Canadians would need to provide updated details during review process
The Canada Revenue Agency is reviewing the benefits eligibility of about 200,000 Canadians this year.
The CRA will be sending letters to notify these Canadians that their government benefits are being reviewed, according to a report published on MSN.
The selection process is based on risk, and is being done based on impartial and non-discriminatory criteria, according to the report.
"We know that your benefits and credits are important to you and your family and we want to make sure the amounts you’re receiving are correct. So you may receive a letter and questionnaire from us telling you that your benefits are being reviewed," the CRA said, according to the report on MSN.
Since Jan. 12 this year, eligible Canadians have been receiving a new payment known as the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) from the CRA.
What information is CRA looking for?
During the review process, the CRA will be asking Canadians to provide such details as marital status, details about children under workers’ care and home address, according to the report on MSN.
The agency could also ask for supporting documents to confirm workers’ details. Canadians can submit these via mail, fax or online through their CRA My Account.
Canadians who will not receive a letter from the CRA about a benefits review will not automatically stop receiving benefits, according to the report.
Workers can call 1-800-959-8281 to verify the authenticity of the letter should they receive one.
The CRA has been trying to correct errors in delivering benefits to Canadians in the past.
In mid-2023, CRA fired 20 of its employees for claiming COVID-19 benefits while still working at the tax authority.
In May 2022, the CRA began issuing Notices of Redetermination (NoRs) to individuals who received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) but were not eligible for it so they could repay them.
In late 2022, the Auditor General of Canada said that tens of thousands of Canadian employers that received the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) were ineligible for the government benefit.
