If you rely on CRA or Service Canada benefits, knowing the 2026 payment dates (and who qualifies) can save you a lot of stress. Below is the full 2026 benefit payment schedule, plus quick eligibility reminders so you can mark your calendar and move on with your life.
This guide covers:
- Monthly and quarterly CRA benefit payment dates
- Service Canada payments (CPP, OAS, Disability, Veterans)
- Who is eligible
- How much you can receive in 2026
- Common reasons payments are delayed
(Note: Dates are based on the standard government issuance schedules. Always check your CRA My Account for the most direct deposit status)
Part 1: Benefits Payments Administered by Service Canada
These payments usually cover retirement, disability and survivor support. Most are monthly and managed through your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and contributions.
Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) – 2026 Payments
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a new monthly payment designed to support working-age Canadians with disabilities by providing a stable monthly income supplement.
Who is eligible
- Approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Aged 18–64
- Filed your most recent tax return
- Income-tested (amount reduces as income rises)
2026 amount
- Up to $200 per month ($2,400 per year), indexed to inflation
- Paid monthly
- Maximum benefit applies to low-income recipients
2026 payment dates
- 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
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – 2026 Payments
CPP provides retirement income as well as disability, survivor and children’s benefits.
Who is eligible
- Made CPP contributions through employment or self-employment
- CPP disability requires severe/prolonged disability approval
2026 amount
- Maximum monthly retirement pension at age 65 has increased to $1,507.65.
- Average for new beneficiaries is typically much lower (approx. $800)
- Based on contribution history
2026 payment dates
- 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
Old Age Security (OAS) – 2026 Payments
It’s a monthly payment you get if you are 65 or older and meet legal status requirements.
OAS includes:
- OAS pension
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Allowance & Allowance for the Survivor
Who is eligible
- Age 65+
- Canadian residency requirements met
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18
2026 amount
- If you are 65–74, the maximum is $742.31/month
- If you are 75+, it’s $816.54/month
- GIS varies based on marital status and income
2026 payment dates
- 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
Veteran Disability Benefits – 2026 Payments
Tax-free financial support for veterans whose service to Canada caused an injury or illness. You earned this through your service.
Who is eligible
- Former Canadian Armed Forces members or RCMP with a service-related disability
2026 amount
- Depends on severity and assessment level
- Indexed annually
2026 payment dates (Same as CPP)
- January 30, 2026
- February 26, 2026
- March 30, 2026
- April 29, 2026
- May 28, 2026
- June 29, 2026
- July 30, 2026
- August 28, 2026
- September 28, 2026
- October 29, 2026
- November 27, 2026
- December 23, 2026
Part 2: Benefits Payments Administered by the CRA
These are primarily tax credits and social rebates. To get these, you must file your income tax return, even if you had $0 income.
GST/HST Credit – 2026 Payments
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment designed to help offset the sales tax you pay on everyday goods.
Who is eligible
- Filed a tax return
- Income below CRA thresholds
- Includes provincial supplements
2026 amount
- Quarterly payment
- Up to $533 for singles
- $698 for couples (plus $184 per child)
Watch for the proposed 25% Grocery Benefit increase starting in July 2026!
2026 payment dates
- January 5, 2026
- April 2, 2026
- July 3, 2026
- October 5, 2026
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – 2026 Payments
Monthly tax-free benefit for families raising children under 18 scales based on your family income and number of children.
Who is eligible
- Primary caregiver
- Filed annual tax return
- Income-tested (amounts reduce as family income rises)
2026 amount
- Max for children under 6 is $7,997 per year ($666.41/month)
- For ages 6–17, it’s $6,748 per year ($562.33/month)
- Amounts are recalculated every July based on your family income
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
Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) – 2026 Payments
A tax-free benefit for low-to-moderate income families in Alberta with children under 18.
Who is eligible
- Must be a resident of Alberta
- Filed annual tax return
- Enrolment is automatic if you get the CCB
2026 amounts (July 2025 – June 2026)
- Base Component: Up to $1,499 for the first child and $749 for each subsequent child (up to 4 children).
- Working Component: If your family earns over $2,760, you may get up to an additional $767 for the first child and smaller amounts for the next three.
2026 payment dates
- February 27, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- August 27, 2026
- November 27, 2026
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) – 2026 Payments
This bundles three credits together to help Ontarians with energy costs and property taxes.
Combines:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
Who is eligible
- Must be 18+ years old, have/had a spouse/common-law partner, or be a parent
- Must pay rent or property tax in Ontario
- Filed annual tax return
2026 amounts
- Sales Tax Credit: Up to $371 per adult and child in the family
- Energy & Property Tax Credit: Up to $1,283 (for those 18–64) or $1,461 (for those 65+)
2026 payment dates
- January 9, 2026
- February 10, 2026
- March 10, 2026
- April 10, 2026
- May 8, 2026
- June 10, 2026
- July 10, 2026
- August 10, 2026
- September 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
- November 10, 2026
- December 10, 2026
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) – 2026 Payments
A refundable tax credit for low-income individuals and families who are in the workforce. It tops up your wages to make working pay off.
Who is eligible
- Must be a resident of Canada and at least 19 years old on Dec 31
- Must have a working income (employment or business income)
- Income must be below the “phase-out” threshold for your province (generally around $33,015 for singles or $43,212 for families)
2026 amounts
- Up to $1,633 for single individuals.
- Up to $2,813 for families.
- You receive 50% of your total entitlement in the three advanced payments listed below
2026 payment dates
- January 12, 2026
- July 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit (NLDB) – 2026 Payments
A relatively new benefit (started July 2025) designed to provide long-term financial security for low-income persons with disabilities.
Who is eligible
- Must be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador aged 18–64
- Must have an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate on file
- Full benefit is paid to those with family income under $29,402; partial benefits are paid up to $42,404
2026 amounts
- Up to $400 per month ($4,800 annually)
- Plus a $1,200 annual contribution to your Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
2026 payment dates
- January 23, 2026
- February 25, 2026
- March 25, 2026
- April 24, 2026
- May 25, 2026
- June 25, 2026
- July 24, 2026
- August 25, 2026
- September 25, 2026
- October 23, 2026
- November 25, 2026
- December 24, 2026
Final Advice
Keep your info current. If you move or change banks, update your info with the CRA and Service Canada immediately through “My Account” or “My Service Canada Account.” It’s the number one reason payments get delayed.
Sometimes payments arrive a day early or late due to weekends and holidays. If a payment date falls on a weekend or a statutory holiday, you will usually receive it on the last business day prior to the date.
At Instaccountant, we ensure your tax filings are 100% accurate so you never miss out on the benefits you deserve. Have a question about your specific entitlement? Reach out today!
