Access to Benefits
Financial support is available. We’re here to help you find it.
Steps for Filing
File a tax return every year, even if you have no income. Filing your taxes connects you with government benefits that you can’t access otherwise.
Community Financial helps individuals and families determine what benefits they may be eligible for and how to access them. Many federal and provincial programs are based on income reported through your tax return, which means filing your taxes is often the first step to receiving benefits and credits.
Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, Community Financial offers free tax preparation for eligible low-income individuals and families. Once your taxes are filed, our team can also help you understand and navigate available benefit programs so you can access the supports you need.
A first step to accessing government benefits and services is making sure you have the identification (ID) you need.
A birth certificate (if you were born in Canada) or a permanent resident card/citizenship certificate (if you were born outside Canada) is considered primary ID. You may need primary ID to open a bank account, register children for school, or apply for benefits.
Once you have your primary identification, you can apply for other types of ID, such as:
If you are a Canadian citizen, newcomer to Canada, or temporary resident, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada and access government benefits and services. Applying for a SIN is free.
These organizations offer support with identification and access to services.
SEED Winnipeg’s Access to Benefits program can help you get ID, apply for benefits, and file your tax returns. Call 204-927-9945 in Winnipeg or email to AtoB@seedwinnipeg.ca.
Citizens’ Bridge is a program run by the North End Community Renewal Corporation. It can help you get the ID you need to access government benefits and programs, safely store your identification, open a bank account, get a learner’s or driver’s licence, and learn employment and financial skills.
You can book an appointment with Citizens’ Bridge by calling 204-927-2332 or visiting 607 Selkirk Avenue in Winnipeg. For outreach and ID clinics, call 204-691-9720.
Not sure what benefits and credits you’re eligible for? Prosper Canada’s Benefits Wayfinder tool can help you identify benefits you may be able to claim.
Below are some federal and provincial tax credits that may be available to you. If eligible, you can claim these tax credits when filing your annual tax return.
Federal Income Tax Credits
GST Credit: A tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset all or part of the GST or HST they pay. The amount is based on household income and family size.
Canada Caregiver Credit: A non-refundable tax credit that may be available if you support a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent with a physical or mental infirmity.
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB): A refundable tax credit that provides tax relief for eligible low-income individuals and families who are in the workforce. This benefit was previously known as the Working Income Tax Benefit. A portion of the CWB may be paid in advance.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB): A tax-free monthly payment that helps support children under age 18. To receive the CCB, you must file your income tax return every year, even if you had no income. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they must also file a return each year. Apply online, using Form RC66, or by calling 1-800-387-1193.
Disability Tax Credit: A non-refundable tax credit that helps people with severe and prolonged impairments reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. A medical practitioner must complete part of the application. Apply online or call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.
Important: Let the Canada Revenue Agency know if your marital status changes by updating your information online or by calling 1-800-959-8281. This helps ensure your benefits are calculated correctly based on your current situation. You need to contact each government organization that provides services to you to give them your new information. The CRA will not share your new marital status or other personal information, including direct deposit, with other government departments.
Manitoba Income Tax Credits
The Manitoba Tax Assistance Office provides information and assistance related to Manitoba income tax and tax credit programs. Call 204-948-2115 in Winnipeg or toll-free at 1-800-782-0771 outside Winnipeg.
Personal Tax Credit: A tax credit for low-income Manitobans, also known as the Cost of Living Tax Credit.
Residential Renters Tax Credit: A tax credit for individuals who rent their home in Manitoba. The amount is based on the number of months rented during the year.
Education Property Tax Credit (EPTC): A tax credit for homeowners who pay education property taxes in Manitoba.
Primary Caregiver Tax Credit (PCTC): A tax credit for people who provide ongoing voluntary care and support to family members, friends, or neighbours who require assistance in their home. An application is required and must be renewed every three years.
Community Financial offers free tax filing for low- to modest-income individuals with simple tax situations through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).
Free tax clinics are available in person at various locations throughout the year, and a Virtual Tax Clinic is available year-round.
To learn more or book an appointment, call 204-989-1913 or toll-free at 1-833-215-3359, or visit our Tax Services page.
You can also find free tax clinics through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Call 1-800-959-8281 and ask about free CVITP tax clinics in your area.
If you would like to file your own taxes, the CRA offers resources to help you understand the tax system and a list of approved NETFILE software options for filing online.
There are federal and provincial programs that can help you access additional financial support.
Federal Benefit Programs
Canada Learning Bond (CLB): Available for children from low-income families born in 2004 or later to help save for post-secondary education. The CLB provides $500 into a child’s Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for the first year they are eligible, plus an additional $100 for each year they remain eligible, up to age 15, to a maximum of $2,000. Contributions from family or friends are not required to receive the CLB.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) helps people approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) save for long-term financial security. Contributions are not tax deductible and can be made until the end of the year the beneficiary turns 59. An RDSP is required to receive the Canada Disability Savings Bond (up to $1000 per year for low-income people with disabilities; no contributions required) and the Canada Disability Savings Grant (the government provides matching grants of up to 300% of contributions made).
Manitoba Benefit Programs
Manitoba (Non-EIA) Rent Assist: Available to low-income individuals who rent in the private market and are not receiving Employment and Income Assistance (EIA). Eligibility is based on household income and household size. The Rent Assist Estimator can help determine eligibility and estimate how much support you may receive.
Manitoba 55 Plus Program: A quarterly payment for low-income individuals over the age of 55 who are not receiving EIA and are not yet receiving Old Age Security.
Manitoba School Tax Assistance for Tenants 55 Plus (STAT 55+): An annual income-tested rebate of up to $175 for low-income individuals over the age of 55 who rent in buildings assessed for school taxes.
Get Your Benefits! is a free, plain-language resource designed for Manitobans, listing federal, provincial, and regional benefits and programs offering financial support.
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