Halifax

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Financial Benefits

Information on financial aid, tax credits, and support provided by local or federal programs.

Sections

1. Federal Financial Benefits (Available to All Canadians, Including Halifax Residents)

a. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

  • Description: A tax-free monthly payment to help families with the cost of raising children under 18.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must live with the child and be primarily responsible for their care.
    • Must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
    • Must file an annual tax return.
  • Application Process:
    • Apply online through your CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) account or by submitting Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application).
    • Newcomers can apply after obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and filing taxes.
  • Local Consideration: Free tax clinics in Halifax can assist newcomers and low-income families with filing taxes to ensure eligibility.
  • Cost: Free to apply.

b. Employment Insurance (EI)

  • Description: Temporary financial assistance for unemployed individuals actively seeking work or upgrading skills.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must have worked a minimum number of insurable hours in the past 52 weeks.
    • Must have lost your job through no fault of your own.
  • Application Process:
    • Apply online through the Service Canada website.
    • Provide your Record of Employment (ROE) and other required documents.
  • Local Consideration: Halifax has Service Canada offices where you can get in-person assistance.
  • Cost: Contributions are deducted from your paycheck as part of payroll taxes.

c. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)

  • Description: Monthly payments for retirees, survivors, or individuals with disabilities.
  • Eligibility:
    • CPP: Must have contributed to the plan during your working years.
    • OAS: Must be 65 or older and meet residency requirements.
  • Application Process:
    • Apply online or by mail through Service Canada.
  • Local Consideration: Seniors in Halifax can access free workshops on retirement planning through community centers.
  • Cost: Contributions to CPP are deducted from your paycheck.

2. Provincial Financial Benefits (Nova Scotia)

a. Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB)

  • Description: A monthly payment to help low- and modest-income families with children.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be a resident of Nova Scotia.
    • Must qualify for the federal Canada Child Benefit.
  • Application Process:
    • No separate application is required; eligibility is determined automatically when you apply for the CCB.
  • Cost: Free.

b. Income Assistance (IA)

  • Description: Financial support for individuals and families who cannot meet their basic needs.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must demonstrate financial need.
    • Must be a resident of Nova Scotia.
  • Application Process:
    • Apply through the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services.
    • Call 1-877-424-1177 or visit a local office in Halifax.
  • Local Consideration: Halifax has several community organizations, such as the Parker Street Food & Furniture Bank, that provide additional support to IA recipients.
  • Cost: Free to apply.

c. Nova Scotia Pharmacare Programs

  • Description: Subsidized prescription drug coverage for seniors, families, and individuals with low income.
  • Eligibility:
    • Seniors: Must be 65 or older and not have private insurance.
    • Family Pharmacare: Open to all Nova Scotia residents without adequate drug coverage.
  • Application Process:
    • Apply online or by mail through the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.
  • Cost: Premiums and co-payments vary based on income.

d. Affordable Housing Programs

  • Description: Financial assistance for low-income households to access affordable housing.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must meet income thresholds and residency requirements.
  • Application Process:
    • Apply through the Nova Scotia Housing Authority.
    • Visit the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) Housing Office for assistance.
  • Local Consideration: Halifax has a growing demand for affordable housing, so waitlists may apply.

3. Municipal Financial Benefits (Halifax Regional Municipality - HRM)

a. Property Tax Exemption and Deferral Programs

  • Description: Financial relief for low-income homeowners to reduce or defer property taxes.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence.
    • Must meet income thresholds.
  • Application Process:
    • Apply annually through the HRM website or by contacting the HRM Taxation Office.
  • Cost: Free to apply.

b. Affordable Transit Pass Program

  • Description: Discounted monthly transit passes for low-income residents.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must meet income thresholds.
    • Must be a resident of Halifax.
  • Application Process:
    • Apply through the HRM website or at Halifax Transit customer service centers.
  • Cost: Reduced monthly fee (approximately $39/month as of 2023).

4. Financial Benefits for Newcomers to Halifax

a. Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)

  • Description: Federal program providing financial support to government-assisted refugees during their first year in Canada.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be a government-assisted refugee.
  • Application Process:
    • Administered automatically upon arrival in Canada.
  • Local Consideration: The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) in Halifax provides settlement support and financial literacy workshops.

b. Nova Scotia Start Program

  • Description: Employment support and financial incentives for employers hiring newcomers.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be a newcomer to Nova Scotia.
  • Application Process:
    • Register with ISANS or Nova Scotia Works.
  • Cost: Free.

c. Free Tax Clinics for Newcomers

  • Description: Volunteer-run clinics to help newcomers file taxes and access benefits.
  • Local Consideration: Offered by ISANS and other community organizations in Halifax.

5. Additional Local Resources in Halifax

  • ISANS (Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia):

    • Offers financial literacy programs, employment support, and assistance with accessing benefits.
    • Website: www.isans.ca

  • Parker Street Food & Furniture Bank:

    • Provides emergency financial assistance, food, and furniture to low-income residents.
    • Website: www.parkerstreet.org

  • 211 Nova Scotia:

    • A free helpline connecting residents to community and government resources, including financial assistance programs.
    • Website: www.ns.211.ca

Key Tips for Accessing Financial Benefits in Halifax

  1. File Your Taxes: Many benefits require you to file an annual tax return, even if you have no income.
  2. Obtain a SIN: A Social Insurance Number is essential for accessing most benefits.
  3. Use Free Resources: Take advantage of free tax clinics, workshops, and community support programs.
  4. Plan for Wait Times: Some programs, such as affordable housing, may have long waitlists in Halifax.

By leveraging these financial benefits and resources, residents and newcomers in Halifax can access the support they need to thrive in the city. Let me know if you need further details on any specific program!