No longer eligible for GST/HSTC/BCCATC, asked to repay

[alexstraza]

Hi all,

I got an online letter this month from the CRA saying that I'm basically no longer eligible for the GST credit, and I'm being asked to repay it.
The reasoning they gave is "your spouse or common-law partner is the family applicant".

A brief history: the base year for their calculation is 2015.
My spouse and I got married March 2016, so I don't understand why they're touching my benefits for 2015.
In December 2016, they sent me a letter saying they're reducing my annual GST/HSTC entitlement by $10 because of a change in family income.
I was working part time in 2015, but haven't had a job since then (fixing visa stuff) so technically between my spouse and I, I am the lower income earner.

I'm confused because shortly after we got married in March 2016, I updated my marital status with CRA and I'm 100% sure I filed my taxes that year to reflect my change in marital status.
They had an ample amount of time to adjust their information. I don't think it's fair that they give tax credits and ask for it back later on when I've given them all the information they need.

Now, what I want to know is if that sounds correct, am I able to lodge a formal dispute given the facts or should I just pay it back? I have no issues whatsoever with paying it back, but I would only gladly do so once I understand why I have to. They don't really go into much detail or break it down in a way that's easily understandable. I've also tried calling them several times but their lines are always busy.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[scylla]

Did you live together before getting married?

 

[pie_vancouver]

2015 ITR is just the basis for the year 2016 gst/hst credit but the payment starts from July 2016 and the next 3 quarters, you got married in March 2016, then you will have to repay the portion coz your status and household income changed, it sucks but it's the rule. (Happened to me too)

 

[alexstraza]

Did you live together before getting married?

No, we didn't. It seems like it's a normal consequence though, and that it's happened to a bunch of people.

2015 ITR is just the basis for the year 2016 gst/hst credit but the payment starts from July 2016 and the next 3 quarters, you got married in March 2016, then you will have to repay the portion coz your status and household income changed, it sucks but it's the rule. (Happened to me too)

The more I'm researching about this, the more I read that this is actually a common occurrence. No way around it, I suppose.
Thanks!