Fact Sheet: Financial Assistance and Benefits

Information for Newcomers

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All levels of government in Canada have programs that provide financial assistance and benefits to individuals and families. These are called benefit programs. They provide basic assistance to help meet the needs of Canadians, permanent residents and others who qualify.

Different programs help people with different needs:

• The Canada Child Tax Benefit helps parents with the cost of raising children.
• The Canada Pension Plan, the Quebec Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement help with your retirement.
• Workers’ Compensation helps people who can’t work because of job-related injuries.
• Employment Insurance helps people who have lost their job.
• Social Assistance helps those who are unemployed for a longer period of time.

Eligibility for Benefits

Most benefits are for people in specific circumstances. You must qualify for each type of benefit. In some cases, you must pay into the plan before you receive benefits. You or your family may qualify for assistance under more than one program. Each program has a separate application process and separate rules to ensure that benefits only go to those who need them.

You need a Social Insurance Number before you can receive any benefits.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit identification number used to help the government keep track of who is earning money, paying taxes, paying into pension plans, using government services and receiving benefits. You must have a SIN to work in Canada and to receive benefits.

Your SIN comes in the form of a card. This card is often called your SIN card.

How to Apply

Most newcomers receive a SIN application form when they first arrive in Canada. If you did not get one, application forms are available at Service Canada Centres, Canada Post offices, online and through many immigrant-serving agencies.

To apply, go to the nearest Service Canada Centre. You can also apply by mail.

You will need to show original primary documents with your application.

• Find out more about the documents and identification you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number

Canada Child Tax Benefit

The Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under the age of 18.

The CCTB includes the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS), a monthly benefit for low-income families with children. The NCBS is the Government of Canada’s contribution to the National Child Benefit, a joint initiative of federal, provincial and territorial governments.

Eligibility for CCTB benefits

To receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit, you must meet all the following conditions:

• You must live with the child, and the child must be under the age of 18;
• You must be the person who is primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child;
• You must be a resident of Canada; and
• You or your spouse or common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a protected person or a temporary resident.

How to apply

You must complete an application form and send it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You can download a copy of the application form from the CRA website, or get one from a CRA office.

You will need to show your passport and your Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing (IMM 1000), or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292).

Click here for information on how to apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit.

Click here for more information about the CCTB.

You can also get information about the CCTB by calling 1 800 387-1193.

Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement and Survivor Benefits

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is given to people 65 and over who meet residency requirements.

Those who have little or no other income may also be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

A low-income senior, aged 60 to 64, whose spouse or common-law partner receives (or is entitled to) the Old Age Seurity pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement may qualify for the Allowance Program.

Low-income widowed spouses, aged 60 to 64, who are not yet eligible for the OAS pension, may qualify for the Allowance for the Survivor Program.

Eligibility for Benefits

To be eligible for a full Old Age Security pension:

• you must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and
• you must have lived in Canada for 40 years after you turned 18.

If you have lived in Canada for less than 40 years, you may get a reduced pension.

You may also be eligible to receive Old Age Security from your previous country of residence.

The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides additional money, on top of the Old Age Security pension, to low-income seniors living in Canada. To be eligible for the GIS benefit, you must be receiving the Old Age Security pension and meet the income requirements.

How to apply

Click here for information on how to apply for the Old Age Security.

Click here for information on how to apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

Click here for information on how to apply for Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor benefits under the Canada Pension Plan. You can also get information by calling 1 800 277-9914.

To apply for the Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement or Survivor Benefits, you may need to show your birth certificate, your passport and Permanent Resident Card, your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292).

Contact Service Canada if you have questions about the Old Age Security or the Canada Pension Plan.

Canada Pension Plan and Quebec Pension Plan

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the Quebec Pension Plan are forms of insurance. During your working years, you contribute to the plan. Then, starting at age 65, you receive monthly payments. A reduced pension is available at age 60.

Spouses and children of deceased or disabled contributors may also be eligible for benefits. Find out about survivor benefits for the spouses or children of deceased contributors and disability benefits for spouses or children of disabled contributors.

If you live in Quebec, click here for information on the Quebec Pension Plan.

Eligibility

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, visitors and certain others who have been legally admitted to Canada for at least one year are eligible. Your income must have been subject to Canadian income tax and you must have contributed to the plan.

The amount paid will depend on the total amount you contributed.

You may also be eligible for pension benefits from your previous country of residence.

Applying for CPP Benefits

Click here for information on how to apply for benefits under the Canada Pension Plan.

You can apply online for benefits under the Quebec Pension Plan.

You may need to show your birth certificate, your passport, your Permanent Resident Card, your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292).

Click here for more information on the Canada Pension Plan.

Employment Insurance, Social Assistance and Workers’ Compensation

Employment Insurance (EI)

You are eligible if:

• you have made payments to the EI fund;
• you were working for a minimum period of time; and
• you have lost your job through no fault of your own.

You may also be eligible for benefits if your reason for unemployment is:

• the birth or adoption of a child;
• enrolment in a national training program; or
• work sharing or job training.

How to apply

You may apply online or through your local Service Canada office.

Click here for more information on the Employment Insurance (EI) program.

Social Assistance

Social Assistance, often called “welfare,” helps people in need who are not eligible for other benefits. Benefit payments help pay for food, shelter, fuel, clothing, prescription drugs and other health services.

Eligibility rules and the amounts paid are different from region to region. In some cases, you may be eligible for programs to train you for work that is available.

You usually apply for Social Assistance through local offices of the provincial or municipal departments of social services.

You can find more information about Social Assistance programs through the Canada Benefits website.

Workers’ Compensation

People injured while at work may be eligible to receive financial benefits, and medical and rehabilitative services.

The provincial Workers’ Compensation Board office decides if you qualify for compensation based on medical reports and proof that your injury was work-related. Contact the Workers’ Compensation Board in your province for more information.

Canada Benefits website

The Canada Benefits website provides information about all the financial assistance and benefits programs that are available to individuals.

The site includes information and links to government financial benefit programs, including employment insurance, maternity benefits, tax credits, programs for homeowners, student loans and grants, public pensions, services and benefits for veterans and more.