Newcomers may qualify for federal or provincial benefits depending on factors such as immigration status, residence, family situation, and income. Some benefits require an application, while others depend on filing a tax return. Below, we explain the main programs and where to confirm current eligibility.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB). Up to $7,787 Per Child Per Year
What is the CCB?
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment from the federal government for families with children under 18. For 2026, the maximum CCB is $7,787 per year ($649 per month) for children under 6, and $6,570 per year ($547 per month) for children aged 6 to 17. Payments are based on your family income and adjusted annually.
Who Qualifies for the CCB?
You qualify for the CCB if you are a Canadian resident, you are primarily responsible for raising a child under 18, and you have filed a Canadian tax return. Permanent residents qualify immediately. Temporary workers and international students may qualify depending on their permit type and duration of stay.
How to Apply for the CCB
Apply for the CCB as soon as possible after arriving in Canada. Apply online through CRA My Account, by completing Form RC66, or automatically when you register the birth of a child in Canada. You can receive retroactive payments from the date you became eligible. Do not delay.
File your tax return every year even if you had no Canadian income. Filing your tax return is how the CRA calculates and renews your CCB eligibility each July. Newcomers who do not file lose their CCB payments for the entire benefit year.
GST/HST Credit. Up to $519 Per Year
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) / Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Credit is a quarterly tax-free payment for lower and moderate income individuals and families. In 2026, eligible individuals can receive up to $519 per year and families can receive up to $680 or more. You automatically apply for this credit when you file your annual tax return. No separate application needed.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB). Up to $1,421 Per Year
If you live in Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Benefit combines three provincial credits: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. You apply by completing Schedule ON-BEN when filing your Ontario tax return. Payments are made monthly from July to June.
Employment Insurance (EI). Up to 55% of Your Insurable Earnings
Regular EI Benefits
If you lose your job through no fault of your own, Employment Insurance provides up to 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, to a maximum of $668 per week in 2026. You must have worked a minimum number of insurable hours (420 to 700 hours depending on your region's unemployment rate) in the past 52 weeks.
EI Maternity and Parental Benefits
Canada offers some of the most generous parental leave benefits in the world. Birth mothers can receive up to 15 weeks of maternity benefits at 55% of earnings. After that, parents can share up to 40 weeks of standard parental benefits (55% of earnings) or 69 weeks of extended parental benefits (33% of earnings).
Canada Dental Benefit and Canadian Dental Care Plan
In 2026, the Canadian Dental Care Plan provides dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with a family net income under $90,000. Coverage includes preventive care, basic restorative work, and some major dental procedures. Apply through the CRA My Account or by calling Service Canada. Children under 12 in families earning under $90,000 are prioritized.
Disability Benefits and Credits
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) provides tax relief for Canadians with severe and prolonged physical or mental impairments. The Canada Disability Benefit, launched in 2026, provides additional monthly payments to working-age adults with disabilities who qualify for the DTC. Apply through the CRA with a certified physician's assessment.
Written and reviewed by the GuideCAN Editorial Team
Editorially reviewed against Canadian government and consumer-finance guidance. This article is educational, not financial or tax advice.
Official sources
Official rules, fees, deadlines and program availability can change. Confirm the current details before acting.