As the new year kicks off, millions of Canadians will receive a wave of support through six different CRA-administered benefits. Whether you’re a parent, worker, senior, or person with a disability, January 2026 brings timely relief in the form of monthly or quarterly deposits. These payments help cover essential expenses like food, housing, energy, childcare, and medical needs.
Here’s everything you need to know about the six CRA benefits arriving in January 2026, including who qualifies, how much you can receive, and the exact payment dates.
GST
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly payment designed to help low- and modest-income Canadians offset sales taxes on everyday purchases.
Who qualifies:
- Must be a Canadian resident
- At least 19 years old (or have a child or spouse)
- Filed your 2024 income tax return
- Meet CRA income thresholds
Temporary residents and newcomers can also qualify after meeting residency rules and filing a return.
How much:
- Up to $533 for singles
- Up to $698 for couples
- $184 per child under 19
The payment amount depends on your income and family size.
GST Payment Date:
- January 5, 2026
ACWB
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit is the partial, early payment of the Canada Workers Benefit. It supports low-income workers and encourages employment.
Who qualifies:
- Aged 19 or older
- Working income within CRA thresholds
- Filed 2024 tax return and completed Schedule 6
How much:
- Up to $1,428 (singles) and $2,461 (families) annually
- January payment includes up to 50% of annual benefit
ACWB Payment Dates:
- January 12, 2026
- July 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
CCB
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18. It helps with expenses like housing, childcare, and food.
Who qualifies:
- You live with and care for a child under 18
- You are a tax resident of Canada
- You filed your 2024 tax return
How much:
- Up to $7,997 per year per child under 6 (approx. $666/month)
- Up to $6,748 per year per child aged 6–17 (approx. $562/month)
- Additional $272/month for eligible children with disabilities
CCB Payment Date:
- January 20, 2026
OTB
The Ontario Trillium Benefit supports Ontario residents with rent, property tax, and energy costs. It combines three credits: OSTC, OEPTC, and NOEC.
Who qualifies:
- Ontario resident at the end of 2024
- Paid rent/property tax/energy bills
- Filed your tax return with Form ON-BEN
How much:
- OSTC: up to $371 per person
- OEPTC: up to $1,282 (non-seniors), $1,459 (seniors)
- NOEC: up to $185 (singles), $284 (families)
Monthly amounts vary widely based on income and housing costs.
OTB Payment Date:
- January 9, 2026
CPP & OAS
These federal pension programs provide monthly support for retired and older Canadians. CPP is based on past contributions, while OAS is based on age and residency.
CPP eligibility:
- Made at least one valid CPP contribution
- Can apply from age 60–70
OAS eligibility:
- Age 65 or older
- Lived in Canada for 10+ years after age 18 for partial benefit
How much:
- CPP: up to $1,433/month (average $899)
- OAS (65–74): up to $727.67/month
- OAS (75+): up to $800.44/month
CPP & OAS Payment Date:
- January 28, 2026
CDB
The Canada Disability Benefit is a monthly payment for eligible working-age adults with disabilities. It aims to reduce poverty and support independent living.
Who qualifies:
- Age 18–64
- Resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
How much:
- Up to $2,400 annually (approx. $200/month)
CDB Payment Date:
- January 15, 2026
January 2026 CRA Benefits
| Benefit Name | Payment Date | Max Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| GST/HST Credit | Jan 5, 2026 | Varies (up to $533/year) |
| Advanced CWB | Jan 12, 2026 | Up to $714 (half of yearly) |
| Canada Child Benefit | Jan 20, 2026 | Up to $666 per child |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit | Jan 9, 2026 | Varies by household |
| CPP & OAS | Jan 28, 2026 | Up to $2,233 (combined) |
| Canada Disability Benefit | Jan 15, 2026 | Up to $200 |
These CRA benefits form the foundation of Canada’s social support network. January is often a tough month financially, and these deposits can make a big difference. To ensure you get paid on time:
- File your taxes annually
- Keep your CRA My Account updated
- Set up direct deposit
- Watch for CRA letters or notifications
FAQs
When is the January 2026 GST payment?
It will be paid on January 5, 2026.
Who gets the Canada Child Benefit?
Parents with children under 18 who filed their taxes.
When is CPP and OAS paid in January?
On January 28, 2026.
What is the ACWB January 2026 date?
January 12, 2026.
Do I need to apply for GST credit?
No. Just file your tax return to qualify automatically.
