Last Updated On 14 December 2025, 10:42 AM EST (Toronto Time)
CRA Payment Dates 2026: As Canadians head into 2026, household budgets remain under pressure from elevated housing costs, persistent food inflation, and rising utility bills.
In this environment, benefit payments issued by the Canada Revenue Agency play an increasingly important role in helping families, workers, seniors, and low-income individuals maintain financial stability.
Each year, the CRA distributes billions of dollars through tax credits and benefit programs that are designed to offset everyday costs, support children, supplement wages, and provide income security in retirement.
Many of these payments are tax-free and arrive on predictable schedules, making them a critical planning tool for millions of Canadians.
This comprehensive guide outlines all major CRA-administered benefits, briefs on eligibility and how much you can receive, and most importantly, lists all confirmed CRA payment dates in 2026 so you can plan your finances with confidence.
CRA Payment Dates 2026
What Are CRA Benefit Payments?
The Canada Revenue Agency is not only responsible for collecting taxes but also for administering Canada’s largest income support and affordability programs.
These benefits are recalculated annually based on tax filings and are adjusted for inflation to reflect changes in the cost of living.
CRA benefits are issued monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the program.
Eligibility is primarily determined by residency status, family structure, and net income reported on your previous year’s tax return.
Taxpaying temporary residents are also eligible for most of the benefits if they have been in Canada for the last 18 months and hold a valid status in the 19th month.
Even taxpayers with zero income must file taxes to receive most benefits.
Payments are issued through direct deposit or cheque, with direct deposit being the fastest and most reliable option.
Goods and Services Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax Credit
The GST/HST credit provides tax-free quarterly payments to help low- and modest-income Canadians recover some of the GST or HST they pay on everyday purchases.
This credit remains one of the most widely accessed federal benefits in Canada.
The GST rate is 5% nationwide, while HST ranges from 13% to 15% depending on the province.
Provincial credits, such as the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, are often bundled into GST payments.
Eligibility for GST/HST Credit
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Be at least 19 years old, or have a spouse or child
- File an annual tax return
- Fall below CRA income thresholds based on family size
How Much You Can Receive
For the current benefit cycle, maximum annual amounts include:
- Single individuals: up to $533
- Couples: up to $698
- Each child under 19: $184
Amounts for the July 2025 to June 2026 cycle are indexed for inflation. There will be an increase in GST payments in July 2026
GST Payment Dates In 2026
- January 5, 2026
- April 2, 2026
- July 3, 2026
- October 5, 2026
Payments are normally issued on the fifth day of the month or the preceding business day.
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit provides advance payments of up to 50% of the Canada Workers Benefit to eligible low-income workers.
Instead of waiting until tax season, recipients receive three advance payments throughout the year.
Eligibility for ACWB
You may qualify if you:
- Earn more than $3,000 in employment or self-employment income
- Are at least 19 years old
- Fall below income thresholds set by the CRA
- File taxes and opt in through CRA My Account
How Much You Can Receive
Maximum annual CWB amounts include:
- Single workers: up to $1,590
- Families: up to $2,739
Half of this amount is paid in advance through ACWB installments.
ACWB Payment Dates In 2026
- January 12, 2026
- July 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
These payments are particularly important for workers facing irregular or seasonal income.
Canada Carbon Rebate
The Canada Carbon Rebate was the federal carbon pricing proceeds to residents of participating provinces.
Eligible provinces were Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and several Atlantic provinces.
A rural supplement of 20% was added for residents of smaller or remote communities.
Important Update For 2026
Canada’s carbon pricing system has been repealed, meaning the April 2025 payment was the final CCR installment.
No Canada Carbon Rebate payments are expected in 2026 so avoid any misinformation.
Canada Child Benefit
The Canada Child Benefit remains the most significant monthly payment for families with children under 18.
It is tax-free and adjusted annually for inflation.
Eligibility for CCB
To qualify, you must:
- Live with a child under 18
- Be primarily responsible for the child’s care
- Be a Canadian resident
- File taxes every year
How Much You Can Receive
For the current benefit year:
- Children under 6: up to $7,997 per year
- Children aged 6 to 17: up to $6,748 per year
Amounts are reduced gradually as family income rises.
CCB Payment Dates In 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
Payments are typically issued on the 20th of each month or the preceding business day.
Ontario Trillium Benefit
The Ontario Trillium Benefit combines three provincial credits into one payment for eligible Ontario residents.
These include:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
How Much You Can Receive
Maximum combined annual benefits can exceed $1,800 depending on income, housing costs, and family structure.
OTB Payment Dates In 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
Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security
CPP and OAS provide monthly income to seniors, retirees, and eligible survivors.
CPP and OAS Eligibility
CPP eligibility is based on contributions during working years. OAS eligibility depends on age and years lived in Canada after turning 18.
Maximum Monthly Payments
- CPP retirement pension: up to $1,433.00
- OAS pension: up to $740.09
- Guaranteed Income Supplement for low-income seniors: up to $1,105.43
CPP and OAS Payment Dates In 2026
CPP Payments are issued monthly near the end of each month, typically between the 25th and 29th.
- 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
Alberta Child and Family Benefit
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit provides quarterly payments to low- and middle-income families with children under 18.
How Much You Can Receive
- One child: up to $1,499 per year
- Additional children: $749 each
ACFB Payment Dates In 2026
- February 27, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- August 27, 2026
- November 27, 2026
How To Maximize Your CRA Benefits In 2026
To ensure you receive every dollar you are entitled to:
- File your tax return before April 30
- Update your address, marital status, and child information promptly
- Enroll in direct deposit
- Review your CRA notices carefully
- Use CRA benefit calculators to estimate payments
CRA benefit payments remain one of the most important financial lifelines for millions of Canadians as the country moves through 2026.
With cost-of-living pressures still affecting housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation, knowing exactly when CRA payments arrive allows households to budget more effectively and avoid unnecessary financial stress.
By tracking the full CRA payment calendar, filing taxes on time, and using direct deposit, Canadians can ensure they receive every dollar they are entitled to in 2026.
Staying informed is the single most effective way to maximize CRA benefits and maintain financial stability throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About CRA Benefits
Do I still receive CRA benefits if I have no income?
Yes. Even if you earned no income during the year, you must file a tax return to receive most CRA benefits, including GST, CCB, and OTB. Filing with zero income ensures the CRA can assess your eligibility.
How long does it take to receive CRA benefits after filing taxes?
For most benefits, payments begin within 6-8 weeks after your tax return is processed. If you file electronically and use direct deposit, payments usually arrive faster than paper returns and cheques.
Can temporary residents or newcomers receive CRA benefits?
Yes. Many temporary residents, international students, and new immigrants may qualify for certain CRA benefits once they become Canadian residents for tax purposes. Eligibility depends on residency status, income, and family situation.
Why did my CRA benefit amount change in 2026?
CRA benefit amounts can change due to inflation indexation, income changes reported on your tax return, marital status updates, or changes in the number of children in your household. Benefits are recalculated every July based on the previous year’s tax data.
What happens if I miss a CRA payment date?
If a payment does not arrive on the scheduled date, wait 5-10 business days before contacting the CRA. Delays can occur due to banking issues, holidays, or incomplete tax information. Ensuring direct deposit is active reduces the risk of missed or delayed payments.
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