Tax Credits and Benefits Available to Newcomers | November 2025
By planning ahead, newcomers can maximize their financial opportunities and support systems in Canada. Understanding the range of available tax credits and benefits is crucial for a smooth financial transition. For newcomers navigating their new financial landscape, exploring credit card options can provide additional financial flexibility and support.
Jump to
Summary Table for Tax Credits and Benefits Available to Newcomers | November 2025
| Name | Type | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Government Benefit | Learn More |
| Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit | Tax Credit | Learn More |
| Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) | Tax Credit | Learn More |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | Provincial Benefit | Learn More |
| Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) | Government Benefit | Learn More |
| Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) | Government Benefit | Learn More |
| Old Age Security (OAS) Pension | Government Benefit | Learn More |
| Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension | Government Benefit | Learn More |
| Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) | Provincial Benefit | Learn More |
| Tax Refund Deposit | Government Benefit | Learn More |
| Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) | Financial Service | Learn More |
| Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) | Financial Service | Learn More |
What Newcomers Need to Know
- Tax credits and benefits are designed to support individuals and families at different income levels
- Many benefits are based on income, family size, and specific provincial requirements
- Eligibility often depends on immigration status, residency, and tax filing
- Some benefits are automatic, while others require specific application processes
- Benefits can significantly reduce tax burden and provide financial support
Our Top Recommendations
- Always file your taxes annually, even with low or no income
- Keep all documentation related to immigration and income
- Register for direct deposit to receive benefits more quickly
- Check eligibility for federal and provincial benefits
- Consult with a tax professional familiar with newcomer situations
Available Benefits and Tax Credits
1. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Category: Government Benefit
The Canada Child Benefit is a crucial monthly, tax-free payment designed to support families with the financial costs of raising children in Canada. For newcomers, this benefit provides essential financial assistance to help integrate and support their families during the critical early years of settlement.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Must live with the child under 18 years of age
- Must be primarily responsible for the child's care and upbringing
- Must file an annual income tax return
- Must have a child who meets eligibility requirements
Benefits for newcomers:
- Monthly tax-free payment to help with child-raising costs
- Payment amount based on family income
- Support for children under 18 years old
- Extra support available for children with disabilities
- Payments range from $562.33 to $666.41 per month depending on child's age
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
2. Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit
Category: Tax Credit
The GST/HST credit is a crucial financial support program for low and modest-income Canadians, designed to help offset the impact of sales taxes. This tax-free quarterly payment provides essential financial relief for newcomers and families adjusting to life in Canada.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes
- Must be at least 19 years old at the time of payment
- Can have (or have had) a spouse or common-law partner
- Automatically considered when filing income taxes
- Payments are made quarterly on specific dates (January 3, April 4, July 4, and October 3 in 2025)
Benefits for newcomers:
- Tax-free quarterly payments
- Helps offset federal portion of sales taxes
- Supports individuals and families with low or modest incomes
- Automatic consideration with income tax filing
- Provides financial relief for new immigrants
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
3. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
Category: Government Benefit
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) is a crucial financial support program for low-income workers, providing automatic advance payments to help individuals and families with limited earnings. This refundable tax credit offers critical financial assistance to help newcomers establish themselves while actively participating in the Canadian workforce.
What newcomers need to know:
- To qualify, individuals without children must earn less than $33,015 in most provinces
- Eligible individuals automatically receive up to 50% of their Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Advance payments are issued in three installments throughout the year
- You must file your tax return to receive the benefit
- Tax return must be filed before November 1 of the benefit period
Benefits for newcomers:
- Provides financial support for low-income workers
- Offers automatic advance payments without a separate application
- Helps supplement income for individuals actively working
- Supports newcomers in establishing financial stability
- Refundable tax credit that can provide additional income
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
4. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
Category: Provincial Benefit
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a crucial financial support program for low- and moderate-income residents in Ontario, offering monthly tax-free payments to help with essential expenses. For newcomers to Canada, this benefit provides critical financial relief by addressing energy, property tax, and sales tax challenges.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must file annual income tax return and complete relevant forms
- Eligibility determined by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Must be a resident of Ontario
- Can include those living in nursing homes or on Ontario reserves
- Must have paid property tax or rent for principal residence in prior tax year
Benefits for newcomers:
- Monthly tax-free payment
- Helps cover energy bill expenses
- Provides relief for property taxes
- Offers support for sales tax costs
- Combines three different credits into one payment
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
5. Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)
Category: Government Benefit
The Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) is a quarterly tax-free payment designed to help offset the costs of carbon pricing for Canadian households. For newcomers, this program provides financial support to help manage increased living expenses related to carbon pricing.
What newcomers need to know:
- Rebates are based on family size
- Payments are issued quarterly
- Eligible individuals receive a tax-free amount
- Around 80% of households get more back than they spend on the carbon levy
- Final payment will be issued in April 2025
Benefits for newcomers:
- Returns about 90% of collected carbon pricing money directly to families
- Provides financial relief from carbon pricing costs
- Tax-free payment deposited or mailed four times a year
- Helps offset increased living expenses
- Supports household economic adaptation
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
6. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Category: Government Benefit
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a crucial monthly financial support program for low-income seniors, providing non-taxable assistance to help elderly immigrants maintain financial stability during retirement. This program is especially valuable for newcomers with limited income who are receiving Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be 65 years or older
- Must be receiving Old Age Security (OAS) pension
- Must have an annual income lower than specified limits
- Must live in Canada
- Must apply to receive the non-taxable monthly payment
Benefits for newcomers:
- Monthly financial support for low-income seniors
- Non-taxable income supplement
- Additional assistance for those with limited retirement funds
- Part of the Old Age Security (OAS) pension system
- Helps maintain financial security in retirement
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
7. Old Age Security (OAS) Pension
Category: Government Benefit
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a crucial monthly payment for seniors in Canada, providing essential financial support for individuals aged 65 and over. This program is particularly important for newcomers who have established legal status and meet specific residence requirements in Canada.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be at least 65 years of age
- Meet legal status requirements for Canada
- Satisfy specific residence requirements
- Eligibility depends on legal status and years lived in Canada
- Can apply through official Service Canada channels
Benefits for newcomers:
- Monthly pension payment for seniors
- Basic income support for those 65 and older
- Includes additional supplements like Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Provides financial stability for senior immigrants
- Supports seniors with limited income resources
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
8. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension
Category: Government Benefit
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension is a crucial social insurance program that provides financial support to retired workers in Canada. For newcomers, this monthly, taxable benefit offers a fundamental way to replace part of their income after retirement, helping to establish financial stability in their new home.
What newcomers need to know:
- CPP is a social insurance plan funded by contributions from employees, employers, and self-employed individuals
- The retirement pension is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of your income when you retire
- Works in conjunction with Old Age Security to provide a modest financial base
- Eligibility is based on your contributions throughout your working years
- Can be combined with personal savings and other income sources
Benefits for newcomers:
- Provides a stable monthly income during retirement
- Designed to help replace part of your income after retiring
- Flexible contribution system for employees and self-employed individuals
- Supports financial planning and security
- Offers a baseline pension to supplement other retirement savings
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
9. Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
Category: Government Benefit
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) provides critical financial support for low- and middle-income families with children in Alberta. For newcomers to Canada, this tax-free monthly payment can help ease the financial challenges of settling and raising a family in a new province.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be an Alberta resident
- Must file an annual tax return
- Must file for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Must have children under 18 years old
- Eligibility determined by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Benefits for newcomers:
- Tax-free monthly payment
- Maximum $1,499 for first child
- Maximum $749 for second child
- Supports low- and middle-income families
- Payments reassessed annually
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
10. Tax Refund Deposit
Category: Government Benefit
Direct deposit is a secure and efficient way for newcomers to Canada to receive their tax refunds and benefit payments directly into their Canadian bank account. This service ensures faster, more convenient access to funds without the need for physical checks.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must have a bank account at a Canadian bank or credit union
- Must have filed at least one income tax return in the past
- Electronic filing typically results in faster refund processing (2 weeks)
- Paper returns take approximately 8 weeks to process
- Non-resident returns may take up to 16 weeks
Benefits for newcomers:
- Receive tax refunds faster and more securely
- Direct deposit payments go straight to your bank account
- Eliminates waiting for physical checks
- Consistent and reliable method of receiving government payments
- Convenient way to manage financial transactions in Canada
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
11. Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
Category: Government Benefit
The Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a powerful tax-deferred savings vehicle that allows individuals to grow their retirement funds while enjoying significant tax advantages. For newcomers to Canada, an RRSP provides an excellent opportunity to start building long-term financial security from the moment they arrive.
What newcomers need to know:
- An RRSP is a retirement savings plan registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- You can contribute to an RRSP for yourself, your spouse, or common-law partner
- Contributions are tax-deductible and can help reduce your overall tax burden
- RRSPs can hold various income-generating investments, not just cash
- You can transfer funds into an RRSP from different sources
Benefits for newcomers:
- Tax-deferred growth, meaning your money can grow faster
- Potential to reduce your annual income tax
- Flexible investment options within the account
- Ability to earn potential cash bonuses on transfers
- Option to hold various types of income-generating investments
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
12. Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Category: Financial Service
The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a powerful financial tool for newcomers to Canada, offering a flexible way to save and invest money without paying taxes on the growth. It provides an excellent opportunity for immigrants to build financial stability and work towards their personal savings goals.
What newcomers need to know:
- Available for Canadian residents over the age of 18
- Can be used as an all-purpose savings account
- Allows tax-free growth of savings
- Can be used to save for multiple financial goals
- Provides flexibility for withdrawals and contributions
Benefits for newcomers:
- Savings grow over time tax-free
- Flexible account for various financial objectives
- No tax on investment earnings
- Can withdraw money without tax implications
- Registered savings account with multiple investment options
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
Final Words
Navigating the Canadian benefits system can seem complex, but with careful research and proactive planning, newcomers can access valuable financial support. Take time to understand each program, maintain accurate documentation, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from immigration support services or tax professionals who specialize in newcomer resources.
Additional Resources
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Website
- Provincial Benefits Websites
- Newcomer Settlement Organizations
- Tax Preparation Services Specializing in Immigrant Support
About the author
Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Credits and Benefits Available to Newcomers | November 2025
What tax credits are newcomers to Canada most eligible for in 2025?
Newcomers are typically eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST Credit, Advanced Canada Workers Benefit, and Canada Carbon Rebate, depending on their specific family and income circumstances.
How do I apply for the Canada Child Benefit as a new immigrant?
To apply for the Canada Child Benefit, newcomers must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), file a tax return, and have a child under 18 years old who lives with them in Canada.
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit and who qualifies for it?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a tax credit for low to moderate-income Ontario residents that helps offset energy and sales tax costs, with eligibility determined by annual income and residency status.
Can newcomers receive the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit in 2025?
Newcomers can qualify for the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit if they are working, have a valid SIN, and meet the minimum income requirements for full-time or part-time employment.
How much can I expect from the Canada Carbon Rebate as a newcomer?
The Canada Carbon Rebate provides quarterly payments to offset carbon pricing, with the amount varying based on family size, province of residence, and household income.