Key Highlights

  • Arriving in a new country brings a long list of things to sort out, and understanding your finances is near the top.
  • The good news is that newcomers to Canada may qualify for several payments and credits administered by the Canada Revenue Agency soon after they arrive, even before filing a first Canadian tax return.
  • The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families raising children under 18, with maximums for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year of up to $8,157 per year ($679.75 per month) for each child under six and up to $6,883 per year...
  • Base-year maximums run up to $679 for a single individual, up to $890 for a couple, and up to $234 per eligible child under 19.

Arriving in a new country brings a long list of things to sort out, and understanding your finances is near the top. The good news is that newcomers to Canada may qualify for several payments and credits administered by the Canada Revenue Agency soon after they arrive, even before filing a first Canadian tax return. From help with the cost of raising children to quarterly support for low-to-modest income households, these CRA benefits can make a real difference in the early months of settling in.

Benefits Newcomers May Be Able to Access

Two of the most significant CRA-administered supports for newcomers are the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families raising children under 18, with maximums for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year of up to $8,157 per year ($679.75 per month) for each child under six and up to $6,883 per year ($573.58 per month) for each child aged six to 17. The CGEB, which took effect in July 2026 and replaced the former GST/HST credit, is a tax-free quarterly payment for individuals and families with low-to-modest income. Base-year maximums run up to $679 for a single individual, up to $890 for a couple, and up to $234 per eligible child under 19. Both benefits are income-tested, so actual amounts depend on your family circumstances and the information the CRA has on file.

Starting Your Benefits Before Your First Tax Return

Newcomers do not always have to wait until they file a return to begin receiving benefits. The CRA provides specific forms to get payments started. Families with children can use Form RC66 to apply for the Canada Child Benefit and related payments, while individuals and couples without children can use Form RC151 to be considered for the CGEB and related credits for the period before their first return is filed. These forms allow the CRA to establish your eligibility and begin calculating what you may receive based on your income and residency situation.

Why Filing Your Taxes Matters

Even after your benefits begin, filing a Canadian income tax return every year is generally required to keep receiving or to continue qualifying for income-tested CRA benefits and credits. Where you have a spouse or common-law partner, both of you must file, even if one had no income. The CRA uses these returns to confirm eligibility and recalculate amounts for each new benefit year. Filing also ensures you are automatically considered for benefits such as the CGEB, so a return is worth completing even if your income was low or you had none at all.

Setting Up for Smooth Payments

Registering for CRA My Account gives newcomers a secure way to track payment dates, update personal details and confirm eligibility. Setting up direct deposit, through CRA My Account or your financial institution, is faster and more secure than waiting for a cheque and means your payments are not affected by mail disruptions. It is also important to keep your information current. Changes to your address, marital status, number of children or banking details can all affect what you receive and when.

Conclusion

Newcomers to Canada may qualify for meaningful CRA support, including the Canada Child Benefit and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, sometimes before their first tax return by using Form RC66 or Form RC151. Amounts are maximums that depend on income and family circumstances, so filing your taxes on time and keeping your CRA records up to date is the surest way to receive everything you are entitled to.