Browse benefits
Explore federal and British Columbia benefits by category.
29 benefits
Disability Tax Credit
A tax credit that lowers the income tax a person with a severe, long-term disability (or their supporting family member) has to pay. It is also the key that unlocks several other benefits.
Canada Disability Benefit
A monthly payment for working-age adults with disabilities who have low incomes. You must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit first.
CPP Disability Benefit
A monthly payment for people under 65 who cannot work regularly because of a severe and prolonged disability, and who have paid enough into the Canada Pension Plan.
Registered Disability Savings Plan
A savings plan for people approved for the Disability Tax Credit. The government adds grants and, for low incomes, bonds โ free money even if you cannot contribute yourself.
Old Age Security
A monthly pension for most people aged 65 and older who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years. It is based on residence, not on work history.
Guaranteed Income Supplement
A monthly, non-taxable top-up for low-income seniors who already receive Old Age Security. File your taxes each year to keep getting it.
CPP Retirement Pension
A monthly pension you earned by paying into the Canada Pension Plan while working. You can start it as early as 60 or as late as 70.
Canada Child Benefit
A tax-free monthly payment to help families with the cost of raising children under 18. Lower-income families receive more. Children with a disability can get an extra amount.
Canada Caregiver Credit
A tax credit for people who support a spouse, partner, or family member with a physical or mental impairment. In 'helping someone' mode, this is a credit the helper can claim.
Medical Expense Tax Credit
A tax credit for out-of-pocket medical costs โ prescriptions, dental, glasses, travel for care, and more โ above a modest threshold. Claimed on your tax return.
Amount for an Eligible Dependant
A tax credit for a single person who supports a dependant โ often a single parent claiming for a child. It works like a second basic personal amount.
Canadian Dental Care Plan
Helps pay for dental care for residents with no private dental insurance and family income under $90,000. As of 2025 it is open to all ages.
Canada Carbon Rebate
A quarterly payment that returned federal fuel charge proceeds to households. This program has ended.
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
A tax-free quarterly payment for people with low and modest incomes to help offset sales tax. Formerly the GST/HST credit. You get it just by filing your taxes.
Canada Workers Benefit
A refundable tax credit that tops up the income of people who work but earn a low wage. There is an extra amount for workers with a disability.
Employment Insurance
Temporary income if you lose your job through no fault of your own (regular benefits) or cannot work because of illness or injury (sickness benefits). You must have paid into EI.
BC Disability Assistance (PWD)
Monthly disability assistance for BC residents with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation. It includes money for living costs and shelter, plus extra supplements.
BC Income Assistance
Last-resort monthly help for BC residents who cannot meet their basic needs and have little income or savings. It covers support and shelter costs.
BC Bus Pass Program
A low-cost annual bus pass for people on disability or income assistance, and for low-income seniors. The pass costs $45 for the year.
WorkBC Assistive Technology Services
Funds equipment, devices, and workplace changes that help people with disabilities or health conditions get or keep a job in BC.
Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters
Monthly cash payments that help BC seniors aged 60 and older with low to moderate incomes afford their rent.
Rental Assistance Program
Monthly help with rent for lower-income working families with children in BC. Eligibility was expanded in 2025.
BC Housing Registry (Subsidized Housing)
One application that puts you on the waitlist for subsidized and social housing across many BC housing providers. Rent is usually set to about 30% of your income.
BC Home Owner Grant
Reduces the property tax you pay on your principal home in BC. Seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities can get a larger grant.
Fair PharmaCare
BC's main drug plan. It helps pay for prescription drugs and some medical supplies, based on your family income. Lower-income families pay a lower deductible โ sometimes zero.
MSP Supplementary Benefits
For lower-income BC residents, MSP helps pay for some visits to physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, naturopaths, and podiatrists.
BC Seniors Supplement
An automatic monthly top-up for BC seniors who receive the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement. You do not need to apply โ it is paid automatically.
BC Family Benefit
A tax-free monthly payment for BC families with children under 18, paid together with the Canada Child Benefit. Single parents get an extra amount.
BC Climate Action Tax Credit
A quarterly payment that offset BC's carbon tax for low- and moderate-income residents. This program has ended.