When Canadian government benefit payments arrive and why it matters

For this week’s top story, we are rounding up seven government benefit payment dates to help you plan your finances.

By Cailynn Klingbeil

Many Canadians receive federal and provincial government benefits at different points throughout the year, from the GST/HST credit to the Canada Child Benefit. This money can provide meaningful support, but it’s easy to overlook if you’re not expecting it. 

Payments arrive on different schedules and at varying frequencies. Don’t pay attention, and with auto deposit, the funds can quickly seep into your everyday spending. Bookmark this article—you’ll know when payments arrive, so you can (hopefully) use that money more intentionally. Before we get into the payments and their respective dates, here’s more info about how to ensure you get the payments and understand their purpose.

Why does the Canadian government give benefits?

There are two key goals behind providing these paid benefits, regardless of your political leaning. “First of all, people shouldn't struggle, and that’s what government is there for—to protect folks from harm and ensure that there is some equality that is being shared,” says Moira Rose Váně, a lawyer and Qualified Associate Financial Planner who runs Moira Rose Financials (yes, that is her real name, and, yes, she’s heard all the Schitt’s Creek jokes). “On the other side, from a business and capitalism perspective, putting money in people’s hands is what stimulates the economy,” she says. 

How to get government benefits: filing your taxes is the starting point

Submitting a tax return each year is the essential first step, says Váně, adding that anyone who needs help with tax filing can look for local nonprofits offering free community tax clinics.

“Once you file your taxes, the government knows what benefits you are eligible for, and you should receive some information back about that,” Váně says. Filing annually—even if you have little or no income—allows most federal and provincial benefits to be calculated and issued automatically, either by direct deposit or cheque in the mail. 

Some benefit programs require a separate application, such as the Canada Disability Benefit, which involves first applying for and being approved for the Disability Tax Credit. Váně notes that approval for the Disability Tax Credit can also open the door to other supports, including a registered disability savings plan (RDSP), which offers government grants that can total up to $70,000 over a lifetime. 

Because many benefits Canadians receive are income-based, household earnings do play a significant role in determining how much you could receive. Váně suggests contacting Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or checking in with the person or organization that helped you file your return if you have any questions about your eligibility or amounts.

Why payment dates matter

Just like with Spotify Wrapped or planning for May Two-Four, you will find that many government benefit payments land around the same time every year. But with a bit of foresight, you can put that to work more strategically. “I think one of the best tools for people who are trying to get ahead with their finances is to automate certain aspects of their life, particularly around saving,” Váně says. Some benefits come monthly, others are quarterly. But knowing when can make all the difference. 
Váně points to the Canada Child Benefit—a tax-free monthly payment to help eligible families deal with the costs of raising children—as one example. Some families, when possible, direct part or all of that payment into a registered education savings plan (RESP) to pay for their children’s future post-secondary education. Those contributions are boosted by government grants and can grow with interest over time. The benefit can also be used to pay off any debt, and/or put into registered or non-registered savings. “If you’re aware of these dates, you can plan to use the money intentionally, without disrupting the cash flow that you're used to otherwise.” 

Canada and provincial government benefit payment dates in 2026

We’ve pulled together a comprehensive list of Canadian federal and provincial payment dates in 2026, so you can see what’s coming, when to expect it and how it might fit into your broader financial plan.

GST/HST Credit

Payment dates: January 5, April 2, July 3 and October 5 

This quarterly benefit is for people with low to moderate incomes to help offset the GST or HST they pay. Some provinces and territories offer additional payments that are issued alongside the federal credit, including: 

• New Brunswick harmonized sales tax credit 
• Newfoundland and Labrador income supplement 
• Northwest Territories cost of living offset 
• Nova Scotia affordable living tax credit 
• Prince Edward Island sales tax credit 
• Saskatchewan low-income tax credit 

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and provincial child benefits

Payment dates: January 20, February 20, March 20, April 20, May 20, June 19, July 20, August 20, September 18, October 20, November 20 and December 11 

A tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18. It may be combined into a single monthly payment with other supports, including the federal child disability benefit and provincial or territorial child benefits. Check according to your residency:

• British Columbia 
• New Brunswick 
• Newfoundland and Labrador 
• Northwest Territories 
• Nova Scotia 
• Nunavut 
• Ontario 
• Prince Edward Island 
• Yukon 

Know, though, that some provinces issue their own benefit programs for low-income households. 

• Alberta issues payments on February 27, May 27, August 27 and November 27. 
• Manitoba’s benefits are mailed at the end of each month. 
• Quebec issues payments on January 5, April 1, July 2 and October 1. 
• Saskatchewan does not offer a standalone child benefit but provides a broader income support program.

Canada Disability Benefit

Payment dates: January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 20, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19 and December 17

Monthly financial support is offered for eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64, who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Several provinces and territories offer income support programs for people with disabilities, including: 

• Alberta 
• British Columbia 
• Manitoba 
• Newfoundland and Labrador 
• Northwest Territories 
• Ontario 
• Prince Edward Island 
• Quebec 
• Saskatchewan

Other governments provide disability support through broader social assistance programs. 

Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)

Payment dates: January 12, July 10 and October 9

Advance payments of the Canada Workers Benefit, a refundable tax credit that helps individuals and families who are working and earning a low income.

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

Payment dates: January 28, February 25, March 27, April 28, May 27, June 26, July 29, August 27, September 25, October 28, November 26 and December 22 

These two benefits give monthly income support to seniors. Seniors aged 65 and older with low income may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Some provinces and territories offer additional income support for low-income seniors. 

Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)

Payment dates: Issued on the 10th of each month (or the last working day before the 10th if it falls on a weekend or statutory holiday)

The OTB is a monthly payment combining the Ontario energy and property tax credit, the Northern Ontario energy credit and the Ontario sales tax credit for low- to moderate-income Ontario residents. 

Québec Solidarity Tax Credit 

Payment dates: Depending on the amount you qualify for, the credit may be paid as a lump sum in July, in quarterly installments (January, April, July and October) or in monthly installments, issued within the first five days of each month. 

This tax credit helps eligible Québec residents with housing costs, QST and, in some cases, higher living costs in northern villages.

Ways to make getting Canada government payments in 2026

Missed a payment? Want to set up auto-deposit? You can set up an account with the CRA, if you haven’t already. You can also go in person to a Service Canada Office. To find out more, visit the appropriate provincial or territorial links above and check with your local MPP office.

You don’t want to, as the saying goes, leave any money on the table.

Cailynn Klingbeil is a freelance writer and editor based in Calgary. 

Read more from this issue of The Get:

1. Is your fear of debt costing you?
2. MVP: Steve Abrams on having multi-careers and the sober-ish movement
3. What is a non-registered savings account?
4. True or False: A line of credit is a good emergency fund

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