As Canadians enter 2026 the cost of housing continues to climb while food prices remain high and utility bills keep rising. These pressures make government benefits from the Canada Revenue Agency increasingly valuable for families, workers, seniors and people with lower incomes. The CRA sends out billions of dollars each year through various tax credits and benefit programs. These programs help Canadians pay for daily expenses, support their children, add to their earnings and provide income during retirement. Most of these payments are tax-free and arrive on regular schedules, which helps millions of people plan their finances. This guide explains all the main benefits that the CRA manages. It covers who qualifies for each program how much money you might receive & when payments will arrive in 2026. This information will help you budget and plan your finances more effectively.
Understanding CRA Benefit Payments
The Canada Revenue Agency handles more than just tax collection. It also runs several major income support programs across the country. These CRA benefits exist to help Canadians deal with everyday expenses and provide financial stability for families. The agency recalculates benefits annually using information from tax returns. Many programs adjust their payment amounts each year to account for inflation and increased living costs. Depending on which program you receive payments can arrive monthly or quarterly or annually. Whether you qualify depends on where you live & your family situation & the income you reported on your last tax return. People who recently moved to Canada or hold temporary resident status can often receive benefits if they meet the residency rules & submit a tax return. The agency sends payments through direct deposit or by mailing cheques. Direct deposit works faster & more reliably than waiting for a cheque in the mail.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Credit
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free payment made four times a year to help Canadians with low and modest incomes offset some of the GST or HST they pay when buying goods and services. It ranks among the most commonly used federal benefits in the country. Who Can Get It You can receive the GST/HST credit if you meet these requirements. You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes. You need to be at least 19 years old or be married or have a dependent child. You must file your tax return every year. Your income must fall below the limits set by the CRA based on your family size. Payment Amounts The highest annual amounts you can receive from the GST/HST credit are as follows. Single people can get up to $533. Couples can receive up to $698. You get an additional $184 for each child under 19 years old. The government adjusts these amounts each year to keep up with inflation. Payments are expected to increase starting with the July 2026 cycle. When Payments Arrive in 2026 The four payment dates for 2026 are January 5 April 2, July 3 and October 5. The CRA typically issues payments on the fifth day of the month or on the last business day before that if the fifth falls on a weekend or holiday.’
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit gives advance payments of up to 50% of the Canada Workers Benefit to eligible low-income workers. Rather than waiting until tax season recipients get three installments during the year. Eligibility Criteria You may qualify for the ACWB if you earn more than $3000 in employment or self-employment income and are at least 19 years old. You must also fall below CRA income thresholds and file taxes while opting in through CRA My Account. Payment Amounts The maximum annual Canada Workers Benefit includes up to $1,590 for single workers and up to $2,739 for families. Half of this amount is paid in advance through ACWB installments. ACWB Payment Dates in 2026 The payment dates are January 12, 2026 and July 10 2026 & October 9, 2026. These payments are especially helpful for Canadians with seasonal or irregular income.
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Canada Carbon Rebate
The Canada Carbon Rebate used to go to people living in provinces that were part of the federal carbon pricing system. People in remote communities could also get a rural supplement on top of that amount.
Important Update for 2026
Canada has ended its carbon pricing system. The government sent out the last payment in April 2025. There will be no Canada Carbon Rebate payments in 2026. The carbon pricing program no longer exists. Canadians received their final rebate earlier this year. The government has stopped all future payments under this program.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The Canada Child Benefit stands as the primary monthly payment that families receive when they have children who are younger than 18 years old. The government does not tax these payments and adjusts the amounts each year to keep up with inflation.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify you must live with a child under 18 years old. You need to be the main person responsible for taking care of the child. You must be a resident of Canada & file your taxes every year.
How Much You Can Receive
For the current benefit year: Children under 6 can receive up to $7,997 per year Children aged 6 to 17 can receive up to $6748 per year The payment amounts decrease gradually when family income goes up.
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 generally arrive on the 20th of each month or the preceding business day.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
The Ontario Trillium Benefit brings together three provincial credits into one payment for people who qualify in Ontario. These three credits are the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. The program makes it easier for residents to receive financial support by combining everything into a single benefit payment instead of managing three separate credits.
