Every dollar counts - Benefits, credits and programs
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Every dollar counts
There are many benefits, credits, and programs available when you do your taxes. You may need to apply for certain benefits and credits, while others you can claim when you do your taxes. You have until April 30 each year to do your taxes, even if you have no income, to continue getting your benefit payments. Find more information on some benefits, credits and programs below.
Canada child benefit (CCB)
Provides a tax-free monthly payment. Eligible families can get up to $7,997 per year for each child under 6 and up to $6,748 per year, for each child aged 6 to 17. You need to apply for the CCB then do your taxes on time every year to continue getting the payments you are entitled to receive.
In addition: If you are eligible for the CCB, you could be eligible for certain benefits that the CRA administers on behalf of the provinces and territories.
Payments from the provinces and territories for families with children
Based on where you live, you may also get:
- Alberta child and family benefit
- BC family benefit
- New Brunswick child tax benefit
- Newfoundland and Labrador child benefit (and Early childhood nutrition supplement)
- Northwest Territories child benefit
- Nova Scotia child benefit
- Nunavut child benefit
- Ontario child benefit (related to the Canada child benefit)
- Yukon child benefit
- Prince Edward Island child benefit
Disability tax credit (DTC)
A non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. Apply for the DTC and once approved, claim it on your tax return. Claim up to $9,872, with an additional $5,758 for those under 18. If you were eligible for the DTC in past years but did not claim the disability amount, you may be able to claim it going back up to 10 years.
In addition: Being eligible for the DTC may help you access other programs.
Benefit programs related to the DTC
- Canada caregiver credit
- Canada workers benefit disability supplement
- Child disability benefit
- Home accessibility tax credit
- Multigenerational home renovation tax credit
- Registered disability savings plan
GST/HST credit
Provides four tax-free payments each year. If entitled, single individuals can get up to $533 per year. A couple with two children could get up to $1,066 per year. You need to do your taxes every year to keep getting the payments you are entitled to receive. New residents of Canada must complete one of two forms to apply for the GST/HST credit.
In addition: If you are eligible for the GST/HST credit, you could also be eligible for certain benefits that the CRA administers on behalf of the provinces and territories.
Payments from the provinces and territories related (or similar) to the GST/HST credit
Based on where you live, you may also get:
- BC climate action tax credit
- New Brunswick harmonized sales tax credit
- Newfoundland and Labrador disability amount
- Newfoundland and Labrador seniors' benefit
- Northwest Territories cost of living offset
- Nova Scotia affordable living tax credit
- Nunavut carbon credit
- Ontario sales tax credit
- Ontario trillium benefit
- Prince Edward Island sales tax credit
- Saskatchewan low-income tax credit (SLITC)
- Yukon Government carbon price rebate - Individuals
Canada workers benefit (CWB)
Provides an amount that helps those working and earning a modest income to reduce any taxes they owe and can result in a tax refund. You can claim the CWB when you do your taxes.
If you are entitled to receive the CWB, you will get up to 50% of your CWB in advanced payments under what is referred to as the Advanced Canada workers benefit (ACWB). The ACWB is issued across three quarterly payments in July, October and January.
Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)
A tax-free quarterly payment for residents of most provinces to offset the cost of the federal pollution pricing. You need to do your taxes every year and make sure your address is up to date with the CRA to continue getting the payments you are entitled to receive.
Free tax clinics
Free tax help by a volunteer for those with a modest income and a simple tax situation is available across Canada.
Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
Withdraw up to $60,000 from your registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to buy or build a home.
Find out what else you could qualify for
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Payment dates, Canada child benefit, GST/HST credit, disability tax credit, Canada workers benefit, and other benefits and credits.
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- Date modified:
- 2025-01-31