benefits

[MariaSt]

Does anyone know what benefits we can apply for when we arrive or any website with info? I am a Canadian citizen and I am sponsoring my husband and 14 month old son. I hope to plan to apply for jobs about a month before we leave Greece for Vancouver but any extra help would be great.

 

[scylla]

Once you arrive in Canada you will be able to apply for the Canadian Child Tax Benefit.

That's really it from a financial benefit perspective. Technically you can apply for Social Assistance/Welfare - however you'll have to pay back any money you receive within the first three years after your husband lands in Canada. So I would stay away from Social Assistance since it's not money you can ultimately keep.

You'll be on your own for housing as well.

 

[Mapleson]

There are non-governmental assistance programs out there, which are not included under the payback condition.

Depending on how poor you might be, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank can provide some food and the Lookout Emergency Aid Society might provide a rent subsidy.

There are also many Community Centres with cheap activities, including laundry and food, but you may have to repay this later, if they have your details.

 

[floomy]

It took me 6 month to get child tax benefit for my daughter.
The date you enter Canada the child tax benefit start so we applied right away but CRA keep asking more supporting docs (due to reproduction rule, CRA only need mom's income record)
After we mailed all docs and letters , we finally got it. (applied early of Dec previous year and started to receive May)
They deposited all amount for last 6 month though.

FYI : if you do not have income previous year , you would receive around $400 (I was stay-at-home mom back home, had no international income)

 

[MariaSt]

Thanks for your input. I am hoping all will go well and my husband and I will find work. But I am trying to be as informed as possible just in case.