Government benefits and credits you should know

Your tax return is a gateway to accessing government benefits and supports. Filing your return allows the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to review and assess your personal information to see if you are eligible for programs created to assist you in your current situation.

Here are some of the federal and provincial benefits you should know and may be eligible to avail:

Federal:

Canada Child Benefit – A tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under age 18 years of age. Children under six can get up to $6,833 (per child, per year) and those above six up to $5,765 (per child, per year). To know more about this benefit, go to: Canada Child Benefit.

Goods and Services Tax/harmonized Sales Tax Credit – Helps those with low or modest incomes offset the tax they pay on goods and services. An individual can get up to $456 per year, an adult with one child up to $755 per year, and a couple with two children up to $912 per year. Know more about this benefit here: GST-HST-credit

Canada Workers Benefit– Provides a financial boost to individuals and families who are in the workforce and earning a low income. An individual can receive up to $1,395per year, and a family up to $2,403 per year. Visit this page to know more: Canada workers benefit

Disability Tax Credit (and related benefits) – This is a non-refundable credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting family members reduce the annual amount of income tax they may have to pay. Learn more at: Canada Disability Tax Credit.

To see an estimate of all the benefits you may be eligible to receive, go to Benefits Finder.
You can also use the CRA calculator to get an idea of how much you can receive in child and family benefits.

Provincial Income Tax Credits & Programs

Personal Tax Credits – These are benefits for low-income Manitobans and their dependents. These include the Manitoba Family Tax Benefit, Manitoba’s Fitness Tax Credit, and Children’s Arts and Culture Activity Tax Credit.

Primary Caregiver Tax Credit – This is for those who provide ongoing voluntary care and support to family members, friends or neighbours who require help at home. For more information and how to apply, go to: MB Primary Caregiver Tax Credit.

Education Property Tax Credit – This credit is for homeowners as an offset to property taxes due on the government property tax statement.

Employment & Income Assistance (EIA) program – EIA provides financial help to Manitobans who have no other way to support themselves or their families for their basic needs. It includes basic help with food, clothing, household needs, and rent.

A complete list of provincial refundable and non-refundable Personal Taxes and Credits can be found through the link.

COVID-19 Measures

There are three assistance programs available to eligible applicants:
Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit – Provides $300 a week to eligible workers who are unable to work due to a temporary local lockdown anytime between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit – Provides $500 per up to a maximum of six weeks for workers who are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID; self-isolated for reasons related to COVID; or have underlying conditions, undergoing treatments or have contracted sickness that makes them susceptible to COVID.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit – Provides $500 for up to 44 weeks per household for workers who are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under 12 or a family member because schools, daycares or care facilities are closed due to COVID; or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19 financial support for individuals, businesses and organizations from the link.
 
Sources: CRA presentation (Feb. 9, 2022), Gov.mb.ca.