Cost of living support in Canada
In 2024, 45% of Canadians reported that rising prices were greatly affecting their ability to meet day-to-day expenses. This has caused 35% of Canadians to describe most days as quite a bit or extremely stressful due to financial issues.
As this worrying trend continues to worsen, the Canadian government has had to introduce more resources and services to help people deal with rising cost of living payments.
Let’s take a look at some of those measures in more detail.
A tax-free monthly payment for eligible families with children under 18 years of age who need help with the cost of raising children. This may include the child disability benefit and any related provincial and territorial programs.
The person who is primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child should apply for the CCB.
Check your eligibility for the Canada child benefit.
A tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset the goods and services tax (GST) or harmonized sales tax (HST) that they pay. May also include payments from provincial and territorial programs.
You’re automatically considered for the credit when you file your taxes.
A non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family members, reduce the amount of income tax they pay. If you have a severe and prolonged impairment, you may apply for the credit.
Check your eligibility for the disability tax credit.
A tax-free monthly payment made to families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions.
You must be eligible for the CCB and your child the DTC. You will automatically get the child disability benefit if you’re already getting the CCB for your child who is eligible for the DTC.
A refundable tax credit to help individuals and families who are working and earning a low income. You can claim the CWB when you file your income tax return and the payment comes in two parts: a basic amount and a disability supplement.
Check your eligibility for the Canada workers benefit.
A tax credit for people who support a spouse, common-law partner, or a child with a physical or mental impairment.
You may also be able to claim the CCC if one or more of the following individuals depend on you for support:
- your (or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s) child or grandchild.
- your (or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s) parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew (if they resided in Canada at any time in the year).
A refundable tax credit is available to help Canadians with the cost of eligible training fees. You can claim the CTC for tuition and other fees paid for courses that you took in the year.
Check your eligibility for the Canada training credit.
A tax credit for people making a home accessible. You can claim an amount for eligible expenses for qualifying renovations to an eligible dwelling if you’re a qualifying individual or an eligible individual making a claim for a qualifying individual.
Check your eligibility for the home accessibility tax credit.
Provincial and territorial benefits
The cost of living payments you have access to will also depend on your province or territory of residence. Find out which Canadian cost of living programs are available in your province here.
For a customized list of benefits for which you may be eligible, take a look at the Government of Canada’s Benefits Finder service.
Help with bills
During a cost of living crisis, household bills are one of the hardest things to stay on top of. Failure to do so can lead to disastrous consequences.
Whether it’s your electricity or monthly rent, you need to ensure that you pay your bills without fail. Therefore, if you receive federal benefits, including some provincial/territorial benefits, it’s important your payments align with paying your bills.
If you set up a direct deposit, cost of living payments will be deposited in your account on specific dates to align with deadlines for bill payments.
You can view the full calendar of benefits payment dates here.
Food banks
Another huge expense is putting food on the table. In spring 2024, 23% of Canadians reported their households as being very (8%) or somewhat (15%) likely to obtain food or meals from community organizations over the next six months.
Fortunately, countless food banks in Canada do an incredible job of supporting individuals and families who need help.
You can find a food bank in your community here.
