Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit

Nova ScotiaTax creditChecked November 7, 2026

A tax-free credit for Nova Scotians with low and modest incomes. It offsets the HST and is added to the quarterly Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit) payments.

How much

July 2026 to June 2027: up to $255 a year for a person or a couple, plus $60 for each child. It is reduced by 5% of adjusted family net income over $30,000. By that rule it reaches $0 at about $35,100 with no children, $36,300 with one child and $37,500 with two.

When it's paid

Quarterly, in the same payment as the federal Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. 2026 payment dates: July 3 and October 5. Wait 10 working days after a payment date before calling the CRA.

Who qualifies

You live in Nova Scotia
You file your tax return every year (the CRA works out the credit from it)
Your adjusted family net income is low or modest: the credit shrinks by 5% of income over $30,000
Families with children get $60 more per child

How to apply

There is no separate application
File your income tax return every year, even with little or no income
The CRA calculates the credit and adds it to your quarterly payment
Set up direct deposit in CRA My Account to get it faster

What to have ready

Social Insurance Number
Your previous year tax return (and your spouse or partner’s)
Direct deposit information

Add to a printable checklist with other benefits

Common mistakes to avoid

Not filing a tax return because income was low
Looking for a separate Nova Scotia payment: it arrives inside the quarterly CGEB deposit
Not telling the CRA about a change in marital status or a new child

Still being confirmed: The CRA page gives the amounts and the 5% reduction but not every eligibility rule (for example age or residence dates). We assume the same rules as the federal credit it is paid with; confirm with the CRA if you are unsure. The 2027 payment dates are not posted yet. Check the official page for the latest details.

Official sources

Last checked against these pages on November 7, 2026.

Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly GST/HST credit)The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is a tax-free quarterly payment for people with low and modest incomes. It…
Nova Scotia Child BenefitThe Nova Scotia Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment for low- and modest-income families with children under 18.…
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment to help families with the cost of raising children under 18. The…

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BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.