Canadian Government Benefits You Might Be Missing: GST Credit, CCB & More
Every year, billions of dollars in Canadian government benefits go unclaimed — not because people don’t need them, but because they don’t know they exist, believe they don’t qualify, or simply haven’t filed the tax returns needed to receive them. If you’re a Canadian dealing with financial pressure, bad credit, or limited income, these benefits could represent thousands of dollars annually that you may be leaving on the table.
This comprehensive guide covers the major federal benefit programs — GST/HST Credit, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) — as well as key provincial programs, how to claim what you’re owed, and the critical importance of filing your taxes even when you have little or no income.
The single most important action for accessing Canadian government benefits is filing your annual income tax return — even if you earned nothing. Most federal and provincial benefits are calculated and administered through the tax system. A family with two children and a household income under $80,000 may be entitled to $8,000–$15,000 or more annually in combined federal and provincial benefits.
Why So Many Canadians Miss Benefits They’re Entitled To
There’s a persistent myth in Canada that government benefits are only for people on social assistance. In reality, many benefit programs extend well into middle-income households, and some provide at least modest amounts to Canadians at nearly all income levels. The barriers to claiming are often practical rather than eligibility-based.
Common Reasons Benefits Go Unclaimed
- Not filing taxes: The most common reason — most benefits require a filed tax return to calculate and administer
- Not knowing the program exists: New programs are added regularly, and existing programs change income thresholds
- Believing you don’t qualify: Many programs have higher income thresholds than people assume
- Newcomers to Canada: Immigrants may not be aware of Canadian benefit programs
- Complex family situations: Separated or divorced parents, blended families, and caregivers often miss benefits
- Fear of government contact: Some people avoid filing taxes out of fear of old debts or CRA issues
If you’re afraid to file taxes because of old CRA debts or previous unfiled years, don’t let that stop you from claiming benefits. The Voluntary Disclosures Program allows you to come forward and file late returns with reduced penalties. The benefits you’re missing are likely worth far more than any penalty, and CRA will often arrange a payment plan for outstanding taxes.
GST/HST Credit: The Quarterly Payment Most Canadians Know Too Little About
The Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit is a tax-free quarterly payment from the federal government designed to offset all or part of the GST/HST paid by lower and modest-income Canadians. It is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency and is automatically calculated based on your filed tax return.
How Much Is the GST/HST Credit Worth?
For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, the maximum annual credit amounts are:
| Family Situation | Maximum Annual Amount | Quarterly Payment | Phase-Out Starts At |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single adult | $519 | ~$130 | ~$40,000 net income |
| Married/common-law couple | $680 | ~$170 | ~$40,000 combined |
| Per child under 19 | +$137 | +~$34 | Added to family base amount |
| Single parent with 1 child | ~$656 | ~$164 | ~$40,000 income |
| Family with 3 children | ~$817 | ~$204 | Phase-out above ~$40,000 |
Amounts for the 2025-26 benefit year; exact amounts depend on adjusted family net income and are indexed annually to inflation.
Who Qualifies?
You may be eligible for the GST/HST Credit if:
- You are a Canadian resident for income tax purposes
- You are 19 years of age or older (or have (or had) a spouse/common-law partner, or are (or were) a parent)
- Your family net income is below the phase-out threshold
- You have filed your income tax return for the previous year
How to Apply
You don’t need to apply separately for the GST/HST Credit — you automatically apply when you file your income tax return. CRA calculates the credit based on your reported income and family situation. This is why filing your return, even with zero income, is so important.
If you turned 19 during the year and are filing your first return, tick the box on your return indicating you want to apply for GST/HST Credit. Newcomers to Canada who become residents should also file a return for the year they arrive, even if they had Canadian income for only part of the year.
Special One-Time GST Credit Payments
The federal government has occasionally issued special one-time GST credit payments (as it did in late 2022 and 2023) to help lower-income Canadians with the cost of living. These special payments are typically issued automatically to those who are already receiving the regular credit — another reason filing and staying current matters.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB): The Most Valuable Benefit for Families
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly tax-free payment for families with children under 18. It is income-tested, meaning higher-income families receive less, and it can be worth thousands of dollars annually for families with modest incomes. The CCB replaced the previous Universal Child Care Benefit and Canada Child Tax Benefit in 2016 and has been significantly enhanced since.
CCB Payment Amounts and Phase-Outs
| Child Age | Max Annual Amount | Max Monthly Amount | Phase-Out Threshold | Phase-Out Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $7,787 | $648.91 | $36,502 AFNI | 7% above threshold |
| 6 to 17 | $6,570 | $547.50 | $36,502 AFNI | 3.2–5.7% above threshold |
AFNI = Adjusted Family Net Income. Amounts are for 2025-26 and are indexed to inflation. Phase-out rates increase above $79,087 AFNI.
Real-World CCB Examples
| Family Situation | Household Income | Estimated Annual CCB |
|---|---|---|
| Single parent, 1 child under 6 | $30,000 | ~$7,787 |
| Two-parent family, 2 children under 6 | $50,000 | ~$13,000 |
| Two-parent family, 2 children (under 6, 10) | $70,000 | ~$10,400 |
| Two-parent family, 3 children | $90,000 | ~$8,700 |
| Single parent, 1 child age 10 | $45,000 | ~$5,200 |
| Two-parent family, 2 children | $120,000 | ~$2,800 |
How to Apply for the CCB
Unlike the GST/HST Credit, you must apply for the CCB — it does not happen automatically. You can apply:
- Online: Through My Account on the CRA website
- By mail: Completing and mailing Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application)
- At birth registration: In most provinces, you can apply for the CCB when registering the birth of your child — no separate CRA application needed
Both parents must file their income tax returns every year for the CCB to continue. If either parent fails to file, CCB payments will stop. This is one of the most common reasons families lose CCB payments — one parent (often a lower-income or stay-at-home parent) doesn’t file because they think they don’t need to. Everyone in a CCB-receiving household must file annually.
Child Disability Benefit (CDB): The CCB Add-On Many Families Miss
Families who receive the CCB and whose child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) may also be entitled to the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). For 2025-26, the maximum CDB is approximately $3,322 per year per qualifying child.
Many families with children with disabilities are unaware of the DTC and therefore miss both the DTC tax credit and the CDB. The DTC application (Form T2201) requires medical certification from a qualified practitioner but is not as difficult to obtain as many assume.
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB): Helping Low-Income Workers
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit for lower-income working Canadians. It replaced the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB) in 2019 and has been enhanced multiple times since, including through the introduction of advance payments. The CWB provides meaningful financial support for people who are working but struggling financially.
CWB Eligibility
To qualify for the CWB, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident
- Be 19 years of age or older (or have a spouse/common-law partner or be a parent)
- Have earned income (employment or self-employment income)
- Have a net income below the phase-out threshold
- Not be a full-time student (with some exceptions)
- Not be exempt from tax under specific provisions
CWB Income Thresholds
| Status | Phase-In Starts | Maximum Amount | Phase-Out Starts | Phase-Out Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single (no dependants) | $3,000 | $1,590 at ~$12,000 | ~$24,000 | ~$36,500 |
| Family | $3,000 | $2,739 at ~$17,000 | ~$28,000 | ~$48,000 |
CWB Advance Payments
One of the most significant improvements to the CWB is the advance payment system. Instead of receiving the full benefit at tax time, eligible Canadians can now receive approximately 50% of their estimated CWB as automatic advance payments throughout the year — on a quarterly basis. This helps smooth cash flow for low-income workers who need money throughout the year, not just at tax time.
CWB advance payments are sent automatically based on your previous year’s tax return — you don’t need to apply separately. They begin once CRA has processed your tax return and determined your eligibility. Advance payments reduce your CWB at tax time (you receive the balance when you file), so it all comes out even.
Disability Supplement
The CWB also includes a disability supplement for workers who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. This can add up to approximately $784 per year to the CWB amount. Again, this requires applying for the DTC (Form T2201) — a step many eligible Canadians skip.
Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
For Canadians 65 and over, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are the foundational federal benefits. These programs are especially important for seniors with low retirement incomes, and the GIS in particular is frequently unclaimed by eligible seniors who don’t file their taxes.
Old Age Security (OAS)
OAS is a monthly pension available to Canadians and legal residents who are 65 or older and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18. Unlike CPP, OAS is not based on employment history — it’s based on residence.
| Age | Maximum Monthly OAS (Q1 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 65 to 74 | $727.67 | Subject to OAS clawback above ~$90,000 income |
| 75 and over | $800.44 | 10% top-up implemented in 2022 |
OAS is automatically enrolled for most Canadians through Service Canada, though some people may need to apply. If you haven’t started receiving OAS by age 65, contact Service Canada.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): The Unclaimed Senior Benefit
The GIS is a non-taxable monthly benefit for low-income OAS recipients. It is one of the most underutilized senior benefits in Canada, with tens of thousands of eligible seniors failing to claim it each year — primarily because they haven’t filed a recent tax return.
| Marital Status | Maximum Monthly GIS (Q1 2026) | Maximum Annual Income to Qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Single, widowed, or divorced | $1,086.88 | ~$21,768 (excluding OAS) |
| Married/common-law (both receive OAS) | $654.23 each | ~$29,136 combined (excluding OAS) |
| Married to Allowance recipient | $654.23 | ~$40,800 combined (excluding OAS) |
| Widowed (Allowance for Survivor) | Up to $1,647.34 | ~$26,832 excluding OAS |
“The GIS is automatically renewed each year for those who file a tax return. However, seniors who stop filing — thinking they no longer need to — will have their GIS payments suspended. Filing a tax return, even with no income to report, is the single most important action a low-income senior can take to maintain their benefits.”
The Allowance Program
Canadians aged 60-64 who are the spouse or common-law partner of a GIS recipient — or who are widowed — may qualify for the Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor. These programs are even less known than GIS but can provide significant support to low-income Canadians in their early 60s.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and CPP Disability
While CPP is technically a contributory pension (not a welfare benefit), many Canadians don’t maximize their CPP entitlements or are unaware of important provisions:
- CPP Disability Benefit: Available to CPP contributors under 65 who have a severe and prolonged disability. Many eligible Canadians don’t apply. The maximum monthly amount in 2026 is approximately $1,673.
- CPP Survivor’s Pension: Available to the surviving spouse/common-law partner of a deceased CPP contributor.
- CPP Death Benefit: A one-time payment of $2,500 to the estate of a deceased CPP contributor.
- Post-Retirement Benefit: Canadians who continue to work and contribute to CPP after starting CPP retirement payments receive additional post-retirement benefits.
CPP Disability is seriously underutilized in Canada. Approximately 350,000 Canadians receive it, but experts estimate significantly more are eligible. If you have a disability that prevents you from working regularly at any substantially gainful occupation, and you have sufficient CPP contributions, you should apply. Denials are common but can be appealed — many successful claims are approved on appeal.
Employment Insurance (EI): Beyond Regular Benefits
Most Canadians know about regular Employment Insurance for job loss, but many don’t know about the full range of EI special benefits:
| EI Benefit Type | Duration | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Benefits | 14–45 weeks | Employed people who lose their job |
| Maternity Benefits | Up to 15 weeks | Biological mothers before/after birth |
| Parental Benefits (standard) | Up to 40 weeks | Parents caring for newborn/adopted child |
| Parental Benefits (extended) | Up to 69 weeks (at lower rate) | Parents preferring longer leave |
| Sickness Benefits | Up to 26 weeks | Workers unable to work due to illness/injury |
| Compassionate Care | Up to 26 weeks | Caring for gravely ill family member |
| Family Caregiver (children) | Up to 35 weeks | Caring for critically ill/injured child |
| Family Caregiver (adults) | Up to 15 weeks | Caring for critically ill/injured adult |
Provincial Benefits: Often More Than Federal Alone
In addition to federal programs, every province offers its own benefit programs that can significantly supplement federal payments. These often work alongside the federal system and are also administered through the tax system.
Key Provincial Benefits by Province
| Province | Key Benefits | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB), Ontario Child Benefit, Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant | File provincial tax return (Form ON-BEN) |
| British Columbia | BC Family Benefit, BC Climate Action Tax Credit, BC Seniors’ Supplement | File provincial tax return |
| Alberta | Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB), Alberta Seniors Benefit | File federal/provincial tax return |
| Quebec | Solidarity Tax Credit, Family Allowance, Senior Assistance Tax Credit | File Quebec provincial return (Revenu Québec) |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Child Benefit, Manitoba Education Property Tax Credit, Cost of Living Tax Credit | File Manitoba provincial return |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit, Saskatchewan Child Benefit | File Saskatchewan provincial return |
| Nova Scotia | Affordable Living Tax Credit, NS Child Benefit | File provincial tax return |
| New Brunswick | NB Child Tax Benefit, Low-Income Tax Reduction | File provincial tax return |
| PEI | PEI Sales Tax Credit, PEI Low-Income Insurance Assistance | File provincial tax return |
| Newfoundland | NL Income Supplement, NL Child Benefit | File provincial tax return |
The Ontario Trillium Benefit: A Model Worth Understanding
Ontario’s Trillium Benefit illustrates how provincial benefits can add up. The OTB combines three credits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): For people who paid property tax or energy costs; up to ~$1,200 for seniors, less for others
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): For northern Ontario residents; up to ~$175
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): For lower-income Ontarians; up to ~$345 per person
The combined OTB can be worth $1,000 or more annually for qualifying families — all requiring nothing more than checking a box on your tax return.
The Carbon Rebate (Canada Carbon Rebate)
The Canada Carbon Rebate (formerly the Climate Action Incentive Payment) is a quarterly federal payment that returns carbon pricing revenues directly to Canadians in applicable provinces. This benefit applies to residents of provinces where the federal carbon pricing backstop applies.
Like other federal benefits, the Carbon Rebate is based on filing your tax return. Rural residents receive a 20% top-up on their base amount. Unlike most income-tested benefits, the Carbon Rebate goes to nearly all Canadian residents in applicable provinces regardless of income — though higher earners generally pay more in carbon pricing than they receive back.
As of 2024, the consumer fuel levy portion of carbon pricing was eliminated for heating oil and then paused for gasoline by the federal government. Check the current status of carbon pricing and the Canada Carbon Rebate with CRA, as these rules may have changed by the time you read this.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC): The Key That Unlocks Multiple Benefits
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable federal tax credit for people with severe and prolonged physical or mental impairments. But its value extends far beyond the tax credit itself — qualifying for the DTC unlocks eligibility for:
- Child Disability Benefit (CDB) — additional CCB amounts for children with disabilities
- Canada Workers Benefit Disability Supplement
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
- Henson Trust benefits
- Various provincial disability supplements
The DTC is widely underutilized, particularly among Canadians with mental health conditions, chronic pain, Type 1 diabetes, and other conditions that aren’t obviously “disabling” in a traditional sense. The eligibility criteria have been expanded significantly. Many conditions that weren’t covered five years ago are now eligible. If you or a family member has a significant health condition that affects daily functioning, it’s worth having a qualified medical practitioner assess whether DTC application is appropriate — the downstream financial benefits can be substantial.
RESP and RDSP: Investment Accounts with Government Matching
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and CESG
The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) matches 20% of RESP contributions up to $2,500 per year — a $500 annual grant per child, and up to $7,200 in lifetime grants. For lower-income families, additional CESG and the Canada Learning Bond provide even more without requiring contributions.
The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) provides up to $2,000 in an RESP for children from lower-income families — with no contribution required from the family. Millions of eligible Canadians are not claiming the CLB.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and CDSG/CDSB
For Canadians who qualify for the DTC, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) offers extraordinary government matching through the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) and Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB). Lower-income contributors can receive $3 in government grants for every $1 contributed, up to $3,500/year in matching, plus an additional $1,000/year bond for very low incomes — no contribution required.
How to Claim Everything You’re Entitled To: A Step-by-Step Approach
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File Your Tax Return — Every Year, Even With No Income
This is the single most critical step. Almost every federal and provincial benefit requires a filed tax return. Even if you earned nothing, file a return. CRA offers free tax clinics (Community Volunteer Income Tax Program/CVITP) across Canada — find one near you at canada.ca/free-tax-help.
-
Ensure Your Spouse/Partner Also Files
For benefits like the CCB, GST/HST Credit, and GIS, your spouse or common-law partner must also file their own tax return. A non-filing partner can cause your household to lose significant benefits.
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Update Your Marital Status and Dependants with CRA
Life changes — marriage, separation, new children — must be reported to CRA. Use My Account to update your information. Benefits calculated on incorrect family information may be overpaid (and clawed back) or underpaid.
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Apply for CCB When Your Child Is Born
CCB doesn’t happen automatically (outside the birth registration process in some provinces). Apply through CRA My Account or by submitting Form RC66 as soon as possible after your child’s birth.
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Consider DTC Application for Any Significant Disability
If you or a family member has a physical or mental impairment that significantly restricts basic activities of daily living, apply for the DTC using Form T2201 with a qualified medical practitioner’s certification. Approval unlocks multiple additional benefits.
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Review Your Notice of Assessment
After filing, review your CRA Notice of Assessment carefully. It shows which benefits you’ve been approved for and how amounts were calculated. Discrepancies can be disputed within deadlines.
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Check Provincial Benefits Specific to Your Province
Research your province’s tax and benefit guide (available from your provincial revenue authority). Many provincial credits require specific forms to be filed with your return — they don’t happen automatically.
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File Back Returns if You've Missed Years
CRA allows you to file returns for the last 10 years. If you’ve missed filing and missed benefits, you can retroactively claim most credits and benefits by filing back returns. This can result in a significant lump-sum payment.
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) — run by CRA with community partners — provides free tax preparation services to eligible Canadians with modest incomes and simple tax situations. In 2024, the CVITP completed nearly 900,000 returns for Canadians. These free clinics are particularly valuable for seniors, newcomers to Canada, and people with low incomes who can’t afford a tax preparer.
Common Benefit Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Not filing taxes | Lose all income-tested benefits | File every year, even with no income |
| Partner not filing | CCB, GIS, CWB calculated incorrectly or stopped | Both partners must file annually |
| Not reporting new child | Delay in CCB and child-based credits | Apply for CCB within 90 days of birth |
| Reporting separation late | Benefit overpayments that CRA will recover | Update marital status within 90 days |
| Missing DTC application | Lose CDB, CWB supplement, RDSP eligibility | Apply if any significant disability exists |
| Not claiming provincial credits | Miss provincial-level benefits | Check provincial forms and complete properly |
| OAS not applied for | Delayed pension payments | Contact Service Canada at age 64 to confirm auto-enrollment |
| GIS not renewed | GIS payments suspended | File taxes annually; GIS renews automatically |
Benefits and Debt: An Important Connection
For Canadians dealing with credit problems and debt, government benefits serve a particularly important function: they can provide the cash flow needed to make minimum payments, avoid further defaults, and begin rebuilding financial stability — without taking on more debt.
Government benefits are generally exempt from seizure by private creditors in Canada. A creditor with a court judgment cannot garnish your GST/HST Credit, CCB, GIS, or other federal benefits (with some exceptions for CRA debts and support orders). This makes government benefits a secure source of cash flow even when facing aggressive debt collection.
If you’re considering bankruptcy or a Consumer Proposal, your Licensed Insolvency Trustee will ask about your benefit income. While benefits count as income for some purposes, many are exempt from the “surplus income” calculation that affects bankruptcy terms. Understanding this can affect your decision-making.
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GET STARTED NOWFrequently Asked Questions: Canadian Government Benefits
Do I have to file taxes if I have no income?
You are not legally required to file a tax return if you have no income and no taxes owing. However, you should absolutely file anyway because most government benefits — GST/HST Credit, CCB, GIS, provincial credits, CWB — are calculated from your filed return. Not filing means not receiving these benefits. There is no penalty for filing a “nil” return, and the benefits you’ll receive make it very worthwhile.
Can I get the GST/HST Credit even if I’m on social assistance?
Yes. Receiving provincial social assistance (welfare, Ontario Works, etc.) does not disqualify you from the federal GST/HST Credit. You must still file a tax return to receive it, and social assistance income is reported but generally results in a low or zero net income, which means you’ll typically receive the maximum GST/HST Credit amount.
How do I know if I’m getting all the benefits I’m entitled to?
The best way is to file your tax return accurately and completely, ensuring all family information is up to date with CRA. You can then log into CRA My Account to see what benefits you’re receiving and use the “Benefit and Credit Calculator” tool. If you’re unsure, consult a tax professional or use the free CVITP tax clinic service. A surprising number of Canadians find they’ve been missing significant benefit amounts when they finally do a thorough review.
My ex-spouse is collecting the CCB but I have shared custody — what do I do?
In shared custody arrangements (at least 40% of the time with each parent), the CCB can be split equally between both parents. CRA will typically split it automatically when both parents file returns showing the same children in shared custody. If the split isn’t happening correctly, contact CRA directly. Getting this right can be worth thousands of dollars annually.
I’ve been out of the workforce and haven’t filed taxes in years — what should I do?
File back returns as soon as possible. CRA allows you to file returns for up to 10 years back, and you can retroactively receive most benefits (though some have shorter retroactive claim periods). You can get a large lump-sum payment for unclaimed GST credits, CCB, and other benefits. Use the CVITP free tax clinics or contact CRA for guidance on filing back returns.
Does the Canada Child Benefit count as income?
No — the CCB is not taxable income. You do not pay income tax on CCB payments, and it is not included in your net income calculation for most purposes. This means receiving CCB does not reduce other income-tested benefits. It’s purely a benefit, not a taxable payment.
Can CRA seize my government benefits for tax debts I owe?
Yes, the CRA has the authority to apply your refundable tax credits (including GST/HST Credits and CCB payments) toward outstanding CRA debts — this is called “setting off” the amounts. If you owe CRA money, they may apply your benefit payments against your debt. The GIS for seniors has some protections. If you’re dealing with CRA debts, consider a payment arrangement to protect your ongoing benefit flow.
What is the difference between the Canada Workers Benefit and the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST Credit is for low and modest-income Canadians generally, regardless of employment status. The Canada Workers Benefit is specifically for low-income working Canadians (those with earned employment or self-employment income) and provides an incentive for workforce participation. You can receive both if you qualify for both — they are separate programs with separate eligibility rules.
Resources for Maximizing Your Benefits
- CRA My Account (canada.ca/my-cra-account): View your benefit and credit information, update your profile, and track payments
- CVITP Free Tax Clinics (canada.ca/free-tax-help): Free tax preparation for eligible Canadians with modest incomes
- Benefits Finder (canada.ca/benefits-finder): CRA tool to identify benefits you may be entitled to based on your situation
- Service Canada (servicecanada.gc.ca): For OAS, GIS, CPP, and EI information and applications
- Provincial revenue authorities: Each province has its own website and guide for provincial tax credits and benefits
Conclusion
Canada’s government benefit system represents a substantial financial resource for millions of Canadians — yet billions of dollars in eligible benefits go unclaimed every year. The barrier is almost never that Canadians don’t deserve these benefits; it’s that they don’t know they exist, don’t realize they qualify, or haven’t filed the tax returns needed to access them.
Whether you’re a working parent, a low-income senior, a person with disabilities, or simply someone going through financial difficulty, there are likely government benefits available to you right now that you may be missing. The investment of time to file your taxes, update your CRA profile, and explore available programs can return thousands of dollars annually.
Take the time this tax season to ensure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to. Consult a free CVITP tax clinic if you need help. Use CRA’s Benefits Finder. And if you have a child or family member with a significant disability, explore the Disability Tax Credit — it may be the key that unlocks a range of additional benefits you didn’t know you could access.
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