Canada provides a variety of government benefits for International Students and Permanent Residents. These benefits and services can range from healthcare to employment insurance, and it’s important to know how to access them when needed.
Some common government benefits and services that the new immigrants may need to access include:
Employment Insurance
Employment Insurance (EI) is a federal government program that provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, and who are actively seeking new employment. This program is available to both Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as certain categories of temporary residents.
To be eligible for EI benefits, individuals must have worked a certain number of hours in insurable employment during the qualifying period. The qualifying period is typically the 52 weeks prior to the start of the claim, or the period since the start of the last EI claim, whichever is shorter.
EI benefits are paid out on a weekly basis, and the amount of the benefit is based on the individual’s previous earnings and other factors. In addition to regular EI benefits, there may also be special benefits available for situations such as maternity or parental leave, sickness or injury, or compassionate care.
To apply for EI benefits, individuals must complete an online application through the Service Canada website or by visiting a Service Canada Centre. It is important to apply as soon as possible after losing your job, as there may be a waiting period before benefits are paid out.
In addition to providing financial assistance, the EI program also includes support services such as job search assistance and career counselling. These services can be accessed through Service Canada or through other government-funded programs.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was a temporary government benefit program that provided financial support to Canadians who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was introduced in March 2020 and provided a taxable payment of $2,000 per month for up to 28 weeks to eligible applicants.
To be eligible for the CERB, individuals had to have stopped working due to reasons related to COVID-19, or had their income reduced to less than $1,000 per month due to the pandemic. Applicants also had to have earned at least $5,000 in employment income or self-employment income in the previous year or in the 12 months preceding their application.
The CERB program has now ended and is no longer accepting new applications. However, there are other government programs and benefits available to Canadians who continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One such program is the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), which provides financial support to workers who are self-employed or are not eligible for EI benefits. The CRB provides a taxable payment of $300 per week for up to 54 weeks to eligible applicants.
Other COVID-19 related benefits include the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), which provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work because they are caring for a child or family member due to COVID-19, and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), which provides financial support to workers who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19.
To apply for these benefits, individuals can do so through the CRA’s My Account or by calling the CRA’s automated phone service. It is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for these benefits before applying, as improper applications may result in penalties or repayment obligations.
Canada Child Benefit
There are several tax credits and benefits that may be available to international students and permanent residents in Canada. The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment that helps families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. Other tax credits may be available for things like tuition and education expenses, medical expenses, or charitable donations.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides tax-free monthly payments to eligible families with children under the age of 18. To apply for the CCB, you can visit the Canada Revenue Agency website or call their toll-free number.
Healthcare
Healthcare is a fundamental aspect of life in Canada, and the Canadian government provides a publicly funded healthcare system for all citizens and permanent residents. International students may also be eligible for healthcare coverage under certain circumstances.
The healthcare system in Canada is administered by each province and territory, and coverage can vary depending on the location. Typically, healthcare coverage includes services such as doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription drugs.
International students who are studying in Canada for six months or longer may be eligible for provincial or territorial healthcare coverage, provided that they meet certain criteria. It is important to check with the province or territory where you will be studying to determine what healthcare coverage may be available to you.
Permanent residents of Canada are eligible for healthcare coverage as soon as they arrive in the country, and must apply for a health card from their province or territory of residence. This card provides proof of healthcare coverage and must be presented when accessing healthcare services.
In addition to publicly funded healthcare, there are also private healthcare options available in Canada. These may include private health insurance plans, which can provide coverage for things like dental care, vision care, or prescription drugs that are not covered under the publicly funded system.
Accessing healthcare in Canada is generally straightforward, and individuals can typically book appointments with doctors or other healthcare providers directly. It is important to carry your health card or other proof of healthcare coverage with you at all times, as this will be required when accessing healthcare services.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that provides financial support to Canadians with disabilities or their caregivers. The DTC is intended to help offset the additional costs that individuals with disabilities may incur, such as medical expenses, assistive devices, or other supports.
To be eligible for the DTC, individuals must have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions that is expected to last at least 12 months or more. The impairment must also significantly restrict the individual’s ability to perform one or more basic activities of daily living, such as walking, eating, or dressing.
The DTC can be claimed by individuals who have the disability themselves, as well as by their caregivers or family members. To apply for the DTC, individuals must complete Form T2201 – Disability Tax Credit Certificate and have it certified by a qualified medical practitioner. The form can be submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for review and approval.
Once approved for the DTC, individuals may be eligible for other government programs and benefits, such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), which is a savings plan designed to help individuals with disabilities save for their long-term financial security.
The DTC can also be transferred to a spouse or other family member, and can be used to reduce the amount of income tax owed or to claim a refund. In some cases, individuals may also be eligible for retroactive payments for previous years.
Navigating the process of applying for the DTC can be complex, and it may be helpful to seek the assistance of a qualified tax professional or disability advocate. By understanding their rights and options under the DTC, individuals with disabilities or their caregivers can access the financial support they need to live full and active lives.
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Canada Student Loans
Canada Student Loans is a government program designed to assist eligible students in financing their post-secondary education. The program is administered by the federal government in partnership with provincial and territorial governments.
Under the Canada Student Loans program, eligible students can receive financial assistance in the form of loans and grants to help cover the cost of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. The amount of funding available is based on a number of factors, including the student’s financial need, the cost of attending their chosen school, and their program of study.
To be eligible for Canada Student Loans, students must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons, and must be enrolled in a designated post-secondary institution. Students must also meet certain income and credit requirements.
There are two types of Canada Student Loans: the Canada Student Loan and the Canada Student Grant. The Canada Student Loan is a loan that must be repaid, while the Canada Student Grant is a non-repayable grant that does not need to be repaid. The amount of funding received through the Canada Student Loan program will depend on a number of factors, including the student’s financial need and the cost of attending their chosen school.
Students must apply for Canada Student Loans through their province or territory of residence, and must submit a completed application along with supporting documentation. The application process can be completed online, and students are encouraged to apply well in advance of their anticipated start date to ensure that their funding is in place by the time they begin their studies.
Tution Tax Credit
The tuition tax credit is a government benefit in Canada that is available to new international students who are studying in Canada. Under this program, eligible students can claim a tax credit for tuition and education-related expenses that they have incurred while studying in Canada.
To be eligible for the tuition tax credit, students must be enrolled in a qualifying educational program at a designated institution. In addition, they must be paying tuition fees for their program, and the program must have a minimum duration of three consecutive weeks and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
The tuition tax credit allows eligible students to reduce their taxable income by the amount of their tuition and education-related expenses, up to a maximum of $5,000 per year. This means that they will pay less in income tax and may be eligible for a tax refund.
To claim the tuition tax credit, international students must obtain an official tax receipt from their educational institution and file their tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The CRA will calculate the amount of the tax credit based on the information provided on the tax return.
It is important for international students to keep track of their tuition and education-related expenses, as well as any applicable tax receipts, in order to maximize their eligibility for the tuition tax credit. By taking advantage of this program, international students can reduce their tax burden and offset some of the costs associated with pursuing their education in Canada.
