CRA just made it easier for newcomers to get benefit payments
If you’re a newcomer to Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has just made it easier to apply for benefit and credit payments.
Moving to a new country can be expensive, so the CRA is encouraging newcomers to apply for payments to which they’re entitled.
“Benefit and credit payments like the GST/HST credit are regular payments from the Government of Canada that can help with the costs of living in Canada,” reads a statement. “These payments are calculated based on the yearly income and family situation.”
And the agency has just made it easier by introducing a new online application form for benefit and credit payments to save you a trip to the post office.
“Newcomers can now apply online, without mailing in the forms,” the agency stated. “It’s a quick and convenient way to apply.”
If it’s your first year in Canada and you have yet to file your taxes, you can still apply for benefits and credit payments you may be eligible for in your province or territory. According to the CRA, you may qualify for financial support through various benefits, credits, and programs.
If you don’t have children, the new online form allows you to apply for both the GST/HST Credit as well as the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR). To apply, you’ll need to provide your SIN, residency, and income information for the last 36 months. The process is straightforward and should take around 20 minutes to complete.
The next GST/HST payment goes out on July 4, and you could get up to $519 if you are single or $680 if you are married or have a common-law partner. The last CCR payment for the year was made on April 22.
Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock
If you’re a newcomer and you have children, you can also apply for the GST/HST Credit and CCR for the year you became a resident. To apply, fill out the online form and provide supporting documents such as your child’s proof of birth. CCR payments may have already been sent out this year, but the GST/HST credit is paid on July 4, and you could receive up to $179 for each child under the age of 19.
Additionally, parents may also be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), which includes federal, provincial, and territorial programs. To apply, fill out the application form available online. If you became a Canadian resident or citizen, or if you’re a permanent or temporary resident, you should also fill out the Status in Canada and Income Information for the Canada Child Benefits Application.
The next CCB payment will be issued on June 20. This month’s payment will be the last one before the amount increases in July, which is the beginning of the new benefit year.
Last July, the federal government increased the child tax benefit by 4.7 per cent. The maximum payment for kids under six increased by $350, from $7,437 to $7,787 per year. For children aged six to 17, it increased by $295, from $6,275 to $6,570 annually.
Families will get a 2.7 per cent boost in child tax payments next month. That will bring the annual base benefit for children under six from $7,787 to $7,997 ($666 monthly) and from $6,570 to $6,748 ($562 monthly) for children aged six to 17 until June 2026.
“To keep getting the payments you’re entitled to, you and your spouse or common-law partner need to file your tax return on time every year, even if you have no income,” states the CRA.
If you’re unsure about other benefits you may be eligible for, visit the CRA’s website for newcomers.
With files from Isabelle Docto