The Automated Benefits Application (ABA) is a new initiative by the Government of Canada to help Canadians apply for various benefits in one go. The program, launched in July 2020, is a joint effort by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about the Automated Benefits Application program, including its benefits, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is the Automated Benefits Application program?

The Automated Benefits Application is a new program that allows eligible Canadians to apply for various federal and provincial benefits in one go. The program simplifies the application process, as it eliminates the need for individuals to apply for benefits separately.

The program is available to eligible individuals who have filed their income tax and benefit return and are registered for My Account, which is an online portal where individuals can manage their tax affairs.

What benefits can you apply for using ABA?

Currently, the Automated Benefits Application program allows eligible individuals to apply for the following federal and provincial benefits:

  1. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
  2. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension
  3. Employment Insurance (EI) Maternity and Parental Benefits
  4. Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit
  5. Nova Scotia Child Benefit
  6. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
  7. Ontario Child Care Tax Credit (CCTB)

What are the benefits of using ABA?

The Automated Benefits Application program offers many benefits to eligible individuals. Some of these benefits include:

  1. Convenience: Applying for benefits using ABA is simple and convenient, as individuals can apply for multiple benefits in one go.
  2. Time-saving: The program saves time, as individuals no longer need to apply for benefits separately.
  3. Reduced errors: The program reduces the risk of errors, as individuals no longer need to provide the same information multiple times.
  4. Faster processing: Since the program eliminates the need for individuals to apply for benefits separately, the processing time for benefits is faster.
  5. Increased access: The program ensures that eligible individuals are aware of the benefits they are entitled to and can easily apply for them.

Eligibility for the Automated Benefits Application program

To be eligible for the Automated Benefits Application program, individuals must meet the following criteria:

  1. File their income tax and benefit return.
  2. Be registered for My Account.
  3. Meet the eligibility criteria for the benefits they are applying for.

How to apply for the Automated Benefits Application program?

Eligible individuals can apply for the Automated Benefits Application program by following these steps:

  1. Log in to their My Account using their CRA user ID and password.
  2. Scroll down to the “Benefits and Credits” section and click on “Apply for child benefits and credits.”
  3. Follow the prompts to complete the application.
  4. Once the application is complete, the system will automatically determine which benefits the individual is eligible for and apply for them on their behalf.

Conclusion

The Automated Benefits Application program is an excellent initiative by the Government of Canada to simplify the application process for various benefits. Eligible individuals can apply for multiple benefits in one go, saving them time and reducing the risk of errors. If you are eligible for the program, we recommend taking advantage of it to ensure you are accessing all the benefits you are entitled to.