Receiving Benefits and Credits — Montreal CPA Firm Near You: How to Qualify, File, Maintain Payments, and Access CRA Support

Receiving federal and provincial benefits is one of the most important financial supports available to individuals and families across Canada. These payments assist with the cost of raising children, living expenses, training, disability support, and the cost of living in northern regions. All Canadians have access to the same benefits and credits, but to receive them, the most important requirement is filing your tax return every year—whether you had income, tax-exempt income, or no income at all. The CRA uses your return to calculate entitlement, verify eligibility, and adjust payments throughout the year.

Many individuals lose out on thousands of dollars annually simply because they did not file a return. This includes those with fully exempt income, students, retirees, newcomers, seniors, people living on reserve, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and workers in remote regions. Understanding how to access benefits, how to maintain eligibility, and how to respond to CRA verification requests ensures uninterrupted payments.

This guide explains all major CRA benefits and credits, how situations may affect eligibility, how Indigenous supports integrate with CRA programs, and what options exist to receive free tax-filing help in communities across the country.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The CRA administers numerous benefit and credit programs based on information submitted through personal income tax returns. Filing a tax return is required for the CRA to calculate payments, even when income is non-taxable. This includes the tax returns of your spouse or common-law partner, as combined family income determines eligibility for benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit.

Eligibility for benefits and credits such as the GST/HST Credit, Disability Tax Credit, Canada Workers Benefit, Canada Training Credit, and the Canada Carbon Rebate is based on annual taxable income, family composition, age, province of residence, disability status, and other factors. Some deductions and credits—such as tuition, childcare expenses, medical expenses, and disability amounts—also directly affect benefit amounts.

Federal programs are available to all Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples living on reserve, non-reserve lands, or in Indigenous government communities. Indigenous-specific programs such as Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative operate alongside CRA benefits and provide additional support for health, social, and educational needs. Filing taxes ensures that eligible families receive both federal benefits and specialized Indigenous supports.

Key Court Decisions

Canadian courts have consistently ruled that tax returns are essential for calculating benefits and credits, even in situations where income is exempt. The CRA’s authority to request documentation, verify eligibility, and adjust payments is supported by decisions emphasizing taxpayers’ responsibility to provide accurate information.

Courts have also upheld CRA’s right to suspend benefits when information is missing or when taxpayers do not respond to verification requests. These rulings underline the importance of filing on time, maintaining current address information, and submitting documents promptly when requested. They also highlight the importance of clear documentation for disability benefits, northern residence claims, and childcare amounts.

Why CRA Targets This Issue

The CRA monitors benefit eligibility closely because benefit programs generate billions in annual payments. Common issues that lead to CRA reviews include:

• missing tax returns
• unreported family status changes
• inconsistencies between claimed income and benefits
• failure to file returns for spouses or partners
• incorrect mailing addresses and unreceived letters
• missing documents for the Child Disability Benefit
• unverifiable childcare expenses
• unclear disability documentation
• unreported moves in and out of northern regions

When individuals receive a CRA letter, the agency may request documents such as proof of residency, custody arrangements, school records for dependents, disability forms, or identity verification. Responding promptly prevents delays or interruptions in benefit payments.

Mackisen Strategy

Mackisen helps individuals and families secure every benefit they qualify for by ensuring tax returns are accurate, filed on time, and supported with required documentation. We review each client’s family structure, income levels, disability status, childcare arrangements, and province of residence to ensure correct benefit calculations.

For families, we ensure proper reporting of marital status, dependent information, shared custody arrangements, and disability eligibility. For Indigenous families, we confirm whether income is exempt and complete Form T90 when necessary, ensuring benefits are not interrupted. We help clients claim the Canada Child Benefit, Child Disability Benefit, GST/HST Credit, Canada Workers Benefit, Canada Training Credit, and Northern Residents Deduction.

For individuals who receive benefits and then receive CRA letters, we assist with preparing response packages, gathering supporting documents, and communicating with the CRA to maintain or reinstate payments. We also help newcomers register for CRA accounts, direct deposit, and the benefits system.

For northern residents and remote communities, we assist with Northern Residents Deductions and coordinate with Northern Service Centres to ensure year-round access to tax support. For small business owners and self-employed individuals, we connect clients with CRA’s confidential Liaison Officer service to better understand tax obligations and maintain compliance while preserving eligibility for benefits.

Real Client Experience

A family receiving the Canada Child Benefit received a CRA verification letter requesting proof of residency and custody. Mackisen gathered school letters, medical records, and housing documentation and submitted it to CRA, ensuring uninterrupted payments.

Another client had exempt income and believed filing was unnecessary. As a result, they missed out on GST/HST credits and provincial payments for two years. We filed all outstanding returns, completed Form T90, and reinstated all benefits—recovering thousands in retroactive payments.

A northern resident in Nunavut needed help accessing free filing support and claiming the Northern Residents Deduction. Mackisen coordinated with the Northern Service Centre, prepared the return, and secured both deductions and benefit payments.

An Indigenous parent needed help with the Child Disability Benefit for their child. We completed the required disability forms, filed the return, and supported the CRA verification process, resulting in successful acceptance.

A self-employed Indigenous business owner received assistance through CRA’s Liaison Officer service to better understand business obligations without fear of audit. Mackisen coordinated the meeting, ensuring they felt confident and informed.

Common Questions

Do I need to file taxes to receive benefits?
Yes. Filing is required even if income is exempt or zero.

Can I receive benefits if my spouse does not file?
No. Both partners must file for accurate calculations.

What benefits are available?
CCB, Child Disability Benefit, GST/HST Credit, Northern Residents Deduction, Canada Workers Benefit, Canada Training Credit, and Canada Carbon Rebate.

Is support available for Indigenous children?
Yes. Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative provide funding for health, social, and educational needs.

Are free tax clinics available?
Yes. Free clinics, friendship centres, band council offices, and northern service centres offer support.

Is online filing available?
Yes. Many CRA-certified tax software products are fast, secure, and free.

Can business owners get help?
Yes. CRA’s Liaison Officer service provides free, confidential guidance.

Why Mackisen

With more than 35 years of combined CPA experience, Mackisen CPA Montreal helps businesses stay compliant while recovering the taxes they’re entitled to. Whether you’re filing your first GST/QST return or optimizing multi-year refunds, our expert team ensures precision, transparency, and protection from audit risk.