July 2025
CARP is calling on the federal government to expand the Canada disability benefit to include seniors aged 65 and older. While the new benefit helps working-age Canadians offset the extra cost of living with a disability, it excludes the age group with the highest disability rates and the most vulnerable despite the fact that these costs increase with age.
There is no equivalent disability benefit for seniors, and current income supports such as the Old Age Security (OAS) Benefit and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) do not cover disability-related expenses. This exclusion is inequitable and must be corrected.
This position paper will be sent to the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of Jobs and Families, Secretary of State (Seniors), Minister of Finance and National Revenue, Minister of Health, and their deputy ministers.
CARP will continue to advocate until all Canadians with disabilities, regardless of age, get the support they need and deserve.
CARP continues to benefit from the contributions of dedicated volunteers who spearhead advocacy priorities through our local Chapters. CARP commends our Nova Scotia chapter and their Financial Security Advocacy Committee, who have brought vital attention to the need for disability support for older adults.
