What are the governmental benefits in Canada?

When you become a Canadian permanent resident, you are showered with governmental benefits to help you adjust to your new environment and normalize as soon as possible. The government has a list of benefits for the general population and another list for people with disabilities, military veterans, and the old.

The top benefits you could get as a Canadian resident

1. EI Maternity and Parental Leave

Through Employment Insurance, you get maternity leave of up to 15 weeks. When it comes to parental benefits, you can choose from two options. In the first one, you and your partner can apply for 35 weeks of leave in total in 52 weeks, which starts a week after the baby is born or adopted. You can claim 55 percent of your weekly salary up to $51,700 annually. You can take these benefits as early as 12 weeks before delivery or adoption or as late as 17 weeks after birth.

In the second option, you and your partner can apply for 61 weeks’ leave in a 78-week period. You can only claim up to 33 percent of your weekly salary.

2. EI Sickness Benefit

You can claim up to 15 weeks of leave in case of illness, injury, or quarantine and are eligible to receive 55 percent of weekly salary during those weeks.

3. Canada Child Benefit

You can claim up to $6,496 per child for less than six years of age and up to $5,481 for one child between six to 17 years. The low and middle-class children get the most benefits and the least are given to upper-class population, whose parents earn at least $150,000 annually.

4. Child Disability Benefit

A tax-free payment for families taking care of disabled children below 18 years of age, the child disability benefit gives tax credit when certified by a medical practitioner. Also, these children are eligible for the Canada Child Benefit program.

5. Canada Pension Plan

A person is given a partial replacement of earning after he retires. The amount goes to his family in case of disability or death. You are eligible for it once you cross 65 years of age but you can take a reduced pension at 60 years.

Add to it the fact that Canada also offers healthcare benefits, including free treatment for all, and you could ensure that you wouldn’t have to worry about the little things in life anymore!