Are you 65 or older? Claim your benefits and credits

Did you know?
There are several benefits and credits designed for seniors.

Important information for seniors

• Age Amount – You can claim this amount if you were 65 years of age or older on December 31, 2012, and your net income is less than $78,684. The maximum amount you can claim is $6,720.
• Pension income amount – You may be able to claim up to $2,000 if you reported eligible pension, superannuation, or annuity payments on your return.
• Pension income splitting – If you’re receiving a pension, you may be eligible to split up to 50% of your eligible pension income with your spouse or common-law partner.
• Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) – Deductible RRSP contributions can reduce your tax bill. You have until December 31 of the year you turn 71 to contribute to your RRSP.
• Registered disability savings plan – A registered disability savings plan (RDSP) is a savings plan to help families save for the financial security of a person who is eligible for the disability tax credit.
• Goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit – You may be eligible for the GST/HST credit, a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with modest incomes offset all or part of the GST or HST that they pay.
• Working income tax benefit (WITB) – Working individuals and families with low income may be able to claim this refundable tax credit. The WITB includes a supplement for individuals who qualify for the disability amount. Eligible individuals and families may also apply for advance payments.
• Disability amount – If you have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions, and meet certain conditions, you may be eligible to claim the disability amount.
• Public transit amount – You can claim the cost of public transit passes, such as a monthly or annual pass, for travel within Canada on public transit in 2012.
• Medical expenses – You may be able to claim a non-refundable tax credit based on the cost of previously unclaimed medical expenses for any 12-month period ending in 2012.
• Canada child tax benefit (CCTB) – If you are the primary caregiver for a child under the age of 18, the CCTB may help you with the costs of raising the child.
• Child disability benefit – You may be eligible for this tax-free benefit if you cared for a child under the age of 18 who is eligible for the disability amount.
• Universal child care benefit (UCCB) – If you are the primary caregiver for a child under the age of 6, you may be eligible to receive the UCCB when you apply for the CCTB.

Canada Revenue Agency

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