Government programs and benefits, in plain language
Federal programs first, then each province and territory. Amounts shown were read on the official page on the date indicated; where no amount is shown, follow the official link for current figures.
How to use this list 1) Start with the Benefits Finder. 2) File your tax return every year, even with no income: most benefits are calculated from it. 3) Keep your address and direct deposit up to date in your CRA and Service Canada accounts.
Federal programs (all of Canada)
Families and children
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)Tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18, based on family income. You must file your taxes every year to keep it.
Amounts — July 2026 to June 2027
Maximum per child under 6
$8,157 / year ($679.75 / month)
Maximum per child aged 6 to 17
$6,883 / year ($573.58 / month)
Full amount if adjusted family net income is under
Child Disability BenefitExtra monthly amount added to the CCB when a child qualifies for the disability tax credit.Official page ↗ · link checked
EI maternity and parental benefitsIncome replacement while you are away from work for a birth or adoption. Quebec residents use the provincial plan (QPIP) instead.Official page ↗ · link checked
Canada Learning BondMoney the government deposits into a child's RESP for lower-income families. No contribution of your own is required.Official page ↗ · link checked
Canada Education Savings GrantThe government adds a percentage to what you put in a child's RESP, up to yearly and lifetime limits.
Amounts — 2026
Basic grant
20% of contributions, up to $500 per child per year
Employment Insurance: regular benefitsTemporary income if you lose your job through no fault of your own and have enough insurable hours. Apply as soon as you stop working.
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly GST/HST credit)Tax-free quarterly payment for people with low or modest income. You get it automatically by filing your return.
Canada Pension Plan retirement pensionMonthly pension based on your contributions from work. You choose when to start between 60 and 70; later means more. Quebec workers contribute to the QPP instead.
Disability Tax CreditNon-refundable credit that lowers income tax and opens the door to the RDSP and other benefits. A medical practitioner must certify the form.Official page ↗ · link checked
CPP disability benefitMonthly income if a severe and prolonged disability stops you from working and you contributed enough to the CPP.
Registered Disability Savings Plan grants and bondsGovernment money added to an RDSP; the bond is paid even without personal contributions for lower incomes.Official page ↗ · link checked
Housing
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)Contributions are deductible and withdrawals to buy a first home are tax-free.
Amounts — 2026
Participation room in the year you open your first FHSA
GST/HST new housing rebateRecover part of the sales tax paid on a new or substantially renovated home.Official page ↗ · link checked
Canada Housing BenefitRent help paid directly to households, designed and delivered by each province and territory.Official page ↗ · link checked
Students and training
Canada Student Grants and LoansGrants you don't repay and interest-free loans, applied for through your province. Quebec, NWT and Nunavut run their own programs.Official page ↗ · link checked
Repayment Assistance PlanLowers or pauses student loan payments when your income is low.Official page ↗ · link checked
Canada Apprentice LoanInterest-free loans during technical training in a Red Seal trade.Official page ↗ · link checked
Canada Training CreditRefundable credit that accumulates each year to help pay tuition for workers aged 26 to 65.Official page ↗ · link checked
Lifelong Learning PlanWithdraw from your RRSP to pay for full-time training, then repay it.Official page ↗ · link checked
Registered savings plans
Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)Growth and withdrawals are tax-free; withdrawn amounts become new room the next January.
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)Savings for a child's post-secondary studies that attract government grants.Official page ↗ · link checked
Newcomers
Free settlement servicesLanguage classes, job-search help and orientation offered by funded organizations to permanent residents and refugees.Official page ↗ · link checked
Interim Federal Health ProgramTemporary health coverage for refugees and claimants until provincial coverage starts.Official page ↗ · link checked
Indigenous peoples
Non-Insured Health BenefitsCoverage for drugs, dental, vision, medical supplies and medical travel for eligible First Nations people and Inuit.Official page ↗ · link not yet checked
Jordan's PrincipleEnsures First Nations children get the health, social and education services they need without delay.Official page ↗ · link not yet checked
Veterans
Veterans Affairs Canada benefitsDisability compensation, income replacement, rehabilitation and health coverage for veterans and their families.Official page ↗ · link checked
Business and self-employed
Canada Small Business Financing ProgramMakes it easier to get a bank loan by sharing the risk with the lender.Official page ↗ · link checked
Business Benefits FinderAnswer a few questions to list the grants, loans and tax credits your business may qualify for.Official page ↗ · link not yet checked
SR&ED tax incentiveTax credits for businesses that do research and experimental development in Canada.Official page ↗ · link checked
Tax filing help
Benefits FinderAnswer questions once and get a list of federal, provincial and territorial benefits you may be eligible for.Official page ↗ · link not yet checked
Free tax clinics (CVITP)Volunteers file your return for free if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation.Official page ↗ · link checked
SimpleFile (by phone or digital)Invitation-only automated filing for people with simple situations, so they receive their benefits.Official page ↗ · link checked
Shelter Allowance ProgramMonthly help with rent for low-income households aged 50+ or with children.
Amounts — October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027
Housing costs 30% to 49% of income
$100 / month ($1,200 / year)
Housing costs 50% to 79% of income
$150 / month ($1,800 / year)
Housing costs 80% or more (maximum)
$170 / month ($2,040 / year)
Maximum 2025 income for the full amount: single aged 50+ / couple (one 50+) / couple with 1 child or single parent with 1 or 2 children / couple with 2+ children or single parent with 3+
$23,600 / $33,100 / $40,600 / $46,800
Conditions and rules
For people aged 50 or over by September 30, 2027, or families with a dependent child, who spend at least 30% of income on housing.
Liquid assets of $50,000 or less on December 31, 2025 (RRSPs and FHSAs excluded).
Tenants, owners and people paying board to someone they live with can qualify; payment is retroactive to October 1 if you apply during the year.
Each dollar of 2025 family income above the maximum reduces the annual amount by $1. Liquid assets must not exceed $50,000 on December 31, 2025 (registered plans and the FHSA excluded).
Ontario Drug Benefit, OHIP+ and Trillium Drug ProgramDrug coverage for seniors, people under 25 without private insurance, and households with high drug costs.
Amounts — as published in November 2026
Seniors: annual deductible
$100
Seniors: co-payment per prescription after the deductible
up to $6.11
Seniors Co-Payment Program (lower income): co-payment
Undergraduate loan forgiveness covers Nova Scotia loans issued since August 1, 2015, for graduates of Nova Scotia programs; graduates are reviewed automatically.
Certificates and diplomas: up to $4,680 forgiven per 39-week study period (loans since August 1, 2020).
How to get it : Apply online to Nova Scotia Student Assistance.
Affordable Child Care BenefitMonthly payment that lowers childcare fees based on income.
Amounts — as published in November 2026
Group care, child under 19 months (maximum)
$1,250 / month
Group care, 19 to 36 months
$1,060 / month
Group care, 37 months to school age
$550 / month
Families may qualify with income up to
$111,000 / year
Conditions and rules
Full benefit in licensed care if adjusted income is up to $45,000; partial above.
$2,000 is deducted from income for each family member beyond two, and $3,000 per child with support needs.
Cannot exceed the provider's fee; combines with $10-a-day and fee-reduction programs.
Families earning up to $111,000 may qualify; those above may apply with deductions of $2,000 per person beyond the first two and $3,000 per child with support needs. The maximum is paid up to an adjusted income of $45,000 (licensed care), $39,000 (registered family care) or $24,000 (unlicensed or in-home care).
How to get it : Apply online through the My Family Services portal.
StudentAid BCOne application for federal and BC student loans and grants.
Amounts — 2026/27
B.C. Access Grant, programs under two years
up to $4,000 / year
B.C. Access Grant, programs of two years or more
up to $1,000 / year
Conditions and rules
For low- and middle-income full-time students in undergraduate, diploma or certificate programs at B.C. public institutions, with at least $1 of assessed need.
Master's and PhD students are not eligible for this grant.
How to get it : One online application covers federal and B.C. loans and grants.
Child Care Subsidy ProgramLowers childcare costs for eligible families.
Amounts — Policy 1.2 (revised June 15, 2021)
Parent fee at Early Years Centres and licensed family homes
$10 / day
Income exempted each month
$400 plus 30% of the rest ($500 with AccessAbility Supports)
Full subsidy if net income is at or below the MBM threshold, family of 2 / 3 / 4
$27,871 / $34,134 / $39,415
Conditions and rules
Above the threshold, the parent share is (net income − income adjustment) ÷ 2. Income adjustments: $17,440.08 (family of 2), $20,560.08 (3), $23,200.08 (4), $25,120.08 (5), $27,280.08 (6).
People on Social Assistance or Assured Income pay no parent share.
How to get it : Apply through the Child Care Subsidy Program.
The amount is reassessed every month according to income, living situation and family size. The earnings exemption does not apply to the initial eligibility decision.
How to get it : Call the screening line 1-877-569-0546.
Seniors Independence InitiativeHelp paying for practical services that let seniors stay at home.
Amounts — page of September 2024, thresholds unchanged in 2026
Single: up to $22,253 / to $25,753 / to $29,253 / to $32,753
$1,800 / $1,325 / $950 / $575 per year
Couple: up to $31,470 / to $34,970 / to $38,470 / to $41,970
$1,800 / $1,325 / $950 / $575 per year
Conditions and rules
Net household income (line 23600) and assets of $100,000 or less, excluding your main residence, land and vehicles. Since April 2026 a declaration of assets replaces the three months of bank statements.
How to get it : Apply through Access PEI or the online service.
AccessAbility SupportsPersonal, housing and financial supports for Islanders with disabilities.
Amounts — as published in November 2026
Basic unit rate: adult / child 12 to 17 / child 0 to 11
$537 / $407 / $308 per month
Community living expense
$165 / month
Earnings kept on Assured Income
$500 / month plus 30% of the rest
Shelter when living with a parent or relative (maximum)
$377 / month
Conditions and rules
For PEI residents with a diagnosed disability causing significant impairment expected to last more than 12 months.
Assured Income is a monthly payment set from a budget of needs (essentials, food, shelter, communication, special needs) minus income; reviewed every year.
How to get it : Contact an AccessAbility Supports coordinator.
Student AidOne application for federal and provincial loans and grants.
Amounts — 2026-27
Provincial grant, full-time
up to $120 / week of study
Provincial grant, full-time
up to $120 / week of study
Conditions and rules
You must first qualify for federal aid; the grant requires NL residency and high school completed in the province.
Students studying outside the province get loans only, unless an exception is approved.
The Debt Reduction Grant may convert up to the full amount of provincial student loans into non-repayable grants. Conditions: graduating within 10 years from an eligible program in the province of at least 60 weeks (80 weeks before August 1, 2025), borrowing more than $165 a week, passing at least 80% of a full course load each period, and proof of graduation within 2 years.
How to get it : One online application on StudentAidNL.
$4,000 / year, plus up to $20,000 / year for services and equipment
Part-time course reimbursement
up to $880 / course (lifetime $8,800)
Conditions and rules
Amendment R-087-2026 (in force for 2026-27) changed definitions and eligibility (12-week programs, Aurora College access programs, up to 2 semesters of private pilot training, travel for a spouse, pro-rated loan remission) but not the dollar amounts.
How to get it : Apply through NWT Student Financial Assistance.
Senior Fuel SubsidyHelps seniors who own their home pay for heating fuel.
Amounts — current page of gov.nu.ca (2026)
Fuel reimbursed per home (up to)
4,000 litres
100% subsidy: net income up to and including
$100,000
Conditions and rules
For homeowners aged 60 or over who own and live in the home. The current page no longer shows the older $75,000 tier (an earlier notice had 3,500 litres, 100% up to $75,000 and 50% up to $100,000).
How to get it : Apply through your Income Assistance worker.
FANS (Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students)The territory's own grants and loans for post-secondary students.
Amounts — structure in force since September 1, 2025; Inuit Study Grant R-015-2026 from autumn 2026
Tuition, full-time (part-time)
up to $10,000 / year ($5,000)
Books, full-time (part-time)
up to $2,500 / year ($1,250)
Disability grant
up to $20,000 / year
Living expense, single student studying in the South (base + housing)
$770 + $2,185 = $2,955 / month
Nunavut Inuit Study Grant: school supplies and living situation
$1,000 / year full-time ($500 part-time)
Nunavut Inuit Study Grant: tutoring
up to $1,000 / year ($500)
Nunavut Inuit Study Grant: furniture allowance
$1,500 + $500 per dependant
Conditions and rules
The Nunavut Inuit Study Grant (regulation R-015-2026) also covers a holiday trip home, a transition allowance (50% of the monthly living allowance, twice), a transition support person, exam fees, recreation (up to $1,000 + $250 per dependant) and health and wellness (up to $500).
The full living-expense schedule by location and family size is in the annex of regulation R-034-2025.
How to get it : Contact FANS: fans@gov.nu.ca or 1-877-860-0680.
Every benefit and service listed on the Government of Canada benefits pages, collected automatically, with the government's own descriptions.
Employment Insurance benefits and leave
Regular benefitsApply if you have lost your job through no fault of your own.Official page ↗
Sickness benefitsApply if you’re unable to work due to illness, injury or quarantine.Official page ↗
Maternity and parental benefitsApply if you're pregnant, have recently given birth, are adopting a child or are caring for your newborn.Official page ↗
Caregiving benefitsApply if you’re providing care or support to someone who is critically ill or injured, or in need of end-of-life care.Official page ↗
EI information for employersPrepare records of employment, and learn about EI premiums, supplemental payments, Work-Sharing Program and other resources.Official page ↗
Benefits for self-employed peopleCheck your eligibility to receive EI special benefits, enter an agreement, pay premiums, and withdraw when needed.Official page ↗
Fishing benefitsApply if you’re a self-employed fisher who is actively seeking work.Official page ↗
EI and trainingLearn about taking training while receiving EI benefits, and how to declare your course or program.Official page ↗
EI for apprenticesReceive EI benefits while attending technical training as part of an apprenticeship program.Official page ↗
Find a jobSearch for jobs in Canada and apply or extend a work permit.Official page ↗
Benefits for Canadians living abroadIf you live or work outside of Canada, find information on EI benefits, pensions, and taxes.Official page ↗
Employment Insurance ImprovementsRecent changes made to Employment Insurance in order to make it more flexible, inclusive and easier to access.Official page ↗
Additional support for workers in seasonal employmentExtra weeks of regular benefits for workers with seasonal jobs in targeted regions.Official page ↗
Video: What is My Service Canada AccountDiscover what MSCA offers and how having an account can help you access your EI services and benefits.Official page ↗
Disability benefits
Canada Disability BenefitFinancial support to people with disabilities, who are between 18 and 64 years old.Official page ↗
Canada Pension Plan disability benefitsTaxable benefit you may be eligible for if you are unable to work because of a disability.Official page ↗
Child Disability BenefitDetermine if you are eligible to receive a tax-free benefit for families caring for a child with a disability, learn how the benefit is calculated, and obtain the forms necessary to apply.Official page ↗
Education funding for people with disabilitiesLinks to services, benefits and programs to assist people with disabilities and their family.Official page ↗
Registered Disability Savings PlanLong-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities save for the future. The Government can help you save by contributing to your plan.Official page ↗
Federal excise gasoline tax refund programApply for a refund for some of the gas you buy if you have a mobility impairment that prevents the use of public transportation.Official page ↗
Canada Pension Plan children's benefitsApply for this monthly payment if you receive Canada Pension Plan disability benefits and have eligible dependent children under the age of 25 in your care and custody.Official page ↗
Disability benefits for VeteransDisability benefits are a tax-free financial recognition for the impact a service-related injury or disease can have on your life.Official page ↗
Tax credits and deductions for persons with disabilitiesTax credits and deductions for persons with disabilities, their supporting family members, and their caregivers.Official page ↗
Family and caregiving benefits
EI caregiving benefitsApply if you are providing care or support to a critically ill or injured person or someone needing end-of-life care.Official page ↗
Canada child benefitMonthly payment for eligible families with children under 18 years of age.Official page ↗
EI maternity and parental benefitsApply if you're pregnant, have recently given birth, are adopting a child or are caring for a newborn.Official page ↗
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB)Benefit for people with low and modest incomes, quarterly payment amounts and dates.Official page ↗
Child disability benefitMonthly payment to families who care for a child under age 18 who has a severe impairment.Official page ↗
Welcoming a childFind resources on paths to parenthood, financial support and well-being.Official page ↗
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)Apply for the dental plan. Check your application status.Official page ↗
CPP survivor's pensionApply for a monthly payment paid to the legal spouse or common-law partner of a deceased CPP contributor.Official page ↗
CPP children's benefitsApply for a monthly benefit for a dependent child of a person receiving a CPP disability benefit or CPP post-retirement disability benefit.Official page ↗
Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of CrimeApply for income support if you have been away from work to cope with death or disappearance of your child.Official page ↗
National Seniors Day 2025National Seniors Day is October 1. Let’s celebrate and thank older adults across Canada.Official page ↗
Public pensions
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)Decide when and how to apply for your CPP retirement.Official page ↗
Old Age Security (OAS) pensionApply for OAS if you are 65 and older even if you have never worked or are still working.Official page ↗
Guaranteed Income SupplementApply for this benefit if you are an Old Age Security recipient with low income.Official page ↗
Receive public pensions outside CanadaReceiving OAS and CPP pensions and benefits, if living outside Canada.Official page ↗
The allowanceApply for a monthly benefit if you are age 60-64, have low income, and your spouse or common-law partner receives the Guaranteed Income Supplement.Official page ↗
Canada Pension Plan Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB)If you're under 70 and working while receiving your CPP, you can still contribute to increase your pension.Official page ↗
CPP disability benefitsApply if you are unable to work due to a severe and prolonged disability.Official page ↗
CPP Post-Retirement Disability BenefitApply if you are under 65, receiving a CPP retirement pension, and now have a severe and prolonged disability.Official page ↗
CPP children’s benefitApply for a monthly benefit for a dependent child of a person receiving a CPP disability benefit or CPP post-retirement disability benefit.Official page ↗
CPP survivor's pensionApply for a monthly payment paid to the legal spouse or common-law partner of a deceased CPP contributor.Official page ↗
CPP children’s benefitApply for a monthly benefit for a dependent child of a deceased CPP contributor.Official page ↗
What to do when someone diesWhat to do following the loss of a loved one. Documents you need, who to notify, how to cancel benefits and avoid overpayment.Official page ↗
Death benefitApply for a one-time payment on behalf of a deceased CPP contributor.Official page ↗
The allowance for the survivorApply for a monthly benefit if you are low-income, widowed, age 60 to 64 and not yet eligible for OAS.Official page ↗
Student aid and education planning
Student aidApply for Canada student grants and loans. Manage and repay your loans.Official page ↗
Federal student aid estimatorEstimate how much money you could receive in student grants and loans.Official page ↗
Education savings plans and benefitsOpen a Registered Education Savings Plan. Apply for the Canada Learning Bond and Canada Education Savings Grant.Official page ↗
Lifelong Learning PlanUse your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to pay for full-time education or training.Official page ↗
Canada training creditClaim a tax credit to help cover eligible training costs.Official page ↗
ScholarshipsApply for scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral studies.Official page ↗
Funding for apprenticesReceive money while you learn a skilled trade. Apply for the Canada Apprentice Loan.Official page ↗
Education funding for people with disabilitiesAccess Programs, benefits, and services to support students with disabilities.Official page ↗
Indigenous learningApply for financial assistance, scholarships, bursaries, education programs for Indigenous peoples.Official page ↗
Aid for reservistsApply to delay your student loan payment while you serve in the military.Official page ↗
Aid for protected personsApply for the same student loans and grants available to Canadian citizens.Official page ↗
Aid for athletesLearn about athlete assistance supports for high-performance Canadian athletes who are enrolled in school.Official page ↗
Schools and programsFind careers, education, and training options available.Official page ↗
Education requirements by careerExplore what jobs are in demand, how much they pay, and what education or training you need.Official page ↗
Study abroadCheck visa requirements, find scholarships, register with Canadians Abroad service.Official page ↗
Newcomers to CanadaFind how Canada's school system works, explore schooling options, enrol your child.Official page ↗
Foreign credential recognitionGet your credentials recognized, validate your foreign education for work or study in Canada.Official page ↗
International studentsApply to study in Canada, extend your study permit.Official page ↗
Housing benefits
GST/HST new housing rebateRecover part of GST/HST paid for a new or renovated home that is your primary residence.Official page ↗
Home buyers' amountClaim up to $10,000 for first time home buyers and persons with disabilities purchasing a home.Official page ↗
First home savings account (FHSA)Who can open an account, annual and lifetime limits, and the rules on contributions, transfers, and withdrawals.Official page ↗
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax CreditA credit of up to $7,500 to assist with the cost of renovating a residence to establish a secondary unit.Official page ↗
Home accessibility tax creditTax credit for people making a home accessible, eligible homes, and eligible expenses.Official page ↗
Canada Greener Homes InitiativeFinancing and grants to create energy-efficient homes, fight climate change.Official page ↗
Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)Withdraw funds from your RRSPs to buy or build a qualified home.Official page ↗
Funding for Indigenous housingFunding for Indigenous housing construction or renovation.Official page ↗
Housing for specific groupsSeniors, newcomers, Indigenous peoples, veterans and military.Official page ↗
Resources to manage your home financesHousing costs on your mind? Find programs and resources for homeowners, home buyers and renters.Official page ↗
Find benefits and financial support
Financial support for living expenses and life eventsDiscover federal benefits that can help lower your living costs and improve your quality of life.Official page ↗
Grants and funding programs to fund my projectRequest grants and funding from the Government of Canada.Official page ↗
Personal income tax deductions, credits, and expensesFind out which deductions, credits, and expenses you can claim to reduce the amount of tax you need to pay.Official page ↗
Financial support to help my businessFind programs and services to help your business grow.Official page ↗
Payment datesView the payment dates for various Government of Canada benefits.Official page ↗
Direct depositSign up for direct deposit and get your benefits faster.Official page ↗
Sign in to a Government of Canada online accountSign in to online accounts to view or manage your personal information and to request services.Official page ↗
Canada Strong: Support programs for workers and businessesConcrete measures to support Canadians, workers and businesses across the country.Official page ↗
Building more affordable homesBuild Canada Homes is helping create more housing options you can afford.Official page ↗
Benefits by audience
Benefits for Indigenous peoplesBenefits and programs for Indigenous peoples, including education and training, income assistance and more.Official page ↗
Military benefitsMedical, dental, injury and disability benefits, children education allowance, and benefits after death.Official page ↗
Benefits for VeteransFinancial support, healthcare, disability and other benefits for Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces or the RCMP, and their families.Official page ↗
Disability benefitsDisability pensions and children's benefits, residential home rehabilitation, savings plans and a gasoline tax refund program.Official page ↗
RetireesInformation on the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security pension and related benefits, the Canadian retirement income calculator and retirement planning.Official page ↗
Benefits for Canadians living abroadIncludes information on Employment Insurance ( EI ), pensions, benefits and taxes, for those who work or live outside of Canada.Official page ↗
Public service group insurance benefit plansGet information on group insurance benefit plans, which include health, dental, disability and life insurance plans. Learn about terms and conditions for eligibility, premiums, contributions and benefits.Official page ↗
Victim services and fundingGet information and assistance for victims of crime.Official page ↗
My Service Canada AccountAccess your Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, and Old Age Security information online.Official page ↗
Source: Government of Canada (canada.ca), collected on 2026-11-13.
Rates and amounts change. Each figure on this site shows its official source and the date it was read; confirm on the official page before making a decision. (link checked : 2026-11-13)
Open Provinces