6 New CRA Benefits Payments Coming In January 2026
On January 5, 2026, Canadians nationwide will receive the first of six Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) benefit payments scheduled for January 2026. These payments are crucial for many households, offering financial support to families, seniors, workers, people with disabilities, newcomers, and long-term temporary residents.
From major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary to smaller towns, these payments help Canadians cover their day-to-day expenses. Below is a detailed guide to the six CRA benefit payments arriving in January 2026, including eligibility criteria and payment dates.
6 CRA Benefit Payments Arriving In January 2026
Each of these payments serves a specific purpose within Canada’s income support system, collectively forming a vital part of the country’s social safety net.
1. GST Payment
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly payment designed to assist low- and modest-income Canadians in offsetting the GST and HST paid on their purchases. The CRA automatically administers this benefit based on data from annual tax returns.
Who Is Eligible for the GST/HST Credit?
To qualify for the January 2026 GST/HST Credit payment, you must meet specific conditions, including being a Canadian resident, meeting age requirements, falling within CRA income thresholds, and having filed your income tax return.
How Much Is the GST Payment?
The amount of the GST/HST Credit varies based on income and household size. For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit cycle, the maximum annual GST payment amounts range from $533 for single individuals to $698 for married or common-law couples.
How the GST/HST Credit Is Paid
The GST/HST Credit is issued quarterly, with the January 2026 payment being part of the 2025–2026 benefit year. Recipients receive the payment directly into their bank accounts or by mail if direct deposit is not set up.
GST Payment Dates 2026
- January 5, 2026
- April 2, 2026
- July 3, 2026
- October 5, 2026
This payment helps individuals cover essential winter expenses such as heating, groceries, and transportation.
2. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit is the advance payment component of the Canada Workers Benefit, providing support to low-income workers. Eligible individuals receive up to 50% of their benefit in advance through scheduled payments.
Who Qualifies for ACWB Payments?
To receive the January 2026 ACWB payment, you must be a Canadian resident, meet age requirements, earn working income within set limits, file your income tax return, and complete Schedule 6.
How Much Can ACWB Pay?
The amount of the ACWB payment depends on various factors, including working income, net income, family status, and eligibility for a disability supplement.
How to Receive ACWB
There is usually no separate application process for ACWB payments. However, accuracy in your tax return is crucial to avoid delays.
ACWB Payment Dates 2026
- January 12, 2026
- July 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
This payment helps workers manage expenses early in the year following the holiday season.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment that assists families in covering the expenses associated with raising children under the age of 18. This benefit supports costs like food, housing, childcare, education, and extracurricular activities. Families who have children that qualify for the Disability Tax Credit may also receive the Child Disability Benefit as part of their CCB payments.
To be eligible for the January 2026 CCB payment, you must live with a child under 18 for whom you are the primary caregiver, be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, have filed income tax returns with your spouse or common-law partner, and meet the income thresholds set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Temporary residents can qualify after meeting residency requirements, while new permanent residents can apply upon their arrival in Canada.
The amount of CCB payments depends on household income and the number and ages of the children. For the benefit year from July 2025 to June 2026, the maximum annual CCB payment ceilings are as follows: up to $7,997 per year per child under 6 (approximately $666.41 per month), up to $6,748 per year per child aged 6-17 (about $562.33 per month), and Child Disability Benefit up to $3,265 annually for eligible children (around $272.08 per month).
If you are not currently receiving the CCB, you must apply to receive it. However, if you already receive the benefit, you generally do not need to reapply, but it is essential to keep your information up to date to avoid any disruptions in payments.
The CCB payment dates for 2026 are as follows: 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.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a tax-free monthly payment available to eligible Ontario residents. It combines three credits into a single payment: the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit. This benefit helps offset expenses like sales tax, rent, property taxes, and energy costs.
To qualify for OTB payments, you must have been an Ontario resident at the end of the tax year, be 19 years or older, have a spouse or common-law partner, or be a parent living with your child, have paid rent, property taxes, or energy costs, filed your income tax return, and completed the Ontario benefits schedule. Newcomers and temporary residents may qualify once they meet the residency and tax filing requirements.
OTB payment amounts vary based on household income, whether you rent or own, whether you live in Northern Ontario, and whether you are a senior in the OEPTC category. The maximum OTB payment entitlement figures across the three credits can be: OSTC up to $371 per person, OEPTC up to $1,282 for non-seniors and up to $1,459 for seniors, and NOEC up to $185 for singles and up to $284 for families.
The OTB is assessed through your tax return, and to receive it, you must file your tax return, complete Form ON-BEN within the Ontario tax package, accurately report rent and property taxes paid, and set up direct deposit. Payments are made monthly, but if your total entitlement is $360 or less, the CRA may issue it as a lump sum rather than monthly deposits.
The payment dates for OTB in 2026 are: January 9, February 10, March 10, April 10, May 8, June 10, July 10, August 10, September 10, October 9, November 10, and December 10. These payments are particularly beneficial during the winter months when heating and utility costs are typically higher.
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) are two major public retirement income programs in Canada. CPP is based on contributions made during your working years, while OAS is primarily based on age and years lived in Canada after the age of 18. Many seniors receive both programs, and some may also be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement if their income is low enough.
To be eligible for CPP, you must have made at least one valid contribution during your work life, and you can start receiving payments as early as 60 (with a reduced amount) or as late as 70 (with a higher amount). Payments can be received even if you live outside Canada, depending on your eligibility and any agreements in place. OAS eligibility requires being 65 or older and having lived in Canada for a certain number of years after the age of 18 to qualify for a partial or full pension.
The amounts for CPP and OAS payments vary based on personal contribution history (CPP) and residency history (OAS). The maximum and average monthly payments for CPP and OAS are as follows: CPP maximum monthly at 65 up to $1,433, CPP average monthly about $899, OAS ages 65-74 up to $727.67, OAS ages 75+ up to $800.44. Actual payment amounts depend on individual histories and Service Canada files.
To apply for CPP, you must meet specific requirements, while OAS may require automatic enrollment or application through My Service Canada Account. Newcomers who later qualify for OAS or CPP-related benefits may need to provide residency evidence and may be affected by social security agreements based on their country of origin.
The payment dates for OAS and CPP in 2026 are: 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 payments help support seniors with essential expenses like housing, food, healthcare, and utilities.
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a tax-free monthly payment for working-age Canadians with disabilities. The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a program aimed at enhancing financial security and reducing poverty for individuals dealing with disability-related expenses. To qualify for the CDB, individuals must have an approved Disability Tax Credit certificate and meet specific income requirements.
Eligibility for the CDB is typically based on age (18-64), Canadian residency for tax purposes, possession of an approved Disability Tax Credit certificate, and the filing of annual tax returns to allow the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to assess income and eligibility. Temporary residents and newcomers may also be eligible if they meet tax residency criteria and have an approved DTC, but documentation and processing times may impact eligibility.
The CDB provides a maximum annual payment of up to $2,400 per eligible individual, with variations based on income levels. Actual payment amounts are determined by the CRA’s evaluation and any program-specific conditions.
To receive the CDB, individuals must ensure their DTC is approved, file their tax return, keep their CRA account information updated, and set up direct deposit. Failure to obtain DTC approval or incomplete information may result in payment delays or non-issuance.
The CDB payment dates for 2026 are as follows:
– January 15, 2026
– February 19, 2026
– March 19, 2026
– April 16, 2026
– May 21, 2026
– June 18, 2026
– July 20, 2026
– August 20, 2026
– September 17, 2026
– October 15, 2026
– November 19, 2026
– December 17, 2026
These payments are intended to support ongoing expenses such as medication, assistive devices, housing, and transportation. They serve as a vital source of financial assistance at the beginning of the year, helping stabilize household finances during a period of potentially increased costs.
To ensure timely receipt of CRA benefits, Canadians should have direct deposit set up through CRA My Account and keep personal information like address, marital status, and dependents up to date. Understanding the January 2026 CRA benefit payments allows individuals and families to plan ahead, manage finances, and make informed decisions for the new year.
In January 2026, eligible Canadians may receive up to six benefit payments, including GST/HST Credit, OTB, ACWB, CDB, CCB, and CPP and OAS. Newcomers and temporary residents may qualify for certain benefits if they meet CRA tax residency requirements and program conditions. Most recipients do not need to reapply for these payments unless specific circumstances apply, such as being a newcomer, having unfiled tax returns, experiencing major life changes, or failing to provide requested documents.