The federal government is inviting organizations to apply for a share of $9.3 million aimed at helping people with disabilities navigate and access government benefits and support programs.
Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu announced the new call for proposals under the Disability Benefits Navigation program on Aug. 19.
Eligible organizations can apply for up to $1 million over two years for projects designed to help people with disabilities and their families access programs including the Disability Tax Credit, Canada Disability Benefit and provincial and territorial supports.
Funding aimed at reducing barriers
The federal government says navigating benefit programs can be challenging, particularly for people with complex needs who may require additional assistance completing applications or determining which programs they qualify for.
The Disability Benefits Navigation program provides funding to community organizations that work directly with people with disabilities to improve awareness of available programs and help them through the application process.
“Every Canadian deserves access to the supports they need, and no one should have to navigate that alone,” Hajdu said in a release.
She said partnerships with community organizations can help ensure people receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
The program also supports the goals of the Accessible Canada Act, which aims to identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities.
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Applications open until October
Organizations interested in receiving funding have until Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. EDT to submit an application.
Successful applicants can receive up to $1 million over a two-year period.
The federal government previously launched a Disability Benefits Navigation funding call in 2024, which resulted in 14 organizations receiving funding over two years.
Budget 2024 committed $22.4 million over five years beginning in 2025-26, followed by $3.8 million annually, to support community-based benefit navigation services.
Millions of Canadians report a disability
According to the 2022 Canada Survey on Disability, about eight million Canadians aged 15 and older, or 27 per cent of that population, reported having at least one disability.
Ottawa says the navigation program is intended to improve access to several federal programs, including the Disability Tax Credit and Canada Disability Benefit.
The Canada Disability Benefit provides financial support to eligible working-age people with disabilities, while eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit can also provide access to other federal programs and tax measures.
Organizations interested in the latest funding can review eligibility requirements and submit applications through the federal government’s Grants and Contributions Online System.