Boosting your income
Government assistance can increase your income and help your money go further.
The federal and provincial governments offer benefits, claims, and programs to increase your income if you qualify.
Benefits
Benefits calculator
Use the Canada Revenue Agency benefits tool to get an estimate of the benefits and credits you qualify for. Tax credits could possibly make up 50% of your household income.
Child Disability Benefit
The Child Disability Benefit is a tax-free benefit for families who care for a child under the age of 18 who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.
Canada Workers Benefit
If you work but have a lower income, you might qualify for the Canada Workers Benefit.
Canada Child Benefit
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free payment up to $6,997 for the main caregiver of a child under 18.
Child Care Subsidy
Child care subsidy helps families with low-income pay for the cost of licensed child care for children 12 years or younger. Check your child care subsidy eligibility.Credits and payments
Goods And Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Credit
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free payment that helps low-income individuals and families offset all or part of the GST or HST they pay.
Disability Tax Credit
The Disability Tax Credit reduces the amount of income tax a person with a disability and their supporting family members might pay (up to $8,662 in non-refundable tax credits).
Low-Income Workers Tax Credit
The Low-Income Workers Tax Credit is a non-refundable credit up to $875 per year you can use to reduce or eliminate your Ontario personal income tax.
Ontario Child Care Tax Credit
Ontario Child Care Tax Credit is a tax credit for low- and moderate-income families to claim up to 75% of their eligible child care expenses.
Tuition credits
Students, including international students, should file their T2202 form (official tax receipt) from their eligible post-secondary educational institution to benefit from education deductions and credits when they have taxes to pay. This credit amount can be carried over for some years.
Climate Action Incentive Payment
The Climate Action Incentive Payment is a tax refund that will reduce any balance owing for the year. For individuals living in Ontario, payment for a family of 4 is up to $745 plus a 10% supplement for those living in rural communities.
Tools, events, and programs
Budget planner tool
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's Budget Planner Tool will help you create a customized budget in 3 simple steps. You'll need to provide your income and expenses information to create your budget.
Money Talks financial literacy event
The PPRC hosted Money Talks, our first financial literacy event, in partnership with Alterna Credit Union Ltd. Topics covered included the pillars of financial literacy, tax benefits and credits, and budgeting 101. Watch the Money Talks video recording
Programs
All programs are based on eligibility.
Ontario Electricity Support Program
Provided by the Ontario Energy Board, the Ontario Electricity Support Program lowers electricity bills for lower-income households. The program also provides a monthly credit to eligible customers based on household income and size. This credit is applied directly to eligible customers' bills.
Apprenticeship Incentive Grant)
The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year or apprenticeship level for a lifetime maximum amount of $2,000 per person.
Ontario Trillium Benefit
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is the combined payment of the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. The annual OTB payment is usually divided by 12 and the payments are issued on the 10th day of the month.
Canada Pension Plan
The Canada Pension Plan retirement pension is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of your income when you retire. If you qualify, you'll receive the Canada Pension Plan retirement pension for the rest of your life.
To qualify you must be at least 60 years old and have made at least one valid contribution to the plan. Canada Pension Plan disability benefits are also available.
Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement
The Old Age Security pension is a monthly payment for those aged 65 or older. Most people need to apply for Old Age Security, but in some cases, Service Canada provides automatic enrollment.
The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a monthly payment you can get based on income. It’s available to low-income Old Age Security pensioners and is not taxable.
Guaranteed Annual Income System Payments
If you're a low-income senior, you may qualify for monthly Guaranteed Annual Income Payments. Monthly Guaranteed Annual Income System payments range from $2.50 to $83.
