Newcomer Benefits Checklist

A surprising amount of money the Canadian government owes you is waiting because nobody asked the right question on a form. This checklist walks through the benefits newcomer families miss most often. Tick them off as you sort each one out — your progress is saved on your device.

GST / HST Credit Quarterly payment A tax-free quarterly payment for low and modest-income households. To get it, you just need to file a tax return — even if you had no income in your first year in Canada. Don’t skip the return. Read at canada.ca →

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Monthly payment A tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18. Apply through your CRA MyAccount or via the form CRA mails after birth registration. Newcomer families often miss the first year. Read at canada.ca →

Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) Refundable credit A refundable tax credit for low-income workers, including those with families. It is claimed on your tax return — advance quarterly payments are available too. If you work and earn modestly, ask. Read at canada.ca →

Climate Action Incentive Payment Quarterly payment If you live in one of the provinces under the federal carbon pricing system, you get a tax-free quarterly rebate. Filing your taxes is the only step — no separate form. Read at canada.ca →

Provincial benefits Varies by province Every province has its own set: rent rebates, child supplements, electricity support, drug coverage for low-income households, education tax credits. The federal benefits site has a finder that asks where you live. Benefits Finder →

Sign up for CRA MyAccount Foundation step This is the secure portal that runs the rest of your life with the CRA — benefit applications, tax slips, refund tracking. If you only do one thing on this list, do this. Open at canada.ca →

RESP grant (CESG) If you have kids If you have a child under 18, the federal Canada Education Savings Grant adds money to an RESP you contribute to — up to a yearly maximum. Lower-income families also get the Canada Learning Bond, which is free money even with zero contribution. Read at canada.ca →

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The one thing every newcomer should do first

File a tax return. Even if you arrived in November and had no Canadian income that year, even if you don’t owe a dollar — file. Almost every benefit on this list starts with a filed return on record. Skipping it means missing payments you are entitled to.

Why our parents miss these

Most of the benefits above don’t come with a clear official letter saying “you qualify, here’s the form.” They are quiet, opt-in programs that depend on you knowing to ask. The Canadian financial system assumes you know the system — which is exactly the gap this site exists to close.

Educational checklist, not financial or tax advice. Eligibility rules and amounts change. Always verify your specific situation at canada.ca, with the CRA directly, or with a licensed tax preparer before relying on any one program.

Newcomer Benefits Checklist

The one thing every newcomer should do first

Why our parents miss these

One letter home. Every Sunday.