Canada Disability Benefit, which received $6.1 billion in funding over six years in the 2024 federal budget, was passed by the House of Commons in 2023. Eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64 with a disability tax credit can receive up to $200 per month initially, based on their income and other factors. While the first round of payments was distributed in July, many recipients faced delays with the subsequent installment.
Despite the challenges faced by some applicants, Employment and Social Development Canada assured that most payments were processed on time, attributing the delays to technical issues with the payment files. The department stated that all delayed payments have now been successfully reissued, with the August payment cycle completed promptly.
Jay Woodruff, a proponent of the program, believes that the complexities and barriers in the application process were intentional. He highlighted that some individuals were deterred from applying due to these challenges. Woodruff advocated for removing the disability tax credit as an eligibility requirement, emphasizing the need to address the backlog of individuals not yet in the system.
While some beneficiaries like Kristina Hedley of Toronto found the benefit helpful in covering essential expenses, others like Davison expressed concerns about the program’s effectiveness in alleviating financial burdens for individuals with disabilities. Despite his gratitude for any financial assistance, Davison urged the government to fulfill its promises and provide meaningful support to those in need.