Moving Provinces? Your Disability Benefits Don't Come With You
One of the biggest surprises for Canadians with disabilities: provincial benefits don't transfer when you move. Here's what you need to know before relocating.
Canada's disability support system is split between federal and provincial programs. While federal benefits like the DTC and CDB follow you anywhere in the country, provincial programs do not. If you're considering a move, understanding this gap is essential.
What Transfers and What Doesn't
Federal benefits that follow you: - Disability Tax Credit (DTC) - Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) - RDSP grants and bonds - CPP Disability - Child Disability Benefit
Provincial benefits that DO NOT transfer: - Income support (ODSP, AISH, BC PWD, etc.) - Disability-specific programs (autism funding, developmental services) - Provincial health coverage (prescription drug plans, therapy coverage) - Housing subsidies and supports - Employment programs
The Reapplication Reality
When you move to a new province, you must reapply for every provincial benefit from scratch. This means:
- New applications with the new province's forms
- New medical assessments in some cases
- New waitlists — starting from the bottom
- A potential gap in benefits during the transition
Which Province Is "Best"?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. The answer depends on your specific disability, income, and needs. Some general observations:
- Alberta AISH provides the highest monthly income support but claws back the CDB
- Ontario ODSP has lower rates but exempts the CDB and has broad developmental services
- British Columbia has generous autism funding for young children
- Atlantic provinces generally have lower costs of living but fewer specialized services
Use our province comparison tool to see specific differences.
Planning a Move
- Research the destination province's programs before you move
- Apply for the new province's benefits as early as allowed
- Don't cancel current benefits until new ones are confirmed
- Keep copies of all medical documentation — you'll need it for new applications
- Contact disability advocacy organizations in your new province for guidance