Many Canadians rely on federal benefits to support everyday expenses. Programs administered by the Canada Revenue Agency help families, workers, and low-income individuals manage the cost of living.
These payments follow a fixed schedule each year.
Understanding these dates helps Canadians plan their budgets and track when deposits should arrive in their bank accounts.
Most CRA benefits are issued through direct deposit.
The government recommends setting up direct deposit through your CRA account because it is the fastest and most secure way to receive payments.
When are CRA benefits paid in 2025?
Several major benefits are issued on specific schedules throughout the year. Each program has its own payment cycle.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) 2025 payment dates
The Canada Child Benefit is usually paid monthly. Payments are normally issued around the 20th of each month.
According to the official CRA schedule, the payment dates for 2025 are:
- January 20, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 17, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
The benefit year runs from July to June, and payments are recalculated each July using the previous year’s tax return.
What are the CRA benefit payment dates for 2026?
For 2026, the CRA continues using the same monthly schedule for the Canada Child Benefit.
The official payment dates for 2026 are:
- 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
If the scheduled date falls on a weekend or holiday, the CRA usually issues the payment on the last business day before that date.
When are GST and HST credit payments sent?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps low and moderate income Canadians offset sales tax costs.
Payments are typically issued four times per year.
According to the official benefit calendar, the 2026 GST/HST credit dates are:
- January 5, 2026
- April 2, 2026
- July 3, 2026
- October 5, 2026
These payments may also include related provincial or territorial credits depending on where you live.
To receive the GST/HST credit, Canadians must file their annual income tax return even if they have no income.
When is the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit paid?
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit provides payments to eligible low-income workers before they file their tax return.
The CRA normally issues advance payments three times per year.
For 2026, the scheduled payment dates are:
- January 12, 2026
- July 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
These advance payments represent part of the Canada Workers Benefit that individuals may claim when they file their tax return.
Eligibility is based on income and family situation reported on the previous tax return.
How can you check your next CRA payment date?
The easiest way to track benefit payments is through the CRA online portal.
Canadians can sign in to My Account to see:
- The next expected payment date
- The amount of each benefit
- Payment history
- Statements for benefits and credits
The CRA also allows users to sign up for email reminders about upcoming payments.
These reminders are usually sent about one week before the benefit is issued.
What should you do if your CRA payment is late?
Sometimes payments arrive later than expected due to bank processing or postal delivery.
The CRA advises Canadians to wait several business days before contacting the agency.
For many benefits:
- Wait 5 business days for monthly payments
- Wait 10 business days for some quarterly credits
If the payment still has not arrived after that period, you can contact the CRA or check your account online to see if the payment was issued.
Updating your banking information and personal details in your CRA account can help avoid delays.
Do you need to file taxes to receive CRA benefits?
Yes. Filing a tax return is essential for most federal benefits.
The CRA uses the information from your tax return to determine:
- Eligibility
- Payment amounts
- Payment schedules
Even individuals with little or no income should file taxes every year. This ensures continued access to benefits such as the GST/HST credit and the Canada Child Benefit.