Low-income individuals and families

Generally speaking, you must:

• be 18 or over
• live in Québec
• be a Canadian citizen or have a recognized residency status
• file a tax return
• have direct deposit

However, if your family income is at or above the maximum, you may not receive the credit even if you meet the requirements.

To calculate the solidarity tax credit, we add up the amounts you’re entitled to under each of the three components:

• the QST component
• the housing component
• the component for individuals living in a northern village

The result may be reduced on the basis of your family income.

For an estimate of your tax credit payments, you can use the calculator available on our website.

The only way to make sure you get the full amount of each component of the solidarity tax credit you’re eligible for is to file your tax return, along with Schedule D, and sign up for direct deposit. If you’re eligible for the credit but don’t complete Schedule D, you’ll only get the basic amount of the QST component.

Yes, but no later than four years following the end of the taxation year used to calculate the credit for the period in question. For example, if you forgot to claim the credit when you did your taxes for 2018 (for the period from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020), you have until December 31, 2022, to claim it. 

There are four ways to sign up:

• using the online services in My Account for individuals
• using your financial institution’s website (if available)
• enclosing a voided cheque with your name and social insurance number on it with your tax return
• filing form LM-3-V, Request for Direct Deposit, or enclosing it with your tax return

The only way to make sure you get the full amount of the work premium you’re eligible for is to file your tax return and Schedule P. You can also apply for advance payments. Go to our website to find out how.

You must meet the basic conditions, and your work income for the year must be greater than $2,400 or $3,600, depending on whether or not you had a spouse. There is also a limit on family income based on your situation (single person, childless couple, single parent or couple with one or more children).

The shelter allowance program provides financial assistance for low-income individuals and families who spend the bulk of their budget on housing. You may be eligible if you’re in one the following situations:

• You live alone and are 50 or over.
• You have a spouse and one of you is 50 or older.
• You are part of a low-income household (composed of workers, students, social assistance recipients, etc.) with at least one dependent child.

Limits based on your situation apply to both your monthly rent and family income. Your monthly rent must meet the minimum and your family income must not exceed the maximum.

Yes. If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, you may be eligible for the income tax assistance program, where a volunteer will help you complete your tax returns free of charge so that you can get the tax credits you’re entitled to.