All CRA Benefit Payments 2026 Dates Announced

As 2026 is nearing, many Canadian households will continue to face significant financial pressure from high costs in housing, groceries, and utilities. In this challenging economic landscape, the benefits distributed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are increasingly vital for maintaining the financial stability of families, workers, seniors, and low-income individuals.

Every passing year, the CRA focuses on distributing billions of dollars through various tax credits and benefit programmes. These programmes are made to help offset daily expenses, support families with children, supplement low wages, and provide income security in retirement.

Many of these payments are tax-free and are issued on dependable schedules, which is important for millions of Canadians who rely on them for financial planning.

What are CRA Benefit Payments?

The CRA benefits are not just confined to the CRA’s responsibilities; they also manage Canada's most extensive income support and affordability initiatives.

• These benefits are reassessed annually using tax filings and are adjusted for inflation to reflect changes in the cost of living.
• Qualification is based on Canadian residency status, family composition, and the net income reported on the previous year's tax return.
• Taxpaying temporary residents may be eligible for most benefits if they have resided in Canada for the past 18 months and hold a valid status in the 19th month.
• To receive the majority of benefits, taxpayers must file their annual tax return, even if they earned zero income.
• Payments are processed either via cheque or direct deposit, with direct deposit being the quickest and most dependable option.

Also Read: After Two-Month Hiatus, OINP Extends Over 1,100 Invitations Across Five Draws

2026 CRA Payment Dates by Program

1. Goods and Services Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit

The GST and HST credits are given as quarterly, tax-free payments focused on assisting low- and modest-income Canadians in recovering a portion of the GST or HST they pay on everyday purchases. It is Canada's most accessed federal benefit.

Eligibility

To be eligible for GST/HST credit:

• 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, and fall below the CRA's income benchmark based on family size.
• Maximum Amounts (Current Cycle):
  • Single individuals: up to 533 CAD
  • Couples: up to 698 CAD
  • Each child under 19: 184 CAD

Note: Amounts for the July 2025 to June 2026 cycle are indexed for inflation, and an increase is expected for payments starting in July 2026.

• 2026 Payment Dates:
  • January 5, 2026
  • April 2, 2026
  • July 3, 2026
  • October 5, 2026

Note: Payments are generally issued on the fifth day of the month or the preceding business day.

2. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)

The ACWB provides advance payments of up to 50% of the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) to eligible low-income workers, providing funds throughout the year instead of requiring them to wait until tax season. Recipients receive three advance payments annually.

Eligibility:

You may qualify if you earn more than 3,000 CAD from employment or self-employment, are at least 19 years old, fall below the CRA’s income benchmark, file your taxes, and opt in via your CRA My Account.

Maximum Amounts (Annual CWB):

• Single workers: up to 1,590 CAD
• Families: up to 2,739 CAD

Note: Half of these amounts are paid in advance through the ACWB instalments.

2026 Payment Dates:

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

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3. Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR): Important Update

The Canada Carbon Rebate previously returned the federal carbon pricing proceeds to residents in participating provinces.

• Canada's carbon pricing system has been repealed. As a result, the April 2025 payment was the final CCR instalment. No Canada Carbon Rebate payments are anticipated in 2026.

4. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The CCB is the most substantial monthly payment for families with children under 18. It is tax-free and adjusted annually for inflation.

• Eligibility:

To be eligible for CCB:

You must live with a child under 18, be primarily responsible for their care, be a Canadian resident, and file taxes every year.

• Maximum Amounts (Current Benefit Year):
  • Children under 6: up to CAD7,997 per year
  • Children aged 6 to 17: up to CAD6,748 per year

The amount is gradually reduced as the family's income increases.

• 2026 Payment Dates:
  • 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

Note: Payments are generally issued on the 20th of each month or the preceding business day.

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

CPP and OAS provide monthly income for Canadian seniors, retirees, and eligible survivors.

• Eligibility

CPP eligibility is based on contributions made during working years. OAS eligibility is determined by age and the number of years lived in Canada after turning 18.

• Maximum Monthly Payments:
  • CPP retirement pension: up to 1,433.00 CAD
  • OAS pension: up to 740.09 CAD
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors: up to 1,105.43 CAD
• 2026 Payment Dates (Issued near the end of the month):
  • 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

Also Read: Canada Launches New Streams to Attract and Retain World-Class Researchers

7. Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)

The ACFB provides quarterly payments to low- and middle-income families in Alberta who have children under 18.

• Maximum Amounts:
  • One child: up to 1,499 CAD per year
  • Additional children: CAD 749 each
• 2026 Payment Dates:
  • February 27, 2026
  • May 27, 2026
  • August 27, 2026
  • November 27, 2026

How to Maximize Your CRA Benefits in 2026

To verify you receive all the benefits you are entitled to and avoid delays, follow the following steps:

Step 1- File your tax return before the deadline of April 30.

Step 2 - Update the CRA with any changes to your address, marital status, or number of children.

Step 3 - Enrol in direct deposit for the fastest and most reliable payment method.

Step 4 - Review all CRA notices to stay informed about your benefit amounts.

Step 5- Use the CRA's benefit calculators to find out your estimated expected payments.

Planning for CRA benefits in 2026? Get Personalized Guidance from GetGIS

With CRA payments like GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefits, and pension schedules playing a key role in easing financial pressures from housing, groceries, and utilities, staying informed helps families, workers, seniors, and newcomers budget effectively and maximise every dollar.

For tailored advice on CRA eligibility—especially for taxpaying temporary residents and immigrants—trust GetGIS -. Our experts assist with tax filing tips, benefit optimisation, direct deposit setup, and integrating financial planning into your Canada immigration or settlement journey, ensuring seamless support from arrival to financial stability.

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