March is a key month for many Ontario households because several government payments arrive on set dates. These deposits can help with child costs, sales tax relief, and monthly retirement income. The important part is that eligibility and amounts depend on your tax filing and your personal situation, not just where you live.
Here are the main payment dates Ontario residents often watch in March 2026.
March 2026 payment dates to know (Ontario)
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Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): Tuesday, March 10, 2026
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Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Friday, March 20, 2026
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CPP and OAS: Friday, March 27, 2026
1) Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – March 20, 2026
The CCB is not taxable and does not need to be reported as income.
For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, the maximum amounts are:
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Under 6: up to $7,997/year ($666.41/month)
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Age 6 to 17: up to $6,748/year ($562.33/month)
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Child Disability Benefit (if eligible): up to $3,411/year ($284.25/month)
Newcomers and some temporary residents may qualify after meeting CRA conditions (status in Canada, residency for tax purposes, and required forms in some cases).
2) Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) – March 10, 2026
The OTB combines three Ontario credits into one payment (OEPTC, NOEC, OSTC).
The CRA confirms: “No. The OTB is not taxable.”
Maximum annual amounts can vary by situation, but for many people the commonly referenced caps include:
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Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): up to $371/year for each eligible adult and child
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OEPTC (non-senior maximum combined energy + property tax amount): up to $1,283/year
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NOEC: up to $185/year (single) and $285/year (families/single parents)
Internal guidance: if you are expecting OTB but your rent/property tax details changed, review how ON-BEN is used through your tax return (many people miss this step).
3) CPP and OAS – March 27, 2026
CPP and OAS are paid monthly on a set schedule.
These benefits are taxable income:
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CPP is described as a monthly, taxable benefit.
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OAS is taxable income and may be subject to a recovery tax at higher income levels.
Maximum monthly amounts (as posted for January 2026) include:
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CPP retirement (age 65, new maximum): $1,507.65/month
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OAS (age 65): $742.31/month; age 75: $816.54/month
FAQs (real situations)
Are these payments taxable?
CCB is not taxable. OTB is not taxable. CPP and OAS are taxable.
Can CRA withhold OTB if I owe money?
Yes. CRA says OTB can be applied to certain debts first, and only the remaining amount (if any) is issued to you.
Can newcomers qualify for benefits like CCB?
Some newcomers (and certain temporary residents who meet CRA criteria) may qualify, but eligibility depends on residency for tax purposes, family situation, and required forms.
What if my payment is missing or late?
First, confirm the official payment date and make sure your direct deposit and address details are updated with the right department (CRA vs Service Canada).
Reality check: what can stop or reduce your March payments?
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Your amounts are income-tested (especially CCB and OTB components).
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Your tax return drives eligibility. For many Ontario benefits, filing on time matters (including the commonly used April 30 deadline for most people).
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Maximum amounts are not typical. Many people receive less than the maximum, especially for CPP and income-tested credits.
