Updated Checked by the Tax-Services.ca editorial team How we check
The benefits finder on Tax-Services.ca shows federal benefits and credits that may apply to someone in your situation. Tick the boxes that sound like you, and the list underneath links each program to a calculator or guide. It points you to where to look. It cannot say whether you qualify, and it does not ask for your name or income.
Turn on JavaScript to use the finder, or see the benefits and credits guide.
Which benefits does the finder cover?
The finder covers the programs people look for most, grouped by situation. Ticking a box adds the matching links.
- A child in the family: the Canada Child Benefit calculator and the RESP and education grant calculator
- Low or modest income: the Groceries and Essentials Benefit calculator, and for low working income the Canada Workers Benefit article
- Seniors: the Old Age Security calculator and pension income splitting
- Disability: the disability tax credit calculator
- Job loss, illness or a new baby: the EI calculator and the maternity and parental leave calculator
- Students and newcomers: the student tax page and the new to Canada page
- A first home: the FHSA calculator and the first-time buyer benefits calculator
What does “may qualify” mean?
“May qualify” means a program exists for people in your situation. Each benefit has its own rules, and most depend on your family income and your tax return. The finder points you at the right place. It cannot say whether you qualify, and neither can we. The CRA and Service Canada decide.
What do almost all of these benefits need?
Almost all of these benefits need a filed tax return, even with no income, and an up-to-date address, bank account and family status in your CRA account. See filing your first tax return if you have never filed.
Where can you read more?
The benefits and credits guide explains the main programs, and the CCB dates and Groceries and Essentials Benefit dates show when payments land.
Where does this information come from?
The programs listed follow the Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada benefit pages. Checked in October 2026. This is an independent information site: we provide no services, we do not represent the CRA or any organization, and we do not guarantee that anything here is accurate or current. We accept no liability for decisions based on it. Check the official source before you rely on it. See the full disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to file a tax return to get Canadian benefits?
Almost all of these benefits need a filed tax return, even if you had no income. Keep your address, bank account and family status up to date in your CRA account so payments reach you. The CRA and Service Canada decide on each benefit.
Does the benefits finder tell me if I qualify?
No. It lists programs that may apply to someone in your situation and links to a calculator or guide for each. Each benefit has its own rules, usually tied to family income and your tax return, and the CRA or Service Canada decides.
Which benefits can a family with children look at?
The Canada Child Benefit is the main one: a monthly tax-free payment that depends on family income. Families can also look at an RESP, which adds a government grant to savings for a child's education. The finder links to a calculator for each.
What help is there if I lose my job or have a baby?
Employment Insurance covers regular, sickness and caregiving benefits, and maternity and parental benefits pay you while you are off with a new child. The finder links to a calculator for each, and to guides on how to apply.
Is the Groceries and Essentials Benefit the same as the GST/HST credit?
It is the quarterly payment that replaced the GST/HST credit, for people with a low or modest income. Our page on Groceries and Essentials Benefit payment dates shows when payments land.