Frequently Asked Questions

Canada Revenue Agency

Do you have to file a tax return?

There are many reasons that your annual tax return should be completed. It is important regardless of income, that everyone completes a return.  This will allow calculation of family benefits including Child Tax Benefit; Goods and Services Tax Credit; and Guaranteed Income Supplement.


I am behind in filing my taxes and can not afford to complete them. What can I do?

Volunteers through Canada Revenue Agency are located in our community to assist with completing taxes for low-income families. Please feel free to contact our office and we will put you in touch with a volunteer.


How and when should I apply for Child Tax Benefit?

Following the birth of your child, you can immediately apply for Child Tax Benefit. Applications are available on-line and proof of birth is not necessary under the age of 1. Universal Child Care Benefit is automatic if an application for Child Tax Benefit has been received, therefore even if you are not eligible for CCTB, UCCB is payable and an application must be submitted.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/rc66/README.html


My marital status has changed. How do I inform CRA?

It is important to advise CRA of marital status changes.  Family benefits (i.e. CCTB and GST) are calculated on household income.  Please follow the link for a description of the different marital statuses and the applicable form.  http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/prsnl-nf/mrtl-eng.html


Seniors Benefits

When should I apply for Old Age Security?

You can apply no earlier than 11 months before your 65th birthday. If you have already reached age 65, send your
Application as soon as possible so you won't lose any payments.
Please note that we can pay your pension back to a maximum of 11 months from the date we receive your application, but no earlier than the month after your 65th birthday.  Applications are available through our office or on-line at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/cgi-bin/search/eforms/index.cgi?app=prfl&frm=isp3000&ln=eng


What is Guaranteed Income Supplement?

The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides additional money, on top of the Old Age Security pension, to low-income seniors living in Canada. To be eligible for the GIS benefit, you must be receiving the Old Age Security pension and meet the income requirements explained below.
It is vital that your income tax returns are up-to-date and spouse’s taxes are filed separately.


I was born outside of Canada.  What type of documentation is necessary when applying for Old Age Security?

If you were born outside of Canada, a certified photocopy of one of the following documents is usually sufficient to confirm your Canadian citizenship or legal status:
Canadian Citizen - Certificate of Canadian citizenship, naturalization certificate, or Canadian passport issued in 1970 or later;
Permanent Resident (formerly known as Landed Immigrant) - Canadian immigration documents (for example IMM1000 - Record of Landing or Permanent Resident Card) or Canadian immigration stamp on your passport;
Resident under a Minister's Permit - Minister's Permit;
Resident under a Temporary Resident's Permit - Temporary Resident's Permit.


When do I apply for Canada Pension Plan?

You can start to receive your retirement pension at any time between the ages of 60 and 64, at age 65, or after age 65. Please refer to the link for details and application.
https://catalogue.servicecanada.gc.ca/LauncherES/LaunchES


How can I get a CPP Statement of Contributions?

An online service allows you to view and print your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Statement of Contributions. Your Statement of Contributions contains a history of your earnings and contributions to the CPP, as well as estimates for any CPP benefits you may be eligible to receive. http://142.236.54.112/eng/isp/common/proceed/socinfo.shtml


What is a credit split?

When a relationship ends, the Canada Pension Plan pension credits which the couple built up during the time they lived together can be divided equally between them. This division is called "credit splitting".
Credits can be split even if one spouse or common-law partner did not pay into the Canada Pension Plan.
For additional information:
http://www.rhdcc-hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/isp/pub/factsheets/credit.shtml


What is Canada Pension Plan Disability?

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit is available to people who have made enough contributions to the CPP, and whose disability prevents them from working at any job. The disability must be long lasting or likely to result in death. People who qualify for disability benefits from other programs may not qualify for the CPP disability benefit.
Please contact our office for further information.



Passport Canada

Do I need a valid passport?

Passports have become the single most important international identity document a traveller can carry.  The following link identifies what countries require passports and visas. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/index-eng.asp

AS OF JUNE 1, 2009, THE UNITED STATES REQUIRES A PASSPORT TO ENTER.

Applications are available through our office or on-line at www.ppt.gc.ca

How do I renew my passport?

The Simplified Renewal Application Process allows Canadians to renew their passports without resubmitting proof of Canadian citizenship or supplementary identification and guarantor information. Some conditions apply. Canadians who meet the following eligibility criteria are now able to benefit from this process:

• At the time they applied for their previous passport, they must have been at least 16 years of age.
• Their most recent passport:
• Must have been valid for five years;
• Must have been issued in Canada (as indicated under "Issuing Authority" on page 2 of the submitted passport);
• Must have been issued within the last six years;
• Must not be damaged and must never have been reported as lost or stolen; and
• Must have been issued under their current name.

Employment Insurance

When do I apply for Employment Insurance?

Employment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance for unemployed Canadians while they look for work or upgrade their skills.
To find out if you can receive EI benefits, you must submit an application for EI online or in person at your Service Canada Centre, even if you received or will receive money when you become unemployed.

If you are applying for any type of benefits, other than maternity or parental, be sure to apply as soon as you stop working even if you don’t have your Records of Employment. Delaying in filing your claim for benefits beyond 4 weeks after your last day of work may cause loss of benefits.


What information is necessary when applying for Employment Insurance?

• your Social Insurance Number (SIN). If your SIN begins with a 9, you need to supply proof of your immigration status and work permit.
• a Record of Employment - If your employers issue ROEs in paper format, you must request ROEs from all your employers who issued ROEs in paper format in the last 52 weeks. However, if your employer submits your ROE to Service Canada electronically, you do not need to request a paper copy of your ROE from your employer since we will receive it electronically from your employer. On the same day your employer submits it, you will be able to view and print copies of your ROE online using My Service Canada Account;
• personal identification such as your driver's licence, birth certificate or passport if you are applying in person;
• your complete bank information, as shown on your cheque or bank statement, or a voided personalized blank cheque from your current account. This will ensure that your payment of benefits will be made directly to your bank account with Direct deposit;
• a medical certificate indicating how long your incapacity is expected to last, if you are claiming sickness benefits;
• the SIN of the other parent if you are applying for parental benefits;
• a medical certificate for compassionate care benefits if you are applying for compassionate care benefits; 
• your detailed version of facts if you quit or were dismissed from any job in the last 52 weeks;
• details regarding your most recent employment: Your total salary before deductions including tips and commissions, your salary before deductions for your last week of work — from Sunday to your last day worked — gross amounts received or to be received: vacation pay, severance pay, pension, pay in lieu of notice or lay off and other monies.

Miscellaneous Inquiries

I will be returning from the United States? What am I allowed to bring back to Canada?

When you return to Canada, you may qualify for a personal exemption. This allows you to bring goods of a certain value into the country without paying regular duties, except for a minimum duty that may apply to some tobacco products.
A list of personal exemptions can be found at:
 http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html#s4


I need to get new birth certificate.  How and where do I apply?

Birth Certificates are issued through the Province in which you where born.  The following link provides you with a link to all of the Provinces and Territories in Canada.
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/subjects/cards/birth_certificate.shtml


How do I get my military records so I can obtain things like a Veteran’s license plate?

Contact Francine in our constituency office and she will be pleased to request your military records for you.