Finances and Taxes

The Canada-Ukraine Transitional Assistance Initiative (CUTAI) was a one-time financial aid program that paid $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child (17 and under) to eligible Ukrainians who arrived under CUAET to help cover the first weeks in Canada. Applications closed on June 30, 2024. In total, IRCC disbursed approximately $795 million through CUTAI to hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians. As of October 2026, CUTAI has NOT been renewed and no replacement one-time payment program exists. If you missed the deadline, this support is no longer available — plan your finances around the standard Canadian benefits described below.

The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment from the CRA to eligible families with children under 18. To qualify as a temporary resident, you generally must have lived in Canada for 18 consecutive months and hold a valid permit in the 19th month (residency rule specific to temporary residents). Once eligible, you and your spouse must file a Canadian income tax return every year to continue receiving the CCB — even with little or no income. Apply to the CRA using Form RC66 after obtaining a Social Insurance Number and meeting the residency requirement. Amounts depend on family income and the age and number of your children.

As of July 2026, the GST/HST credit was renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). It is a quarterly, tax-free payment from the CRA that helps low-income individuals and families offset some of the GST or HST paid on their purchases. CUAET holders may become eligible after filing their first complete Canadian tax return, even without income. To receive it, file your T1 return on time; the CRA will automatically assess your eligibility. The amount depends on your family size and net income. Filing taxes in Canada is the single most important action to unlock federal and provincial benefits — do not skip it, even if you think you earned too little to owe tax.

Each province administers its own additional benefit programs on top of federal programs. Examples include Ontario's Trillium Benefit (which combines sales tax, energy, and property tax credits for low-income residents), Quebec's Solidarity Tax Credit, British Columbia's Climate Action Tax Credit, and the Alberta Child and Family Benefit. Most are paid automatically when you file your provincial tax return — another reason to file your taxes every year. Eligibility for these benefits depends on both your income and your residency status, so check your province's official website or a free tax clinic to find out if you qualify.

To receive government benefits by direct deposit and manage your money safely day to day, open a Canadian bank account as soon as possible. Most major banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, National Bank) offer newcomer packages with no monthly fees for the first year and sometimes do not require a credit history. Once you have employment income, you can start contributing to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to reduce your taxable income and, if you become a tax resident, to a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). TFSA contribution room only accrues for years when you are a Canadian tax resident — so check with an accountant before contributing.

Filing a Canadian T1 income tax return is mandatory if you were a resident of Canada at any point during the tax year. Your SIN starting with "9" (issued to temporary residents) is valid for tax filing. Even if you had no income, file a "nil return" — it is essential for CCB eligibility (the 18-month clock starts from the reported tax year), GST/HST credit, provincial benefits, and future citizenship applications. Free tax clinics (Community Volunteer Income Tax Program — CVITP) are available in most cities for newcomers with simple returns. The filing deadline is April 30 each year.

Your credit score starts at zero when you arrive in Canada — there is no transfer of credit history from Ukraine. Building a credit score takes 6 to 18 months. Start with a secured credit card (you deposit $500–$1,000 as collateral and the bank issues a card with that limit). Use it for small purchases and pay the balance in full every month — never carry a balance. Your credit score (target: 660+) affects your ability to rent an apartment, get a car loan, qualify for a mortgage, and even get a phone plan. Do not avoid credit cards — responsible use is the fastest way to build your score.

Auto insurance is mandatory in every Canadian province — it is illegal to drive without it. Budget $150–$400/month depending on the province, your driving record, and your vehicle. Tenant insurance is highly recommended and costs about $20–$30/month, covering theft, fire, and water damage to your belongings. If your employer offers benefits, these may cover dental, vision, and prescription drugs. Otherwise, consider private health insurance for services not covered by provincial plans. For families with dependents, life insurance and critical illness insurance provide additional security.

Canada does not currently have a social security agreement with Ukraine, so Ukrainian pension periods cannot be counted toward CPP or OAS eligibility. In September 2026, Canada and Ukraine agreed to start exploratory talks toward such an agreement. Keep records of your employment and pension contributions in Ukraine in case an agreement is concluded later. CPP contributions you make while working in Canada count toward your own CPP benefits.