Table of Contents
Introduction
One of the most pleasant surprises for many newcomers to Canada is learning that the government sends money back to you — not just as a tax refund, but as regular payments designed to help with everyday costs of living.
These payments are called benefits and credits, and many newcomers qualify for them right away. You don't need to be a Canadian citizen. You don't need to have worked for years. In most cases, you simply need to have filed your tax return and meet a few basic eligibility criteria.
This guide walks you through the most important benefits, what they are, who qualifies, and how to make sure you're not leaving money on the table.
GST/HST Credit
What is it?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free payment from the federal government to help offset the cost of Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) that you pay on everyday purchases. Think of it as the government giving back a portion of the sales tax you spend throughout the year.
Who qualifies?
You may be eligible if you are:
A Canadian resident for income tax purposes
19 years of age or older (or have a spouse, common-law partner, or are a parent)
Have filed a tax return, even if you had no income
Newcomers can apply as soon as they become a resident of Canada — you don't have to wait until tax season. You can apply by completing Form RC151 (GST/HST Credit and Canada Carbon Rebate Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada).
How much can you receive?
The amount depends on your family income and family size. For the 2024–2025 benefit year, a single person can receive up to approximately $519 per year, and a couple can receive up to $680 per year, plus additional amounts for each child under 19. Payments are made quarterly — in January, April, July, and October.
The lower your income, the more you receive. As your income increases, the credit gradually reduces.
Good to know
Even if you didn't earn any income in your first year in Canada, you should still file a tax return. It's the key that unlocks this credit and most others listed in this guide.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
What is it?
The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment made to families to help cover the cost of raising children under the age of 18. It is one of the most generous family supports in the world, and many newcomer families are surprised to learn just how much they can receive.
Who qualifies?
You may be eligible if you:
Live with a child under 18 who you are primarily responsible for caring for
Are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person (refugee), or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the past 18 months with a valid permit
How much can you receive?
For the 2024–2025 benefit year, families can receive up to:
$7,787 per year ($648.91/month) for each child under 6 years old
$6,570 per year ($547.50/month) for each child between 6 and 17 years old
These amounts are reduced gradually as family net income increases. Families with lower incomes receive the full benefit. The CCB is recalculated every year in July based on your previous year's tax return.
How to apply
You can apply for the CCB in three ways:
At birth: If your child is born in Canada, you can apply through the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) when you register the birth.
Through My Account: Log in to your CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) My Account online and apply directly.
By mail: Complete and mail Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application).
Do not delay applying. The CCB is not retroactive beyond 11 months, so the sooner you apply, the sooner the payments begin.
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
What is it?
The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit for low-income individuals and families who are working. It was designed to make work more financially rewarding for people earning lower wages, and it can provide meaningful extra income at tax time — and now even throughout the year.
Who qualifies?
You may be eligible if you:
Are a resident of Canada for the full year
Earned income from employment or self-employment
Are at least 19 years old (or live with a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child)
Have a net income below the threshold for your province
How much can you receive?
The basic amount for a single person can be up to $1,518 per year, and up to $2,616 per year for families. There is also a disability supplement for those who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit.
Starting in 2023, 50% of the CWB you are estimated to receive can be paid in advance — in quarterly installments — rather than as a lump sum at tax time. This is called the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB).
How to apply
You apply automatically when you file your income tax return. There is no separate form to fill out. If you qualify based on your income, the CRA will calculate and issue the benefit.
Ontario Trillium Benefit and Provincial Credits
What is it?
If you live in Ontario, you may also be eligible for the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) — a combined monthly payment that rolls three provincial credits into one:
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): Helps with energy costs and property tax (including rent)
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): For residents of Northern Ontario
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): Helps offset provincial sales tax
Who qualifies?
Eligibility depends on your income, age, family situation, and type of housing. Renters and homeowners are both eligible for different components. Even if you live in a rooming house or on a reserve, you may still qualify.
How much can you receive?
The total can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per year, depending on your situation. Payments are made monthly, usually on the 10th of each month.
How to apply
Apply by completing the ON-BEN schedule when filing your Ontario tax return. You do not need to file a separate application — it's part of your annual income tax filing.
What about other provinces?
Every province has its own set of credits and benefits. If you live outside Ontario, check the Canada Revenue Agency website or your provincial government website for credits specific to your province. Common examples include:
British Columbia Climate Action Tax Credit
Alberta Child and Family Benefit
Quebec Solidarity Tax Credit
Filing your taxes is how you access all of these.
Other Benefits Worth Knowing About
Beyond the main credits above, here are a few more you should be aware of as a newcomer:
Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)
Formerly called the Climate Action Incentive Payment, the Canada Carbon Rebate is a quarterly payment to help Canadians offset the cost of the federal carbon pricing system. If you live in a province where the federal carbon pricing applies (such as Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, or Saskatchewan), you may receive this automatically when you file your taxes.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
If you or someone in your family has a significant and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions, you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. This non-refundable credit can reduce the income tax you pay and can also open doors to additional benefits like the Canada Disability Benefit and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
If you are 65 or older, you may be eligible for Old Age Security payments after living in Canada for at least 10 years. Newcomers who arrived later in life should still check eligibility, as partial pensions can be paid based on years of Canadian residence. The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides additional support for seniors with lower incomes.
Employment Insurance (EI)
If you have worked in Canada and lose your job or take parental leave, you may qualify for Employment Insurance benefits. You need to have worked a minimum number of insurable hours (usually 420 to 700 hours depending on your region) within the last 52 weeks.
How to Apply: The Key is Filing Your Taxes
The single most important thing you can do to access Canadian benefits is to file your income tax return every year — even if you had no income.
Most benefits are calculated automatically by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) based on the information you provide in your tax return. You don't need to apply separately for most of them.
Before you can file taxes or receive most government benefits, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Apply for one as soon as you arrive in Canada through Service Canada. It's free and takes about 10 to 15 minutes in person.
Setting up a CRA My Account
Create an online account with the Canada Revenue Agency at canada.ca/my-cra-account. This allows you to:
Check the status of your benefit payments
Update your banking information for direct deposit
View your tax slips and RRSP contribution room
Apply for certain benefits directly online
Free Tax Clinics
If your income is modest or your tax situation is simple, you may be able to get your taxes done for free through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). These clinics are run by trained volunteers and are especially helpful for newcomers who are filing Canadian taxes for the first time. Search for a clinic near you at canada.ca/free-tax-help.
Practical Tips & Next Steps
You now know what benefits exist. Here's how to make sure you actually receive them.
As soon as you arrive:
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at a Service Canada location or online. Do this within your first week if possible.
If you have children, apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) right away using Form RC66 or through your CRA My Account. Don't wait for tax season.
Apply for the GST/HST Credit using Form RC151 if you arrived mid-year and won't be filing taxes for several months.
When you file your first tax return:
File even if you had zero income. This is the trigger for most benefits, and the CRA cannot issue payments without it.
Use the ON-BEN schedule if you live in Ontario to claim the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
Look into free tax clinics through the CVITP if you need help filing. Newcomers are a priority group.
Sign up for direct deposit through your CRA My Account so payments go directly to your bank account.
Ongoing:
Update your CRA account any time your family situation changes: new child, change in marital status, or change of address. This affects the amount you receive.
File your taxes by April 30 each year to avoid delays in your benefit payments. Benefit years are recalculated each July based on the previous year's return.
If your income is very low in a given year, you may see your benefit amounts increase. The system adjusts each year.
Explore province-specific benefits in your area — there may be additional supports beyond what is covered here.
Golden rule: In Canada, the government does not always tell you what you are owed. It is your responsibility to file your taxes, apply where required, and check what you are eligible for. Taking the time to do this properly can add thousands of dollars a year to your household budget.
Benefits and credits are updated every year. For the most current amounts and eligibility rules, visit the official Canada Revenue Agency website at canada.ca or call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281. Click here for more guides to help you build your life in Canada with confidence.