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

Work

Canada training credit: check your balance before claiming course feesA refundable tax credit for eligible Canadian training and examination fees. Check your own credit limit before counting…
EI caregiving benefits: eligibility and how to applyCheck EI caregiver benefit eligibility, the three types of support, required documents and application steps. Confirm…
EI regular benefitsEI regular benefits give temporary income to people who lose their job through no fault of their own. You must have…
EI sickness benefitsEI sickness benefits pay part of your income when you can't work for medical reasons. You can get up to 26 weeks.
EI special benefits for self-employed people (opting in)If you work for yourself, you are not covered by EI unless you choose to sign up. Opting in lets you get maternity,…

Provincial programs

Ontario all programs we check

Ontario Works Financial AssistanceOntario Works is the province's social assistance program. It helps people in financial need with money for food and…

Quebec all programs we check

Québec Work PremiumThe work premium is a refundable Québec tax credit that rewards low- and moderate-income workers. There is an adapted…

Which of these could you get?

Answer a few anonymous questions and our AI checks federal, provincial and local programs for your household — with estimated amounts and how to apply. No name, SIN or address needed.

Start my free preview

Two women tending herbs together on a balcony — Illustrative AI-generated photography

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.