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Ontario Government Services

Provincial and territorial programs for Ontario residents

Frequently Asked Questions

• What government services can I access for free in Canada?
  Canadian residents can access many free government services including healthcare through provincial health insurance, tax filing through CRA, Employment Insurance benefits, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, the Canada Child Benefit, student grants and loans, and various provincial programs for housing, disability support, and more.
• How do I apply for Employment Insurance (EI) in Canada?
  You can apply for Employment Insurance online through Service Canada at canada.ca. You'll need your Social Insurance Number (SIN), Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer, your personal banking information for direct deposit, and your mailing address. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible after you stop working.
• What is the Canada Child Benefit and how do I apply?
  The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18. The amount depends on your family income, number of children, and their ages. You can apply when your child is born through the birth registration, or by completing Form RC66 and sending it to the CRA.
• How do I get a health card in my province?
  Each province and territory has its own health insurance plan. Generally, you need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have lived in the province for at least three months. Visit your provincial health ministry's website or a ServiceOntario/Service BC/etc. office to apply. You'll typically need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or immigration status.
• What dental care programs are available from the Canadian government?
  The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) provides coverage for eligible residents who do not have access to dental insurance. The program covers a range of dental services for uninsured Canadians with a family income under $90,000. You can apply through Service Canada online or by phone. Some provinces also offer supplementary dental programs for children, seniors, and low-income residents.
• How do I file my taxes for free in Canada?
  The CRA offers several free options for filing your taxes: NETFILE-certified software (many are free for simple returns), the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) for eligible individuals, and Auto-fill my return through CRA My Account. Visit canada.ca/taxes to get started.