SOCIAL BENEFITS
Canada offers a robust social benefits system to support its citizens and residents in various aspects of life. Understanding the available social benefits can empower you to make informed decisions and access the resources they need for a better quality of life. In this overview, we will explore the key social benefits available in Canada and New Brunswick.
1. Canada child benefits (CCB)
This program provides a tax-free monthly payment to families to help them with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. To know more about when you are eligible to apply and how to apply, please follow the instructions at this link.
2. GST/HST credit
The goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset the GST or HST that they pay. You are automatically considered for the GST/HST credit when you file your annual taxes. More information is available here.
3. Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) for individuals
Formerly known as the Climate action incentive payment (CAIP), it is a tax-free amount to help eligible individuals and families offset the cost of the federal pollution pricing. It consists of a basic amount and a supplement for residents of small and rural communities. Further information is available here.
4. Social Assistance Program
This program provides people in financial need with assistance to meet their basic needs such as food, rent, utilities and clothing. The program may also help you with other needs such as child care, transportation, prescription drugs and more. If the total household income is less than the rate for your family type, the household is likely eligible to receive financial help. To know more, please visit their website here.
5. Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision
It is New Brunswick’s dental and vision plan for children of low-income families. More information about your eligibility is here.
6. Affordable Rental Housing Program
This program provides financial assistance to private entrepreneurs, private non-profit corporations and co-operatives for the construction, rehabilitation, and conversion of rental housing projects. Certain criteria to meet the eligibility is listed here.
This program provides financial assistance to low and modest income families to help them buy or build a modest first home. Please visit this link to find out more.