How To Get Government benefits that Canadians often overlook
Updated July 2026. Millions of dollars in government benefits go unclaimed every single year in Canada not because people don’t qualify, but because they simply don’t know these programs exist. Seniors, caregivers, families, newcomers, and even middle‑income Canadians regularly miss out on money that could make life easier. How To Get Government benefits that Canadians often overlook. The good news? Most of these benefits are easy to check, easy to claim, and available to far more people than you might think. You don’t need to be low‑income to qualify for many of them.
This guide walks you through the most commonly forgotten benefits, how to check for unclaimed money, and the simple steps you can take today to make sure you’re not leaving anything behind.
Use the Benefits Finder (Most Canadians Never Do)
The Government of Canada’s Benefits Finder is the fastest way to discover federal and provincial programs you may qualify for. It takes about five minutes and matches you with benefits based on your age, income, health, family situation, and province.
Why people miss it:
- They assume benefits are only for low‑income households
- They don’t know new programs are added regularly
- They think it’s complicated (it isn’t)
What it can uncover:
- Housing supports
- Disability benefits
- Retirement supplements
- Caregiver credits
- Training and job supports
Learn more about the Benefits Finder
Unclaimed Bank Balances & Forgotten Bonds
The Bank of Canada holds billions of dollars in forgotten money — old bank accounts, dormant RRSPs, Canada Savings Bonds, and uncashed government cheques.
You can search for:
- Old bank accounts
- Canada Savings Bonds
- Government of Canada bonds
- Uncashed Bank of Canada cheques
Why people miss it:
- They moved and didn’t update their address
- A deceased family member had accounts no one knew about
- They lost track of old savings bonds
How to check: Search your name (and any past names) in the Bank of Canada database.
Check for unclaimed money
Unclaimed CRA Cheques
Many Canadians have uncashed tax refunds, GST credits, or benefit payments sitting in their CRA account — sometimes going back decades.
Common reasons cheques go unclaimed:
- Lost mail
- Moved without updating address
- Cheques expired before being deposited
How to check: Log into CRA My Account → “Uncashed Cheques.”
Learn about CRA uncashed cheques
Benefits Seniors Commonly Miss
Seniors are the group most likely to leave money on the table. Here are the big ones:
- Guaranteed Income Supplement — Many seniors qualify even if their CPP is higher than expected. GIS is based on income, not assets.
- Allowance & Allowance for the Survivor — For low‑income seniors aged 60–64.
- Disability Tax Credit — Many seniors qualify due to mobility, hearing, or chronic conditions.
- Home Accessibility Tax Credit — Helps pay for renovations that improve safety or mobility.
Family & Caregiver Benefits People Forget
Many families don’t realize they qualify for caregiver credits even if the person they care for is not a child.
Commonly missed programs:
- Canada Child Benefit adjustments
- Child Disability Benefit
- Canada Caregiver Credit
- EI caregiving benefits
Learn about caregiver benefits
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 often require an application.
Explore housing supports
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
A Simple 3‑Step Routine to Make Sure You’re Not Missing Anything
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to be low‑income to qualify for government benefits?
No. Many benefits — including tax credits, accessibility grants, and caregiver supports — are available to middle‑income Canadians as well.
2. How often should I check for unclaimed money?
Once per year is ideal. Forgotten accounts and old cheques can appear long after you think everything is up to date.
3. Is the Benefits Finder safe to use?
Yes. It’s an official Government of Canada tool designed to match you with federal and provincial programs.
4. What if I don’t have a CRA My Account?
You can register online. It’s the easiest way to check for uncashed cheques, benefit eligibility, and tax information.
5. Can seniors qualify for the Disability Tax Credit even without being “disabled”?
Yes. Many seniors qualify due to mobility issues, hearing loss, chronic pain, or medical conditions that affect daily living.
Conclusion
Most Canadians don’t realize how much money they’re leaving unclaimed — sometimes hundreds, sometimes thousands. A quick annual check can uncover forgotten accounts, missed credits, and benefits you didn’t even know existed.
If you’re a senior, caregiver, or supporting family members, these programs can make a real difference. Don’t leave money on the table — claim what’s yours.
Disclosure
This article is for general information only. Government programs change frequently, and eligibility varies by province and personal circumstances. Always confirm details through official Government of Canada websites or speak with a qualified advisor before applying for benefits.
