Government Benefits in Canada: What You Might Be Eligible For in 2025

Yes, students may be eligible for certain benefits depending on their specific circumstances, income, and provincial residency. While some benefits are generally for low-income individuals or families, there are also student-specific grants, loans, and tax credits available through federal and provincial student aid programs. It's best to check the official websites of StudentAid.ca for federal programs and your provincial student aid offices for specific details.

For most major federal benefits like OAS, GIS, and CCB, you generally need to be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. Additionally, specific residency requirements (e.g., having lived in Canada for a certain number of years) often apply. Some provincial programs may have different residency criteria. Always consult the official government websites for precise requirements based on your status.

It depends on the benefit. Some benefits, like the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, are taxable income and must be reported on your tax return. Others, such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), are non-taxable. The GST/HST Credit is also non-taxable. It is crucial to check the specific tax implications for each benefit you receive or apply for on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.