Guides

Canadian benefit guides

Plain-language explainers for federal and provincial programs: who qualifies, current amounts, when they pay and how to apply. Each guide links to the official source and shows when it was last checked.

Start from what's happening in your life

Having a babyA new baby opens up several federal and provincial benefits, most of which start from one application. Doing…Turning 65At 65 you become eligible for Old Age Security and possibly the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and several…Losing your jobIf you lose your job, Employment Insurance is usually the first step, but your lower income may also qualify…Living with a disabilityMany disability supports depend on first getting the Disability Tax Credit approved. From there you can access…After a deathWhen someone dies, survivors may be entitled to one-time and ongoing payments, and some benefits must be…New to CanadaNewcomers can get several benefits soon after arrival, but most require a tax filing record. Getting a SIN and…Separation or divorceA separation changes your family income for benefit purposes, which can increase what you receive. You must…Going to schoolStudents can get federal and provincial grants and loans, plus tax credits once they file. Savings in an RESP…

Federal programs

Tax credit

Canada Carbon Rebate (closed)The Canada Carbon Rebate has ended. The federal fuel charge was removed April 1, 2025, and the final rebate was paid…
Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC)The Canada Caregiver Credit lowers your income tax if you support a spouse, partner or dependant with a physical or…
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…
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit for people who work and earn a low income. You claim it on your…
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)You can reduce your income tax by claiming eligible medical costs you paid for yourself or your family. Only the part…

Provincial programs

Newfoundland and Labrador all programs we check

Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement and Seniors' BenefitTwo tax-free provincial amounts paid every three months with the federal Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB,…

Nova Scotia all programs we check

Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax CreditA tax-free credit for Nova Scotians with low and modest incomes. It offsets the HST and is added to the quarterly Canada…

Ontario all programs we check

Ontario Trillium BenefitThe Ontario Trillium Benefit combines three credits that help with energy costs, property tax or rent, and sales tax.…

Quebec all programs we check

Québec Solidarity Tax CreditThis refundable Revenu Québec credit helps low- and moderate-income households with QST and housing costs, with an extra…

Saskatchewan all programs we check

Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit (SLITC): amounts and payment datesSLITC is a quarterly, tax-free payment to low- and modest-income Saskatchewan residents. It is paid with the federal…

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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.