Your Guide to Government Support in Canada – 2025

Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly taxable benefit available to most Canadians aged 65 and older who meet residency requirements, regardless of their work history. The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), on the other hand, is a non-taxable monthly payment for OAS recipients who have a low income and are living in Canada. GIS acts as an additional support for low-income seniors.

To apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), you typically need to complete Part A of Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate. Part B must be completed and certified by a medical practitioner (e.g., doctor, nurse practitioner). Once completed, you submit the form to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for review. Eligibility is based on the effects of your impairment, not the diagnosis itself.

Yes, all Canadian provinces and territories offer various mental health support programs. These can range from publicly funded psychotherapy and counselling services to crisis lines, community mental health centres, and addiction treatment programs. Many are covered under provincial health insurance plans, while others may have specific eligibility criteria or referral processes. It's best to consult your provincial health authority's website for detailed information.

Newcomers to Canada can access various government support programs, often through settlement services organizations. These organizations provide assistance with finding housing, employment, language training, and navigating social programs. Federal benefits like the Canada Child Benefit may be available upon establishing residency, while provincial programs vary. Websites like Settlement.org and 211.ca are excellent starting points for information tailored to newcomers.

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a savings plan that helps you save for a child's post-secondary education. The primary benefit is that contributions can grow tax-free until withdrawn. The government also provides incentives like the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and Canada Learning Bond (CLB), which add money to the RESP, helping your savings grow even faster. Withdrawals for educational purposes are taxed in the student's hands, who typically have a lower income, resulting in little to no tax owed.

Yes, it is possible to receive multiple federal benefits simultaneously if you meet the eligibility criteria for each program. For example, a family might receive the Canada Child Benefit and the GST/HST Credit. A senior could receive Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). However, certain benefits might affect the calculation or eligibility of others, so it's always best to review the specific guidelines for each program or consult with the issuing government agency.