Meeting your basic needs and meeting the love of your life may be equally challenging to the average Canadian unless you're aware of these handy federal benefits and government programs that can help you with the former (even if the latter is a pipe dream).

The on-average rising cost of rent in Montreal and the steep prices of groceries across the province have put extra pressure on Montrealers' bank accounts, even at the most budget-friendly of establishments. Even if you're already tuned into the Canada Workers Benefit or well-versed on how Canada's GST/HST credit works, there are surely some stones in this piece you haven't overturned yet. For those with disabilities or caring for a child, many of these benefits are slightly increased to account for more financial challenges you might face. Frequently, child-related benefits will increase as the number of children under your care increases.