Key Highlights

  • For Canadians managing on a low or modest income, the Canada Revenue Agency administers several payments and credits designed to help with the rising cost of everyday living.
  • From quarterly support that replaced the GST/HST Credit to a refundable top-up for working Canadians, these CRA benefits can put money back in your pocket.
  • Built on that credit with a 25% increase, the CGEB is a tax-free payment made quarterly to individuals and families with low-to-modest income.
  • For the base year running July 2026 to June 2027, maximum amounts reach up to $679 for a single individual, up to $890 for a married or common-law couple, and up to $234 per eligible child under 19.

For Canadians managing on a low or modest income, the Canada Revenue Agency administers several payments and credits designed to help with the rising cost of everyday living. From quarterly support that replaced the GST/HST credit to a refundable top-up for working Canadians, these CRA benefits can put money back in your pocket. Most are income-tested and delivered automatically once you file your taxes, so knowing what exists and keeping your return up to date is the key to receiving what you qualify for.

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) is one of the most widely received CRA supports for lower-income households. It took effect in July 2026, replacing the former GST/HST credit, which is no longer available. Built on that credit with a 25% increase, the CGEB is a tax-free payment made quarterly to individuals and families with low-to-modest income. For the base year running July 2026 to June 2027, maximum amounts reach up to $679 for a single individual, up to $890 for a married or common-law couple, and up to $234 per eligible child under 19. The next quarterly payment is scheduled for October 5, 2026. What you receive depends on your adjusted family net income, marital status and number of children, and filing your taxes means you are automatically considered.

Support for Working Canadians

The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit for lower-income workers. For the 2025 tax year, the basic amount reaches a maximum of $1,633 for a single person and $2,813 for families, with an additional disability supplement of up to $843. The basic amount is reduced to zero once adjusted Net Income rises above $37,742 for singles and $49,393 for families. Eligible recipients can also receive the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB), automatic advance payments of up to 50% of the estimated CWB, delivered in three installments. The next ACWB payment is set for October 9, 2026, with any remainder settled when you file your return. There is no separate application for these advances.

Help for Families and Other Circumstances

Low-income families raising children under 18 may also qualify for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a tax-free monthly payment worth up to $8,157 per year for each child under six and up to $6,883 per year for each child aged six to 17 in the 2026-27 benefit year. The benefit begins to reduce once adjusted family net income rises above $38,237. These are maximum figures. The actual amount any household receives depends on income, family size and the information the CRA has on file, and no payment is guaranteed to everyone.

What You Need to Do

The common thread across these CRA benefits is filing a tax return every year, even with little or no income. Where you have a spouse or common-law partner, both must file. The CRA uses your returns to confirm eligibility and recalculate amounts for each new benefit year, and filing is what makes you automatically considered for income-tested credits. Setting up direct deposit through CRA My Account or your financial institution ensures payments arrive faster and are not delayed by mail disruptions.

Conclusion

Low-income Canadians may qualify for meaningful help through the CRA, including the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, the Canada Workers Benefit and, for families, the Canada Child Benefit. Amounts are maximums that depend on income and personal circumstances, so the most reliable way to receive everyday-cost support is to file your taxes on time and keep your CRA details current.