Get ready to apply - One-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit
Get ready to apply
If you meet the eligibility criteria, complete any steps you are missing so you're ready to apply.
File your income taxes
Filing your income tax return is required to apply for this benefit.
Great. We will need your and your spouse or common-law partner's 2021 income information to determine if you are eligible for the benefit.
Next, go to: Gather your rent information.
Your spouse or common-law partner must also file their 2021 taxes before you can apply.
For information on how to file, go to: Get ready to do your taxes.
You can apply for either the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or GST/HST credit to provide your personal information and your world income.
If you had children under 18 years old in 2021
Submit a statement of income as part of a Canada Child Benefit (CCB) application for 2021.
By applying for the CCB, you will also automatically apply for the GST/HST credit.
If you did not have children under 18 years old in 2021
Submit a statement of income as part of a GST/HST Credit and climate action incentive payment application for 2021.
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they will also need to file their 2021 taxes or submit a statement of income.
If you already applied and only the 2021 world income is missing, you can call the benefit enquiries service at 1-800-387-1193 to provide your world income.
You will need to file your 2021 taxes before you can apply.
Generally, your return will be assessed within 2 weeks for electronically filed returns or 8 weeks for mailed returns. You should ensure your return is assessed before you apply for the one-time payment.
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they will also need to file their 2021 taxes or submit a statement of income.
If you have no taxable income to report in 2021, you still need to report your income as zero on your 2021 tax return to qualify for the benefit.
For information on how to file, go to: Get ready to do your taxes (opens in new window).
Since you filed your 2021 tax return, you're ready for the next step.
Next, go to: Gather your rent information.
Your spouse or common-law partner can apply for either the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or GST/HST credit to provide their personal information and world income.
If you had children under 18 years old in 2021
Submit a statement of income as part of a Canada Child Benefit (CCB) application for 2021.
By applying for the CCB, you will also automatically apply for the GST/HST credit.
If you did not have children under 18 years old in 2021
Submit a statement of income as part of a GST/HST Credit and climate action incentive payment application for 2021.
If they already applied and only the 2021 world income is missing, they can call the benefit enquiries service at 1-800-387-1193 to provide their world income.
Great. We will need your 2021 income information to determine if you are eligible for the benefit.
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, we will also need their information. They must file a 2021 tax return or submit a statement of world income before you can apply.
Next, go to: Gather your rent information.
Gather your rent information
You'll need the following rent information when you apply:
Confirm you have access to your CRA My Account
Canada Revenue Agency's online application (CRA My Account) is the fastest way to apply for this benefit.
Great. Having a CRA My Account will make it easier to apply online.
Next, go to: Set up direct deposit.
Call the general enquiries line 1-800-959-8281 for help to access your CRA My Account.
- You can recover your user ID or password by going to CRA My Account (opens in new window)
- Select 'CRA sign in'
- Choose 'Forgot your user ID' or 'Forgot your password'
- If you 'Forgot your user ID' you will need your:
- social insurance number (SIN)
- date of birth
- copy of this year's or last year's assessed individual tax return
- answers to the security questions you set up during registration
- If you 'Forgot your user ID' you will need your:
- If you can't recover your account, call the general enquiries line 1-800-959-8281
Before contacting the CRA, you should contact your financial institution for assistance.
For assistance with your:
- BC Services Card, go to BC Services Card App - Troubleshooting (opens in new window)
- MyAlberta Digital ID, go to MyAlberta Digital ID - Contact us (opens in new window)
You can sign in to My Service Canada Account to access CRA My Account.
- Sign in to your My Service Canada Account
- Select "Access CRA"
- Select "I agree" on the Registration and Authentication page to transfer directly to your CRA My Account
Next, go to: Set up direct deposit.
Having a CRA My Account will make it easier to apply online.
If you don't have an account, register for CRA My Account. You can apply for the one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit through My Account without waiting for a security code.
Next, go to: Set up direct deposit.
Set up direct deposit
Direct deposit is the fastest way to get payment for this benefit.
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