Between inflation and soaring rent prices, it can cost a fortune just to get by. In an effort to make life more affordable, the federal government has introduced new benefits in Canada to help offset the cost of your expenses.
The three benefits include a one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit program, doubling the Goods and Service Tax Credit (GSTC) for six months, and a new Canada Dental Benefit.
Here’s a breakdown of everything these benefits cover and how to know if you’re eligible for them.
Canada Housing Benefit top-up
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The top-up to the Housing Benefit would give low-income renters a tax-free payment of $500 to help combat housing affordability challenges.
To qualify, families must earn a net income of less than $35,000, and individuals less than $20,000.
You must also send an application to the CRA with details such as your income, age, residency, and 2021 tax return, and attest to various criteria in order to qualify.
If approved by Parliament, this payment will be launched by the end of 2022.
More info about the Canada Housing Benefit top-up can be found here.
Doubling GSTC
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This credit is designed to provide low and modest-income earners with extra financial support amid inflation.
Various groups are eligible for the benefit, which is paid quarterly in January, April, July, and October.
However, this proposed initiative will double the credit that eligible individuals and families receive for a period of six months, and will be paid as a one-time lump sum before the end of the year.
Here’s what Canadians can be eligible for during the current benefit year:
- $467 for singles without children;
- $612 for married or common-law partners;
- $612 for single parents; plus
- $161 for each child under the age of 19.
With the temporary doubling in effect, those who qualify will receive twice the amount above for a period of six months. As an example, a single mother with one child and $30,000 in net income could earn $1,160 per year through the GST Benefit.
More info about the GSTC and the proposed doubling of the credit can be found here.
Canada Dental Benefit
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This benefit provides uninsured Canadian families with a net income of under $90,000 with access to dental care for children under 12 years old.
Families without dental care coverage can receive up to $650 per child depending on household income. The benefit covers:
- $650 for each child if the family’s adjusted net income is under $70,000
- $390 for each child if the family’s adjusted net income is between $70,000 and $79,999
- $260 for each child if the family’s adjusted net income is between $80,000 and $89,999
This benefit is set to be implemented on December 1, 2022, and the program would cover expenses retroactively to October 1, 2022.
More info about the Canada Dental Benefit can be found here.
