Receiving disability benefits and looking for a loan? There are many options to apply for online, and you can receive the money within minutes via e-Transfer.
Payday loans tend to be popular since they’re easy to get, but they might not be the best option since they’re extremely expensive. If you’d prefer to avoid them, you could apply for a cash advance or installment loan instead.
Compare a variety of options available to you in this guide, and when you’re ready, apply online to receive your e-Transfer today.
Cash advances(instant e-Transfers available, no credit check)
Personal loans(same-day funding available, bad credit OK)
⚠️ Warning: Be cautious with payday loans
High-cost payday loans are unsustainable for long-term borrowing, with up to $14 charged per $100 borrowed. If you're experiencing financial hardship, consider calling Credit Counselling Canada for free financial counselling (Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm at +1 866-398-5999). You may also want to consider payday loan alternatives.
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Which are the go-to loans with e-Transfer payouts for disability income recipients?
There isn’t a single best loan that suits everyone—what might be best for one person might not be best for another. However, here are some well-known lenders that have a solid track record of financing people who receive disability benefits.
Lender
Why it might suit a disability income recipient
KOHO
No credit check
No job or income requirements
Flexible repayments
Almost guaranteed approval
Nyble
Optional monthly fee
No credit check
Flexible repayments
Lenient income requirements
iCash
Low minimum monthly income of $800
Bad credit is okay
24/7 instant approval and funding
Easy process, 100% online
Key takeaways
The three main loans you can get using disability income are personal loans, cash advance apps and payday loans.
Cash advance and payday loans have easier eligibility requirements to meet than personal loans. But payday loans are extremely expensive and are best left as a last resort.
Before you apply, make sure the lender is legit and you can afford to repay the loan.
How do I get e-Transfer loans while on disability assistance?
You can get a loan while receiving disability benefits by applying to licensed or registered lenders that operate online. These can be payday lenders, cash advance apps or personal loan lenders. Make sure your bank account is registered to send and receive e-Transfers, which you can do on your bank’s website or app.
Learn more about each type of loan below.
Option 1: Online payday loans that accept disability assistance in Canada
These convenient (but pricey) loans have been around for decades.
Features
Quick. You can complete the entire process online in as little as 30 minutes.
Expensive. It’ll cost you $14 for every $100 borrowed.
Short loan terms. Payday loans need to be repaid by your next payday. However, if you’re in Alberta, you have a minimum loan term of 42 days.
Bad credit is okay. If your credit score is below 560, you are still eligible.
Eligibility requirements
Be the age of majority in your province or territory (18 or 19 years old)
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Have a steady source of disability income
Have an active bank account
How to compare payday loans while on disability income
Funding options offered. You can get your payday loan via e-Transfer, direct deposit or cash in-store.
Speed and availability. If you need an emergency loan, choose a payday lender that gives instant approval and e-Transfer funding within minutes. If you’re applying outside of regular business hours and you need a payday loan fast, you may want to choose a lender that offers e-Transfer payday loans 24/7.
Reputation. Read reviews from people who have taken out a payday loan from the lender. Watch out for a pattern of complaints.
Accepts disability income. Check first if the lender accepts disability income, because not all lenders do. Some payday lenders may not accept government disability benefits but accept private disability income, while others may not accept any kind of disability income.
To save you some time, here’s a list of lenders to avoid:
Mr. Payday does not accept government disability income, but it accepts private disability income.
Before you take out a payday loan using your disability benefits
Know how much it costs. Payday loans are one of the most expensive ways to borrow money, with annual percentage rates (APRs) in the triple digits.
Know your rights as a borrower. Each province has its own payday loan rules, such as maximum borrowing fees, fees for missed payments, cancellation period lengths and loan extensions. Choose a licensed payday lender that follows these rules.
Ensure that you’ll have enough income left. Before taking out a payday loan, first check if you’ll have enough disability income left over to pay for other debts and expenses after you’ve repaid your loan.
How to apply for an online payday loan
Fill out the application online. Provide details like your name, address, phone number, email, housing situation and employment situation.
Get a decision. The lender’s automated system will review your application and provide a decision, sometimes within minutes.
Sign your contract. If you’re approved, you’ll be given a contract to sign and submit.
Get funded. Receive your funds via e-Transfer within minutes of submitting your contract.
You could top up your income rather than take out a loan
Cash advance apps accept disability income and are a legit alternative
Cash advance apps target the same group of people who use payday loans.
Features
Loan amount. $20 – $500.
Varying loan terms. You might need to pay off your loan by your next paycheque, although some providers are open to extending the deadline.
No interest or fee. These loans usually do not have interest or late fees, but you’ll pay a fee to get instant funding.
No credit check. You won’t need to go through a credit check, so it’s possible to get approved with bad credit.
Disability income is okay. Because these are very small loans that cap at $500, lenders are more open to many types of income, such as disability.
Cash advance apps vs payday loans: Which is better if you’re on disability?
Which loan is better depends on your situation, but generally, payday loans should be a last resort. For example, a $250 loan from a payday lender will cost you $285 in total, while a $250 loan from a cash advance app with optional fees will cost you as low as $250. You save $35 if you choose the cash advance app.
Keep in mind that if you go with a cash advance app and opt to receive your money ASAP, an instant funding fee will apply, which will drive up the cost of your loan.
Cash advance apps are limited in Canada
Cash advance apps are still in their early stages here, so there aren’t many options for Canadians. The three main apps are currently Bree,Nyble and KOHO. Other lenders include Woveo and MoneyUp, but you might have more difficulty accessing their cash advances. Learn more about MoneyUp alternatives.
You may see these apps changing their product features as they innovate and evolve.
Disability income is okay. Not all lenders accept disability income, so check the lender’s requirements before you apply.
An installment loan is different from a payday loan, but they’re sometimes offered by the same lender.
Installment loans vs payday loans: Which is better?
Overall, installment loans are cheaper than payday loans. Installment loans have a maximum rate of 35% APR. Payday loans, on other hand, have over 300% APR. Installment loans also let you break up your payments, which could help your monthly budget.
One drawback is that installment loans have stricter eligibility criteria. Unfortunately, lenders of this type of loan are less likely to accept disability income.
Can I get disability loans with no credit check in Canada?
Yes. Some lenders in Canada, such as Cashco, Bree and KOHO, accept disability income and do not perform credit checks. You’ll need to show these lenders you have recurring disability income by providing access to your bank statements.
Make sure to apply to a legitimate lender in Canada, and watch out for payday loan scams.
Can I get a loan with bad credit and on disability?
Yes, you can still get a loan if you have bad credit and are currently on disability. Be prepared to pay high rates though; lenders who accept riskier applications charge more interest precisely because they are taking on more risk.
How to increase your chance of approval if you have bad credit and disability income
To boost your chances, you’ll need to have the following in the last 90 days:
Zero NSF transactions in your bank account
More income coming in than money going out to pay debt
Have no active payday loan debt
You might also want to try applying through a loan search platform like Loans Canada and LoanConnect to get matched with lenders.
Are Canadians in a stronger financial position now than 12 months ago?
If you’re facing some challenges with personal finances, you’re not alone. According to the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey January 2025, 30% of Canadians say they are not in a stronger financial position now compared to 12 months ago. This is slightly higher than January 2024, where 27% of Canadians said the same.
Questions to ask before you get a loan using your disability benefits
Before you apply or sign on the dotted line, ask yourself these questions:
Can I afford it? Are you aware of the total loan cost and how it’ll fit into your budget? If you get a payday loan, will you have enough income left after repaying the loan?
Is the lender legitimate? Make sure you apply to a licensed lender that’s transparent about how much the loan will cost you. Read reviews from people who’ve taken out a loan from the lender.
Is the lender pressuring me? If the lender is putting pressure on you to sign a contract with them or doesn’t help you understand the loan offer, apply somewhere else.
Do I know the payday loan regulations in my province? Protect yourself as a borrower by familiarizing yourself with the payday loan rules of your province.
Will I be charged higher rates because I have a disability?
Lenders aren’t legally allowed to discriminate against you for having a disability. The rate you’re charged will be based on all facets of your loan application, including the total income you make (which could include other sources besides disability payments), your credit history and other factors. If your income is low, you have too many debts, or you have fair or bad credit, you’ll be considered high risk to lenders and will likely be charged a high rate.
Alternatives for people on disability income
You aren’t limited to borrowing when you’re on disability and need extra funds. Grants and benefits are other options to consider—and the best part is that you don’t have to repay them.
For example, if you need money to buy assistive devices or make your car or home more accessible, you may qualify for government funding or grants from private companies. (For example, some car manufacturers offer special offers for those who need to modify their vehicles for accessibility purposes.)
Here are a few resources to get you started:
Canada Grant Watch. Search for disability grants by category and eligibility type, plus find resources to learn more about how these grants work and how to increase your chance of approval.
211.ca. Get connected with information and services based on your needs.
Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits. If you’re under 65 years old and you were able to work and pay into your CPP for a time but are no longer able to work due to a disability, you may be eligible for this benefit from the federal government.
Online payday loans that accept disability assistance are readily available in Canada, and some lenders don’t conduct credit checks. However, these loans have very steep interest rates. Before signing on the dotted line, check for a payday loan licence, know the cost of the loan and make sure you have the money to pay it back. Also consider whether cash advance app or installment loans are better options for you.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Payday loans have flexible eligibility requirements. As long as you have a steady source of income—and this includes disability income—payday lenders can consider you. Other loans you can apply for are installment loans, cash advance apps and lines of credit.
A few things you can do are to check for a business licence, check if the lender abides by provincial regulations, read reviews and find its contact information. Look for transparency. A lender should not only be upfront about fees, but it should also be upfront about the product it's selling. It should be clear that it's a payday loan with APRs in the triple digits.
Sources
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by
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Leanne Escobal is a publisher at Finder with more than 12 years of experience in financial products and services, with a focus on content strategy and marketing. She has completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) as well as the Personal Lending and Mortgages course through the Canadian Securities Institute. Leanne holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English literature and creative writing from Western University.
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Kellye Guinan is a freelance editor and writer, specializing in consumer lending. Her writing and analysis has been featured on Bankrate, MSN and MediaFeed. She holds degrees in anthropology and German language and literature from Middle Tennessee State University.
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