Most families in the 905 are leaving thousands of dollars unclaimed every year. Not because they don't qualify — because nobody told them these programs exist.
We went through every federal, provincial, and municipal benefit program and put them in one place. No government jargon. No 47-page PDFs. Just what it is, what it's worth, and how to get it.
Check off the ones you're already getting. Circle the ones you're not. Then go claim them.
🍁 FEDERAL BENEFITS — FAMILIES WITH KIDS
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
💰 Up to $7,787/year per child under 6; $6,570 per child 6-17
✅ File your taxes — it's automatic.
🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview.html
Canada Learning Bond
💰 Up to $2,000 per child — FREE. No contribution needed.
👤 Family income under ~$53,000
✅ Open an RESP at any bank. You don't have to put in $1.
🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/learning-bond.html
Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)
💰 Government matches 20-40% of RESP contributions, up to $600/year
✅ Contribute to an RESP — grant added automatically.
Canada Dental Care Plan
💰 Covers dental costs
👤 Family income under $90,000, no private insurance
🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html
Canada Groceries & Essentials Benefit
💰 Boosted GST/HST credit — 25% increase starting July 2026
✅ Automatic when you file taxes. No separate application.
🍁 FEDERAL — FOR EVERYONE
GST/HST Credit — Up to $519/year (single) or $680 (couple) + $179 per child. File your taxes. Automatic.
Canada Workers Benefit — Up to $1,518 (single) or $2,616 (family). Workers earning $3,000-$35,000.
Disability Tax Credit — Worth $1,500+ in refund. Get Form T2201 signed by your doctor.
🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities.html
Medical Expense Tax Credit — 15% of medical expenses over $2,759. Keep ALL receipts.
🍁 FEDERAL — SENIORS
Old Age Security — Up to $727/month (65+)
🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security.html
Guaranteed Income Supplement — Up to $1,086/month for low-income seniors
Pension Income Splitting — Couples can split pension income to reduce taxes
🏛️ ONTARIO PROVINCIAL BENEFITS
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
💰 Up to $1,307/year (combines 3 credits)
👤 Low to moderate income, pay rent or property tax
✅ File taxes + complete Form ON-BEN
🔗 https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-trillium-benefit
Low-Income Workers Tax Credit (LIFT)
💰 Up to $875/year
👤 Individual income under $50K, family under $82.5K
🔗 https://www.ontario.ca/page/low-income-workers-tax-credit
Ontario Drug Benefit / Trillium Drug Program
💰 Pay $2 or less per prescription
👤 Low income with high drug costs
🔗 https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-help-high-prescription-drug-costs
Healthy Smiles Ontario
💰 Free dental for kids 17 and under in low-income households
🔗 https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-dental-care
⚡ ENERGY & HOME REBATES
Canada Greener Homes Grant — Up to $5,000 for insulation, windows, heat pumps
🔗 https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-initiative/24831
Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate — Up to $5,000+ for insulation, furnace, thermostat (Enbridge gas customers)
🔗 https://www.enbridgegas.com/residential/rebates-energy-conservation
Ontario Electricity Support Program — $30-$75/month off your electricity bill
🔗 https://ontarioelectricitysupport.ca
🏛️ ONTARIO — SENIORS
GAINS — Up to $87/month (65+ receiving GIS)
Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit — Up to $1,500/year (70+)
🔗 https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-seniors-care-home-tax-credit
🏘️ DURHAM REGION LOCAL BENEFITS
Childcare Fee Subsidy — Up to full cost of daycare/before-after school care. Income-tested. Call Durham Region Children's Services: 905-668-7711 — apply ASAP, there's a wait list.
Durham Housing Stability Program — Emergency rent/utility assistance. Contact Durham Region Social Services.
🏊 RECREATION FEE SUBSIDIES — YOUR KIDS CAN DO PROGRAMS FOR FREE
Every Durham municipality has one. Most families don't know:
• Pickering — Active Assist Program
• Ajax — Fee Assistance Program
• Whitby — Recreation Fee Assistance
• Oshawa — Leisure Access Program
• Clarington — Recreation Assistance
Don't let pride stop you. These programs exist because your taxes paid for them. Use them.
💰 MONEY YOU MIGHT BE OWED RIGHT NOW
• Unclaimed bank balances — Search at bankofcanada.ca or call 1-800-303-1282
• Missing RESP grants — Call your RESP provider. Ask if all CLB and CESG amounts have been claimed.
• CRA payments — Log into CRA My Account and check for outstanding payments
🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/digital-services-individuals/account-individuals.html
✅ 3 THINGS TO DO RIGHT NOW
FILE YOUR TAXES — even if you earned nothing. No return = no CCB, no Trillium, no GST credit.
OPEN AN RESP — even if you can't contribute $1. Canada Learning Bond = $2,000 free.
CALL YOUR MUNICIPALITY — ask about recreation fee assistance. Worst case: they say no. Best case: your kid's swimming lessons are free.
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