As Canadians face ongoing challenges with the rising cost of living, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is rolling out increased benefit payments starting in July 2025. These payments are designed to support families, seniors, low-income workers, and newcomers, providing essential financial relief amid soaring expenses for rent, groceries, and utilities. This article explores the five major CRA benefit payments, their eligibility criteria, updated amounts, and payment schedules for 2025–2026.
5 New CRA Benefit Payments
| Benefit Name | Who Is Eligible? | Maximum Annual Amount (2025–2026) | Payment Frequency | Key Payment Dates (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GST/HST Credit | Low/moderate-income Canadians | $533 (single), $698 (couple), +$184/child | Quarterly | Jul 4, Oct 3, Jan 5, Apr 3 |
| Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) | Low-income workers, families | $1,428 (single), $2,461 (family) | 3x/year | Jul 11, Oct 10, Jan 9 |
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Families with children under 18 | $7,997 (under 6), $6,748 (6–17) | Monthly | Jul 18, Aug 20, Sep 19, etc. |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | Ontario residents, low/moderate income | $371 (OSTC), $1,459 (OEPTC, seniors) | Monthly | Jul 10, Aug 8, Sep 10, etc. |
| CPP/OAS | Seniors, contributors | $1,433 (CPP), $800.44 (OAS, 75+) | Monthly | Jul 29, Aug 27, Sep 26, etc. |
Key CRA Benefit Payments Increasing in July 2025
1. GST/HST Credit
What is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly payment aimed at helping low- and moderate-income Canadians offset the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) they pay on everyday purchases. The credit ensures that these taxes do not erode the financial stability of modest-income households.
Eligibility
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Residency: Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
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Age: 19 or older (or have a spouse/common-law partner or be a parent if under 19).
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Income: Adjusted family net income (AFNI) must fall below specific thresholds.
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Tax Filing: Must file an annual tax return, even with no income.
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Newcomers/Temporary Residents: Eligible after 18 months in Canada with a valid permit in the 19th month. Newcomers can qualify as soon as they land.
Payment Amounts and Increase
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Single Individuals: Up to $533 annually ($133.25 per quarter).
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Married/Common-Law Couples: Up to $698 annually ($174.50 per quarter).
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Per Child Under 19: Additional $184 annually ($46 per quarter).
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Income Threshold: Payments begin to phase out when AFNI exceeds $45,521 for singles or higher for families.
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July 2025 Increase: 2.7% boost to keep pace with inflation.
How to Apply
No separate application is needed. Eligibility is assessed automatically when you file your annual tax return. Ensure your CRA My Account is up to date and set up direct deposit for faster payments.
Payment Dates (2025–2026)
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July 4, 2025
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October 3, 2025
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January 5, 2026
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April 3, 2026
2. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
What is the ACWB?
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) is a refundable tax credit for low-income workers and families, encouraging workforce participation while easing financial strain. Up to 50% of the credit is paid in three advance installments annually.
Eligibility
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Residency: Canadian resident for tax purposes.
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Age: 19 or older by December 31, 2024, or have a spouse/common-law partner or dependent child.
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Income: Working income above $3,000 but below net income thresholds.
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Tax Filing: Must file your income tax return.
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Newcomers/Temporary Residents: Eligible after 18 months in Canada with a valid permit in the 19th month.
Payment Amounts and Increase
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Single Individuals: Up to $1,428 annually (basic) or $2,165 (with disability supplement).
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Families: Up to $2,461 annually (basic) or $3,198 (with disability supplement).
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Advance Payments: Up to $714 annually for singles ($238 per payment), $1,230.50 for families ($410.17 per payment).
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July 2025 Increase: 2.7% boost.
How to Apply
Eligibility is assessed automatically when you file your taxes. Indicate your intent to claim the CWB on your return and set up direct deposit.
Payment Dates (2025)
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July 11, 2025
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October 10, 2025
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January 9, 2026
3. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
What is the CCB?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment to help families with the costs of raising children under 18. It includes a disability supplement for eligible children.
Eligibility
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Residency: Canadian resident for tax purposes and live with the child.
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Caregiver Status: Primary caregiver of a child under 18.
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Income: Payments are income-tested.
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Tax Filing: Both parents must file annual tax returns.
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Newcomers/Temporary Residents: Eligible after 18 months in Canada with a valid permit in the 19th month. Newcomers can apply as soon as they land.
Payment Amounts and Increase
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Children Under 6: Up to $7,997 annually ($666.41 monthly).
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Children Aged 6–17: Up to $6,748 annually ($562.33 monthly).
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Child Disability Benefit: Up to $3,265 annually ($272.08 monthly).
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July 2025 Increase: 2.7% boost.
How to Apply
New applicants must complete Form RC66 and provide documentation. Both parents must file taxes annually.
Payment Dates (2025–2026)
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July 18, 2025
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August 20, 2025
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September 19, 2025
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October 20, 2025
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November 20, 2025
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December 12, 2025
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January 20, 2026
4. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
What is the OTB?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) combines three credits to help low- to moderate-income Ontario residents cover sales taxes, energy costs, and property taxes.
Eligibility
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Residency: Ontario resident on December 31, 2024.
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Age: 19 or older, or have a spouse/common-law partner, or be a parent living with your child.
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Income: Income-tested.
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Tax Filing: Must file your 2024 tax return and complete Form ON-BEN.
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Newcomers/Temporary Residents: Eligible after 18 months in Canada with a valid permit in the 19th month.
Payment Amounts and Increase
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OSTC: Up to $371 per adult or child.
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OEPTC: Up to $1,282 (non-seniors) or $1,459 (seniors).
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NOEC: Up to $185 (singles) or $284 (families) for Northern Ontario residents.
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July 2025 Increase: 2.7% boost.
How to Apply
Eligibility is assessed automatically when you file your taxes. Provide details of rent or property taxes paid in 2024.
Payment Dates (2025–2026)
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July 10, 2025
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August 8, 2025
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September 10, 2025
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October 10, 2025
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November 10, 2025
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December 10, 2025
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January 9, 2026
5. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)
What are CPP and OAS?
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides monthly retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to those who have contributed during their working years. Old Age Security (OAS) is a universal pension for Canadians aged 65 and older, including the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors1.
Eligibility
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CPP: Age 60–70, at least one valid contribution, Canadian resident or worked in Canada.
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OAS: Age 65+, lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 (partial pension) or 40 years (maximum pension).
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GIS: Available for low-income seniors.
Payment Amounts and Increase
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CPP (2025): Up to $1,433 monthly (maximum at age 65).
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OAS (2025): Up to $727.67 monthly (ages 65–74), $800.44 (ages 75+).
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GIS (2025): Up to $1,057.01 monthly for singles, $637.67 for couples.
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July 2025 Increase: 2.7% boost.
How to Apply
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CPP: Apply online via My Service Canada Account.
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OAS: Automatic enrollment if eligible; otherwise, apply manually.
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GIS: Automatically assessed if you file taxes and apply for OAS.
Payment Dates (2025–2026)
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July 29, 2025
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August 27, 2025
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September 26, 2025
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October 29, 2025
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November 26, 2025
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December 22, 2025
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January 28, 2026
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the GST/HST Credit?
You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, 19 or older (or have a spouse/child if under 19), have low/moderate income, and file your annual tax return. Temporary residents qualify after 18 months with a valid permit.
2. How much is the Canada Child Benefit in July 2025?
The CCB for July 2025 is up to $666.41 monthly per child under 6 and $562.33 for ages 6–17, based on 2024 income and family size.
3. How do I apply for CPP or OAS?
Apply online via your My Service Canada Account. OAS may enroll you automatically if you’ve lived in Canada for at least 10 years and filed taxes.
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