6 CRA Benefits Payments Coming In January 2026

Last Updated On 28 December 2025, 11:00 AM EST (Toronto Time)

Canadians across the country are heading into the new year with a full slate of Canada Revenue Agency – CRA benefits payments scheduled for January 2026.

These 6 federal and provincial benefit programs will deliver timely financial support to millions of households, including families, seniors, workers, people with disabilities, newcomers, and long-term temporary residents navigating life in Canada.

From large urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary to smaller communities, these January payments play a critical role in helping Canadians manage everyday expenses.

This comprehensive guide outlines the 6 CRA benefit payments arriving in January 2026, explains who qualifies for each program, and confirms all the exact 2026 CRA benefit payment dates.

Each of these payments serves a specific purpose within Canada’s income support system and together they form a major part of the country’s social safety net.

1. GST Payment

What Is the GST/HST Credit?

The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly payment designed to help low- and modest-income Canadians offset the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) paid on everyday purchases.

GST applies at 5% nationwide, while provinces such as Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island charge HST rates of up to 15%.

These consumption taxes affect essential spending, and the GST/HST Credit helps reduce the overall burden on eligible households.

The CRA administers this benefit automatically based on information from your annual tax return.

Who Is Eligible for the GST/HST Credit?

To qualify for the January 2026 GST/HST Credit payment, you must meet the following conditions:

• You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes in the month before and at the start of the payment month
• You are 19 years or older, or you have a spouse or common-law partner, or you live with your child
• Your adjusted family net income falls within CRA eligibility thresholds
• You have filed your income tax return, even if you had no income

Temporary residents and newcomers can also qualify.

Temporary residents must generally have lived in Canada for at least 18 months and hold a valid permit in the 19th month.

New permanent residents may qualify as soon as they arrive and file their first tax return.

How Much Is the GST Payment?

The GST/HST Credit amount depends on income and household size. Many recipients receive the benefit quarterly in varying amounts.

For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit cycle (which includes January 2026), the maximum annual GST payment amounts are:

• Up to $533 for single individuals
• Up to $698 for married or common-law couples
• Up to $184 per child under 19

Your actual entitlement can be lower and is based on your AFNI and family structure.

How the GST/HST Credit Is Paid

The GST/HST Credit is issued quarterly.

The January 2026 payment is part of the 2025–2026 benefit year and is deposited directly into eligible recipients’ bank accounts or mailed by cheque if direct deposit is not set up.

There is no separate application. Filing your tax return is all that is required.

GST Payment Dates 2026

• January 5, 2026
• April 2, 2026
• July 3, 2026
• October 5, 2026

This payment can help cover essential winter costs such as heating, groceries, or transportation.

2. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)

What Is the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit?

The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit is the advance payment portion of the Canada Workers Benefit, a refundable tax credit aimed at supporting low-income workers and encouraging workforce participation.

Instead of waiting until tax season to receive the full Canada Workers Benefit, eligible individuals and families receive up to 50% of their benefit in advance through scheduled payments during the year.

Who Qualifies for ACWB Payments?

To receive the January 2026 ACWB payment, you must:

• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Be at least 19 years old or have a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child
• Earn working income above the minimum threshold and below the maximum income limits
• File your income tax return and complete Schedule 6

Temporary foreign workers and newcomers may qualify once they meet tax residency requirements and have filed a tax return.

The CRA calculates eligibility automatically when you file your taxes. Advance payments are issued without a separate application.

If you qualify, the January 2026 installment will be deposited directly into your bank account.

How Much Can ACWB Pay?

Amounts vary based on:

• Your working income
• Your net income
• Whether you are single or in a family unit
• Whether you qualify for a disability supplement

Your maximum annual Canada Workers Benefit payment for the benefit year are:

• Up to $1,428 for single individuals (basic)
• Up to $2,461 for families (basic)
• Higher amounts may apply with a disability supplement, depending on eligibility

The advance portion is typically up to 50% of the overall entitlement, distributed through scheduled payments.

How to Receive ACWB

There is no separate application in most cases.

To ensure CRA can assess you:

• File your tax return
• Complete Schedule 6 (Canada Workers Benefit) accurately
• Keep your CRA My Account updated
• Use direct deposit

If the CRA needs to verify information, delays can occur. That is why accuracy on the tax return is critical.

ACWB Payment Dates 2026

• January 12, 2026
• July 10, 2026
• October 9, 2026

This payment often helps workers manage post-holiday expenses and ongoing living costs early in the year.

3. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

What Is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment that helps families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18.

The benefit supports expenses such as food, housing, childcare, clothing, education, and extracurricular activities.

Families with children who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit may also receive the Child Disability Benefit as part of their CCB payments.

Who Can Receive the CCB?

You may qualify for the January 2026 CCB payment if:

• You live with a child under 18 and are primarily responsible for their care
• You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• You and your spouse or common-law partner have filed your income tax returns
• Your family income falls within CRA eligibility thresholds

Temporary residents may qualify after meeting residency requirements. New permanent residents can apply as soon as they arrive in Canada.

CCB Payment Amounts

CCB amounts depend on household income and the number/ages of children.

The maximum annual CCB payment ceilings for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year is:

• Up to $7,997 per year per child under 6 (about $666.41 monthly)
• Up to $6,748 per year per child aged 6–17 (about $562.33 monthly)
• Child Disability Benefit up to $3,265 annually for eligible children (about $272.08 monthly)

Your actual amount is determined by CRA calculations and your AFNI.

How to Apply for the CCB

If you are not already receiving CCB, you must apply. The most common pathway is:

• Apply through CRA My Account, or
• Submit Form RC66 by mail

If you already receive CCB, you generally do not reapply, but you must keep your information current to avoid disruptions.

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

This monthly payment provides predictable financial support for families planning household budgets.

4. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)

What Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible Ontario residents. It combines three credits into one payment:

• Ontario Sales Tax Credit
• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
• Northern Ontario Energy Credit

The benefit helps offset sales tax, rent, property taxes, and energy costs.

Who Is Eligible for OTB Payments?

You may qualify if:

• You were an Ontario resident at the end of the tax year
• You are 19 or older, have a spouse or common-law partner, or are a parent living with your child
• You paid rent, property taxes, or energy costs
• You filed your income tax return and completed the Ontario benefits schedule

Newcomers and temporary residents may qualify once residency and tax filing requirements are met.

OTB Amounts

OTB amounts vary significantly based on:

• Household income
• Whether you rent or own
• Whether you live in Northern Ontario
• Whether you are a senior in the OEPTC category

Your maximum OTB payment entitlement figures across the three credits can be:

• OSTC: up to $371 per person
• OEPTC: up to $1,282 for non-seniors and up to $1,459 for seniors
• NOEC: up to $185 for singles and up to $284 for families

Not everyone receives the maximum. Many households receive smaller monthly amounts based on CRA’s calculation from tax filings.

How to Receive OTB?

OTB is assessed through your tax return. Steps include:

• File your tax return
• Complete Form ON-BEN within the Ontario tax package
• Accurately report rent and property taxes paid
• Set up direct deposit

If your total entitlement is $360 or less, the CRA may issue it as a lump sum rather than monthly deposits, depending on your assessment.

OTB Payment Dates 2026

• 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

These payments are particularly helpful during winter months when heating and utility costs are highest.

5. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)

What Are CPP and OAS?

CPP and OAS are Canada’s two major public retirement income programs.

• CPP is based on contributions made during your working years through employment or self-employment.
• OAS is based primarily on age and years lived in Canada after age 18.

Many seniors receive both. Some also receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement if their income is low enough.

CPP Eligibility Basics

CPP generally requires:

• At least one valid contribution to CPP during your work life.
• You can start as early as 60 (with a reduced amount) or as late as 70 (with a higher amount)
• Payments can be received even if you live outside Canada, depending on eligibility and agreements

OAS Eligibility Basics

OAS generally requires:

• Age 65 or older
• Minimum years lived in Canada after age 18 for a partial pension
• More years lived in Canada for a full pension

OAS can be subject to income recovery rules for higher-income seniors.

CPP and OAS Amounts

Amounts vary based on personal contribution history (CPP) and residency history (OAS).

Maximum and average monthly OAS and CPP payments are listed below:

• CPP maximum monthly at 65: up to $1,433
• CPP average monthly: about $899
• OAS ages 65–74: up to $727.67
• OAS ages 75+: up to $800.44
• GIS maximum examples were also referenced for eligible low-income seniors

Actual amounts depend on your history and your Service Canada file.

How to Apply for CPP and OAS

CPP:

• Apply through My Service Canada Account
• Ideally apply months before your desired start date
• Confirm direct deposit

OAS:

• Some people are automatically enrolled
• If not enrolled, apply through My Service Canada Account
• Ensure your residency history is correctly documented

Newcomers who later qualify for OAS or CPP-related benefits may need to provide residency evidence and may be impacted by social security agreements depending on their country of origin.

OAS and 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

These payments support seniors with essential expenses such as housing, food, healthcare, and utilities.

6. Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)

What Is the Canada Disability Benefit?

The Canada Disability Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment for working-age Canadians with disabilities.

It is designed to improve financial security and reduce poverty among people facing disability-related costs.

Eligibility is tied to approval for the Disability Tax Credit and income levels.

CDB Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility generally includes:

• Age 18–64
• Canadian residency for tax purposes
• Approved Disability Tax Credit certificate
• Annual tax filing to allow CRA to assess income and eligibility

Temporary residents and newcomers may qualify if they meet tax residency rules and have an approved DTC, but documentation and processing timelines can be a factor.

CDB Amounts

Maximum annual CDB payment amount could be up to $2,400 per eligible individual (about $200 monthly), with income-based variability.

Actual amounts depend on CRA’s assessment and any specific program conditions.

How to Receive CDB

To be considered:

• Ensure the DTC is approved (often via Form T2201 completed with a medical practitioner)
• File your tax return
• Keep CRA account information updated
• Set up direct deposit

If the DTC is not approved or information is incomplete, payment may not be issued.

CDB Payment Date 2026

• January 15, 2026
• February 19, 2026
• March 19, 2026
• April 16, 2026
• May 21, 2026
• June 18, 2026
• July 20, 2026
• August 20, 2026
• September 17, 2026
• October 15, 2026
• November 19, 2026
• December 17, 2026

This payment provides ongoing support for expenses such as medication, assistive devices, housing, and transportation.

These six CRA benefit payments arriving in January 2026 represent a significant source of financial support at the start of the year.

While each program serves a different group, together they help stabilize household finances during a time when costs are often elevated.

To avoid delays or missed payments, Canadians should ensure that:

• Direct deposit is set up through CRA My Account
• Personal information such as address, marital status, and dependents is up to date

Understanding these January 2026 CRA benefit payments allows individuals and families to plan ahead, manage cash flow, and make informed financial decisions as the new year begins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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