CRA Makes It Easier For New Immigrants To Get Benefit Payments

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Last Updated On 12 June 2025, 9:11 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

For newcomers to Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced a game-changing solution: a streamlined online application process to get benefit and credit payments.

This initiative makes it easier for new residents to access financial support, such as the GST/HST Credit, Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) (no longer available), and Canada Child Benefit (CCB), without the hassle of mailing forms or visiting a post office.

Whether you’re a single individual, a couple, or a parent, these benefits can significantly ease the cost of living in Canada.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how the CRA’s new online application form works, who qualifies for these benefits, how to apply, and why this update is a vital resource for newcomers.

Let’s dive into how this new tool can make your transition to life in Canada smoother and more affordable.

Relocating to Canada involves significant expenses, from housing and transportation to daily necessities.

The Canadian government offers a range of benefit and credit payments to help offset these costs, particularly for low- and middle-income residents.

These payments are calculated based on factors like your income, family size, and residency status, ensuring that support is tailored to your needs.

The CRA’s new online application form simplifies the process, making it faster and more accessible for newcomers to claim their entitled benefits.

Whether you’ve just arrived or are still settling in, these payments can provide a financial cushion to help you thrive in your new home.

The CRA offers several programs to support newcomers, including:

GST/HST Credit: A tax-free quarterly payment to help individuals and families with low to moderate incomes offset the cost of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

For the 2025 benefit year, single individuals could receive up to $519 annually, while married or common-law couples could get up to $680.

Families with children under 19 may also receive an additional $179 per child.

Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR): A refundable credit designed to offset the cost of federal pollution pricing. This benefit is now discontinued by the federal government after Mark Carney eliminated carbon tax.

This payment was available to residents of provinces where the federal carbon pricing system applied.

The final CCR payment for 2025 was issued on April 22, but eligible newcomers may apply for retroactive payments. Check with CRA.

Canada Child Benefit (CCB): A tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18.

The CCB includes federal, provincial, and territorial components, providing significant support for parents.

For the 2025–2026 benefit year, the maximum annual payment for children under six will increase to $7,997 (up from $7,787), and for children aged six to 17, it will rise to $6,748 (up from $6,570).

These benefits are designed to help newcomers manage living expenses, from groceries to childcare, ensuring a smoother transition to life in Canada.

In a significant step toward modernization, the CRA has eliminated the need for paper-based applications, replacing them with a user-friendly online form.

This digital tool allows newcomers to apply for benefits like the GST/HST Credit and CCR in just 20 minutes, without mailing documents or visiting a post office.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the new system:

Gather Required Information: Before starting, ensure you have your Social Insurance Number (SIN), proof of residency, and income details for the past 36 months.

If you have children, you’ll also need their proof of birth (e.g., birth certificate or passport).

Access the Online Form: Visit the CRA’s official website for newcomers or log into your My CRA Account portal.

The online form is intuitive, guiding you through each section with clear instructions.

Complete the Application: Enter your personal details, residency status, and income information.

For families, include details about your children to apply for additional benefits like the CCB.

Submit and Track: Once submitted, you can track your application status through the My CRA Account portal.

The CRA will review your eligibility and notify you of your benefit amounts.

This streamlined process is a significant improvement, saving time and reducing paperwork for newcomers who may already be navigating a complex transition.

To qualify for these benefits, newcomers must meet specific criteria:

Residency Status: You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.

This includes permanent residents, temporary residents, and individuals who have recently become Canadian citizens.

Income Reporting: Even if you haven’t filed your first tax return, you can apply for benefits by providing income details for the past 36 months.

Filing a tax return annually is crucial to continue receiving payments.

Social Insurance Number (SIN): A valid SIN is required for all applicants, including children, to process benefit applications.

Family Situation: Your eligibility and payment amounts depend on your marital status, number of children, and household income.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, the CRA’s website offers a benefits calculator to estimate your potential payments based on your circumstances.

Understanding when and how much you’ll receive is key to planning your finances. Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 payment schedules and amounts:

GST/HST Credit:
- Next Payment: July 4, 2025
- Amounts:
  - Up to $519 for single individuals
  - Up to $680 for married or common-law couples
  - Up to $179 per child under 19
- Payments are issued quarterly (January, April, July, October).
Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR):
- Last Payment for 2025: April 22, 2025
- Eligible newcomers may apply for retroactive payments, with amounts varying by province and family size.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB):
- Next Payment: June 20, 2025 (final payment before the July 2025 increase)
- New Amounts (Starting July 2025):
  - $7,997 annually ($666 monthly) for children under six
  - $6,748 annually ($562 monthly) for children aged six to 17
- Payments are issued monthly, typically on the 20th.

These payments are tax-free and automatically adjusted based on your annual tax return, ensuring you receive the correct amount for your situation.

Parents of children under 18 may qualify for additional support through the CCB and related provincial/territorial programs.

The CCB is a cornerstone of Canada’s family support system, providing monthly payments to help cover childcare, education, and other expenses.

To apply, parents must complete the CCB application form and provide supporting documents, such as proof of birth for each child.

For the 2025–2026 benefit year, the CCB will see a 2.7% increase, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting families amid rising costs.

This boost will provide an extra $210 annually for children under six and $178 for children aged six to 17.

To make the most of Canada’s benefit programs, consider these tips:

Apply Early: Submit your application as soon as you arrive in Canada to avoid missing payment cycles.

Keep Records Updated: Notify the CRA of changes in your marital status, address, or number of children to ensure accurate payments.

Use the My Account Portal: This online tool allows you to track payments, update information, and access tax documents conveniently.

Explore Provincial Benefits: Some provinces offer additional credits, such as the Ontario Child Benefit or Alberta Child and Family Benefit.

Check your province’s website for details.

Seek Free Tax Help: Community organizations and CRA outreach programs offer free tax-filing assistance for newcomers with low incomes.

The CRA’s shift to an online application system is a significant win for newcomers.

Previously, applying for benefits required mailing forms or visiting a Service Canada office, which could be time-consuming and intimidating for those unfamiliar with the system.

The new digital tool eliminates these barriers, offering:

Convenience: Apply from anywhere with an internet connection, at any time.

Speed: Complete the application in about 20 minutes, with faster processing times than paper forms.

Accessibility: Clear instructions and multilingual support make the process inclusive for diverse newcomers.

This update reflects the CRA’s commitment to modernizing its services and supporting Canada’s growing immigrant population

Canada is known for its welcoming approach to immigrants, with programs designed to help newcomers integrate and thrive.

The CRA’s new online form is part of a broader effort to make government services more accessible and efficient.

By simplifying access to financial support, the CRA is helping newcomers focus on building their lives in Canada, whether that means pursuing education, starting a career, or raising a family.

As Canada continues to attract people from around the world, initiatives like this ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of a successful transition.

Whether you’re a student, a skilled worker, or a refugee, these benefits can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life.

The CRA’s new online application form is a game-changer for newcomers to Canada, offering a quick, convenient way to access vital financial support.

From the GST/HST Credit to the Canada Child Benefit, these payments can ease the cost of living and help you settle into your new home.

By applying early, filing taxes on time, and staying informed, you can maximize your benefits and focus on building a bright future in Canada.

Visit the CRA’s website for newcomers today to start your application and explore the full range of benefits available to you.

With the next GST/HST Credit payment on July 4, 2025, and CCB payments increasing in July, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this streamlined process.

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Purnima Mann

Purnima Mann, a news writer passionate about delivering insightful and well-researched articles. From current affairs to finance and culture , I aim to inform, engage, and spark meaningful discussions. Stay informed and explore new perspectives with me.