6 CRA Benefit Payments in January 2026: Dates, Amounts & Who Qualifies

Quick Payment Calendar for January 2026

If you’re eligible for CRA benefits, here’s when money will arrive in your account this month:

• January 5 – GST/HST Credit
• January 9 – Ontario Trillium Benefit
• January 12 – Advanced Canada Workers Benefit
• January 15 – Canada Disability Benefit
• January 20 – Canada Child Benefit
• January 28 – CPP and Old Age Security

January marks one of the busiest months for government benefit payments in Canada. After holiday spending and facing higher winter heating costs, millions of Canadians rely on these scheduled deposits to stabilize their household budgets.

Why January Benefits Matter More Than Ever

The start of a new year often brings financial strain. Credit card bills from December arrive, heating costs spike during cold weather, and families face back-to-school expenses for the winter semester. Government benefits provide a crucial safety net during this challenging period.

According to recent data, over 14 million Canadians receive at least one form of CRA benefit payment. These tax-free or income-tested programs help offset daily living costs that have risen significantly in recent years—from groceries and rent to utilities and transportation.

Understanding which benefits you qualify for and when they arrive allows you to budget more effectively and avoid unnecessary financial stress.

1. GST/HST Credit – January 5, 2026

What This Benefit Does

The GST/HST Credit helps lower-income Canadians recover some of the sales tax they pay on everyday purchases. Whether you’re buying groceries, clothing, or household supplies, you’re paying either 5% GST (federal) or up to 15% HST (in provinces with harmonized sales tax).

This quarterly payment eases that burden automatically—no separate application required.

Who Qualifies for the January Payment

You’re eligible if you meet these conditions:

• Age: 19 or older, OR you have a spouse/common-law partner, OR you’re a parent living with your child
• Residency: Canadian resident for tax purposes during the qualifying period
• Income: Your adjusted family net income falls within CRA thresholds
• Tax filing: You filed your 2024 income tax return (even if you had no income)

Newcomers to Canada may qualify once they establish tax residency. Temporary residents typically need 18 months of Canadian residency and a valid permit during the 19th month.

Payment Amounts

For the current benefit year (July 2025 to June 2026), maximum annual amounts are:

• Singles: Up to $533
• Couples: Up to $698
• Per child under 19: Up to $184

Your actual quarterly payment depends on your family income. Payments begin to phase out once your adjusted family net income exceeds $45,521, though partial payments may continue beyond this threshold.

What to Expect in Your Account

The January 5 deposit represents one-quarter of your annual entitlement. Most Canadians receive between $130 and $175 per quarter, though amounts vary based on individual circumstances.

Pro tip: Make sure your direct deposit information is current in your CRA My Account to avoid delays.

2. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit – January 12, 2026

Understanding the ACWB

The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit delivers up to 50% of the Canada Workers Benefit ahead of tax season. Instead of waiting until you file your return to receive the full credit, you get advance payments throughout the year to help cover immediate expenses.

This program specifically targets working Canadians with lower incomes, encouraging workforce participation while providing real-time financial support.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive the January 12 payment:

• Age: 19 or older, OR you have a spouse or dependent child
• Income: Earned at least $3,000 from employment or self-employment
• Residency: Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Tax filing: Filed your 2024 return and completed Schedule 6 (Canada Workers Benefit)

Income thresholds vary depending on whether you’re single or in a family unit, and whether you qualify for the disability supplement.

How Much You Could Receive

Maximum annual Canada Workers Benefit amounts for the current year:

• Single individuals: Up to $1,428
• Families: Up to $2,461
• With disability supplement: Additional amounts available

The advance portion (ACWB) typically delivers 50% of your total entitlement, split across three payments annually. Your January payment could range from $200 to $400, depending on your situation.

Important Note for New Applicants

If this is your first time receiving ACWB, ensure Schedule 6 on your tax return was completed accurately. The CRA calculates eligibility automatically, but errors or missing information can delay payments.

3. Canada Child Benefit – January 20, 2026

What Families Receive

The Canada Child Benefit provides tax-free monthly support to help parents cover the rising costs of raising children. From food and clothing to childcare and extracurricular activities, CCB acknowledges that parenting comes with significant financial responsibilities.

Families with children who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit may also receive the Child Disability Benefit as part of their monthly CCB deposit.

Who Qualifies

You may receive CCB if:

• You live with a child under 18 and are primarily responsible for their care
• You’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• You and your spouse filed tax returns for the previous year
• Your family income falls within eligibility ranges

Newcomers to Canada can apply as soon as they become permanent residents. Temporary residents may qualify after meeting specific residency conditions.

January 2026 Payment Amounts

CCB is calculated based on your 2024 income tax return. For the current benefit year (July 2025 to June 2026), maximum annual amounts are:

• Children under 6: Up to $7,997 per year (approximately $666 monthly)
• Children aged 6-17: Up to $6,748 per year (approximately $562 monthly)
• Child Disability Benefit: Up to $3,265 annually (approximately $272 monthly)

Your actual monthly payment decreases as household income rises. Most Canadian families receive between $300 and $500 monthly for one child, with amounts increasing for additional children.

Rate Increase Coming in July

While January’s payment follows current rates, CCB amounts will increase in July 2026 to account for inflation. This annual adjustment helps families maintain purchasing power as costs rise.

How to Apply

If you’re not currently receiving CCB:

1. Apply through your CRA My Account online
2. Submit Form RC66 by mail
3. Register within your child’s first year to avoid missing retroactive payments

Existing recipients don’t need to reapply but must keep their information current—especially address, marital status, and custody arrangements.

4. Ontario Trillium Benefit – January 9, 2026

Ontario-Specific Support

The Ontario Trillium Benefit combines three provincial tax credits into one convenient monthly payment:

1. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) – Helps with property taxes and rent
2. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) – Offsets higher energy costs in Northern Ontario
3. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) – Provides sales tax relief

Although this is a provincial program, the CRA administers payments based on information from your tax return.

Eligibility

You may qualify if you:

• Were an Ontario resident on December 31 of the tax year
• Are 19 or older, have a spouse, or are a parent
• Paid rent, property taxes, or energy costs during the year
• Filed your income tax return with the Ontario benefits schedule (Form ON-BEN)

Payment Amounts

Maximum annual OTB amounts vary significantly based on your circumstances:

• OEPTC: Up to $1,282 (non-seniors) or $1,459 (seniors 65+)
• OSTC: Up to $371 per person
• NOEC: Up to $185 (singles) or $284 (families)

Monthly payments are typically between $30 and $120, depending on rent paid, property taxes, income level, and location within Ontario.

Lump Sum vs. Monthly Payments

If your total annual entitlement is $360 or less, the CRA may issue it as a single payment rather than monthly deposits.

5. Canada Pension Plan & Old Age Security – January 28, 2026

Two Core Retirement Programs

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is based on contributions you made during your working years. The amount you receive reflects your earnings history and when you chose to start benefits.

Old Age Security (OAS) is a residency-based benefit for seniors 65 and older. Unlike CPP, you don’t need work history—only sufficient years lived in Canada.

CPP Eligibility

To receive CPP retirement benefits:

• Age: Between 60 and 70 (you choose when to start)
• Contributions: Made at least one valid CPP contribution during your career
• Application: Applied through My Service Canada Account

Starting early reduces your monthly amount permanently. Starting later increases it significantly—up to 42% more if you wait until age 70.

OAS Eligibility

To qualify for OAS:

• Age 65 or older
• Lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 (for partial pension)
• 40 years of residency for full pension
• Income considerations: Higher earners may face partial or full clawback

January 2026 Payment Increases

Both CPP and OAS are indexed annually to inflation. Starting with the January 28 payment:

• CPP increases by 2.0% based on consumer price index adjustments
• OAS increases by 0.3%, reflecting a total 2% increase over the past year

What This Means in Real Dollars

CPP Payment Examples (with 2.0% increase):

Current Monthly Amount	New Amount	Monthly Increase
$800	$816	$16
$1,000	$1,020	$20
$1,200	$1,224	$24
$1,400	$1,428	$28

OAS Payment Examples (with 0.3% increase):

Based on the adjustment, maximum monthly OAS payments rise to approximately $742.31 for those aged 65-74 and $816.54 for recipients 75 and older.

Maximum vs. Average Payments

It’s important to set realistic expectations:

• CPP maximum at 65: $1,433 monthly
• CPP average: Approximately $899 monthly
• OAS maximum (65-74): Around $742 monthly
• OAS maximum (75+): Around $816 monthly

Most seniors receive less than the maximum because few people have decades of contributions at the highest earnings levels.

Additional Supports for Low-Income Seniors

If you receive OAS and have low income, you may also qualify for:

• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – Provides substantial additional monthly income
• Allowance – For spouses aged 60-64 of GIS recipients
• Allowance for the Survivor – For widowed individuals aged 60-64

These benefits are income-tested and can significantly boost total retirement income.

6. Canada Disability Benefit – January 15, 2026

New Federal Support for Canadians with Disabilities

The Canada Disability Benefit launched in 2024 to improve financial security for working-age Canadians living with disabilities. It recognizes that disability often comes with additional costs—from medication and assistive devices to specialized transportation and housing modifications.

Who Qualifies

To receive the January payment:

• Age 18 to 64
• Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate on file
• Filed your income tax return to allow income assessment

The DTC is typically approved through Form T2201, which must be completed with a medical practitioner who can certify your condition meets CRA criteria.

Payment Amount

The maximum Canada Disability Benefit is up to $2,400 annually, or approximately $200 monthly. Actual amounts may vary based on income levels and program specifications.

How to Get Approved

The process involves two key steps:

1. Apply for the Disability Tax Credit – Your doctor or specialist completes Form T2201, which you submit to CRA for approval
2. File your tax return – Once DTC is approved, CRA assesses you automatically for CDB

Important timing note: Applications can take several months to process. If approved, you may receive retroactive payments for up to 24 months from your application date, but not for any period before June 2024 (when the program launched).

Why This Benefit Matters

For many Canadians with disabilities, this monthly payment helps cover essential expenses that aren’t fully covered by provincial disability programs or private insurance. It can make the difference between managing comfortably and facing constant financial pressure.

Complete 2026 Payment Calendar

GST/HST Credit Dates

• January 5, 2026
• April 2, 2026
• July 3, 2026
• October 5, 2026

Advanced Canada Workers Benefit Dates

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

Canada Child Benefit Dates (Monthly)

• January 20
• February 20
• March 20
• April 20
• May 20
• June 19
• July 20
• August 20
• September 18
• October 20
• November 20
• December 11

Ontario Trillium Benefit Dates (Monthly)

• January 9
• February 10
• March 10
• April 10
• May 8
• June 10
• July 10
• August 10
• September 10
• October 9
• November 10
• December 10

CPP and OAS Dates (Monthly)

• January 28
• February 25
• March 27
• April 28
• May 27
• June 26
• July 29
• August 27
• September 25
• October 28
• November 26
• December 22

Canada Disability Benefit Dates (Monthly)

• January 15
• February 19
• March 19
• April 16
• May 21
• June 18
• July 20
• August 20
• September 17
• October 15
• November 19
• December 17

How to Ensure You Receive Benefits Without Delays

1. File Your Tax Return on Time

This cannot be stressed enough: even if you had no income, filing your tax return is essential. The CRA uses your return to calculate eligibility for nearly every benefit program.

Missing this step means missing payments.

2. Set Up Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is faster, more secure, and more reliable than waiting for mailed cheques. You can set it up through:

• Your CRA My Account online
• Your financial institution
• By calling CRA at 1-800-959-8281

3. Keep Your Information Current

Update your CRA profile immediately when you experience:

• Address changes
• Marital status changes (marriage, separation, divorce)
• New children or custody changes
• Banking information updates

Out-of-date information is the most common reason for payment delays.

4. Check Your CRA My Account Regularly

Your online account shows:

• Upcoming payment amounts and dates
• Benefit eligibility status
• Any outstanding information requests
• Payment history

Checking monthly helps you catch issues before they become problems.

5. Respond Quickly to CRA Requests

If CRA sends you a letter requesting documentation or clarification, respond immediately. Delays in providing information can pause your benefits for months.

Special Considerations for Newcomers and Temporary Residents

Permanent Residents

New permanent residents can apply for most benefits as soon as they arrive in Canada and file their first tax return. Key programs include:

• GST/HST Credit
• Canada Child Benefit
• Provincial benefits like OTB (if in Ontario)

Temporary Residents

Temporary foreign workers, international students, and other temporary residents face additional requirements:

• GST/HST Credit: Typically need 18 months of Canadian residency plus a valid permit in the 19th month
• Canada Child Benefit: May qualify if they hold specific permit types and meet residency conditions
• Provincial benefits: Vary by province

Always check specific eligibility criteria for your status, and keep copies of all immigration documents when applying.

What to Do If Your Payment Is Missing or Incorrect

Step 1: Check Your CRA My Account

Log in and verify:

• Your eligibility status for the benefit
• Whether you filed your most recent tax return
• If CRA has sent any notices or requests

Step 2: Confirm Direct Deposit Setup

Ensure your banking information is correct and up to date. A single incorrect digit can cause payments to fail.

Step 3: Contact CRA

If everything appears correct but your payment is still missing:

• Call: 1-800-387-1193 (for benefit inquiries)
• Call: 1-800-959-8281 (for GST/HST Credit)
• Call: 1-800-277-9914 (for CPP/OAS through Service Canada)

Have your Social Insurance Number and recent tax return ready when you call.

Step 4: Allow Processing Time

Some benefit adjustments take 4-6 weeks to process. If you recently updated information or filed a late return, expect delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive multiple benefits in the same month?

Yes. Many Canadians qualify for several programs simultaneously. For example, a low-income family might receive GST/HST Credit, Canada Child Benefit, and Advanced Canada Workers Benefit all in January.

Do I need to reapply every year?

Most benefits continue automatically as long as you remain eligible and file your annual tax return. However, life changes (marriage, new children, custody changes) may require updates or new applications.

Are these benefits taxable?

Most are tax-free, including:

• GST/HST Credit
• Canada Child Benefit
• Canada Disability Benefit
• OTB

However, CPP and OAS are taxable income and must be reported on your tax return.

What happens if I move provinces?

Notify CRA immediately through your My Account. Some benefits are provincial (like OTB), so moving may affect eligibility. Federal benefits continue regardless of province.

Can I work while receiving these benefits?

Yes for most programs. In fact, the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit specifically supports working Canadians. However, employment income affects benefit amounts for income-tested programs like CCB and GST/HST Credit.

The Bottom Line

January 2026 delivers crucial financial support to millions of Canadian households through six major benefit programs. From families managing childcare costs to seniors on fixed incomes to workers supplementing lower wages, these payments help maintain financial stability during an expensive time of year.

The key to maximizing your benefits is simple:

1. File your tax return every year
2. Keep your CRA information current
3. Set up direct deposit
4. Know which programs you qualify for
5. Mark payment dates in your calendar

With proper planning, these government benefits become a reliable foundation for household budgeting—predictable income you can count on month after month.