GST/HST Credit
This is a tax-free payment four times a year that helps with the sales tax you pay if you have a low or modest income. It is not just for housing, but the money can go toward rent. For July 2025 to June 2026 you can get up to $533 if you are single, up to $698 if you have a partner, plus $184 for each child under 19. Note: it is being replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit starting July 2026.
What you get
Up to $698
Who it's for
You qualify if you live in Canada for tax purposes and are at least 19 (or under 19 with a partner or child).
This takes you to the official website
Depends on your household size and income.
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
- Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it
What to say when you call
“Hi, I found your housing support program and I want to check if I can apply. Can you tell me the current rules, documents needed, and the next step?”
Use the official page first, then call 211 if you are not sure where to start.
Can I get this?
You have a good chance if this sounds like you:
- You qualify if you live in Canada for tax purposes and are at least 19 (or under 19 with a partner or child)
- The amount is based on your family income
- You are looked at automatically when you file your taxes
What to do next
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The fine print
More details about the money
For the July 2025 to June 2026 payment period (based on your 2024 tax return), you could get up to: $533 for a single individual, $698 if you are married or have a common-law partner, plus $184 for each child under 19. Amounts are reduced as adjusted family net income rises.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
Canadian residents for tax purposes who are at least 19 years old (or under 19 with a spouse/common-law partner or a child). Entitlement is based on adjusted family net income; you are automatically considered when you file your tax return.
Good to know
Amounts corrected against the official CRA 'how much you can get' page read directly in-browser: $533 single / $698 couple / $184 per child under 19 for July 2025-June 2026 (the draft's $519/$680/$179 were the prior year's figures and were wrong). The earlier '$45,521 phase-out' threshold was removed as it could not be confirmed on the official page. The page confirms the GST/HST credit will be replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit in July 2026, with payments under the new name starting July 3, 2026. Amounts are indexed and change annually; confirm current figures before publishing.
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Money back at tax time
Property Tax Exemption for Affordable Housing (Region of Waterloo)
Region of Waterloo program that exempts the Regional and education portions of property tax on eligible affordable housing units, lowering operating costs for housing providers (including for-profit landlords) who keep units affordable.
Up to $49,389
Depends on your household size and income
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
This is a tax credit that adds to your income if you work and earn a low income.