How To Get Government benefits that Canadians often overlook

Hi folks Brent here from SeniorsCanadInfo. Did you know that there are many new Government Benefits that are available to Seniors. There are many new Government Benefit’s many eligible Canadians forget to claim or don’t even know about. And I might add you don’t have to be a low income seniors to claim these benefits. Let’s take a look and see what they are.

Every year, millions of dollars in government benefits and credits go unclaimed in Canada—simply because people don’t know they exist. Seniors, low‑income earners, newcomers, and even middle‑class Canadians often miss out on programs that could put real money back in their pockets.

Today’s guide breaks down the most commonly forgotten benefits, how to check your eligibility, and where to claim what’s yours.

🧭 1. The Benefits Finder Tool (Most Canadians Don’t Use It)

The Government of Canada offers a Benefits Finder that matches you with federal and provincial programs based on your situation. Many Canadians never check it, even though it’s the fastest way to discover money you’re entitled to.

Why people miss it:

• They assume benefits are only for low-income households
• They don’t know new programs get added regularly
• They think it takes too long (it doesn’t—5 minutes)

What it can uncover:

• Housing supports
• Disability benefits
• Retirement supplements
• Training and job supports
• Family and caregiver benefits

💰 2. Unclaimed Bank Balances & Forgotten Bonds

Canadians are sitting on billions of dollars in unclaimed money—old bank accounts, dormant RRSPs, forgotten Canada Savings Bonds, and uncashed government cheques.

The Bank of Canada’s Unclaimed Property Office lets you search for:

• Old bank accounts
• Canada Savings Bonds
• Government of Canada bonds
• Uncashed Bank of Canada cheques

Why people miss it:

• They moved and forgot to update addresses
• A deceased family member had accounts no one knew about
• They lost track of old savings bonds

How to check: Search your name (and past names) in the Bank of Canada database.

🧾 3. Unclaimed CRA Cheques

Many Canadians never cash their tax refunds, GST credits, or benefit payments. The CRA now has a tool that shows every uncashed cheque in your name—some going back decades.

Common reasons cheques go unclaimed:

• Moved without updating address
• Lost mail
• Cheques expired before being deposited

How to check: Log into your CRA My Account → “Uncashed Cheques.”

🧓 4. Benefits Seniors Commonly Miss

Seniors are the most likely group to leave money on the table. Programs often overlooked include:

✔ Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

Many seniors who qualify never apply because they assume their CPP is “too high.” GIS is based on income, not assets.

✔ Allowance & Allowance for the Survivor

For low-income seniors aged 60–64.

✔ Disability Tax Credit (DTC) for seniors

Many seniors qualify due to mobility, hearing, or chronic conditions—but never apply.

✔ Home Accessibility Tax Credit

For renovations that improve safety or mobility.

🧒 5. Family & Caregiver Benefits People Forget

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB) adjustments
• Child Disability Benefit
• Canada Caregiver Credit
• Employment Insurance caregiving benefits

Many families don’t realize they qualify for caregiver credits even if the person they care for is not a child.

🏠 6. Housing & Cost‑of‑Living Supports

Depending on your province, you may be eligible for:

• Rent supplements
• Property tax grants
• Energy rebates
• Low-income transit passes

These vary by region, and many are not automatically applied.

🧩 7. Why Canadians Miss Out on Benefits

• They assume they’re not eligible
• They don’t know programs exist
• They think applying is complicated
• They don’t check for updates each year
• They don’t know about unclaimed money databases

📝 8. How to Make Sure You’re Not Missing Anything

Here’s a simple 3‑step routine:

Step 1 — Use the Benefits Finder once per year

It updates regularly.

Step 2 — Check for unclaimed money

Search your name in the Bank of Canada database.

Step 3 — Log into CRA My Account

Look for uncashed cheques and benefit eligibility.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Most Canadians don’t realize how much money they’re leaving unclaimed—sometimes hundreds, sometimes thousands. A quick check once a year can uncover forgotten accounts, missed credits, and benefits you didn’t know you qualified for.

Service Canada Contact:

Seniors Canada Info Main Benefits Hub