For Immediate Release

September 12, 2024

Disability Without Poverty (DWP) applauds the announcement made today by the government of British Columbia (BC) to ensure that people receiving provincial disability assistance can keep the full amount of the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).

(Toronto) – This decision by the province means that the CDB will not be “clawed back” from provincial disability assistance cheques as those who are eligible could receive $200 per month or $2,400 per year in additional income from the federal government.

The CDB achieved Royal Assent in June 2023 and the proposed regulations are currently open for feedback until September 23, 2024. Once the regulations are passed, the first payments are anticipated to begin in July 2025.

There is still much work needed to make the CDB a benefit that lifts Canadians with disabilities out of poverty. However, a “no clawback” declaration by provincial governments is a strong step in the right direction.

BC joins the ranks of Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Manitoba in making this declaration public. We expect that other provinces and territories will follow suit to ensure that people with disabilities are not left worse off than before.

You can find the BC Information Bulletin HERE