If you receive federal benefits in Canada, it’s essential to understand the details of each program — including eligibility, payment amounts, and payment dates. In this guide, we explain the main federal benefits, help you understand who is eligible, and share all the key dates for 2025.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

The CPP is a public pension plan administered by the Government of Canada. It provides monthly payments to retirees, individuals with disabilities, and dependants of deceased contributors.

Who is eligible?

• Individuals over the age of 60 who have contributed to the CPP
• People with severe disabilities who are unable to work
• Children of deceased or disabled CPP beneficiaries

Benefit Amounts

In 2024, the average monthly payment for retirees was approximately CAD 758, with a maximum of CAD 1,364.60.

Payment Dates in 2025

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

Old Age Security (OAS)

OAS is a monthly benefit paid to Canadian seniors aged 65 or older, regardless of their CPP contribution history.

Who is eligible?

• Individuals aged 65 or older who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18

Benefit Amounts

The maximum monthly OAS payment in 2024 was CAD 713.34, with potential additional amounts available through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

Payment Dates in 2025

• Same as CPP dates

GST/HST Credit

This is a tax credit that helps low- and modest-income Canadians offset the GST or HST they pay on goods and services.

Who is eligible?

• Canadian residents with low or modest income
• Individuals who filed an income tax return

Benefit Amounts

In 2024, the maximum was CAD 496 for singles and CAD 650 for couples.

Payment Dates in 2025

• January 5
• April 5
• July 5
• October 5

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

A non-taxable monthly payment made to families to help with the cost of raising children under 18.

Who is eligible?

• Parents or guardians of children under 18 years of age

Benefit Amounts

In 2024, the maximum annual amount was CAD 7,437 per child under age 6, and CAD 6,275 per child aged 6 to 17.

Payment Dates in 2025

• January 19
• February 20
• March 20
• April 19
• May 20
• June 20
• July 19
• August 20
• September 20
• October 18
• November 20
• December 13

Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)

A benefit for Ontario residents that includes the Ontario energy and property tax credit, the Northern Ontario energy credit, and the Ontario sales tax credit.

Who is eligible?

• Ontario residents who qualify for provincial tax credits

Benefit Amounts

Depends on income level and housing situation.

Payment Dates in 2025

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

Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)

The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit is a quarterly advance payment of the refundable Canada Workers Benefit for low-income workers.

Who is eligible?

• Low-income workers who meet federal eligibility criteria
• Individuals who filed an income tax return and qualified for the CWB

Benefit Amounts

The amount depends on household income and tax situation.

Payment Dates in 2025

• January 10
• July 11
• October 10

Canada Carbon Rebate

Formerly known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment, this benefit helps residents offset the costs of federal carbon pricing.

Who is eligible?

• Residents of provinces where the federal carbon pricing system applies

Benefit Amounts

Amounts vary depending on the province.

Payment Dates in 2025

• January 15
• April 15
• July 15
• October 15

Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)

The Alberta Child and Family Benefit is a financial assistance program for low-income families with children. It provides support throughout the year to help with child-rearing expenses.

Who is eligible?

• Families residing in Alberta with children under 18
• Households with income within the province’s limits

Benefit Amounts

Varies based on family income and number of children.

Payment Dates in 2025

• February 27
• May 27
• August 27
• November 27

Veteran Disability Pension

This monthly pension supports veterans who have sustained a service-related injury or illness. Family members of deceased veterans may also qualify.

Who is eligible?

• Veterans with a medically confirmed service-related condition
• Eligible survivors of deceased veterans

Benefit Amounts

Based on the severity of the condition and medical assessment.

Payment Dates in 2025

• January 30
• February 27
• March 28
• April 29
• May 29
• June 27
• July 30
• August 28
• September 26
• October 30
• November 27
• December 23

Conclusion

Staying up to date on your benefits and their payment dates is key to managing your finances with confidence. Knowing how much and when you’ll receive your payments helps you avoid surprises and take full advantage of government support.

If you’d like personalized help optimizing your tax situation or making sure you’re getting all the benefits you qualify for, MB Tax Solutions is here to help. Our expert team offers friendly, personalized service to help you maximize your refunds and minimize your taxes — legally and efficiently.