Government Benefits in Canada: Federal, Provincial and Territorial Programs Explained

Working in Canada provides you with access to a wide range of government benefits funded and managed at both the federal and provincial or territorial levels. Understanding how these two levels of benefits work together is important, as it helps ensure you do not miss out on the support you may be eligible for.

The federal government offers benefits like dental coverage, tax credits, monthly payments for families and children, disability support, and programs that protect your income during retirement or significant life changes.

In addition, each province and territory adds its own layer of benefits, such as workers’ compensation, public health insurance, family and child payments, and targeted tax credits or income assistance for residents who need extra help.

This guide explains the main benefit systems and directs you to the official source for current eligibility, payment and application rules.

Government benefits in Canada are publicly funded programs provided by federal, provincial, or territorial authorities. They provide income support, health coverage, family payments, and tax credits based on factors such as your employment status, income level, residency, age, family situation, or disability status. As an employee, you can access statutory benefits, as well as government benefits through federal, provincial, or territorial programs.

The following sections will explain some key government and statutory benefits available to Canadian employees through federal, provincial/territorial, and mandatory workplace programs.

What government benefits do I qualify for in Canada?

Statutory benefits are the foundation of Canada’s social safety net. However, Canada does not have a single universal set of statutory programs that applies the same way to every employer. CPP/QPP and EI generally operate through payroll for covered employment, while workers’ compensation requirements vary by province or territory and, in some jurisdictions, by industry.

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) / Quebec Pension Plan (QPP): contributory retirement and disability programs funded through payroll deductions shared equally between you and your employer. If you work in any province or territory outside Quebec, you contribute to CPP. If you work in Quebec, you contribute to QPP instead.
• Employment Insurance (EI): a federal insurance program funded through payroll premiums paid by both employees and employers. EI provides temporary income replacement in several situations: regular benefits if you lose your job through no fault of your own, sickness benefits, maternity benefits, parental benefits, compassionate care benefits, and family caregiver benefits.
• Workers’ compensation: a provincial and territorial insurance system, not a federal program, but it is statutory. Employers fund the system entirely through premiums paid to their provincial or territorial workers’ compensation board. Workers’ compensation is administered through provincial and territorial boards or commissions; the Northwest Territories and Nunavut share the WSCC. Coverage and employer registration requirements vary by jurisdiction.
• Other Statutory Employer Obligations: Beyond the three main statutory benefit programs above, employment standards also establish minimum vacation, public holiday and job-protected leave entitlements. The applicable rules depend on whether the workplace is federally regulated or governed by provincial or territorial employment standards.

Note that employees in Quebec pay a lower EI premium because the province operates its own parental benefit plan, the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), which provides maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption benefits separately.

For this guide, we group federal support into five practical categories: dental coverage, tax credits and rebates, child and family benefits, disability benefits, and retirement and senior benefits. These programs help address common financial challenges, such as healthcare costs, everyday expenses, raising children, managing a disability, and planning for retirement. Additionally, Canada provides other federal support options, such as housing assistance, student aid, veterans’ benefits, survivor benefits, and after-death benefits.

The following are examples of federal programs that may be relevant depending on your age, income, family circumstances, employment status and other eligibility rules:

Federal Dental Coverage Plans

The federal government offers dental coverage through various programs for different groups of Canadians, including the Canadian Dental Care Plan, the Public Service Dental Care Plan, the Canadian Forces Dental Services, and the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan. Each plan has specific eligibility criteria based on your employment status and current dental coverage.

Below are the 4 key federal dental plans for the general public, federal employees, military members, and retirees:

• Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): supports eligible residents without employer-sponsored dental insurance and whose family’s net income is below a certain threshold.
• Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP): provides coverage for federal public service employees and their eligible dependents.
• Canadian Forces Dental Services (CFDS): offers dental care to active members of the Canadian Armed Forces across Canada and abroad.
• Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP): extends dental benefits to eligible public service pensioners and their eligible family members.

Federal Tax Credits and Rebates

The income tax system offers different credits that can lower the amount of tax you owe or provide you with a refund on your yearly tax return. The 4 main credits are the Disability Tax Credit, the Canada Workers Benefit, the Canada Training Credit, and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.

As a Canadian employee, you may be eligible for the credits listed below, depending on your situation:

• Disability Tax Credit (DTC): a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with a severe and prolonged impairment, or a supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they owe.
• Canada Workers Benefit: a refundable credit that supplements the earnings of low-income workers and helps encourage workforce participation.
• Canada Training Credit: a refundable credit that helps workers aged 26 to 65 pay for tuition and training costs.
• Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB): a tax-free quarterly payment for eligible low- and modest-income individuals and families, starting in July 2026 to replace the GST/HST credit.

If you live in Quebec, Alberta, or Nunavut, the standard Canada Workers Benefit eligibility thresholds and maximum amounts may differ due to separate arrangements with the federal government. Make sure to check the CRA’s CWB page for information specific to your region.

Note: Non-refundable credits can reduce your tax payable, but do not result in a refund on their own. On the other hand, refundable credits can provide a payment even if you owe no tax.

Practical tip: If you have a simple tax situation and low income, you might qualify for the CRA’s free SimpleFile service, with no forms or fees needed. It is important to file even if you have zero income, as it can help you access benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Workers Benefit, and  provincial credits.

Canada Child Benefit

The Canada Child Benefit, which helps families cover the costs of raising children under 18, is a tax-free monthly payment from the CRA. This benefit is income-tested, meaning that families with lower AFNI receive higher payments, and the benefit declines as income rises.

Canada Disability Benefit

The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a monthly payment for low-income working-age Canadians with disabilities. To qualify for the CDB, you generally must be age 18 to 64, be approved for the DTC, meet the applicable Canadian residency/status rules, and satisfy the required tax-filing conditions for you and, where applicable, your spouse or common-law partner.

Retirement and Senior Benefits

The federal government provides programs such as OAS, GIS, Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor to support your income during your senior years. These benefits are funded through general tax revenue, and you may need to apply when you are ready to start receiving them.

Some of the largest federal benefit programs are:

• Old Age Security (OAS): This is a monthly pension for people aged 65 or older who meet the applicable legal-status and residence requirements. Eligibility does not depend on employment history, although income can affect the amount payable.
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): This is an additional non-taxable monthly payment for low-income seniors aged 65 and older who already receive OAS.
• Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor: These benefits provide monthly payments for low-income individuals between the ages of 60 and 64. The Allowance is for those whose spouse or common-law partner receives OAS and is eligible for the GIS. The Allowance for the Survivor is for individuals in this age group whose spouse or partner has passed away.  These payments stop when you turn 65, at which point you can apply for your own OAS and GIS.

Beyond federal programs, each province and territory in Canada offers its own set of benefits tailored to meet the specific needs of residents. For navigation, provincial and territorial programs can be grouped into six common categories: workers’ compensation, health insurance, disability support, dental programs, family and child benefits, and various tax credits and income support.

Workers’ Compensation Boards by Province and Territory

Canadian workers’ compensation is a provincial and territorial insurance system that helps pay for lost wages and medical bills without charging workers for work-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits vary by jurisdiction and claim. Depending on the applicable board and circumstances, support may include wage-loss benefits, health-care and rehabilitation costs, and benefits for permanent impairment or long-term loss of earnings.

Health Insurance by Province and Territory (Medicare)

Each province and territory in Canada has its own public health insurance plan run by its health ministry. While core hospital and doctor services are covered everywhere, details like plan names, health cards, wait times for newcomers, and coverage for ambulance services and prescription drugs can vary.

Tip: For a full overview, the federal government offers a page that explains provincial and territorial health cards and includes links to each ministry.

Disability Support Programs by Province and Territory

Provinces and territories also offer disability-support programs for eligible residents in Canada who have severe disabilities and limited income and assets, regardless of their contributions to the CPP.

Five notable examples include:

• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): offers monthly financial aid for living costs, employment assistance, and health benefits for qualifying residents with disabilities in Ontario.
• Alberta’s Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH): offers financial and health benefits to eligible adults in Alberta who have a permanent medical condition preventing them from working.
• British Columbia Persons with Disabilities Designation: provides financial assistance, health-related supplements, and transportation support to eligible adults with disabilities.
• Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID): provides a Living Income benefit and Exceptional Needs benefits to eligible people with significant and enduring disabilities.
• Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities: offers financial assistance to Manitobans with severe and long-term disabilities for daily living expenses and connects individuals to community services and supports.

Note: While these programs aim to provide similar support, there can be significant differences in their application processes, income thresholds, and benefit amounts.

Dental Programs by Province and Territory

Provincial and territorial dental coverage is aimed at specific groups, such as children, seniors, and low-income residents. These programs help address gaps created by the lack of employer-sponsored coverage and may work alongside the federal CDCP.

Here are selected provincial and territorial dental programs:

• RAMQ Dental Coverage: covers specified dental services for children under age 10 and qualifying recipients of financial assistance, with additional coverage rules for certain services and dependants.
• Healthy Smiles Ontario: provides free preventive, routine, and emergency dental care for children and youth 17 and under from low-income families.
• Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP): offers free routine dental services for low-income seniors aged 65 and older who lack other dental benefits.
• Manitoba SMILE Plus Children’s Dental Program: offers dental care for children up to 18 years old in low-income families.
• Nova Scotia Children’s Oral Health Program: provides basic dental care for children aged 14 and younger with a valid MSI health card. Services include checkups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, and extractions.
• Saskatchewan Supplementary Health Benefits: provides additional health benefits to eligible residents, including some people receiving SAID, SIS or other qualifying support. Covered services can include dental care, hearing services and prescribed medical supplies, subject to program rules.

Tip: If you live in a province or territory not listed above, contact your local health authority or social services to check for dental benefits. In addition, as coverage varies and some programs may not be well-known, visit your local health ministry’s website for accurate information.

Family and Child Benefits by Province and Territory

Alongside the CCB, most provinces and territories offer their own child benefits. Some are administered by CRA, while others are administered by provincial/territorial agencies. The CRA uses your tax return to calculate these amounts and combines them with your monthly CCB payment; application rules vary. CRA administers some provincial and territorial child benefits through the CCB process, while other programs use separate provincial systems. For example, the Manitoba Child Benefit requires a separate application, and Quebec Family Allowance is administered by Retraite Québec.

Here are the family and child benefits offered by different provinces and territories:

• British Columbia Family Benefit
• Alberta Child and Family Benefit
• Manitoba Child Benefit
• Ontario Child Benefit
• Quebec Family Allowance
• New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit
• Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit
• Nova Scotia Child Benefit
• Prince Edward Island Child Benefit
• Nunavut Child Benefit

Note: Because the exact amounts and rules change with each provincial budget, check your province or territory’s finance or revenue website for the latest information before depending on any specific numbers.

Other Tax Credits and Income Support Programs by Province and Territory

Provinces and territories also provide income assistance programs for residents who are unable to fully support themselves through employment. Many provincial and territorial credits are managed by the CRA and may appear on your bank statement as “Canada FPT deposit,” which stands for Federal-Provincial-Territorial.

They differ in what they cover and how much they offer, providing rent and property tax relief, sales tax discounts, extra help for low-income people, and special credits for seniors, caregivers, and tradespeople. As a result, their structures, including monthly benefit amounts and eligibility criteria, vary across jurisdictions.

For instance, guides available for key provincial programs that outline these supports include:

• Ontario Works (OW): a provincial social assistance program that provides financial aid for basic living costs like food and shelter, along with help finding jobs.
• Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS): a provincial program that offers monthly payments to low-income seniors to supplement their federal OAS and GIS benefits.
• Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): a refundable tax credit that combines 3 smaller benefits into a single payment to help with energy costs, sales tax, and property tax.
• British Columbia Renter’s Tax Credit: a tax credit available since 2023 that gives low- and moderate-income renters up to $400 per year if they rent an eligible unit for at least six months.
• Quebec Social Assistance and Social Solidarity Programs: The Social Assistance Program helps adults and families who are not severely limited in their ability to work, while the Social Solidarity Program is for those with significant, long-term limitations.
• Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS): Saskatchewan’s main income assistance program for residents out of financial options. SIS provides basic needs support, including an Adult Basic Benefit for living costs and a Shelter Benefit for housing.

There are three main ways to apply for government benefits: My Service Canada Account for federal service-based benefits, CRA My Account for tax-based federal benefits, and separate provincial portals for provincial or territorial programs.

Below is an overview of how each method can assist you in applying for government benefits in Canada:

Apply via My Service Canada Account

With a My Service Canada Account, you can view or manage many Service Canada programs like the CDCP, EI, CPP, OAS, the Canada Disability Benefit, your Social Insurance Number, and the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC). MSCA lets you apply for CPP and OAS, check your EI claim status, see your CPP contributions, get your EI and CPP tax slips, and update your personal details.

Apply via CRA My Account

​CRA My Account is an online portal where you can see and manage your personal income tax and benefit information. This covers the CCB, the GST/HST credit (or the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, starting July 2026), the CWB, and provincial or territorial credits administered by the CRA. You can also check your Notice of Assessment, tax return history, and upcoming benefit and credit payments on the Benefits and Credits page.

Apply via the official portal of your province or territory

Provincial and territorial programs are administered in different ways. The CRA administers many provincial and territorial tax credits and benefits, while other programs require you to apply directly through the province or territory. If you live in Quebec, there are additional portals for Quebec-only programs, available only to Quebec residents.

Tips to find Canadian government benefits: To identify federal benefits you may be eligible for, use the Government of Canada’s online Benefits Finder tool. You should answer a few questions about your employment, location, and family size to receive a list of programs you may qualify for. Similarly, for provincial or territorial benefits, visit the CRA’s provincial and territorial programs page or your province’s website for more information.

Simply being aware of government benefits and employee-related plans is not enough; you also need to file your taxes on time to access most of them. Filing a return each year, even if you have little or no income, can help ensure you are assessed for benefits and credits for which you may qualify.

In addition to the issue of non-filing, many Canadians are unaware of the benefits for which they qualify. Depending on your circumstances, credits such as the Canada caregiver credit, home buyers’ amount and medical expense tax credit may also be relevant. Check the CRA eligibility rules for each credit.

Even after benefits are disbursed, some funds remain uncollected. To find out if you have any uncashed government cheques, log in to your CRA My Account and check for the “uncashed cheques” link. You can also use the Bank of Canada’s unclaimed property search tool at unclaimedproperties.bankofcanada.ca. Signing up for direct deposit through CRA My Account is a great way to make sure you do not miss any payments.

Note: The federal government is set to launch Automatic Federal Benefits beginning in the 2026 tax year. Automatic Federal Benefits is being introduced for the 2026 tax year and is intended to reach up to 5.5 million low-income Canadians by the 2028 tax year. Eligible individuals may receive a pre-filled return, helping them be assessed for tax-based benefits. Programs that require separate eligibility evidence or enrolment may still require an application.

Will automatic tax filing mean I no longer need to apply for government benefits?

Starting in the 2026 tax year, the CRA is expanding an automated and simplified tax filing system to connect low-income households with the government tax benefits they are entitled to. While automated filing will help ensure that tax-based benefits are received, you still need to apply separately for programs that require proof, medical certification, or provincial/territorial enrollment.

Many statutory government benefits, such as EI and CPP/QPP, are automatically set up through payroll deductions when you start working. Others, including the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, the Canada Workers Benefit, and various provincial or territorial credits, are calculated from your tax return. You generally need to apply for the Canada Child Benefit when you first become eligible. After enrolment, you and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, must file tax returns each year to continue receiving the payments for which you qualify.

However, several important government benefits do require you to take action and apply directly based on your current situation, including provincial or territorial health insurance, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, the Disability Tax Credit, and Workers’ Compensation.

Which benefit to check first depends on what has happened in your life. Start with the program connected to your immediate need.

Medicare

If you become eligible for health coverage in a new province or territory, apply for its health card promptly, commonly known as Medicare. It grants you access to publicly funded hospital and doctor services. Eligibility and any waiting period depend on that jurisdiction’s rules and your residency or immigration status. Keep in mind that some provinces may take up to 3 months for public health insurance to begin. Therefore, newcomers and those moving between provinces may need to obtain temporary private coverage during this waiting period.

Canadian Dental Care Plan

If you do not have employer-sponsored dental insurance and your family’s net income is below the program’s eligibility threshold, you may qualify for the CDCP. Dental costs can add up quickly, so checking your eligibility early can help you minimize high out-of-pocket costs.

Disability Tax Credit

If you or a dependent has a severe and prolonged impairment, apply for the DTC as early as possible. DTC approval is also an eligibility requirement for programs such as the Canada Disability Benefit and may make you eligible for a Registered Disability Savings Plan or the disability supplement to the Canada Workers Benefit, subject to each program’s other rules.

Workers’ Compensation Board

If you are injured or become ill because of your work, report it to your employer and file a claim with your provincial or territorial workers’ compensation board immediately. Be aware that delays in reporting can affect your eligibility for wage replacement and medical coverage.

Government benefits provide a baseline of retirement income, temporary employment support, and limited health coverage, but the scope varies by jurisdiction and eligibility group. Employer plans may supplement expenses or income risks that public programs do not fully cover.

Recognizing where that floor ends helps you make informed decisions about whether employer-sponsored coverage, personal insurance, or additional savings are necessary to protect your household.

To appreciate the scope of the gap, consider the major coverage areas side by side:

Coverage Area	Government Coverage	Employer-Sponsored Coverage
Prescription drugs	Varies by province. Typically limited to seniors 65+, social assistance recipients, or residents with high drug costs.	Employer-sponsored drug coverage varies by plan, including the services covered, reimbursement percentage, deductibles, maximums and formulary rules.
Dental care	CDCP covers residents with family net income under $90,000 who lack employer dental. Co-pays of 40%-60% apply for higher income tiers. The CDCP covers a range of oral health services, including preventive, diagnostic, restorative, prosthodontic and certain surgical services. Some services require CDCP preauthorization.	Group plans cover preventive, basic, major, and often orthodontic services for all enrolled employees and dependents, with higher annual maximums and lower co-pays.
Disability income	EI sickness: Up to 26 weeks at 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, to a maximum of $729 per week in 2026. No federal long-term disability for the general workforce. CPP disability requires a severe and prolonged condition.	Employer STD and LTD benefit amounts and durations depend on the plan. Check the plan booklet before comparing workplace coverage with EI or CPP disability benefits.
Retirement income	The original CPP was designed to replace about 25% of covered average earnings. The enhanced CPP can eventually replace up to about one-third of covered earnings, depending on a worker’s enhanced contributions. OAS and GIS add flat and income-tested amounts.	Government and workplace benefits can interact in different ways: some coordinate, some act as first or second payer, and some public programs restrict eligibility when private coverage is available.
Vision care	No federal program. Some provinces cover eye exams for children and seniors only. Routine vision care and corrective lenses are not covered.	Workplace vision coverage varies by plan, including eligible services, maximums and frequency limits.
Life and critical illness	No federal program. The CPP death benefit is a one-time payment. For deaths on or after January 1, 2025, the maximum can be $5,000 when the deceased qualifies for the additional $2,500 top-up; otherwise, the base maximum is $2,500.	Group life insurance amounts vary by plan and may be a flat amount, a multiple of earnings or another defined benefit. Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum upon diagnosis of a covered condition.
Paramedical services	Not covered federally. Coverage for physiotherapy and other paramedical services varies by province, eligibility group and program. Some public programs provide limited or targeted coverage, while employer plans may cover additional services or costs.	Group plans cover physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic, psychology, and others, subject to annual per-practitioner maximums.

How Do Government Benefit Programs Coordinate With Workplace Benefits?

Government and employer-sponsored benefits can supplement or coordinate with each other, but the interaction depends on the program, jurisdiction and workplace plan. Understanding how these benefits coordinate can help you know which benefits you can receive and how they work together:

EI Sickness Benefits vs. Employer Short-Term Disability (STD)

The interaction between employer sick-leave or STD benefits and EI depends on the employer plan and EI rules. Employees in an EI Premium Reduction Program plan generally use that employer plan before EI sickness benefits.

• Do not assume every employer short-term disability plan must pay before EI sickness benefits. Employees covered by an employer plan registered under the EI Premium Reduction Program generally use that plan first. Outside the PRP, wage-loss or paid-sick-leave benefits can interact differently with EI, so employees should confirm the employer plan terms and current Service Canada rules.
• EI sickness benefits act as a safety net. They are for workers who don’t have an employer STD plan or for those whose STD benefits run out before they can return to work.

EI Maternity & Parental Benefits and Employer Top-Ups

When you take a leave for a new child, EI provides the core benefit. Outside Quebec, EI maternity benefits and standard parental benefits are paid at 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to the 2026 maximum of $729 per week. Extended parental benefits are paid at 33%, up to $437 per week in 2026. Quebec residents use the Québec Parental Insurance Plan for maternity, paternity, parental and adoption benefits.

For most employees, 55% of their income is a significant pay cut. To help with this, many employers offer a “top-up” program. Eligibility, payment level and interaction with EI depend on the employer’s plan terms and applicable EI rules.

Employer Long-Term Disability (LTD) and CPP Disability

If you become disabled for a long period, you may qualify for both your employer’s LTD plan and CPP disability benefits. However, they usually don’t stack. Many LTD policies coordinate benefits with CPP disability payments, but the treatment depends on the policy. Employees should confirm the offset provisions in their plan wording.

Provincial Health Insurance and Extended Health Plans

Think of your health coverage in two layers:

• Layer 1: Your Provincial Plan. Every province provides basic insurance for medically necessary services like doctor’s visits and hospital stays.
• Layer 2: Your Employer’s Extended Health Plan. This plan is designed to cover many of the things your provincial plan doesn’t, such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and semi-private hospital rooms.

Provincial Drug Programs and Employer Coverage

How a workplace drug plan coordinates with a provincial drug program depends on the jurisdiction and program rules. In Quebec, residents under 65 who are eligible for private prescription drug coverage generally must join a private plan. If you are also eligible for a provincial drug program (like those for seniors or people with high drug costs), your employer plan pays first. The provincial plan may then act as a secondary payer for any remaining costs.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and Employer Dental Plans

The federal government’s new CDCP is designed for Canadians who do not have access to dental insurance. Access to private dental coverage through work, a pension, a family member’s plan or certain other private sources generally makes you ineligible for the CDCP, even if you choose not to enrol. Government social dental programs may coordinate with the CDCP, and limited exceptions apply.

Can I receive provincial social assistance while also getting federal disability benefits?

In many cases, yes. However, the provincial social assistance you get may be reduced depending on the federal disability benefits you are receiving. Each province has specific rules.

Are government benefits in Canada taxable?

Some are taxable, and some are not, so check each payment before you plan your budget. EI benefits, CPP/QPP benefits and OAS are taxable income. The Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, the Canada Workers Benefit, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Canada Disability Benefit are not taxable. Workers’ compensation payments must be reported on your return but are then deducted, so they are not taxed. Employer top-ups to EI benefits are taxable employment income.

What happens to my benefits if I move to another province or territory?

Your federal benefits generally continue, but provincial and territorial programs change with your residence. Under the portability principle of the Canada Health Act, your former province or territory generally continues your health coverage during the new jurisdiction’s waiting period, up to three months. Update your address with the CRA promptly, because many CRA-administered provincial credits are based on where you live. Programs that require a provincial application, such as disability assistance, usually need a new application in your new home.

Will a raise or a new job reduce my government benefits?

It can reduce income-tested benefits, but usually not right away. Many CRA benefits, including the Canada Child Benefit, are calculated from your previous year’s adjusted family net income and paid over a benefit year from July to the following June. A higher income this year typically affects your payments starting the next benefit year. Benefits based on contributions, such as CPP retirement benefits and EI, are not income-tested in the same way.

Can I keep receiving government benefits if I leave Canada?

Some benefits continue abroad, while others stop once you are no longer a resident. CPP benefits can be paid anywhere in the world. OAS can be paid outside Canada for more than six months only if you lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18. The Canada Child Benefit and most income-tested CRA benefits generally stop when you become a non-resident. Provincial health coverage usually ends after an extended absence, though the allowed time away varies by jurisdiction.