Last Updated On 1 April 2026, 8:34 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Millions of Ontario residents are about to receive three separate CRA benefit payments in their bank accounts over the next few weeks.
The Canada Revenue Agency has confirmed that all three payments will arrive on different dates in April 2026 and each one serves a completely different purpose.
Some families could receive well over $1,000 when these three payments are combined into a single month of financial support.
What makes April 2026 even more significant is that all three of these benefit programs are about to undergo major increases starting in July 2026.
Before those increases take effect, understanding exactly what you will receive this month helps you plan your household finances with confidence.
Here is everything Ontario residents need to know about the three CRA benefit payments arriving in April 2026, including the exact dates, updated amounts, eligibility rules, and the confirmed higher amounts coming in July 2026.
Table of Contents
GST/HST Credit Payment
The first of the three April benefit payments arrives on Wednesday, April 2, 2026 when the Canada Revenue Agency deposits the quarterly GST/HST credit into eligible bank accounts across Ontario and the rest of Canada.
This tax-free quarterly payment is specifically designed to help low- and moderate-income individuals and families offset the goods and services tax they pay on everyday purchases throughout the year.
The April payment represents the final quarterly installment of the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, which means the amount you receive is calculated using information from your 2024 tax return.
For most recipients the April 2 deposit will match exactly what they received in January 2026 assuming there have been no changes to household income, marital status, or the number of dependent children in the home.
Ontario residents who have set up direct deposit with the CRA can expect the funds to appear in their bank accounts on the morning of April 2.
Those who receive their payments by cheque should allow additional processing and mail delivery time following the official payment date.
Maximum GST/HST Credit Amounts For April 2026
The CRA has confirmed the following maximum annual GST/HST credit amounts for the current benefit year running from July 2025 through June 2026.
| Category | Maximum Annual Amount | Quarterly Payment |
| Single individual | $533 | $133.25 |
| Married or common law couple | $698 | $174.50 |
| Each child under 19 | $184 | $46.00 |
| Single parent with 1 child | $717 | $179.25 |
| Couple with 2 children | $1,066 | $266.50 |
These maximum amounts apply to families and individuals whose adjusted family net income falls below the first income threshold for the 2024 base year.
The exact amount you receive depends on your adjusted family net income, your marital status, and the number of eligible children under the age of 19 in your household.
If the CRA calculated your total annual GST/HST credit at less than $50 per quarter back in July 2025, you would have received the entire annual amount as a single lump sum payment at that time rather than receiving quarterly installments.
New One-Time 50 Percent GST Top-Up Payment Coming This Spring
The federal government has announced a significant one-time bonus payment that will be issued to all GST/HST credit recipients this spring.
This special top-up payment equals 50 percent of the recipient’s total 2025 to 2026 GST/HST credit value.
The government has committed to delivering this payment as early as possible this spring with a firm deadline of no later than June 2026.
You must have received the January 2026 GST/HST credit payment to qualify for the top-up bonus.
No additional application or registration is required to receive this one-time payment as the CRA will use the same payment information from your January deposit to issue the bonus automatically.
New Canada Groceries And Essentials Benefit Replacing GST/HST Credit In July 2026
Beginning in July 2026, the GST/HST credit will be officially renamed to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
This is not merely a name change but represents a historic expansion of the program with substantially increased payment amounts.
The benefit amount will increase by 25 percent for a period of five years starting with the July 2026 payment and continuing through 2031.
The new name better reflects the purpose of helping Canadian families afford basic necessities including food, household essentials, and everyday purchases.
Here are the confirmed new maximum annual amounts effective July 2026 under the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit with the 25 percent increase applied.
| Category | Current Amount | New Amount (July 2026) | Annual Increase |
| Single individual | $533 | $666 | +$133 |
| Married or common law couple | $698 | $872 | +$174 |
| Each child under 19 | $184 | $230 | +$46 |
| Single parent with 1 child | $717 | $896 | +$179 |
| Couple with 2 children | $1,066 | $1,332 | +$266 |
| Family of four (2 adults + 2 children) | $1,066 | $1,332 | +$266 |
According to H&R Block Canada, a single person could receive up to $950 from July 2026 to June 2027 when combining the enhanced quarterly payments with the one time 50 percent top up.
A family of four could receive up to $1,890 over the same period under the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit program.
Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment
The second major benefit payment for Ontario residents arrives on Friday, April 10, 2026 when the Canada Revenue Agency deposits the monthly Ontario Trillium Benefit on behalf of the Ontario government.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a tax free combined payment that merges three separate provincial credits into a single monthly deposit designed to help low and moderate income Ontario residents manage essential living costs.
The OTB is administered by the CRA on behalf of the Province of Ontario and appears in your bank account under the name Canada Pro Deposit.
An eligible Ontario family can receive up to $3,230 in combined OTB support over the full benefit year which makes it one of the most valuable and most overlooked provincial benefit programs in Canada.
Three Credits Inside The Ontario Trillium Benefit
The Ontario Trillium Benefit combines the following three separate provincial tax credits into one convenient monthly payment.
You only need to qualify for one of these three credits to receive the benefit.
| OTB Component | Purpose | Maximum Annual Amount |
| Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) | Helps with property tax and energy costs | $1,283 (non seniors) / $1,461 (seniors) |
| Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) | Offsets the Ontario portion of HST | $371 per person |
| Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) | Additional energy cost support for Northern Ontario residents | $185 (single) / $285 (family) |
A family of four living in Southern Ontario could receive up to $2,767 per year through the OEPTC and OSTC components alone.
Families living in Northern Ontario could receive up to $3,230 per year when the NOEC is added to the combined payment.
Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Dates 2026
- April 10, 2026
- May 8, 2026
- June 10, 2026
- July 10, 2026
- August 10, 2026
- September 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
- November 10, 2026
- December 10, 2026
If the 10th of the month falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the OTB payment is issued on the last working day before the 10th.
If your annual OTB entitlement is $360 or less, you will receive the entire amount as a single lump sum payment in July rather than monthly installments.
Eligibility Requirements For The Ontario Trillium Benefit In 2026
To qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit you must have been a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2024 for the current benefit year payments.
- You must also meet at least one of the following conditions at some time before June 1, 2026.
- You must be 18 years of age or older, or have a spouse or common-law partner, or be a parent who lives with your child.
- You must have paid rent or property tax for your principal residence in Ontario during 2024.
- If you lived in a public long-term care home, you must have paid a portion of your accommodation costs.
- If you lived on a reserve, you must have paid for your home energy costs such as electricity and heating.
- Students who lived in a designated university, college, or private school residence in Ontario may also qualify for the OEPTC component.
- You must file your annual income tax return and complete Form ON BEN (Application for the Ontario Trillium Benefit) to receive the OEPTC and NOEC components.
The OSTC component does not require a separate application as the CRA determines your eligibility automatically from your tax return.
New Increased OTB Amounts Starting In July 2026
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is adjusted each year for inflation using the Ontario Consumer Price Index.
Based on the confirmed 2 percent indexation rate for 2026, Ontario residents can expect the following increased maximum amounts starting with the July 10, 2026 payment.
| OTB Component | Current Maximum | New Maximum (July 2026) |
| Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) | $371 per person | $378 per person |
| Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (non seniors) | $1,283 | $1,309 |
| Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (seniors 64+) | $1,461 | $1,490 |
| Northern Ontario Energy Credit (single) | $185 | $189 |
| Northern Ontario Energy Credit (family) | $285 | $291 |
These updated amounts will apply to the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year and will be calculated using your 2025 income tax return.
The Ontario government has also proposed additional changes to the Ontario Trillium Benefit in the 2026 Ontario Budget titled A Plan to Protect Ontario.
Canada Child Benefit Payment
The third and final major benefit payment for Ontario families arrives on Monday, April 20, 2026 when the CRA deposits the monthly Canada Child Benefit into the accounts of eligible parents and guardians across the province.
The Canada Child Benefit remains one of the most significant tax-free monthly payments available to Canadian families, providing essential financial support for the cost of raising children under the age of 18.
The April payment falls within the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year which means amounts are calculated using information from your 2024 tax return.
Maximum Canada Child Benefit Amounts For April 2026
For the current benefit year running through June 2026, the CRA has confirmed the following maximum annual CCB amounts.
| Child Age Category | Maximum Annual Amount | Maximum Monthly Payment |
| Children under 6 years old | $7,997 | $666.41 |
| Children aged 6 to 17 years old | $6,748 | $562.33 |
| Child Disability Benefit (additional) | $3,411 | $284.25 |
These maximum amounts apply to families whose adjusted family net income falls at or below $37,487 for the 2024 base year.
Families earning above this threshold see their CCB payments gradually reduced based on their income level and the number of children in their care.
A second reduction kicks in when family income exceeds $81,222 with additional percentage reductions applied to the benefit amount.
CCB Payment Dates 2026
| Month | CCB Payment Date |
| April 2026 | Monday, April 20, 2026 |
| May 2026 | Wednesday, May 20, 2026 |
| June 2026 | Friday, June 19, 2026 |
| July 2026 (new benefit year begins) | Monday, July 20, 2026 |
| August 2026 | Thursday, August 20, 2026 |
| September 2026 | Friday, September 18, 2026 |
| October 2026 | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 |
| November 2026 | Friday, November 20, 2026 |
| December 2026 | Friday, December 11, 2026 |
CCB Eligibility Requirements For Ontario Families
To receive the Canada Child Benefit you must live with a child who is under 18 years of age.
- You must be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child in your household.
- You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes at the time of each payment.
- You or your spouse or common law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 consecutive months and holds a valid permit in the 19th month.
- Both you and your spouse or common law partner must file your income tax returns every year even if one of you had no income during the year.
New permanent residents can apply for the Canada Child Benefit immediately upon arrival in Canada with no mandatory waiting period required once residency status is granted.
New Increased Canada Child Benefit Amounts Starting July 2026
The Canada Revenue Agency applies a 2 percent inflation indexation adjustment to the Canada Child Benefit every July to ensure payments keep pace with rising living costs across the country.
Based on the confirmed indexation rate, Ontario families can expect the following increased amounts starting with the July 20, 2026 deposit which marks the beginning of the new 2026 to 2027 benefit year.
| Child Age Category | Current Annual Maximum | New Annual Maximum (July 2026) | Monthly Increase |
| Children under 6 years old | $7,997 | $8,157 | +$13.33/month |
| Children aged 6 to 17 years old | $6,748 | $6,883 | +$11.25/month |
| Child Disability Benefit | $3,411 | $3,480 | +$5.75/month |
This represents an increase of $160 per year for children under 6 and $135 per year for children aged 6 to 17 compared to the current benefit year amounts.
The first income threshold where phase-out begins will also increase from $37,487 to $38,237 and the second phase-out threshold will increase from $81,222 to $82,847.
These threshold adjustments mean slightly more Ontario families will qualify for maximum or near maximum benefit amounts under the new benefit year starting in July 2026.
The July 2026 payments will be calculated using information from your 2025 tax return rather than your 2024 return, which is why filing your 2025 taxes on time by April 30, 2026 is absolutely essential for ensuring accurate benefit calculations.
Combined April 2026 Payment Summary For Ontario Residents
Here is a complete summary of all three CRA benefit payment dates arriving in April 2026 for eligible Ontario residents.
| Benefit Program | April Payment Date | Maximum Quarterly/Monthly Amount |
| GST/HST Credit | Wednesday, April 2, 2026 | $133.25 (single) / $174.50 (couple) |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Up to $269/month (max OTB) |
| Canada Child Benefit | Monday, April 20, 2026 | $666.41/month (per child under 6) |
Ontario families who qualify for all three programs could receive a combined total exceeding $1,000 in government benefit deposits during the month of April 2026 alone depending on their income level and family composition.
Steps To Ensure You Always Receive All Three Payments On Time
Filing your income tax return is the single most important step for receiving all three of these benefit payments without interruption.
Even if you had no income during the tax year, you must still file a return for the CRA to assess your eligibility for the GST/HST credit, the Canada Child Benefit, and the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
Setting up direct deposit with the CRA is the fastest and most secure way to receive all government benefit payments on the exact date they are scheduled.
You can register for direct deposit through CRA My Account online or by calling the CRA benefits line at 1 800 387 1193.
Keeping your personal information current with the CRA is essential for avoiding payment disruptions.
You must notify the CRA promptly if you experience any changes to your address, marital status, banking information, or the number of children in your care.
For the Ontario Trillium Benefit specifically, you must complete Form ON BEN (Application for the Ontario Trillium Benefit) when filing your income tax return to claim the OEPTC and NOEC components.
The OSTC component of the OTB does not require a separate application as the CRA calculates it automatically from your tax return information.
If your payment does not arrive on the expected date, the CRA recommends waiting 10 business days before contacting them to investigate the issue.
You can verify your payment status and upcoming deposit amounts at any time by logging into CRA My Account or calling the CRA at 1 800 387 1193.
Summary Of All CRA Benefit Increases Coming In July 2026
July 2026 represents a turning point for government benefit recipients across Ontario and all of Canada.
Three separate increases will take effect simultaneously creating the largest combined boost to benefit payments in recent memory.
| Benefit Program | Current Maximum | New Maximum (July 2026) | Type Of Increase |
| GST/HST Credit (singles) | $533/year | $666/year | 25% increase (renamed Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit) |
| GST/HST Credit (couples) | $698/year | $872/year | 25% increase for 5 years (through 2031) |
| GST/HST Credit (per child) | $184/year | $230/year | 25% increase for 5 years |
| Canada Child Benefit (under 6) | $7,997/year | $8,157/year | 2% inflation indexation |
| Canada Child Benefit (6 to 17) | $6,748/year | $6,883/year | 2% inflation indexation |
| Child Disability Benefit | $3,411/year | $3,480/year | 2% inflation indexation |
| Ontario Sales Tax Credit | $371/person | $378/person | 2% inflation indexation |
| OEPTC (non seniors) | $1,283/year | $1,309/year | 2% inflation indexation |
| OEPTC (seniors 64+) | $1,461/year | $1,490/year | 2% inflation indexation |
| NOEC (single) | $185/year | $189/year | 2% inflation indexation |
| NOEC (family) | $285/year | $291/year | 2% inflation indexation |
Filing your 2025 tax return by the April 30, 2026 deadline is especially important this year because it determines your eligibility and payment amounts for the enhanced Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the updated Canada Child Benefit amounts starting in July 2026.
Information For Newcomers And Immigrants In Ontario
Newcomers to Ontario including permanent residents, refugees, and protected persons can qualify for all three of these benefit programs.
Permanent residents can apply for the Canada Child Benefit immediately upon arrival in Canada with no mandatory waiting period once their residency status is granted.
Temporary residents who have lived in Canada for at least 18 consecutive months and hold a valid permit in the 19th month may also qualify for the GST/HST credit.
Filing your first Canadian tax return is the most critical step for newcomers because the CRA uses this information to determine your eligibility for all federal and provincial benefits.
Newcomers who have not yet filed a tax return should complete Form RC151 (GST/HST Credit Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada) to begin receiving the GST/HST credit.
For the Canada Child Benefit, newcomers should complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) as soon as they arrive in Canada.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit eligibility begins once you have been an Ontario resident and have filed your first tax return with Form ON BEN completed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I receive all three benefit payments even if I have no income?
Yes, you can qualify for the GST/HST credit, Ontario Trillium Benefit, and Canada Child Benefit even with zero income as long as you file your annual tax return (even if your income is zero) and meet the residency and age requirements for each program.
Will the 25 percent GST/HST credit increase in July 2026 be permanent?
The 25 percent increase under the renamed Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit has been announced for a five year period from July 2026 through 2031 and whether it becomes permanent will depend on future government policy decisions.
Do I need to apply separately for the one time 50 percent GST/HST top up payment?
No separate application is not required because the CRA will automatically issue the top up to everyone who received the January 2026 GST/HST credit payment using the same banking and payment information on file.
How do I know if my Ontario Trillium Benefit payment includes all three credit components?
You can verify which OTB components you are receiving by logging into CRA My Account and checking your benefit details under the Ontario Trillium Benefit section or by reviewing the Notice of Determination letter the CRA sends after assessing your tax return.
What happens to my Canada Child Benefit payments if I move from Ontario to another province?
Your CCB payments will continue without interruption because the Canada Child Benefit is a federal program that applies equally across all provinces, however your Ontario Trillium Benefit payments will stop after the month you leave Ontario since it is a provincial program exclusive to Ontario residents.
Fact Checked: All information in this article has been verified against official Government of Canada sources including Canada.ca, CRA publications, and Ontario.ca as of April 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice; consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
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