3 New CRA Benefit Payments For Ontario Residents In December 2025

Last Updated On 30 November 2025, 10:33 AM EST (Toronto Time)

As December 2025 begins, households across Ontario are preparing for another round of essential financial support via the Canada Revenue Agency – CRA benefits.

These monthly CRA benefits play a major role in helping families, seniors, and vulnerable groups stay financially stable during one of the most expensive months of the year.

For many Ontario households — especially those with multiple children — the combined support arriving in December can easily surpass $2,600 in total relief.

With holiday-season spending, winter energy bills, and rising food prices in full swing, these payments arrive at a crucial time.

This complete December 2025 guide explains who qualifies, the exact CRA payment dates, updated benefit amounts, and how Ontarians can stretch these deposits further.

Whether you’re raising kids in Brampton, renting in Kitchener, or retired in North Bay, these benefits ensure support continues flowing to those who need it most.

Newcomers — many of whom are juggling settlement expenses, childcare, rising rents, and winter utility costs — especially benefit from the staggered federal and provincial payments.

Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a provincially funded program delivered through the CRA to simplify the payment process.

The OTB combines three major credits into a single monthly deposit:

Ontario Sales Tax Credit — offsets the 13% HST on essential purchases.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit — helps renters and homeowners with property tax and energy-related costs.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit — provides extra relief for households facing high heating bills in Northern Ontario.

OTB Amounts For the 2025 Benefit Year

The 2025 OTB entitlement is based on each household’s 2024 tax return:

Ontario Sales Tax Credit: up to $371 per person.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit: up to $1,283 for non-seniors and up to $1,461 for seniors.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit: up to $185 for individuals or up to $285 for families.

Combined, the maximum annual OTB is approximately $2,100, translating to an estimated $175 per month for most eligible households.

Who Qualifies for OTB in 2025?

You are eligible for December OTB if:

You were an Ontario resident on December 31, 2024.
You filed your 2024 income tax return.
You pay rent, property tax, or energy costs.
You meet income thresholds set by the province.

Temporary residents may also qualify if they lived in the province on December 31 of the tax year and meet all other OTB criteria.

2025-2026 OTB Payment Dates

The December installment is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Direct deposit recipients will see payment appear in their bank accounts.

Cheque recipients should allow for mailing time, especially during the holiday rush.

2026 OTB payment dates

January 9, 2026
February 10, 2026
March 10, 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

Estimated OTB Payment For Families in December

Most families receive a monthly amount between $150 and $175.

Households in Northern Ontario who qualify for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit typically receive slightly higher support due to elevated heating expenses in December.

This early-month deposit is especially valuable as energy consumption rises during peak winter, and utility bills arrive only days later.

How To Get the Most Out of Your OTB

File your tax return every year, even if you had no income.
Ensure your CRA My Account lists your correct address and updated banking information.
Update rent or homeownership records if you moved in 2025.
Use the OTB to offset recurring winter expenses like hydro, heating, and municipal bills.

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The Canada Child Benefit remains one of the largest sources of monthly support for families raising children.

This tax-free federal benefit helps cover childcare, clothing, transportation, food, and activity costs — all of which tend to rise sharply in December.

In July 2025, CCB amounts were increased to reflect inflation across Canada, offering families several hundred dollars of additional annual support.

CCB Amounts For 2025–2026

Children under age 6: up to $7,997 per year (about $666.41 per month)
Children aged 6 to 17: up to $6,748 per year (about $562.33 per month)

Actual amounts vary based on adjusted family net income (AFNI). Low- and moderate-income households receive the maximum monthly amount.

CCB Eligibility

To receive the December payment, you must:

Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Be the primary caregiver for a child under 18.
Have filed the 2024 income tax return.
Have children living with you for whom you are responsible day-to-day.

Temporary residents with at least 18 months of valid residency in Canada — and who continue to hold valid status into the 19th month — can also qualify.

2025-2026 CCB Payment Dates

Families will receive the December CCB on Thursday, December 11, 2025

Direct deposit ensures the payment arrives before the holiday period, giving families timely support during a high-spending month.

CCB payment dates 2026:

January 20, 2026
February 20, 2026
March 20, 2026
April 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
June 19, 2026
July 20, 2026
August 20, 2026
September 18, 2026
October 20, 2026
November 20, 2026
December 11, 2026

How Much a Family of Four Could Receive in December

A family with two children under 6 and two aged 6 to 17 could receive:

2 × $666.41 = $1,332.82
2 × $562.33 = $1,124.66

Total maximum CCB: $2,457.48 for December 2025

This monthly support is especially helpful as families juggle daycare costs, winter clothing, and holiday-season food prices.

Tips for Managing Your CCB Strategically

Treat CCB as part of regular household income, not a one-time boost.
Use the December payment to offset childcare fees, winter essentials, or groceries.
Use CRA My Account to monitor upcoming deposits and remain updated on changes.
Ensure both parents file yearly tax returns — incomplete filings delay CCB.

CPP and OAS Payments

Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

CPP offers a dependable monthly pension for retirees who contributed during their working years.

Maximum monthly CPP at age 65 in 2025: $1,433
Average CPP monthly payment: around $844

You must be at least 60 years old and have made at least one valid CPP contribution to qualify.

Old Age Security (OAS)

OAS provides residency-based support for seniors aged 65 and older.

Ages 65–74: up to $734.95 per month
Ages 75+: up to $808.45 per month

OAS adjusts quarterly based on changes to the Consumer Price Index.

December 2025 CPP Payment Date

Seniors will receive both CPP and OAS on Monday, December 22, 2025

This earlier-than-usual payout ensures seniors receive funds before the holiday closures, helping cover essential year-end expenses.

CPP payment dates 2026

January 28, 2026
February 25, 2026
March 27, 2026
April 28, 2026
May 27, 2026
June 26, 2026
July 29, 2026
August 27, 2026
September 25, 2026
October 28, 2026
November 26, 2026
December 22, 2026

Why These Payments Matter in December

Prescription costs, winter clothing, and heating bills typically increase.
December is one of the most expensive months for groceries and transportation.
Predictable income helps seniors prepare for holiday gatherings, gifting, and travel.

Why These December Payments Are Especially Important

Ontario’s High Winter Living Costs

December marks the peak period for heating usage, grocery demand, holiday travel, and seasonal shopping.

Combined with elevated rents and municipal taxes, household expenses often surge during the final month of the year.

These CRA-administered benefits — OTB, CCB, CPP, and OAS — provide timely support as financial pressures intensify.

The Power of Staggered Payments in December

OTB on December 10: early-month coverage for utilities and winter energy bills.
CCB on December 19: mid-month help for groceries, childcare, and holiday necessities.
CPP/OAS on December 18: reliable income for seniors ahead of holiday closures.

Together, these benefits create a steady flow of support throughout December, easing pressure on household budgets ahead of year-end.

With three major CRA benefit deposits arriving between December 10 and December 19, many households can count on consistent support during one of the most financially demanding times of the year.

By filing taxes on time, keeping CRA My Account details updated, and planning around these targeted payment dates, both families and seniors can build more predictable financial routines.

These benefits offer not just month-to-month relief but also long-term stability as Ontarians prepare for the close of 2025 and the beginning of a new year.

CRA Benefit Payments Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which CRA payments are arriving for Ontario residents in December 2025?

Ontario residents will receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit on December 10, the Canada Child Benefit on December 19, and federal pension payments (CPP and OAS) on December 18.

How much could a family with four children receive in December 2025?

A family may receive around $2,600 if entitled to maximum CCB and OTB — $2,457.48 through CCB and about $150–$175 through OTB.

Who qualifies for CCB and OTB?

CCB is for parents or guardians with children under 18 who filed 2024 taxes and meet residency rules. OTB is for Ontario residents who filed their 2024 return and qualify for provincial tax credits.

Do I need to reapply every year?

No. Once enrolled, CRA automatically reassesses your eligibility every year after you file your tax return.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.