Benefits for Everyone
GST/HST Credit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Individuals/families with low-moderate income |
| Maximum (single) | ~$519/year |
| Maximum (couple) | ~$680/year |
| Per child | +$179 |
| Income threshold | Reduced as income rises above ~$42,000 (single) |
| How to get it | File your tax return |
| Payment schedule | Quarterly (July, Oct, Jan, April) |
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Working individuals/families with low income |
| Maximum (single) | ~$1,518/year |
| Maximum (family) | ~$2,616/year |
| Income threshold | Full benefit up to ~$24,000 (single), phases out |
| Disability supplement | Additional ~$784/year |
| How to get it | File tax return (Line 45300) |
| Advance payments | Available (apply with RC201) |
Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Residents of ON, AB, SK, MB, NB, NS, PEI, NL |
| Amount (varies by province) | $150-$450/year per adult |
| Rural supplement | 10% extra |
| How to get it | File tax return |
| Payment schedule | Quarterly |
Benefits for Families
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Per child under 6 | Up to $7,787/year (~$649/month) |
| Per child 6-17 | Up to $6,570/year (~$548/month) |
| Income clawback starts | $36,502 (family net income) |
| Fully eliminated | ~$200,000+ depending on number/age of children |
| Payment schedule | Monthly (around the 20th) |
| How to get it | File both parents’ tax returns + apply with RC66 |
Example: Family with 2 kids (ages 3 and 7), $80K income: Approximate annual CCB: ~$8,500-$9,500 (~$710-$790/month)
Child Disability Benefit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Additional to CCB | Up to $3,322/year per child |
| Who qualifies | Child approved for Disability Tax Credit |
| Application | Form T2201 signed by medical practitioner |
Provincial Child Benefits
| Province | Benefit Name | Add’l Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Ontario Child Benefit | Up to $1,607/child/year |
| BC | BC Family Benefit | Up to $2,188/child/year |
| Alberta | Alberta Child and Family Benefit | Up to $1,469/child/year |
| Quebec | Family Allowance | Up to $2,853/child/year |
Benefits for Seniors
| Benefit | Maximum Monthly | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| CPP (at 65) | ~$1,400 | Worked and contributed to CPP |
| OAS (65-74) | ~$730 | Lived in Canada 10+ years (after 18) |
| OAS (75+) | ~$800 | Same as above |
| GIS (single) | ~$1,000 | Low-income OAS recipient |
| Allowance (60-64) | ~$1,400 | Low-income spouse of OAS recipient |
| Allowance for survivor (60-64) | ~$1,600 | Low-income surviving spouse |
Combined Senior Benefits (Single, Low Income)
| Source | Monthly |
|---|---|
| OAS | $730 |
| GIS | $1,000 |
| CPP (average) | $800 |
| Total | $2,530/month ($30,360/year) |
Benefits for Disabilities
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Federal tax savings | ~$1,500-$2,000/year |
| Unlocks other benefits | RDSP, CDB, CWB disability supplement |
| Application | Form T2201 (must be certified by medical practitioner) |
| Retroactive claims | Up to 10 years back |
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | DTC-approved individuals |
| Government grants (CDSG) | Up to $3,500/year (matched 300% on first $500) |
| Government bonds (CDSB) | Up to $1,000/year (no contribution required) |
| Lifetime government contribution limit | $70,000 (grants) + $20,000 (bonds) |
| Lifetime personal contribution limit | $200,000 |
| Best feature | Government puts in money even with $0 contribution |
Canada Disability Benefit (New)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Working-age adults (18-64) with DTC + low income |
| Maximum | Up to $200/month ($2,400/year) starting 2025 |
| Application | Through CRA (requires DTC approval) |
| Note | Amount is in addition to provincial disability benefits |
Benefits for Job Loss
Employment Insurance (EI)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Regular benefits | 55% of insurable earnings (max ~$668/week) |
| Duration | 14-45 weeks depending on hours and regional unemployment |
| Eligibility | 420-700 insured hours in past 52 weeks |
| Waiting period | 1 week (unpaid) |
| Maternity benefits | 15 weeks at 55% |
| Parental benefits | 35 weeks (standard) or 61 weeks (extended at 33%) |
| Application | My Service Canada Account (apply within 4 weeks of last day) |
Benefits for Students
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Canada Student Grants | Up to $4,200/year (full-time, low income) |
| Canada Student Loans | Interest-free while in school |
| Tuition tax credit | 15% federal on tuition paid |
| Student loan interest credit | 15% on interest paid |
| Canada Training Credit | $250/year (ages 26-65) |
| RESP withdrawal | Education Assistance Payments (taxed in student’s hands) |
How to Maximize Benefits
| Action | Impact |
|---|---|
| File your tax return every year | Unlocks CCB, GST, CWB, CAIP |
| File even with $0 income | Still eligible for credits |
| Both spouses file | Required for CCB |
| Apply for DTC (if applicable) | Unlocks RDSP, CDB, CWB supplement |
| Apply for GIS (seniors) | Up to $12,000+/year extra |
| Contribute to RRSP before retirement | Lowers income, increases benefits in retirement |
| Use TFSA | Withdrawals don’t affect any benefit calculations |