Can I get benefits if I don't file taxes?

For most income-tested federal benefits, the CRA needs a tax return to assess eligibility and payment amounts. A few programs (for example some provincial disability income) use separate applications. But CGEB, CCB, GIS, and CWB generally require filing. Not filing usually means no payment, even if you would have qualified.

I have no income. Should I still file?

Often yes. Filing a return with zero or low income lets the CRA assess benefits such as the CGEB and provincial credits. Newcomers may also need to file or apply with Form RC151 or RC66 for their first year. Filing does not create tax owing when you have no taxable income.

Will filing automatically give me the grocery benefit?

No. Filing is how the CRA checks eligibility, but you must still meet income and residency rules for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. If you qualify, payments are usually automatic after your return is assessed. You do not need a separate CGEB application unless you are a new resident of Canada.

Tax filing · Benefits

Haven't filed your taxes? You may still qualify for benefits

Q: What is CRA SimpleFile and who can use it?

SimpleFile is a free CRA service for eligible individuals with lower income and a simple tax situation. For the 2025 tax year it is available March 9, 2026 through January 29, 2027. SimpleFile Digital can be used with or without an invitation if you meet the criteria. Phone and paper versions require a CRA invitation.

Many federal and provincial benefits are assessed from your income tax return. Filing does not automatically make you eligible, but without a return on file the CRA and Service Canada often cannot pay you, even when you meet the income and family rules.

This guide explains why filing matters, which programs are commonly tied to a return, and how CRA SimpleFile may help if you have a lower income and a simple tax situation. It does not file your taxes or predict your refund.

Why tax filing affects benefits

Most recurring federal payments use your filed return to confirm income, household size, and residency.

The CRA uses your tax return to assess many income-tested credits and benefits. If you do not file, the agency may have no current income on file and may stop or never start quarterly or monthly payments.

Filing a return does not guarantee eligibility. You must still meet program rules for income, age, residency, and family situation. But for many programs, filing is the gateway step.

Programs commonly linked to filing

Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB, formerly GST/HST credit): quarterly payment for low- and modest-income households. Usually no separate application if you file taxes.
Canada child benefit (CCB) and related provincial child benefits: amounts based on adjusted family net income from your return.
Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): seniors must file each year to renew GIS even when OAS is automatic.
Canada workers benefit (CWB): refundable credit for low-income workers, assessed from your return.
Provincial and territorial benefits (for example Ontario trillium benefit, BC climate action tax credit): often paid with federal benefits after your return is assessed.

If you missed one or more tax years

You can usually file past returns. Some benefits may be paid retroactively once the CRA assesses your returns.

If you have not filed for several years, you are not alone. Many lower-income Canadians fall behind. You can file returns for prior years; the CRA may issue retroactive benefit payments for periods you were entitled to but missed. Processing can take time. Filing the most recent year first is often the priority because it renews ongoing payments.

Even with no employment income, you can file a return reporting zero income. This tells the CRA your household size and income for benefit calculations.

Pre-filled returns in My Account (planned March 2027)

Announced federal service for eligible lower-income Canadians. Distinct from SimpleFile and not yet available.

Budget 2025 and CRA consultation materials describe a pre-filled return you could review, correct, and approve or decline in your CRA account before the CRA files on your behalf. The first wave is planned for March 2027 with about one million eligible people. Eligibility criteria and invitation rules are still being finalized.

If you are not invited to a pre-filled return, you can still file through SimpleFile Digital (no invitation required when eligible), SimpleFile by Phone or Paper (invitation required), certified tax software, a community volunteer tax clinic, or a professional preparer. Filing on time keeps CGEB, CCB, GIS, and other benefits current.

See all 2027 benefit changes on MyEligible

CRA SimpleFile (2025 tax year)

Free CRA service for eligible Canadians with lower income and a simple tax situation. Available March 9, 2026 through January 29, 2027.

SimpleFile lets you answer a short set of questions; the CRA uses your answers plus information on file to complete your return. It supports many common benefits and credits but not every deduction (for example medical or tuition expenses may require other filing methods).

SimpleFile Digital: available to eligible individuals with or without a CRA invitation. Check the eligibility questionnaire on canada.ca.
SimpleFile by Phone and SimpleFile by Paper: available only if you receive a CRA invitation (usually by mail or in your CRA account).
Benefits SimpleFile may help you access when eligible include the CGEB, Canada child benefit, Canada workers benefit, disability amount, age amount, and many provincial or territorial payments tied to your return.

SimpleFile is for simple situations: limited income sources, no foreign property over $100,000, no principal residence sale, and other criteria on the official page. If your situation is more complex, you may need certified tax software, a community volunteer clinic, or a professional preparer.

Last verified: September 12, 2026 · 2026-03-09 to 2027-01-29

What to do next

Check whether you have unfiled years. Sign in to CRA My Account or call the CRA to see what returns are on file.
If you have lower income and a simple situation, try the CRA SimpleFile eligibility questionnaire.
File your most recent return first, then catch up on older years if needed.
After your return is assessed, check CRA My Account under Benefits and credits for payment amounts and dates.

See upcoming federal payment dates

Common questions

Official sources

Last reviewed for this tool: 2026-09-12. Amounts may change.