Benefits for Low-Income Canadians
Every federal benefit for lower-income Canadians in 2026-27: CGEB, Canada workers benefit, CCB, the Canada Learning Bond, the dental plan and GIS, and how to get them.
The short version
- Most federal help for lower-income Canadians is paid through the tax system, so the single most important step is filing a return every year, even with no income at all.
- A single adult can get the Groceries and Essentials Benefit (up to about $680 a year), the Canada workers benefit if working (up to $1,633 on the 2025 return) and provincial credits.
- Families add the Canada child benefit (up to $8,157 per child under 6), and children born since 2004 can get up to $2,000 from the Canada Learning Bond in an RESP, with no contribution needed.
- The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers people of all ages with family income under $90,000 and no dental insurance, with no co-pay under $70,000.
- Free tax clinics across Canada file simple returns for people with modest incomes. Paying a third of your refund to a "tax refund" storefront isn't necessary.
Benefits for Low-Income Canadians
Canada runs a surprising amount of its support for lower-income people through the tax return, which is a bit like hiding the cookie jar inside the filing cabinet. The money is there, but only for people who file. Every year, people who owe no tax skip their return and lose thousands in benefits they qualified for. This page lists what's available, roughly how much, and what you have to do to get it, which is usually just: file.
What's Available (July 2026 to June 2027)
| Benefit | Who | Up to | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries and Essentials Benefit | Adults with modest income | $445 per adult, $234 per child, plus a single supplement | File your return |
| Canada workers benefit | Workers earning over $3,000 with low income | $1,633 single, $2,813 family (2025 return) | Claim on your return; part paid in advance |
| Canada child benefit | Families with children under 18 | $8,157 per child under 6, $6,883 for 6 to 17 | Apply once, then file yearly |
| Child Disability Benefit | Children approved for the disability tax credit | $3,480 per child | Automatic with the CCB |
| Canada Learning Bond | Children born 2004 or later in lower-income families | $500, then $100 a year, to $2,000 | Open an RESP; no contribution needed |
| Canadian Dental Care Plan | No dental insurance, family income under $90,000 | Most basic dental care | Apply to Service Canada |
| Guaranteed Income Supplement | Low-income seniors on OAS | $1,138.90 a month, single | Often automatic; see benefits for seniors |
Provinces add their own, usually paid with these: the Ontario Trillium Benefit, the Alberta Child and Family Benefit and B.C.'s family benefit, among others; see Ontario, Alberta and B.C. Payment days: benefit payment dates.
Not sure what you're missing?
Tell the assistant your province, age, income, and who lives with you. It lists every benefit you should be getting, roughly how much, and what to file or apply for.
Example: A Single Parent Earning $30,000
| Benefit (2026-27) | About |
|---|---|
| Canada child benefit, two children aged 4 and 8 | $15,040 |
| Groceries and Essentials Benefit | $1,358 |
| Canada workers benefit (family amount) | $2,813 |
| Federal income tax | Close to $0, with the eligible dependant amount |
| Total federal benefits | About $19,200 a year, tax-free, plus provincial amounts |
Every dollar of that depends on filing. More on benefits for single parents.
The Canada Learning Bond: Free RESP Money
A child born in 2004 or later whose family received the CCB supplement, or whose family income was under $58,523 for July 2026 to June 2027 (three or fewer children; higher limits for bigger families), gets $500 in the first eligible year and $100 a year after that, to $2,000. You need an RESP for the child, which many banks open with no deposit and no fees. Missed years are paid back when you apply, and the child can still claim it on their own up to age 20. It's one of the few government programs that pays you to open an account.
Getting It Right
- File every year, by April 30, even with no income. Late filing delays benefits; not filing stops them. See why benefits stop.
- Both spouses file, including a spouse with no income. Benefits use family income.
- Use a free tax clinic if your situation is simple; CRA lists them. Or use free certified software.
- Set up direct deposit and keep your address current in CRA My Account.
- Catch up old years. Benefits for past years are usually paid when the late returns are filed; see filing late.
- Don't panic about overpayments. If CRA says you were paid too much, see benefit overpayments.
Low-Income Benefits Questions
What benefits can low-income Canadians get?
Federal benefits include the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, the Canada workers benefit, the Canada child benefit, the Child Disability Benefit, the Canada Learning Bond, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and for seniors the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Provinces add their own.
Do I need to file taxes if I have no income?
You are not always required to, but you should. Most benefits are based on your tax return, and without one CRA cannot pay them.
What is the Canada Learning Bond?
Free government money for the RESP of a child born in 2004 or later in a lower-income family: $500 in the first eligible year and $100 for each later year up to age 15, to a maximum of $2,000. No contribution is required.
Who qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Residents of Canada of any age with no access to private dental insurance, adjusted family net income under $90,000, and a filed tax return. There is no co-payment under $70,000 of income.
Where can I get my taxes done for free?
Free tax clinics run by community organizations through CRA’s volunteer program prepare simple returns for people with modest incomes. CRA’s website lists clinics by area.
Sources: CRA, Canada child benefit; CRA, Child disability benefit; Service Canada, GIS amounts; Fidelity, The Canada Learning Bond explained; Aeva, Canadian Dental Care Plan guide. Checked October 2026. The example uses our 2026-27 estimates and the 2025 Canada workers benefit amounts, the latest CRA has published. Dental plan and Learning Bond details come from secondary sources; confirm with Service Canada. Provincial benefits are not included in totals.
Last reviewed October 5, 2026 against CRA and Government of Canada sources. How we check our facts.