Canada Benefit Payment Dates 2025-2026
Your complete guide to every federal and provincial benefit payment—because you deserve to know exactly when your money arrives. No guessing, no stress, just the facts you need to plan ahead with confidence.
✨ Updated with Official CRA DatesLet's be honest—waiting for government payments can feel like watching paint dry, especially when you're counting on that money to cover rent, groceries, or your kids' activities. We get it. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to every single Canada benefit payment date for 2025 and 2026.
Whether you're a parent relying on the Canada Child Benefit, a senior waiting for your CPP or OAS, a low-income worker expecting the GST/HST credit, or someone newly eligible for the groundbreaking Canada Disability Benefit that launched in 2025—this page has you covered. Think of it as your financial calendar, your planning tool, and your peace of mind, all rolled into one.
You'll find exact payment dates, maximum amounts (yes, they've increased for 2025-2026!), eligibility guidelines, and insider tips on how to make sure you never miss a penny. Because frankly? You've earned these benefits, and you deserve to receive them on time, every time.
Most Requested: 2025-2026 Payment Schedules
These are the benefits Canadians search for most. We've broken down each one with clear dates, updated maximum amounts, and what you need to know to stay on track.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
💵 Up to $6,748/year per child ages 6-17
The CCB is a lifeline for Canadian families, helping cover everything from daycare costs to hockey equipment. Wondering when your next payment hits? Here's the complete schedule. Payments arrive monthly, typically on the 20th (or nearest business day). The amounts below reflect the 2025-2026 benefit year, which runs from July 2025 to June 2026.
| Month | 2025 Payment Date | 2026 Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| January | Jan 20, 2025 | Jan 20, 2026 |
| February | Feb 20, 2025 | Feb 20, 2026 |
| March | Mar 20, 2025 | Mar 20, 2026 |
| April | Apr 17, 2025 | Apr 20, 2026 |
| May | May 20, 2025 | May 20, 2026 |
| June | Jun 20, 2025 | Jun 19, 2026 |
| July | Jul 18, 2025 | Jul 20, 2026 |
| August | Aug 20, 2025 | Aug 20, 2026 |
| September | Sep 19, 2025 | Sep 18, 2026 |
| October | Oct 20, 2025 | Oct 20, 2026 |
| November | Nov 20, 2025 | Nov 20, 2026 |
| December | Dec 12, 2025 | Dec 18, 2026 |
💡 Pro Tip: July is when your payments get recalculated based on last year's tax return. File your taxes on time (by April 30) to avoid delays!
GST/HST Credit
💵 Up to $698/year (couples)
💵 Plus $184/year per child
This quarterly credit helps offset the sales tax you pay on everyday purchases—think groceries, gas, and utilities. It might not seem like much at first glance, but that extra $130+ per quarter? It adds up fast, especially when inflation's biting. Here's when you can expect your payments for both 2025 and 2026.
| Quarter | 2025 Payment Date | 2026 Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan) | Jan 3, 2025 | Jan 5, 2026 |
| Q2 (Apr) | Apr 4, 2025 | Apr 3, 2026 |
| Q3 (Jul) | Jul 4, 2025 | Jul 3, 2026 |
| Q4 (Oct) | Oct 3, 2025 | Oct 2, 2026 |
💡 Pro Tip: The GST/HST credit now includes a 2.7% increase for the 2025-2026 benefit year, keeping pace with inflation. You're automatically considered when you file your taxes—no separate application needed!
CPP & OAS Pensions
💵 OAS: $735-$808/month (age-dependent)
For seniors, these payments aren't just numbers on a screen—they're the foundation of retirement security. Whether you're 65 or 75, planning trips to see the grandkids or just covering the basics, knowing when your pension arrives matters. Both CPP and OAS are paid monthly, typically on the third-to-last business day. And here's some good news: OAS amounts are adjusted quarterly for inflation, so your purchasing power stays protected.
| Month | 2025 Payment Date | 2026 Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| January | Jan 29, 2025 | Jan 28, 2026 |
| February | Feb 26, 2025 | Feb 25, 2026 |
| March | Mar 27, 2025 | Mar 27, 2026 |
| April | Apr 28, 2025 | Apr 28, 2026 |
| May | May 28, 2025 | May 27, 2026 |
| June | Jun 26, 2025 | Jun 26, 2026 |
| July | Jul 29, 2025 | Jul 29, 2026 |
| August | Aug 27, 2025 | Aug 27, 2026 |
| September | Sep 25, 2025 | Sep 25, 2026 |
| October | Oct 29, 2025 | Oct 28, 2026 |
| November | Nov 26, 2025 | Nov 26, 2026 |
| December | Dec 22, 2025 | Dec 23, 2026 |
💡 Pro Tip: Seniors aged 75+ receive an extra 10% OAS boost! That's about $808/month instead of $735. And remember, you can defer OAS up to age 70 for 0.6% more per month—potentially worth thousands over your lifetime.
Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) NEW 2025!
This is a game-changer. Launched in July 2025, the Canada Disability Benefit is the federal government's commitment to reducing poverty among working-age Canadians (18-64) with disabilities. It's not replacing provincial supports—it's adding to them. If you're approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and have a low income, you could be eligible for an extra $200 every month. Starting July 2026, these amounts will be indexed to inflation, ensuring you don't lose purchasing power.
| Month | 2025 Payment Date | 2026 Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| July (Launch) | Jul 16, 2025 | Jul 16, 2026 |
| August | Aug 16, 2025 | Aug 16, 2026 |
| September | Sep 16, 2025 | Sep 16, 2026 |
| October | Oct 16, 2025 | Oct 16, 2026 |
| November | Nov 16, 2025 | Nov 16, 2026 |
| December | Dec 16, 2025 | Dec 16, 2026 |
⚠️ Important: You must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) AND have filed your 2024 tax return to qualify. Applications opened in mid-2025. Track your status via My Service Canada Account.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
If you're an Ontario resident, the OTB is like getting three provincial credits in one convenient package: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and Ontario Sales Tax Credit. It's designed to help with your energy bills, property taxes, and sales tax burden. Payments arrive monthly on the 10th of each month—straight to your bank account if you've set up direct deposit.
| Month | 2025 Payment Date | 2026 Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| January | Jan 10, 2025 | Jan 10, 2026 |
| February | Feb 10, 2025 | Feb 10, 2026 |
| March | Mar 10, 2025 | Mar 10, 2026 |
| April | Apr 10, 2025 | Apr 10, 2026 |
| May | May 9, 2025 | May 9, 2026 |
| June | Jun 10, 2025 | Jun 10, 2026 |
| July | Jul 10, 2025 | Jul 10, 2026 |
| August | Aug 8, 2025 | Aug 10, 2026 |
| September | Sep 10, 2025 | Sep 10, 2026 |
| October | Oct 10, 2025 | Oct 10, 2026 |
| November | Nov 10, 2025 | Nov 10, 2026 |
| December | Dec 10, 2025 | Dec 10, 2026 |
💡 Pro Tip: Northern Ontario residents get an additional energy credit boost! Make sure to accurately report your residential address on your tax return.
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
💵 Up to $2,461/year (families)
💵 Disability supplement available
Working hard but still struggling financially? You're not alone, and the ACWB is here to help. This benefit provides advance payments—up to 50% of your estimated annual amount—three times per year. It's specifically for low-income workers, with extra support if you qualify for the disability supplement. Think of it as a financial boost while you're working toward stability. The 2025-2026 amounts increased by 2.7% to keep pace with inflation.
| Quarter | 2025 Payment Date | 2026 Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (January) | Jan 10, 2025 | Jan 9, 2026 |
| Q2 (July) | Jul 11, 2025 | Jul 10, 2026 |
| Q3 (October) | Oct 10, 2025 | Oct 9, 2026 |
💡 Pro Tip: You must complete Schedule 6 (Canada Workers Benefit) with your tax return to qualify. The CRA automatically assesses eligibility—no separate application needed!
Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)
💵 20% rural supplement available
Formerly known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment, the CCR helps offset federal carbon pricing costs. If you live in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island, you're automatically considered when you file your taxes. Rural residents? You get a 20% bonus on top of the base amount—doubling the rural supplement introduced in 2025. Payments arrive quarterly, and the amounts depend on your province and household size.
| Quarter | 2025 Payment Date | 2026 Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (January) | Jan 15, 2025 | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Q2 (April) | Apr 15, 2025 | Apr 15, 2026 |
| Q3 (July) | Jul 15, 2025 | Jul 15, 2026 |
| Q4 (October) | Oct 15, 2025 | Oct 15, 2026 |
💡 Pro Tip: You must be 19+ and a resident of a participating province for at least one month to qualify. The rural supplement now provides a 20% boost—up from 10% in previous years!
Alberta Child & Family Benefit (ACFB)
For Alberta families with children, the ACFB provides extra financial support on top of the federal Canada Child Benefit. It's income-tested and paid quarterly—February, May, and August. While the exact amounts depend on your household income and number of children, every bit helps when raising a family in today's economy.
| Quarter | 2025 Payment Date | 2026 Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (February) | Feb 27, 2025 | Feb 26, 2026 |
| Q2 (May) | May 27, 2025 | May 27, 2026 |
| Q3 (August) | Aug 27, 2025 | Aug 27, 2026 |
💡 Pro Tip: You're automatically considered for ACFB when you apply for the Canada Child Benefit. Keep your CRA My Account updated with any changes!
Essential Information You Need to Know
Understanding the fine print can make all the difference between smooth sailing and frustrating delays. Here's what you absolutely need to know about receiving your benefit payments.
📅 Payment Processing: Be Patient (But Not Too Patient)
Here's a reality check: if your payment doesn't show up on the expected date, take a breath. For the Canada Child Benefit and Alberta Child and Family Benefit, wait 5 working days before calling the CRA. For most other benefits like GST/HST credit, Ontario Trillium Benefit, Canada Carbon Rebate, and Advanced Canada Workers Benefit, give it 10 working days. Banks need time to process, especially if you're still receiving cheques by mail instead of direct deposit.
⚡ Direct Deposit: The Fastest Way to Get Your Money
Look, nobody likes waiting for cheques to arrive in the mail—especially with potential postal delays. Setting up direct deposit through your CRA My Account means your money lands in your bank account on the exact payment date. No delays, no lost cheques, no stress. It takes five minutes to set up and could save you weeks of frustration. Seriously, do it today.
🛡️ Beware of Scams: If It Sounds Too Good to Be True...
Let's talk about something serious: benefit scams are everywhere. The CRA will NEVER send text messages asking for personal information, requesting payment, or telling you to click a link to receive a benefit or refund. Never. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the government and demands immediate action or payment? It's a scam. Hang up, delete the message, and verify everything through official channels like your CRA My Account or Canada.ca.
📝 File Your Taxes On Time: Non-Negotiable
This cannot be stressed enough: to receive most federal benefits, you MUST file your tax return every year—even if you have zero income. The April 30 deadline isn't a suggestion; it's the key to keeping your payments flowing. Miss it, and your benefits could be delayed or even stopped. And here's the thing: many benefits are recalculated in July based on your previous year's tax return, so filing late means getting incorrect amounts until you catch up.
🔄 Update Your Information Immediately
Life changes happen—you move, get married, have a baby, separate from a partner, or experience a change in custody arrangements. When these things happen, you need to update your CRA My Account ASAP. Why? Because benefit amounts are tied to your family situation, address, and income. Delays in updating can mean overpayments (which you'll have to pay back), underpayments (which you're owed), or missed payments entirely. Don't let bureaucracy rob you of money you've earned.
💡 Check Your Eligibility Regularly
Benefit rules change, income thresholds shift, and new programs launch—like the Canada Disability Benefit in 2025. You might qualify for benefits you didn't know existed. Use the CRA's Benefits Finder tool at Canada.ca to see what you're eligible for. And if your financial situation changes (job loss, reduced hours, unexpected expenses), you may now qualify for benefits you previously didn't. It's worth checking every year after you file your taxes.
Watch Out: Common Payment Delays
Payments can be delayed or stopped for several reasons, and knowing them can save you major headaches. The most common culprits? Failing to file your tax return on time, not updating your banking information after changing accounts, address changes not reported to the CRA, unresolved tax debts that result in benefit garnishment, missing documentation for disability-related benefits, or custody disputes affecting CCB eligibility. If your payment is late and you've ruled out normal processing times, log into your CRA My Account to check for any notices or missing information requests. Often, a simple fix can get your payments flowing again within days.
Never Miss Another Payment
Take control of your benefits today. Set up your CRA My Account, sign up for payment reminders, and ensure you're receiving every dollar you're entitled to. Your financial peace of mind is just one click away.
Access CRA My Account Official CRA Payment CalendarYour Financial Planning Starts Here
Look, we know government benefits can feel complicated and overwhelming. There are forms to fill out, deadlines to remember, and payment dates that sometimes seem to change for no reason. But here's the truth: these benefits exist because you've earned them—through working, raising children, paying taxes, or simply being a Canadian resident who needs support.
This comprehensive guide to Canada benefit payment dates for 2025 and 2026 is designed to take away the guesswork. Whether you're relying on the Canada Child Benefit to cover daycare costs, counting on your CPP and OAS to enjoy retirement, benefiting from the new Canada Disability Benefit, or maximizing quarterly credits like the GST/HST and Canada Carbon Rebate—every payment date matters.
Bookmark this page. Share it with family and friends who might need it. And most importantly, use it to plan ahead with confidence. Your benefits are there to support you—let's make sure you get every penny, on time, every time.
💬 Questions about your specific payments? Contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 or log into your CRA My Account for personalized benefit information and payment details.