6 CRA Benefit Payments | October 2025

Last Updated On 27 September 2025, 12:26 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

CRA Benefit Payments 2025: Canadians nationwide are preparing for a vital influx of financial support via the 6 Canada Revenue Agency – CRA benefit payments tailored to combat escalating living expenses.

These enhancements serve as crucial safeguards for households, retirees, families, low-wage earners, immigrants, and temporary residents adapting to Canadian life.

In this in-depth resource, we outline each CRA benefit payment coming in October with eligibility criteria and the recent increase in these payments, as well as all the CRA benefit payment dates for 2025–2026.

From urban dwellers in Edmonton to elders in Charlottetown or recent arrivals in Montreal, these disbursements offer real relief and foster economic resilience this October. Time to explore!

1. GST Payment Increase

What is the GST/HST Credit?

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

From fueling your car to buying groceries, these taxes add up quickly—5% GST applies across the country, while provinces like Ontario have a combined HST of up to 13%.

The CRA issues this credit to ensure that rising tax costs don’t overwhelm households already working with tight budgets.

Who Qualifies for the GST/HST Credit in 2025?

To be eligible for the 2025 GST/HST Credit, you must meet the following requirements:

• Residency: You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes in the month before and at the start of the payment month.
• Age: Applicants must be 19 or older. Those under 19 may still qualify if they are married/common-law or living with their child.
• Income: Your adjusted family net income (AFNI) must fall below the CRA’s thresholds, which vary depending on family size.
• Tax Filing: You must file an annual tax return, even if you had no income, to be considered.
• Temporary Residents & Newcomers: International students, work permit holders, and newcomers can also qualify. Temporary residents must have lived in Canada for at least 18 consecutive months and hold a valid permit in the 19th month. New arrivals may qualify as soon as they land and file taxes.

Example: A student arriving in Canada in January 2024 could become eligible by July 2025, provided they maintain a valid permit and file their return.

GST Payment 2025 Increase

For the 2025–2026 benefit year (July 2025 to June 2026), the GST/HST Credit will rise by 2.7% to match inflation, according to the CRA.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Single Individuals: Up to $533 annually ($133.25 per quarter).
• Married or Common-Law Couples: Up to $698 annually ($174.50 per quarter).
• Per Child Under 19: An extra $184 annually ($46 per quarter).

The income thresholds are also moving higher, giving more Canadians access to the credit.

For instance, a single parent in Ottawa with two children could now receive $901 annually ($225.25 quarterly), compared to $877 last year.

How to Apply for the GST/HST Credit

There is no separate application form for this benefit—the CRA automatically reviews eligibility when you file your annual tax return.

To ensure you receive your July 2025 payment:

• File Your Taxes by April 30 of every year.
• Keep Your CRA My Account Updated with changes to your address, marital status, or dependents.
• Set Up Direct Deposit through CRA My Account or the Canada Direct Deposit Enrollment Form for faster payments.

Newcomers should have their SIN, proof of residency (like utility bills or a lease), and income details ready when filing.

GST Payment Dates for 2025–2026

Payments will be issued quarterly, typically on the 5th, adjusted for weekends and holidays. The official dates are:

• October 3, 2025
• January 5, 2026
• April 3, 2026

These credits may not cover all expenses, but they can help with essentials—whether it’s groceries for the week or a portion of your utility bill.

2. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) Increase

What is the ACWB?

The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) is a refundable tax credit designed to support low-income workers and families.

Its goal is to make work pay by easing financial strain while encouraging workforce participation.

Unlike the regular Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), which is paid as a lump sum during tax season, the ACWB distributes up to 50% of the benefit in advance through three installments.

This gives eligible Canadians consistent financial relief throughout the year instead of waiting until tax time.

Who Qualifies for the ACWB in 2025?

To be eligible for the ACWB in 2025, applicants must meet these requirements:

• Residency: Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
• Age: Must be at least 19 years old by December 31, 2024, or have a spouse/common-law partner or dependent child.
• Income: Must earn a working income above $3,000 but below the net income thresholds:
  • Singles: $33,015 (basic amount) or $37,932 (with disability supplement).
  • Families: $43,212 (basic amount) or $48,124–$53,037 (with disability supplement, depending on spouse eligibility).
• Tax Filing: Must file a tax return and complete the required sections to be considered.
• Temporary Residents & Newcomers: Temporary workers with valid permits may qualify after 18 months in Canada. Newcomers may be eligible once they file their taxes, even with low income.

Example: A temporary worker who arrived in Alberta in January 2024 and files their 2024 taxes could receive ACWB payments as early as July 2025.

ACWB Payment 2025 Increase

The CRA confirmed that ACWB amounts will rise by 2.7% for the 2025–2026 benefit year, keeping pace with inflation.

Here’s the maximum you could receive:

• Single Individuals: Up to $1,428 annually (basic) or $2,165 with disability supplement.
• Families: Up to $2,461 annually (basic) or $3,198 with disability supplement.

Since up to 50% of the benefit is paid in advance, you can expect:

• Singles: Up to $714 total in advance ($238 per installment).
• Families: Up to $1,230.50 total in advance ($410.17 per installment).

The exact amount depends on your income, family size, and province. For instance, a low-income couple in Ontario without children could receive $1,230.50 in advance payments, an increase from last year’s $1,198.

How to Apply for the ACWB

The ACWB doesn’t require a separate application. Instead, the CRA automatically assesses eligibility when you file your taxes. To receive payments:

• File Your Taxes and complete Schedule 6 (Canada Workers Benefit) on your return.
• Use the CRA’s online calculator to estimate your benefit.
• Set Up Direct Deposit in CRA My Account for faster access to funds.

Newcomers should ensure their SIN and tax residency status are updated. If eligibility is unclear, you can confirm directly with the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.

ACWB Payment Dates for 2025–2026

Advance payments are issued three times a year, usually on the 5th, adjusted for holidays.

For 2025–2026, payments will arrive on:

• October 10, 2025
• January 9, 2026

These payments can go toward essentials such as rent, groceries, or transit, providing a much-needed buffer for working Canadians with lower incomes.

3. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Increase 2025

What Is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment designed to assist families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18.

Managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the CCB helps reduce child poverty and supports expenses such as childcare, schooling, food, clothing, and extracurricular programs.

It also includes an additional disability supplement for children with disabilities who meet eligibility criteria.

Who Can Receive the CCB?

To be eligible for the 2025 CCB payments, you must meet the following conditions:

• Residency: You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and live with the child.
• Primary Caregiver: You must be the parent or legal guardian primarily responsible for the child’s care.
• Income: Benefit amounts depend on family income—lower-income families receive higher payments.
• Tax Filing: Both you and your spouse or common-law partner must file your income tax returns every year.
• Temporary Residents and Newcomers:
  • Temporary residents (such as refugee claimants or work permit holders) may qualify after living in Canada for 18 months and holding a valid permit in the 19th month.
  • Permanent residents and other newcomers can apply for the CCB immediately after arriving in Canada.

CCB Payment Amounts & 2025 Increase

The CCB is indexed to inflation. For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, payments have risen by 2.7%.

• Children under 6 years old: Up to $7,997 annually ($666.41 per month).
• Children aged 6–17: Up to $6,748 annually ($562.33 per month).
• Child Disability Benefit: Up to $3,265 annually ($272.08 per month) for eligible children.

Payments are reduced once a family’s adjusted net income (AFNI) goes above $37,487, with the reduction amount depending on family size.

📌 Example: A single parent in Toronto with two children (ages 4 and 8) and an AFNI below $37,487 would receive $1,228.74 monthly ($666.41 + $562.33). This reflects an increase of about $32.41 per child compared to the 2024 benefit year.

How to Apply for the CCB

Families not already receiving the benefit, including newcomers, need to apply:

1. Complete Form RC66: The Canada Child Benefit Application can be submitted online through CRA My Account or mailed to your local tax centre.
2. Provide Documentation: You’ll need proof of residency, your Social Insurance Number (SIN), and your child’s birth certificate or passport.
3. File Your Taxes: Both parents must file their annual tax returns to stay eligible.
4. Set Up Direct Deposit: This ensures faster and more secure payments.

If you already receive the CCB, keep your family details updated in CRA My Account to avoid payment interruptions.

CCB Payment Dates for 2025–2026

The Canada Child Benefit is issued monthly, usually around the 20th of the month (or the nearest business day if it falls on a weekend/holiday).

For the upcoming benefit year, the payment dates are:

• October 20, 2025
• November 20, 2025
• December 12, 2025
• January 20, 2026

These consistent dates make it easier for families to plan for essential expenses like childcare, school fees, and extracurricular activities.

4. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) Increase

What Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?

The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a tax-free monthly payment that combines three separate credits to help Ontario residents with low or moderate incomes offset the cost of living.

It is especially useful for renters, homeowners, and seniors facing rising bills.

The three credits included under the OTB are:

• Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): Helps reduce the impact of Ontario’s 13% HST on everyday purchases.
• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): Assists with household energy bills and property taxes.
• Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): Provides additional support for residents living in Northern Ontario, where heating and utility costs are higher.

The program is managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the Ontario government.

Who Qualifies for the OTB?

To be eligible for the 2025 Ontario Trillium Benefit, you must:

• Residency: Be an Ontario resident on December 31, 2024, and meet at least one of these conditions by June 1, 2026:
  • Be 19 years or older.
  • Have a spouse or common-law partner.
  • Be a parent living with your child.
• Housing Status: Own or rent a home, live on a reserve, or reside in a public long-term care facility.
• Income: Payments are income-tested—families with lower incomes qualify for higher benefits.
• Tax Filing: File your 2024 income tax return and complete Form ON-BEN, which is part of the Ontario tax package.

📌 Newcomers & Temporary Residents:

• Temporary residents qualify once they have lived in Canada for 18 months with a valid permit in the 19th month.
• Newcomers must file taxes and provide proof of Ontario residency (such as a lease agreement or utility bill).

Example: An international student who moved to Toronto in January 2024 could become eligible for the OTB in July 2025, provided they file their 2024 tax return.

OTB Payment Amounts & 2025 Increase

Effective July 2025, OTB payments have been increased by 2.7% to match inflation. Maximum amounts are:

• Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): Up to $371 per person (adults and children).
• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC):
  • Up to $1,282 for non-seniors.
  • Up to $1,459 for seniors.
• Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC):
  • Up to $185 for single residents.
  • Up to $284 for families.

In total, families could receive as much as $12,456 annually ($1,038 monthly), though most households typically get between $84 and $100 monthly depending on income and location.

📌 Examples:

• A couple with one child living in Sudbury may receive about $840 annually ($70 monthly).
• A senior living in Windsor might qualify for the maximum $1,459 annually.

If your entitlement is $360 or less, the CRA will issue a lump-sum payment in July instead of monthly installments.

How to Apply for the OTB payments?

The application process is simple and tied to your annual tax return:

1. File Your Income Taxes: Always file your taxes on time. This is the first step to being assessed for OTB.
2. Complete Form ON-BEN: Required for OEPTC and NOEC; the OSTC is applied automatically.
3. Report Housing Costs: Provide details of property taxes or rent paid in 2024.
4. Set Up Direct Deposit: Payments will arrive faster through CRA My Account.

Newcomers should double-check that their Ontario address is updated in CRA My Account.

Late tax filers also receive OTB, but they can expect delays of 6–8 weeks before payments start.

OTB Payment Dates for 2025–2026

OTB payments are issued on the 10th of each month (or the nearest business day if it falls on a weekend/holiday). Payment dates are:

• October 10, 2025
• November 10, 2025
• December 10, 2025
• January 9, 2026

These predictable payments provide extra relief for expenses like winter heating bills, property taxes, and everyday essentials.

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

What Are CPP and OAS?

Canada provides two main retirement income programs—CPP and OAS—to ensure seniors have financial stability in their retirement years.

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Funded by contributions from workers and employers, the CPP provides monthly payments that replace part of your income in retirement. It also covers disability and survivor benefits.
• Old Age Security (OAS): A universal pension funded by general tax revenue, OAS provides monthly support to Canadians aged 65 and older, regardless of their employment history. Low-income seniors may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

Together, CPP and OAS form the foundation of Canada’s retirement system, helping seniors cover essentials such as housing, healthcare, and daily living expenses.

Eligibility for CPP and OAS

CPP Eligibility:

• You can start CPP retirement benefits as early as age 60 (reduced rate) or delay until age 70 (enhanced rate).
• You must have made at least one valid CPP contribution through employment or self-employment.
• You don’t need to live in Canada to collect, but contributions must have been made here.

OAS Eligibility:

• Must be 65 or older.
• Must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 (for a partial pension) or 40 years (for the full pension).
• Payments are income-tested:
  • Reduced if annual income is above $90,997 (ages 65–74).
  • Reduced if annual income is above $94,638 (ages 75+).
• GIS is available for low-income seniors below income thresholds of $21,708 (singles) or $28,704 (couples).

CPP & OAS Payment Amounts for 2025

Both programs are indexed to inflation. CPP is adjusted annually, while OAS is reviewed quarterly (January, April, July, October).

CPP Payments 2025:

• Maximum monthly payment at age 65: Up to $1,433.
• Average monthly payment: Around $899, as most Canadians do not contribute at the maximum level.
• Early or delayed start adjustments:
  • Starting at 60 reduces benefits by 36%.
  • Delaying until 70 increases payments by up to 42%.

OAS Payments (2025):

• Ages 65–74: Up to $727.67 per month.
• Ages 75+: Up to $800.44 per month.
• GIS: Up to $1,057.01 for singles or $637.67 per couple (monthly).

📌 Example: A 70-year-old retiree in Kingston with average CPP contributions and low income could receive:

• $899 (CPP)
• $727.67 (OAS)
• $1,057.01 (GIS)
  = $2,613.68 monthly, reflecting an increase of about $68.66 compared to 2024.

How to Apply for CPP & OAS

CPP Application:

• Apply online through My Service Canada Account, ideally 6–12 months before you want benefits to begin.
• Provide your SIN and proof of contributions.
• Set up direct deposit for faster payments.

OAS Application:

• Many Canadians are automatically enrolled at 65, but if not, you must apply through My Service Canada Account.
• Proof of residency and income details may be required.
• GIS is assessed automatically if you apply for OAS and file taxes annually.

For Newcomers:
Proof of residency, such as leases or utility bills, may be required to establish your eligibility. If you worked in a country with a social security agreement with Canada, your contributions there may count toward eligibility.

OAS & CPP Payment Dates 2025–2026

Both CPP and OAS are paid on the third-to-last business day of each month. The dates are:

• October 29, 2025
• November 26, 2025
• December 22, 2025
• January 28, 2026

These regular payments help seniors budget for expenses like rent, healthcare, and utilities, ensuring financial security month after month.

6. Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)

What Is the Canada Disability Benefit?

The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a new, tax-free monthly payment introduced by the federal government to provide financial support to working-age Canadians with disabilities.

The program was designed to reduce poverty and improve financial security for people with disabilities, many of whom face higher living costs related to healthcare, accessibility, and daily needs.

The CDB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), similar to other federal benefits.

It works alongside existing provincial and territorial disability programs, but payments are not clawed back against most provincial supports, ensuring recipients see a real net gain.

Eligibility for the Canada Disability Benefit

To qualify for the CDB in 2025, you must:

• Residency: Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
• Age: Be between 18 and 64 years old.
• Disability Status: Have an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate.
• Income: Payments are income-tested, with higher support for lower-income individuals and families.
• Tax Filing: File your annual tax return to allow CRA to automatically determine eligibility.

Newcomers and temporary residents may also qualify once they have tax residency status in Canada and a valid DTC certificate.

Canada Disability Benefit Payment Amounts 2025

The federal government has indexed the CDB to inflation, with below payment amounts for the 2025–2026 benefit year.

• Maximum Annual Amount: Up to $2,400 per eligible individual (approx. $200 per month).
• Supplement for Low-Income Families: Additional top-ups may be available depending on family income and size.
• Integration with Other Benefits: The CDB is designed to complement, not replace, provincial disability benefits.

For example, a 40-year-old single recipient in Ontario with a low annual income could receive $200 monthly from CDB in addition to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), providing an extra cushion against rising living expenses.

How to Apply for the CDB?

You don’t need to submit a separate application if you already have an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

The CRA will automatically assess your eligibility and issue payments.

Steps to ensure eligibility:

1. Apply for the DTC: If not already approved, complete Form T2201 with the help of a qualified medical practitioner.
2. File Your Taxes: CRA uses tax returns to verify income and calculate benefit amounts.
3. Update Your CRA My Account: Report changes in income, marital status, or dependents.
4. Set Up Direct Deposit: Ensures you receive funds quickly and securely.

New applicants should apply for the DTC as early as possible since approval can take several months.

Canada Disability Benefit Payment Dates 2025

For the remainder of 2025, the CDB will be paid monthly, typically on the third Thursday of each month. Upcoming payment dates are:

• October 16, 2025
• November 20, 2025
• December 18, 2025

These reliable deposits provide individuals with disabilities steady financial support to manage ongoing costs such as medication, assistive devices, housing, or transportation.

As October 2025 approaches, Canadians can look forward to another round of increased CRA benefit payments designed to keep pace with inflation and ease financial stress.

Whether it’s the GST/HST Credit to help with rising taxes, the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit to support low-income earners, or the Canada Child Benefit to assist families, these payments go beyond financial aid—they provide stability during uncertain economic times.

With additional programs such as the Ontario Trillium Benefit, CPP, OAS, and the newly introduced Canada Disability Benefit, the CRA continues to deliver targeted support for seniors, families, newcomers, and workers across the country.

By knowing the eligibility rules, updated payment amounts, and October 2025 deposit dates, you can better manage your budget and make the most of these financial supports.

These CRA benefit increases aren’t just numbers—they are real, practical assistance to help Canadians navigate the high cost of living and plan ahead with confidence.

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