FINANCIAL RESOURCES
FINANCIAL COUNSELLING & COACHING
TELUS Health (via Unison Fund)
Confidential, 24/7 support for:
- Budgeting & debt management
- Financial goal setting
- Retirement & pension planning
🔗 Access TELUS Health
Get Free One-to-One Financial Planning Support 
At Unison, we know that financial stress can take a toll on both your wellbeing and your ability to plan for the future. That’s why we’re sharing a free resource designed to help you feel more confident and prepared. The Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning offers free one-to-one support sessions with trained volunteers. These confidential, participant-led sessions give you the opportunity to review your financial situation, reflect on money values, set meaningful goals, and explore strategies for reaching them. Each meeting is tailored to your individual needs, helping you move forward with clarity – all at no cost to you. 
If you’d like to learn more, you can contact Reem Jarrar (reem.jarrar@cffp.ca) or request a volunteer directly by filling out this request form. 
COMMUNITY-BASED, NON-CLINICAL HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
211 Canada
Your go-to for local, non-clinical support:
- Housing, food, mental health, and employment services
- Available 24/7 in 150+ languages 📞 Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.ca
Benefits FinDER
Discover federal and provincial programs you may qualify for, click here to start.
Social Assistance & Income Support by Province
Learn how to get financial and employment assistance if you don’t have enough money for things like food and housing, or if you have a disability and are in financial need.
If you’re in financial need due to unemployment, disability, or other challenges, each province offers tailored support:
TAXES & ACCOUNTING SUPPORT
Why file taxes?
Filing your return ensures you receive:
- GST/HST credits
- Canada Child Benefit
- Housing and disability supports
MY CRA Account
- Register for a CRA account Register easily with the new  document verification service – It’s easier than ever to register for a CRA account! The document verification service allows you to verify your identity and get immediate access to your online account. You don’t have to wait for a CRA security code by mail, which can take up to 10 business days. More than 1 million individuals have already used it!
- Online chat in My Account – You can now discuss account-specific issues with a live CRA agent in My Account. This includes questions about personal income tax, benefits, payments to the CRA, and more. To use it, you need to sign in to your CRA account and go to My Account. You can fund the chat widget at the bottom right corner of the page after signing in. Access benefits, tax slips, and live chat with CRA agents 🔗 Register or sign in
- Simplified access to your CRA Account. You can now access the My Account, My Business Account, and Represent a Client portals with a single sign-in.
Need help filing?
- Look for a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) for reliable tax and financial advice
🔗 How to find a tax professional - Alternatively reach out to your local provincial music association for recommendations on reputable accounts in your area.
WHY FILING TAXES MATTERS:
Even if you earn little or no income, filing your taxes annually is essential to access key government benefits and credits. Here’s what you unlock by filing:
Benefits You Can Receive (Filing is the only way to ensure you receive these payments)
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – Monthly support for families raising children under 18
- GST/HST Credit – Quarterly payments to offset sales tax costs
- Canada Carbon Rebate – Quarterly payments to offset pollution pricing
- Canada Workers Benefit – Refundable credit for low-income workers
- Old Age Security & Guaranteed Income Supplement – Monthly support for seniors
- Canada Dental Benefit – Support for families with children under 12
- Provincial/Territorial Benefits – Additional supports based on where you live
Filing is the only way to ensure you receive these payments
CRA TAX TIPSÂ
Filing an income tax and benefit return might not be the highlight of your year, but it allows you to receive any benefit and credit payments you’re entitled to, and you may even get a refund. By following the tips provided through this link, you can file your tax return with ease.Â
Here are some key tips from the Canada Revenue Agency to help you file smoothly and maximize your return:
- File Online with NETFILE
- Faster refunds (as little as 8 business days)
- Use certified software for secure filing
- Register for CRA My Account
- Manage benefits, update info, and access notices of assessment
- Use Direct Deposit
- Get payments quickly and securely
- Free Tax Clinics
- Available for individuals with modest income and simple tax situations
- Watch Your TFSA Limit
- Avoid penalties by staying within your contribution room
- Claim All Eligible Credits
- Including disability, caregiver, student, and housing-related credits
- Self-Employed?
Most individuals must file by April 30, while self-employed individuals have until June 15, 2026. Click HERE to find out more about due dates and payment dates.