It is quite common for people to ask why their friends receive regular cheques from the government and they do not. They may have the same income or the same number of children, and are mystified by the lack of funds.
The three main benefits administered by the federal government are the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB), the GST/HST credit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The government decides if you qualify for these credits based on what you report on your tax return.
As much as everyone would like to receive the CCTB, GST/HST credit or GIS social benefits, they are geared to support lower-income people and families. They are referred to as income-tested benefits, which means you have to earn less than a certain dollar amount to be eligible. Even $50 more than the income maximum means you don’t receive the benefits. This may be frustrating but the maximum amount is adjusted every year, so you may qualify at some point.
And if you do fall below the maximum threshold and are not receiving the benefits, it is probably because you have not filed your most recent tax return. And you have to do it every year or the benefits will stop. Even if you have no income, file a tax return so that you don’t miss out on benefits. For example, students who don’t make a lot of money or only have a tuition receipt may decide not to file a return, and that means they won’t receive their quarterly GST/HST credit.
The CCTB, GST/HST credit and GIS are there to support a specific income level, so double check the Canada Revenue Agency website to find out if you are eligible and don’t forget to file your 2013 tax return.