Working Women Community Centre - Settlement, English classes and family programs for immigrant women

Helps immigrant women and families with settlement (including help with permanent residence and work permit applications and sponsoring family), LINC English classes, tutoring for students, and parenting programs.

For: Newcomer women and families in Toronto; HIPPY Young Moms is for mothers aged 16 to 29 facing financial difficulties, and On Your Mark tutoring is for students struggling with reading, writing or math.

Toronto · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Toronto Public Library – Programs for Kids & Families

Toronto Public Library's branch programs for children and families, including Ready for Reading storytimes such as Baby Time and Toddler Time.

Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto - Mentoring for children and youth

The wait for an assessment is about 2 to 3 months; in Rexdale, Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough a match usually takes 6 months to 1 year because of a shortage of mentors.

Matches children and youth with trained adult volunteer mentors through the Ignite Mentoring Programs and the Little By Little Program.

For: Children aged 7 to 16 whose parent or guardian lives in a Toronto 'M' postal code (or who are referred by another agency); youth 16 and over can apply on their own; volunteer mentors must be 18 or older and give about 2 hours a week.

Toronto · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

City of Toronto Free Centres and free drop-in recreation

Registered programs open by season: registration starts at 7 a.m. on most start dates (10 a.m. for Older Adult programs).

The City has 43 Free Centres, community recreation centres in lower-income neighbourhoods where all City-run registered and drop-in programs are free for every age, and many other centres offer free drop-in leisure swimming, skating and more.

For: Toronto residents of any age (non-residents pay at Free Centres); free drop-ins at other centres are for children, youth and older adults, and adults 60+ get 50 per cent off registered adult programs.

Toronto · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Student Nutrition Programs in Toronto Schools (free breakfast, snacks and meals)

Runs every school day during the school year. No application is needed for students.

Programs in Toronto schools that give students healthy breakfasts, morning meals, snacks or lunches each school day. Over 230,000 Toronto students take part every day. The City of Toronto funds them through Toronto Public Health, with money from Ontario and from the Government of Canada, whose National School Food Program adds funding to Ontario's Student Nutrition Program. The City aims to have a morning meal program in every public school community by the 2026-2027 school year.

For: Children and youth at Toronto schools that run a student nutrition program. Programs are open to all students regardless of their ability to pay and are meant to be free of stigma. Families do not apply to the National School Food Program directly. It reaches students through these school programs.

Toronto · checked 4 October 2026 · everything we know

Legal Aid Ontario client service line (apply for legal aid)

No deadline. The phone line is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

The phone line where you apply for legal aid in Ontario. If you qualify, Legal Aid Ontario gives you a certificate that pays a private lawyer for a set number of hours, or free help from duty counsel lawyers at court, for family, criminal, child protection, immigration and refugee, and domestic violence problems.

For: People in Ontario with a low income and a legal problem. For a certificate in a family, immigration or refugee case, family income must be lower than $18,795 for 1 person, $32,131 for 2, $39,352 for 3, $45,289 for 4 and $50,803 for 5 or more. In a criminal case it must be lower than $45,440 for 1 to 4 people and $50,803 for 5 or more. If you have income or own property above this, you may still get a certificate with a contribution agreement, where you pay back some or all of the legal fees.

Ontario-wide · checked 4 October 2026 · everything we know

City of Toronto - Community Recreation Volunteers

Volunteer roles at City community recreation centres (program support, swim/camp assistance, special events) open to ages 14+ and accepted toward the 40 hours.

Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

Family Law Information Centres (FLIC) at Toronto family courthouses

Free information centres at family courthouses. Staff give information about separation, divorce and related family law issues, child protection, court forms and processes, family mediation and other ways to settle without going to court, and refer you to local services. Legal Aid Ontario duty counsel lawyers at the courthouse can give legal advice on the day of your court date.

For: People in Toronto dealing with separation, divorce, child protection or another family law issue. The information is free for everyone. Free advice from Legal Aid Ontario duty counsel is for people whose family income is lower than $45,440 (1 to 4 people) or $50,803 (5 or more), and a single person's assets must be lower than $15,000.

Toronto · checked 4 October 2026 · everything we know

Healthy Babies Healthy Children (Toronto Public Health): free home visits in pregnancy and the early years

Open all year. A child can join until their third birthday.

A free, voluntary home visiting program. A Public Health Nurse and a Family Home Visitor visit you at home and help with pregnancy, breastfeeding and feeding, your child's growth and development, parenting and your own well-being, and connect you to community programs and health services. Family Home Visitors come from many cultural groups and may speak your language, and interpretation is available.

For: People who live in Toronto, are pregnant or parenting a child 3 or younger (children can join until their third birthday), are the child's legal guardian, can have home visits during program hours, and have at least one need, for example: a newcomer to Canada here less than 3 years and having a first baby in Canada, little support around you, a physical or mental health problem that makes parenting or pregnancy hard, questions about your child's health or development, or hard life situations such as homelessness, domestic violence or no OHIP. You do not need an OHIP card.

Toronto · checked 4 October 2026 · everything we know

Lower Child Care Fees (Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care System)

No application and no deadline for the lower fee. Many centres have wait lists, so get on them early. Canada and Ontario extended their child care agreement to March 31, 2027.

Canada and Ontario pay part of the cost of licensed child care so families pay less. At child care programs enrolled in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, fees for children under 6 are capped at $22 a day. The provincial average is $19 a day. The Ontario page, updated September 2026, still lists the $22 a day cap.

For: Families with a child under 6 at a licensed child care centre or home child care agency that is enrolled in CWELCC. You do not have to apply for the lower fee. The reduction applies when the provider charges more than $12 a day. Families with low income can also apply separately for a City of Toronto Child Care Fee Subsidy.

Toronto · checked 4 October 2026 · everything we know

Toronto Public Health immunization clinics (free vaccines by appointment)

Clinics are by appointment. Grade 7 and 8 students can also get the hepatitis B, HPV and meningococcal vaccines at school during school hours (School Immunization Program clinics). Ontario law requires students to be up to date with the vaccines for 9 diseases, or have a valid exemption, to attend school.

Toronto Public Health runs free community vaccine clinics by appointment. Students can catch up on the vaccines needed for school and on hepatitis B, HPV and meningococcal vaccines, children under 5 can get free COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines, and the booking page also lists mpox vaccine clinics and an older adult clinic for COVID-19, flu or RSV vaccines.

For: Students in junior kindergarten (JK) to grade 12 who live or go to school in Toronto (school vaccines); children under 5 (COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines); and the other groups listed on the booking page. If your child has no OHIP or health insurance, Toronto Public Health says to contact a clinic that gives free health care to uninsured people.

Toronto · checked 4 October 2026 · everything we know

Toronto Public Library tpl:map (Museum + Arts Pass)

Passes are released the first Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m. (Reptilia and Inter Toronto FC release weekly on Tuesdays at 2 p.m.); subject to availability.

Free passes from Toronto Public Library to museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and attractions such as the ROM, AGO, Toronto Zoo, Ripley's Aquarium, Aga Khan Museum and Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

For: Anyone with an adult Toronto Public Library card; how many people a pass admits (adults and children) depends on the attraction.

Toronto · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

SavvyMom (Toronto edition)

Canadian parenting media brand (est. 2005) with a dedicated Toronto city edition.

Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)

Monthly money for parents caring for a child with a severe disability, to help with extra costs. You can get between $25 and $678 a month, based on income, family size and the child's needs. It can help with travel to medical visits, special clothing and footwear, and respite care.

For: Parents or guardians of a child under 18 with a severe disability who lives at home, with household income of $77,640 or less.

Ontario-wide · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know

CRA My Account (sign up for your Canada Revenue Agency online account)

Register any time. A CRA security code sent by mail reaches the address the CRA has on file within 10 business days; the document verification service on a mobile device gives immediate access.

Your free online Canada Revenue Agency account, the main route for many benefits: you can apply for child benefits, fill out Part A of the disability tax credit application, see how your benefits were calculated, and update your address and other personal information.

For: Anyone with a Social Insurance Number who has filed a tax return in the current or previous year; to register you need amounts from your most recent assessed tax return from within the last 2 years.

Canada-wide · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Paid all year. Next payment dates: 2026-10-20, 2026-11-20 and 2026-12-11. You and your spouse must file a tax return by April 30 every year to keep payments coming. Applying for a period that started more than 11 months ago needs extra proof documents.

A tax-free monthly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency to help families with the cost of raising children under 18, with up to $3,480 more a year for each child who qualifies for the disability tax credit.

For: A parent or caregiver who lives with a child under 18, is mainly responsible for the child's care and is a Canadian tax resident (citizen, permanent resident, protected person, registered under the Indian Act, or temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the past 18 months and has a valid permit); for July 2026 to June 2027 the maximum is $8,157 a year per child under 6 and $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17, reduced once 2025 adjusted family net income is above $38,237.

Canada-wide · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB, formerly the GST/HST credit)

Paid every three months. Next payment date: 2026-10-05. File your tax return every year to keep getting it.

A tax-free payment every three months from the Canada Revenue Agency to help people with low and modest incomes pay for everyday essentials; it is the GST/HST credit renamed in July 2026, with amounts raised 25% for 2026 to 2031.

For: Canadian tax residents aged 19 or older (or under 19 with a spouse or partner, or living with their own child); for July 2026 to June 2027 it pays up to $679 for a single person, $890 for a couple and $234 per child under 19, and for example a single person with no children qualifies with 2025 adjusted family net income under $60,012.

Canada-wide · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Applications for the 2026-2027 benefit period are open. The renewal period closed on 2026-06-01: members who did not renew can submit a new application, but care received during the gap in coverage is not covered or paid back. Members must renew every year; renewals for 2027-2028 open in spring 2027.

Federal dental coverage that pays all or part of the cost of exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures and oral surgery (braces are not covered).

For: Canadian tax residents with no access to private dental insurance or a health spending account that covers dental, whose adjusted family net income is under $90,000 and who (with any spouse or partner) filed a tax return; the plan pays 100% of its set fees under $70,000 income, 60% at $70,000 to $79,999 and 40% at $80,000 to $89,999.

Canada-wide · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Child Care Fee Subsidy (City of Toronto)

There is a waitlist, so apply as soon as possible. You can apply as soon as you are expecting a child (pregnancy or adoption).

The City pays part of the cost of licensed child care for families who cannot afford the full fee, and you pay a daily amount based on your income.

For: Families who live in Toronto or are moving here, with children up to 12 years old, where each parent works, studies or plans to study (or a parent or child has an extra support need) and each parent has filed last year's taxes (new immigrants this year and parents under 18 can apply without a tax return).

Toronto · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Disability Tax Credit (DTC), Form T2201

Apply any time. Approval is required before you can get the Canada Disability Benefit.

A non-refundable tax credit that lowers income tax for a person with a disability or the family member who supports them, and approval is the key that opens the Canada Disability Benefit, the child disability benefit, the Registered Disability Savings Plan and the Canada workers benefit disability supplement.

For: People with a severe and prolonged impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months, as certified by a medical practitioner, and the family members who support them.

Canada-wide · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Healthy Smiles Ontario (free dental care for children 17 and under)

Apply any time. The ontario.ca program page shows a last update of October 21, 2021, so confirm the current income limits with Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600.

Free preventive, routine and emergency dental care for children and youth from low-income Ontario families, including check-ups, cleaning, fillings, x-rays, scaling and extractions (braces and whitening are not covered).

For: Children and youth 17 and under in Ontario households with family net income at or below $24,347 for 1 child, $26,189 for 2 or $28,032 for 3 (higher limits for bigger families); children whose families get Ontario Works, ODSP, Temporary Care Assistance or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities qualify automatically.

Ontario-wide · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

KidSport Toronto

KidSport gives grants so kids from families with money troubles can play a season of sport. Each child can get up to $250 a year toward sport registration fees. The money goes straight to the sport program.

For: Kids in the City of Toronto whose families face money barriers.

Toronto · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know

One Stop Talk (free virtual therapy for children and youth in Ontario)

A free, confidential service where children and youth get immediate mental health support from a registered therapist by phone or online, with no appointment needed, and can be connected to ongoing local support if needed.

For: Children and youth under 18 who live anywhere in Ontario, whatever their citizenship status, including people here on a temporary visa. Parents and caregivers can connect with their child; for a child aged 0 to 5 the parent can talk without the child, while children aged 6 to 17 must be in the session.

Ontario-wide · checked 4 October 2026 · everything we know

Ontario Autism Program

Supports for families of children and youth on the autism spectrum. Services include foundational family services, early years programs for ages 12 to 48 months, core clinical services, an entry to school program and urgent response services.

For: Children and youth under 18 living in Ontario with a written autism diagnosis from a qualified professional.

Ontario-wide · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know

Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)

No separate application; paid every month. File your taxes every year, even with no income, to keep qualifying.

A monthly Ontario payment of up to $146.66 per child under 18 (up to $1,760 a year) for low- to moderate-income families, paid in the same deposit as the Canada Child Benefit.

For: Ontario families with children under 18 who get the Canada Child Benefit; for July 2026 to June 2027 the full amount goes to families with adjusted family net income up to $26,865, and families above that may get a partial benefit.

Ontario-wide · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Special Services at Home (SSAH)

Funding for families caring for a child with a physical or developmental disability. It helps pay for supports for daily activities, growth and development, and respite breaks for parents, such as camp fees or before and after school care. Funding depends on available resources.

For: Families in Ontario with a child under 18 who has a physical or developmental disability and lives at home.

Ontario-wide · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know

The Stop Community Food Centre

A community food centre in west-central Toronto with a food bank, free drop-in breakfasts and lunches, a weekly Good Food Market, a tax and ID clinic and perinatal (pregnancy) support.

For: People who need food; households living in its catchment area (north of Bloor, south of St. Clair, east of Runnymede, west of Bathurst, per the map on its site) can use the food bank once a month, and others once every six months.

Toronto · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

CPP children's benefit

A monthly payment from the Canada Pension Plan for children of a CPP contributor who has died or who gets a CPP disability benefit. It is a flat amount that changes each year. Students aged 18 to 25 going part time get half.

For: Children under 18, or aged 18 to 25 and in school, whose parent paid into CPP and has died or is disabled.

Canada-wide · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know

Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants (through OSAP in Ontario)

The 2026-27 school year runs August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027; apply through OSAP no later than 60 days before your study period ends. Income limits took effect August 1, 2026.

A federal grant you do not pay back of up to $280 per month of study, or up to $2,240 a year, for each dependant, for the 2026 to 2027 school year.

For: Full-time students with financial need in a qualified program at a designated school who have a dependant under 12 at the start of the study period (or older with a permanent disability), with family income under the cut-off (for example, a family of 2 gets the full grant up to $54,412 and nothing above $98,017; a family of 4 gets the full grant up to $76,952 and nothing above $129,769).

Canada-wide · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Child Disability Benefit

A tax-free monthly payment for families caring for a child under 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment. It is up to $3,480 a year per child ($290 a month) for July 2026 to June 2027. It is paid with the Canada Child Benefit.

For: Families who get the Canada Child Benefit for a child approved for the Disability Tax Credit.

Canada-wide · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know

City of Toronto Welcome Policy (recreation fee subsidy)

City of Toronto subsidy that credits $683.04 a year per child/youth (up to age 24) and $314.60 per adult (25+) toward City-run recreation programs such as swimming, camps and fitness; credits last 12 months from approval and do not carry over. People on Ontario Works, ODSP or Toronto Child Care Fee Subsidy qualify automatically without income documents.

Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

Connecting Families Initiative

A Government of Canada program that gives low-income families and seniors home internet for $20 a month or less. Plans include 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds with at least 200 GB of data. Low-cost devices may also be offered while supplies last.

For: Low-income families who get the Canada Child Benefit and low-income seniors who get the Guaranteed Income Supplement, who receive an invitation letter from the Government of Canada.

Canada-wide · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know

EI maternity and parental benefits

Employment Insurance pays money to people who are away from work because they are pregnant, just gave birth, or are caring for a new or newly adopted child. Maternity and standard parental pay 55% of earnings up to $729 a week. Extended parental pays 33% up to $437 a week. Up to 15 weeks maternity, plus up to 40 weeks standard or 69 weeks extended parental shared between parents.

For: Workers who are pregnant, recently gave birth, or are caring for a new or newly adopted child. People in Quebec use the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan instead.

Canada-wide · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know

Health811 (Ontario's free health advice line)

Ontario's free and confidential health line: talk to a registered nurse, any time, or find health services and information.

For: Anyone in Ontario who needs health advice, or wants to know where to go for care.

Ontario-wide · checked 3 October 2026 · everything we know

Ontario Child Care Tax Credit (CARE)

A refundable tax credit that helps families pay for child care. It covers up to 75% of eligible child care costs, with a higher rate for lower incomes. You can claim up to $6,000 per child under 7, $3,750 per child aged 7 to 16, and $8,250 per child with a severe disability.

For: Ontario families with family income of $150,000 or less who can claim the Child Care Expense Deduction.

Ontario-wide · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know

Help! We've Got Kids

Family resource site with directory listings of kids' businesses, an events calendar and parenting articles, including a Toronto & GTA section.

Toronto & GTA · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

EarlyON Child and Family Centres (City of Toronto)

City of Toronto listing of EarlyON Child and Family Centres: free drop-in programs for young children and their parents or caregivers, run by local agencies.

Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

OHIP+ (free prescriptions for people 24 and under)

No application and no deadline; coverage ends on your 25th birthday.

Ontario pays for more than 5,900 prescription medications, such as antibiotics, asthma inhalers, diabetes, mental health and ADHD drugs, for children and young adults who have no private drug plan.

For: Anyone 24 or younger with OHIP coverage who is not covered by a private drug plan; coverage ends on your 25th birthday, and people with private insurance may get help from the Trillium Drug Program instead.

Ontario-wide · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Government of Canada Benefits Finder (Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credit and other supports)

Anonymous filter tool on canada.ca listing 157 federal and provincial supports by need (job loss, housing, family, disability, health, retirement), audience (newcomers, students, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, veterans) and province, with links out to each program. Entry point for finding child and family benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credit.

Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know