Life can be expensive. Learn how the CRA can help

Raising children, paying rent, or just keeping up with the bills is not always easy. You might not be aware of the help offered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Revenu Québec. Continue reading to learn more about your options and how to apply for them if you qualify.

How do you get benefits and credits?

You and your spouse or common-law partner need to do your taxes each year to get the benefits and credits you may be eligible for, even if you had no income. If you live in Quebec, you also have to do a provincial tax return. You have until April 30 each year to do your taxes and continue getting your benefits.

How much could you get per year?

Canada child benefit – up to $6,997 for each child under 6 years of age and up to $5,903 for each child aged 6 to 17. You need to apply for all children in your household if you have not applied previously and nobody is receiving it for them. 

Goods and services tax / harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit – up to $467 for an eligible individual and up to $934 for an eligible couple with two children. 

Disability tax credit – eligible individuals with a disability or their supporting family member may claim $8,870 as a non-refundable tax credit. Persons under 18 years of age at the end of the year may also be eligible for an additional amount of up to $5,174. Go to canada.ca/disability-tax-credit.

Canada workers benefit – up to $1,428 for an eligible individual and up to $2,461 for an eligible family as a refundable credit. This credit reduces the tax you owe first and any remaining credit is refunded to you. Also, you may apply to get up to half of your benefit amount in advance payments.

Check out the Benefits Finder to see all benefits you may be eligible to receive. Go to canada.ca/benefits-finder

More information on Tax-related benefits, credits, deductions and support

Click the link below and see the benefits that may be available to you, your family, learn how to apply, and estimate how much you could get.

You may be eligible to get benefits and credits for up to 10 years back.

Go to:  canada.ca/benefits-credits-ad 

If you prefer to call, you can use the numbers below:   

To ask about benefits, call  1-800-387-1193

For other questions or to get forms , call 1-800-959-8281

If you are calling from the 867 area code, call 1-866-426-1527

For Revenu Québec, call  1-800-267-6299

Information provided by:

Canada Revenue Agency
The Outreach Program