Canadian households are set to benefit from a major wave of financial support in June 2025, thanks to two newly expanded federal programs. The Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC) and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) are designed to ease housing pressures, strengthen family living arrangements, and provide ongoing assistance to adults living with disabilities.
Together, these programs can put thousands of dollars back into the pockets of eligible families—up to \$7,500 in tax refunds plus \$200 monthly support payments—making home renovations and daily living more affordable at a time when inflation and housing costs remain high.
A Closer Look at the Programs
To understand the scale of relief available in June 2025, let’s break down the two benefits:
Program | Target Group | Amount | How to Claim |
---|---|---|---|
MHRTC | Homeowners adding a suite for seniors (65+) or adults with Disability Tax Credit (DTC) approval | Up to \$7,500 (15% of \$50,000 in renovation costs) | Claim on 2025 tax return using Schedule 12 |
CDB | Canadians aged 18–64 who qualify for the DTC | Up to \$200/month (\$2,400 annually, retroactive up to 24 months) | Apply via CRA My Account or Form T2201 (June–Dec 2025 window) |
For families juggling caregiving responsibilities and rising expenses, these programs bring timely relief while supporting Canada’s broader goal of inclusive, multigenerational living.
Why These Benefits Matter Now
Rising Demand for Multigenerational Living
Housing costs have soared across Canada, and more families are turning to multigenerational arrangements as a solution. By renovating existing homes to create secondary suites, families can provide in-home care for aging parents or adult children with disabilities.
The MHRTC directly supports this by refunding up to \$7,500 of renovation expenses, covering essentials like a new entrance, bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom.
Disability Support Beyond One-Time Refunds
The Canada Disability Benefit addresses another urgent need: stable, predictable income for adults with disabilities. With up to \$200 per month, the program helps cover everyday costs such as food, medication, and transportation—expenses that have all risen sharply in recent years.
How the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit Works
The MHRTC is a refundable credit available for eligible renovations made in 2025. It helps families build or adapt a secondary suite for seniors or adults approved under the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify:
- You must own and live in the home being renovated.
- Renovations must occur during 2025.
- The new suite must be for:
- A senior aged 65 or older, or
- An adult with a DTC certificate.
- The suite must meet local building codes and zoning requirements, including:
- A separate entrance
- A kitchen
- A bathroom
- A bedroom
Claiming the MHRTC
- Keep all receipts, permits, and before-and-after photos.
- File using Schedule 12 with your 2025 tax return.
- Claim the refund on line 45355.
- Note: Only one claim per eligible person per lifetime is permitted.
This ensures the credit is used for substantial, long-term renovations that genuinely expand housing options.
The Canada Disability Benefit: Monthly Support for Adults
Launched in mid-2025, the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) provides a steady income stream for Canadians aged 18 to 64 who are approved under the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Key Features of the CDB
- Application Window: June 20 – December 31, 2025.
- First Payments: July 2025 for applicants approved by June 30.
- Retroactive Coverage: Up to 24 months back, even for those who later age out of eligibility.
- Annual Value: Up to \$2,400 per year (\$200/month).
Income Rules
The benefit is income-tested but includes exemptions to protect working families:
- First \$23,000 exempt for singles and \$32,500 for couples.
- First \$10,000 of working income exempt for singles, or \$14,000 for couples.
Example Case
Dan, a single adult earning \$35,000, is DTC-approved:
- Subtract \$10,000 working income exemption → \$25,000 taxable.
- Subtract \$23,000 exempt → \$2,000 remaining.
- Reduction: \$400 (20% of \$2,000).
- Final benefit: \$2,000 annually (~\$166/month).
How to Apply
Step 1: Disability Certification
- Download Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate).
- Have a medical practitioner complete the form.
- Submit via mail or upload through CRA My Account.
Step 2: Renovation Planning (for MHRTC)
- Get quotes from contractors.
- Secure permits from your city.
- Ensure renovations include accessibility features (e.g., ramps, grab bars).
Step 3: Track Expenses
- Save all receipts, permits, and invoices.
- Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app for accuracy.
Step 4: File Your Taxes
- Claim MHRTC on Schedule 12.
- Apply for CDB using your CRA application code.
Step 5: Get Paid
- MHRTC refunds arrive in early 2026.
- CDB payments begin monthly starting July 2025.
Tips to Maximize Your Benefits
- Budget realistically: Add 10–15% for unexpected costs.
- Stack credits: Combine MHRTC with:
- Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
- Medical Expense Credit
- Caregiver Credit
- Check provincial programs:
- BC: Up to \$1,000 renovation credit.
- Ontario: Accessibility and transit tax supports.
- Quebec: Home adaptation grants.
- Hire a tax professional: They can optimize claims and ensure compliance.
Real-Life Example: The Patel Family
The Patel family in Ottawa used the MHRTC in 2025 to convert their garage into a living suite for Anjali’s 70-year-old mother.
- Renovation cost: \$48,000.
- Refund claimed: \$7,200 under MHRTC + \$1,500 from the HATC.
- Additional benefit: Their son, DTC-approved, began receiving \$200/month from the CDB.
By year-end, the Patels received a combined \$8,700 in tax credits and monthly disability support—transforming a major financial project into an affordable family upgrade.
Why Ottawa Is Backing These Programs
The government says these measures respond to two pressing realities:
- Housing Affordability Crisis – Renovations make multigenerational living feasible.
- Disability Inclusion – Monthly payments offer dignity and independence for Canadians with disabilities.
Ministerial statements emphasize that programs like MHRTC and CDB are about reducing stress, empowering caregivers, and ensuring inclusive living arrangements.
The Bottom Line
The combination of the \$7,500 Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit and the \$200 monthly Canada Disability Benefit represents one of the most substantial financial relief packages for families in 2025.
For households balancing caregiving, renovations, and everyday costs, these programs provide both immediate and long-term support. Filing taxes on time, preparing proper documentation, and applying within the June–December 2025 window will be essential to securing these benefits.
5 Relevant FAQs
Q1: Who can claim the \$7,500 Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit?
Any homeowner who renovates to add a secondary suite for a senior (65+) or an adult approved under the Disability Tax Credit.
Q2: How much does the Canada Disability Benefit pay?
Up to \$200 per month (\$2,400 annually), with retroactive payments of up to 24 months.
Q3: Do I need to apply separately for MHRTC?
No, you claim it when filing your 2025 tax return using Schedule 12.
Q4: Can these benefits be combined with other credits?
Yes. They can be stacked with provincial accessibility credits, the Home Accessibility Tax Credit, and Medical Expense Credits.
Q5: When will payments start?
- MHRTC refunds: Early 2026 (when tax returns are processed).
- CDB payments: Monthly beginning July 2025.