Canada has federal and provincial benefits for low-income Canadians to help them pay for housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. These include direct payments, grants, and tax credits.
Low-income status in Canada depends on the program, but the average range is between $20,000 and $30,000. Special programs are available for students, seniors, parents, and disabled Canadians.
Eligibility for benefits may depend on income, marital status, age, and residency. Apply with proof of your eligibility and wait between 4 to 12 weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Direct payments and tax credits are available federally and provincially for low-income Canadians.
- Income, marital status, age, and residency may affect eligibility for benefits.
- Low-income definitions vary by program, but the average is between $20,000 and $30,000.
What is considered low income in Canada?
Low income in Canada depends on the benefit program or the cost of living in a certain area, but the threshold is usually between $20,000 and $30,000.
Policymakers rely on tools like the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO), the Market Basket Measure (MBM), and the Low-Income Measure (LIM) to help determine a person’s eligibility for benefit programs.
- LICO: An income threshold based on household size and essential spending that defines if a family is living in poverty
- MBM: An official measure of poverty based on a set basket of basic goods and services like food, transport, and housing that varies by region
- LIM: Measures your income against the national median, identifying you as low-income if you earn less than 50% of the median after-tax income
Here are some examples of these measures:
LICO = $29,380: This was the official poverty threshold in 2022 (the most recent data) for a single-person family in a highly populated area such as Toronto or Vancouver.
MBM = $24,864: This was the market basket measure, or minimum amount of money a person needs to cover basic living expenses, in Toronto in 2020 (the most recent data).
LIM = $30,401: This was the low-income measure for a single person’s before-tax income in Canada in 2020 (the most recent data).
If your income falls below these thresholds, you may be eligible for Canadian low-income benefits, such as tax credits, housing assistance, and child benefits.
Thresholds can change if policy changes or the cost of living changes.
How to sign up for government benefits in Canada
You have to create an online account to apply for federal and provincial benefits. Then, you must submit application documents and verification materials to prove you qualify.
Here’s how:
- Check your eligibility: Use the official Benefits Finder to see what you qualify for.
- Create an online account: Register for a My Service Canada account to manage your federal benefits and applications, or register for a provincial benefit account like My Self Serve in BC or Ontario.ca in ON.
- Apply for payments: Payment-based benefits require an application and approval. Most can be completed online, although paper forms and income verification documents may be required.
- Keep your info updated: Update your details online or by phone as needed.
The waiting period depends on the program, but you can expect the approval process to take between 4 and 12 weeks.
Most payments are sent by check or direct deposit, so you’ll receive them after you apply and get approved.
To receive any tax credits, you must submit a tax return. You will receive these credits after you file your taxes. They may appear as "FPT" on your bank statement.
Provincial social assistance programs in Canada
Every province and territory has unique assistance programs for low-income Canadians.
Alberta benefits for low-income:
- Alberta Income Support: Provides financial support for basic needs and employment training. Seniors should apply for the Alberta Seniors Benefit.
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit: Quarterly payments for families with low or moderate incomes.
- Alberta Student Disability Grants: Support students’ disability-related post-secondary education costs.
- Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH): Financial and health-related assistance for adults with a permanent disability.
- RAMP Program: Provides funding to low-income Albertans who need to make modifications to their home to support their mobility challenges.
- Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program: Allows eligible seniors to defer all or part of their property taxes.
- Alberta Adult Health Benefit: Health benefits for low-income individuals and families.
- Alberta Child Health Benefit: Health benefits for children in low-income families.
British Columbia benefits for low-income:
- Income Assistance: Financial support for individuals and families in need.
- Disability Assistance: Financial support for individuals with disabilities.
- BC Child Opportunity Benefit: Monthly payments to families with children under 18.
- Rental Assistance Program: Rent subsidies for low-income working families.
- Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER): Rent subsidies for seniors.
- BC Seniors Supplement: A monthly supplement payment for low-income, older BC residents.
- BC Affordable Child Care Benefit: Financial support to help families with the cost of child care, which may also include the Young Parent program payment.
Manitoba benefits for low-income:
- Employment and Income Assistance (EIA): Financial help for basic needs and employment support.
- Manitoba Child Benefit: Monthly benefit for low-income families with children.
- Rent Assist: Financial assistance with housing costs for low-income individuals and families.
- Manitoba Prenatal Benefit: Financial assistance for pregnant women to meet nutritional needs.
- Manitoba 55 PLUS Program: A quarterly benefit payment for low-income, older Manitobans.
- Manitoba Pharmacare: Prescription drug coverage for eligible Manitobans.
New Brunswick benefits for low-income:
- Social Assistance Program: Financial assistance for individuals and families in need.
- New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit: Monthly benefit for low-income families with children.
- Housing Assistance: Programs to help with housing costs for low-income individuals and families.
- New Brunswick Low-Income Seniors Benefit: A one-time payment for eligible low-income seniors in New Brunswick.
- New Brunswick Drug Plan: Prescription drug coverage for uninsured residents.
Newfoundland and Labrador benefits for low-income:
- Income Support Program: Financial assistance for individuals and families in need.
- Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit: Monthly benefit for low-income families with children.
- Seniors’ Benefit: A quarterly benefit for low-income seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program: Coverage for eligible residents.
- Rental Housing Program: Affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families.
Northwest Territories benefits for low-income:
- Income Assistance Program: Financial assistance for basic needs.
- Northwest Territories Child Benefit: Monthly benefit for low-income families with children.
- Public Housing Program: Affordable housing for low-income residents.
- NWT Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit: A monthly supplement payment for low-income elders in NWT.
- Extended Health Benefits: Coverage for specified health services for eligible residents.
Nova Scotia benefits for low-income:
- Income Assistance: Financial support for individuals and families in need.
- Nova Scotia Child Benefit: Monthly benefit for low-income families with children.
- Affordable Living Tax Credit: Quarterly payment to help low- and middle-income individuals and families.
- Nova Scotia Pharmacare: Prescription drug coverage for eligible residents, including seniors.
- Housing Nova Scotia Programs: Assistance with housing for low-income individuals and families.
Nunavut benefits for low-income:
- Income Assistance: Financial support for individuals and families in need.
- Nunavut Child Benefit: Monthly benefit for low-income families with children.
- Public Housing Program: Affordable housing for low-income residents.
- Extended Health Benefits: Coverage for specified health services for eligible residents.
- Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit: A monthly payment for low-income seniors.
Ontario benefits for low-income:
- Ontario Works: Financial assistance and employment support.
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Financial assistance for individuals with disabilities.
- Ontario Child Benefit: Monthly payment to support low-income families with children.
- Ontario Trillium Benefit: Combines the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, and Northern Ontario Energy Credit.
- Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS): A monthly, non-taxable payment benefit for eligible low-income seniors in Ontario.
- Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing: Subsidized housing for eligible individuals and families.
- Healthy Smiles Ontario: Dental program for children and youth 17 and under in low-income families.
Prince Edward Island benefits for low-income:
- Social Assistance Program: Financial support for individuals and families in need.
- PEI Child Benefit: Monthly benefit for low-income families with children.
- Seniors’ Housing Program: Affordable housing options for low-income seniors.
- PEI Pharmacare: Prescription drug coverage for eligible residents.
- Child Care Subsidy Program: Financial assistance to help with child care costs.
- AccessAbility Supports: Assistance for individuals with disabilities to help them overcome barriers.
- PEI Home Renovation Programs: Grants for essential home repairs for low-income homeowners.
- Seniors Independence Initiative: Provides financial support for seniors to remain in their homes.
Quebec benefits for low-income:
- Social Assistance Program: Financial support for individuals and families in need.
- Family Allowance: Monthly payment to support families with children under 18.
- Shelter Allowance Program: Financial assistance for low-income households to help with housing costs.
- Public Prescription Drug Insurance: Affordable healthcare support for older Quebec residents.
- Refundable Cost of Living Tax Credit: Helps offset increases in the cost of living for low-income households.
- Solidarity Tax Credit: Provides financial support for housing and sales tax costs.
- Quebec Pension Plan: For older, eligible Quebec residents.
- Senior Assistance Tax Credit: Offsets the cost of taxes for eligible Quebec seniors.
- Independent Living Tax Credit for Seniors: Provides a refundable tax credit for the purchases of certain home goods or fixtures.
Saskatchewan benefits for low-income:
- Saskatchewan Seniors’ Income Support (SIS): Provides monthly financial support for low-income older individuals.
- Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplement: Assistance for low-income renters, particularly those with children or disabilities.
- Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit: Tax relief for qualifying low-income residents.
Yukon benefits for low-income:
- Yukon Social Assistance: Provides financial assistance to individuals and families who do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and utilities.
- Yukon Child Benefit (YCB): A non-taxable monthly payment to help low- and modest-income families with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.
- Yukon Seniors Income Supplement (YSIS): An additional monthly income for low-income seniors receiving Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
- Canada-Yukon Housing Benefit: Provides a portion of rent to eligible low- to moderate-income renters in Yukon.
- Yukon Government Carbon Price Rebate - Individuals (YGCPRI): A non-taxable amount paid to individuals and families to help offset the cost of the federal carbon pollution pricing levy.
Employment Insurance (EI) in Canada
Employment Insurance (EI) provides temporary financial assistance to anyone who has lost their job through no fault of their own.
To qualify for EI benefits, you must meet specific criteria, including:
- Having worked a minimum number of hours
- Having paid employment insurance premiums in the previous years
- Having met all the entitlement and qualifying conditions
Apply at the Canada.ca EI Benefits page.
Tax benefit: Basic personal amount (BPA)
All Canadians, no matter their tax brackets, can claim this tax credit on their tax returns.
If your taxable income is below the BPA, it equals a full reduction in federal income tax. If your taxable income is above the BPA, it equals a partial reduction in federal income tax.
Learn more at the Canada.ca BPA page.
Tax benefit: Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
The Canada Workers Benefit is a tax credit available to low-income working families and individuals.
If you’re eligible, you claim this credit when you file your tax return. Entitled recipients may receive advance payments of up to 50% of the CWB across 3 payments.
Learn more at the Canada.ca CWB page.
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$25 GeniusCash + Delicious meal choices with fresh ingredients + Front-door delivery.Tax benefit: GST/HST credit
The GST/HST credit is a quarterly payment provided to qualifying Canadians from low- and middle-income households.
In 2025, a single person can receive up to $519. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, you’ll receive up to $680.
You can also receive an additional $179 for each child in your household.
Read more at the Canada.ca GST/HST Credit page.
Canada Carbon Rebate
The Canada Carbon Rebate is a tax-free quarterly payment between $95 and $270 per quarter, intended to help eligible Canadians offset the cost of the federal carbon pricing.
This program was formerly known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP).
CCR is available in eight Canadian provinces:
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
Learn more at the Canada.ca Canada Carbon Rebate page.
Benefits for low-income parents in Canada
Several Canadian government programs are designed to support low-income parents. Parental benefits help with the cost of raising children and provide essential assistance for families to thrive.
Child Benefit Payment
The Child Benefit Payment is a monthly, tax-free payment to help families with the cost of raising children.
In 2025, eligible families can receive up to $7,997 per year for each child under 6 years old. The benefit is up to $6,570 per year for each child between 7 and 17 years of age. The benefit amount decreases as your family income increases.
Read more at the Canada.ca Child Benefit page.
Canada Dental Benefit
The Canada Dental Benefit provided direct payments to families with children under 12 who need dental care and meet income criteria. Eligible families received up to $650 per child, depending on family income.
The CDB ended in 2024, but it transitioned into the more comprehensive Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). The CDCP provides comprehensive dental coverage to eligible Canadians, including adults age 65+, children under age 18, and adults with a valid 2023 Disability Tax Credit certificate.
Read more at the Canada.ca Canadian Dental Care Plan page.
Benefits for low-income students in Canada
Low-income students in Canada are eligible for several benefits to help manage the cost of education. These benefits include tax credits and direct payments to reduce tuition fees and support additional training.
Tuition tax credit
The Tuition Tax Credit helps students reduce their income tax by allowing them to claim tuition fees paid to eligible post-secondary institutions. You do not have to be low-income to qualify, but it helps lower your tax burden.
It is not available in Alberta, Ontario, or Saskatchewan.
Eligible students in 2025 can claim tuition fees, admission fees, class fees, and other fees directly related to their education. The limit is at least $100 per institution, with no specific maximum limit for the credit. The courses must be taken at qualifying institutions.
Unused amounts can be carried forward to future years or transferred to a spouse, common-law partner, or parent/grandparent, up to a maximum of $5,000. Get the T2202 form to claim your tax credit.
Learn more at the Canada.ca Tuition Tax Credit page.
Canada Training Credit (CTC)
The Canada Training Credit is a refundable tax credit to help eligible Canadians pay for the cost of training to improve their skills. You don't have to be low-income to qualify, but it helps lower your tax burden.
You can accumulate $250 every year, up to a lifetime limit of $5,000. The amount you can claim for the CTC is the lesser of your Canada Training Credit Limit (CTCL) for the tax year or 50% of the eligible tuition and other fees paid to an eligible educational institution in Canada for courses taken in the year.
Learn more at the Canada.ca CTC page.
Benefits for low-income disabled people in Canada
Canada has benefit programs to help support low-income individuals with disabilities. These include financial assistance to cover medical, living, and educational costs.
Disability tax credit (DTC)
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps reduce the amount of income tax a person with a disability or their caregiver may owe.
While it depends on your individual circumstances, you could be eligible for up to $9,428 in federal tax relief.
Read more at the Canada.ca Disability Tax Credit page.
CPP disability
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability benefit provides monthly payments to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe and prolonged disability.
In 2024, the maximum monthly benefit amount for a pre-retirement person was $1,606.78. The maximum post-retirement benefit was $583.32. The benefit depends partially on the amount you’ve contributed to CPP over the years.
Read more at the Canada.ca CPP Disability page.
Child Disability Benefit
The Child Disability Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment that helps families with the extra costs of raising a child with a severe disability.
Families may receive up to $3,322 per year, depending on the child's condition and family income.
Read more at the Canada.ca Child Disability Benefit page.
Education funding assistance
The federal and provincial governments provide financial aid for disabled students who wish to pursue post-secondary education.
Programs like the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities offer up to $2,800 per year in financial support for eligible students to cover tuition, assistive devices, and other costs associated with their education. This grant is not available in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut or Quebec because they have their own programs.
Read more at the Canada.ca Education Funding Assistance page.
Benefits for low-income seniors in Canada
Seniors in Canada may be eligible for certain benefits and tax filing strategies to help them with housing, healthcare, and financial stability.
Some are available to all seniors while others are available only to low-income seniors. Most are for people 65+.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides monthly, taxable payments to retired individuals who have contributed to the plan during their working years.
The maximum monthly payment for a single person is $1,364.60, though it depends on how much and for how long you contributed.
The CPP Survivor’s Benefit is available to the survivors of CPP contributors when that person passes away. The contributor’s spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for this benefit, which provides up to 60% of the deceased’s monthly benefit amount.
Read more at the Canada.ca CPP page.
Old Age Security (OAS)
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly taxable payment to Canadian seniors aged 65 and older who meet the residency requirements.
Eligible individuals can receive a maximum of $800.44 per month, depending on their income and when they start drawing.
Read more at the Canada.ca OAS page.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a monthly benefit for low-income seniors who are receiving OAS.
The maximum income to qualify for single people is $20,952 and the monthly maximum GIS payment is $1,032.10. Actual amounts depend on the senior’s income and marital status.
Read more at the Canada.ca GIS page.
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
The Home Accessibility Tax Credit helps seniors and individuals with disabilities cover the cost of making their homes more accessible.
You may be eligible to claim up to $20,000 in expenses for home modifications like installing ramps or widening doorways.
Read more at the Canada.ca Home Accessibility Tax Credit page.
Age amount tax credit
The Age Amount Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that helps seniors aged 65 and older reduce their income tax.
If your income was under $42,335, you can claim $8,396. This number may change in 2025.
Read more at the Canada.ca Age Amount Tax Credit page.
Quebec Independent Living tax credit
The Quebec Independent Living Tax Credit offers financial assistance to seniors in Quebec who need help with daily living activities, allowing them to live independently.
Seniors 70+ in Quebec can claim up to 20% of the total expenses for buying, leasing, or installing equipment (less the first $250). Claims can also be made for expenses related to staying in a functional rehabilitation transition unit.
Read more at the Revenu Québec Independent Living Tax Credit page.
Split pension amount
Eligible married and common-law couples can choose to split their eligible pension income between both people for tax purposes. This can help reduce their combined tax burden by lowering the amount of income taxed at a higher rate.
Read more at the Canada.ca Split Pension Amount page.
FAQ
How much is considered for low income benefits Canada?
Low-income eligibility for benefits in Canada varies by province and program. For example, in 2025, a single individual may be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) if their annual income is below $22,056, depending on marital status.
What are the benefits for Canada seniors on low income?
Low-income seniors in Canada may qualify for Old Age Security (OAS), providing up to $800.44 per month. They may also receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), with payments ranging up to $1,032.10 per month, depending on income.
What is the new $1200 benefit in Canada?
This $1,200 was an OAS payment made to low-income seniors in fall 2024. This was an additional, one-time payment to help older Canadians with the increased cost of living. There aren't any plans for a similar payment in 2025.
How much is the low income supplement in Canada?
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provides a maximum monthly payment of $1,067.47 for a single person. The exact payment amount depends on the person’s income and marital status. Provinces may have additional low-income benefits.
What qualifies you for welfare in Canada?
Eligibility for welfare in Canada depends on income, assets, and residency. For example, in Ontario, individuals with assets below $10,000 and a low income may qualify for Ontario Works, which provides financial assistance and employment support.
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