When you turn 18
Many people shift to adult tax-filing paths (credits, benefits, and student aid). Programs and rules vary; see CRA and official program pages.
Benefits over your life
Programs people often look into around common life stages and events. This map is general and educational, not a personalized eligibility forecast.
To see benefits matched to your situation, take the quiz.
Optional filter to swap generic provincial placeholders for common programs in your province. Provincial swaps are live for Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta; other provinces keep the generic placeholders for now.
Now showing all of Canada.
This page shows when programs become relevant to learn about, not whether you qualify or how much you would receive. Use the quiz or linked guides for specifics.
Around 18 and first tax return
Programs people often look into when filing a first return or turning 18.
From age 18 until the day before age 21
Eligible youth can open an RESP and request the Canada Learning Bond for themselves. See the guide for steps and eligibility.
Filing your tax return
Your annual tax return tells the CRA about your income, deductions, and family situation for the year.
If you earned income, filing is generally required; even with little or no income, filing can renew or unlock benefits that CRA assesses from your return.
GST/HST Credit (becoming Canada Groceries & Essentials Benefit)
A quarterly tax-free payment that helps offset GST or HST paid by lower-income individuals and families.
Worth checking when you file taxes; the GST/HST credit (becoming CGEB) is often automatic with your return.
Provincial and territorial tax credits
Provincial and territorial tax credits and benefits assessed through your income tax return.
Worth checking on your return; rules and amounts vary by province or territory.
Official infoFilter by province above to see what you may be eligible for in your province or territory.
መደብ ምስግጋር ናብ ዓበይቲ ሰባት ኣልበርታ
Provincial programs that help young adults leaving foster care transition to independent living.
Worth checking for narrow young-adult transition supports; eligibility and programs vary by province.