Solidarity Tax Credit 2026: The guide to receiving this benefit in Quebec
Updated: February 2026
6 min read
FinMaple Team
The Solidarity Tax Credit is a monthly tax-free payment for low- and middle-income Quebec residents. To receive it in 2026 you must file your provincial return, be 18 years old, and have lived in Quebec on December 31, 2025. It is deposited on the 5th of each month.
Many newcomers in Montreal miss this money every year simply because they didn't know it existed. This guide exists so you won't be one of them.
Key takeaways
- You must file even if your income is $0 — no filing, no credit
- Payment is monthly, on the 5th of each month, by direct deposit only
- If you're a renter you need the RL-31 from your landlord to receive the full amount
How much money will I receive in 2026?
| Family situation | Net family income | Estimated monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single (living alone) | Less than $40,000 | $98 - $115 CAD/month |
| Couple with 2 children | Less than $65,000 | $160 - $195 CAD/month |
| Renter with RL-31 | Variable | Extra housing bonus |
| Newcomer | Variable | Depends on month of arrival |
When is the Solidarity Tax Credit paid in 2026?
Payment is monthly on the 5th. If it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the deposit arrives on the previous business day. The first payment generally arrives 3-4 months after filing your taxes.
The document you can't be without: The RL-31
Your landlord is legally required to give you the RL-31 before the end of February. Without the dwelling number on this document, you cannot claim the housing component, which significantly reduces your monthly payment.
If your landlord doesn't provide it, you can report them to Revenu Quebec. Send a written request first — that protects you legally.
Solidarity Tax Credit vs Canada Child Benefit — what's the difference?
| Feature | Solidarity Tax Credit | Canada Child Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Revenu Quebec | CRA (federal) |
| Payment | Monthly (5th) | Monthly |
| Based on | Income + housing | Income + number of children |
| Requires | Quebec return (TP-1) | Federal return |
| Applies to | Quebec residents | Families with minor children |
Mandatory requirements — what many newcomers don't know
- File even if income is $0 — mandatory to receive the credit. Without a provincial return (TP-1), Revenu Quebec won't grant it. Check our tax guide for newcomers in Quebec to understand how to file the TP-1.
- Direct deposit required — it's the only payment method Revenu Quebec uses for this credit. Set it up in Mon dossier.
- Temporary residents qualify — if you have a work permit or study permit and lived in Quebec on December 31, 2025, you can receive it.
- Update your address with Revenu Quebec if you move — payments are automatically stopped for security if the address doesn't match.
Common mistakes that cost real money
- Not filing because "I didn't earn anything" — you lose the entire credit. You must file with Revenu Quebec regardless of your income. In Quebec you need to file two separate returns; review the differences between CRA and Revenu Quebec so you don't get confused.
- Forgetting Schedule D in the return — without this form the credit doesn't apply. Wealthsimple Tax generates it automatically.
- Not having active direct deposit — the money is held indefinitely until you set up your bank account with Revenu Quebec.
- Not requesting the RL-31 from your landlord — you lose the housing component, which is the largest part of the credit for renters.
- Not updating your address — payments are suspended. Notify Revenu Quebec online or by phone immediately after moving.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I need to be a Canadian citizen to receive this credit?
No. Permanent and temporary residents with a work or study permit qualify if they met the Quebec residency rules as of December 31, 2025.
When do I start receiving payments?
Generally 3-4 months after filing your provincial return. If you file in March, the first payments arrive in June-July.
What happens if I move out of Quebec?
You must notify Revenu Quebec immediately. You'll receive the credit only for the months you lived in Quebec that year.
Does the credit affect other benefits I receive?
No. The Solidarity Tax Credit is tax-free and does not reduce other benefits like the CCB or the federal GST Credit.
Want to know exactly how much you'd receive? Solidarity Tax Credit 2026 Calculator — coming soon to FinMaple.
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