5 government benefit payments Canadians can get from the CRA in December

Ontario Trillium Benefit

The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) provides monthly financial support to help low- and moderate-income Ontarians manage essential costs like energy bills and property and sales taxes. This benefit combines three provincial credits: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC), the Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC). The OTB is funded by the Ontario Government but distributed by the CRA.

To qualify, you must have filed your 2023 income tax return. If eligible, you likely began receiving payments on the 10th of each month starting in July 2024. For those entitled to $360 or less annually, the full amount was delivered as a lump sum in July instead of monthly installments.

How much you can get: The amount depends on your income and eligibility for each credit. Here's the maximum monthly amount you could receive in December 2024:

• Up to $104 for ages 18 to 64, or up to $118.41 if you're 65 or older, from the OEPTC
• Up to $15 for singles, or up to $23.08 for families, from the NOEC
• Up to $30 for each family member, including yourself, your spouse and dependents, from the OSTC

Next payment date: December 10, 2024

More about the Ontario Trillium Benefit

Canada Child Benefit

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help families cover the costs of raising children. Administered by the CRA, the benefit also provides additional support for families with children who have disabilities.

To qualify, you need to live with a child under 18 and be primarily responsible for their care. You must also be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, and either you or your partner must meet specific residency criteria, such as being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

How much you can get: The payment amount depends on your family's income, the number of children you have and their ages. Currently, families with an adjusted net income under $36,502 in 2023 qualify for the maximum payments, which are up to $648.91 monthly per child under 6 and up to $547.50 per month for each child aged 6 to 17. Payments gradually decrease as income rises.

Depending on where you live and your situation, you may also be eligible to receive additional related provincial or territorial benefits or disability supports lumped in with your CCB payment.

Next payment date: December 13, 2024

More about the Canada Child Benefit

Old Age Security

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly payment that helps Canadians aged 65 and older manage their everyday living expenses. You can receive OAS whether you're still working or even if you've never held a job.

To qualify, you need to be at least 65 years old and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18. If you're living outside Canada, you'll need a minimum of 20 years of Canadian residency. Most people are automatically enrolled, but if you don't get an enrollment letter from Service Canada in the month following your 64th birthday, you may need to apply.

How much you can get: From October to December 2024, the maximum monthly OAS payment is $727.67 for those aged 65 to 74 and $800.44 if you're 75 or older. OAS payments are adjusted every three months to account for inflation. If you turned 75 after July 2022, your OAS payment increases by 10% starting the month after your 75th birthday.

Next payment date: December 20, 2024

More about Old Age Security

Canada Pension Plan

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension is a monthly payment designed to replace part of your income after retirement, offering steady financial support for life if you qualify. Keep in mind that Quebec has its own system, the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), which operates separately from the CPP.

To qualify for CPP, you need to be at least 60 years old and have made at least one contribution during your working years. Contributions are based on work done in Canada, and credits can also be transferred in the case of a separation.

How much you can get: Your monthly payment depends on factors such as when you begin claiming CPP, how much you've contributed, and your overall lifetime earnings. In 2024, the maximum monthly amount for someone starting their pension at age 65 is $1,364.60. You can check your estimated CPP benefits by logging into your My Service Canada Account.

Next payment date: December 20, 2024

More about the Canada Pension Plan

Veteran Disability Pension

The Veteran Disability Pension offers monthly financial support to veterans living with a disability linked to their military service. Eligible recipients include Canadian Armed Forces veterans, those who served during the Second World War or the Korean War and some current or former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members. Certain civilians who contributed to the Second World War effort may also qualify.

To receive the pension, you must have a diagnosed medical condition directly connected to your service. The Veteran Disability Pension provides lifetime monthly payments, with additional support for dependents, such as a spouse or children.

How much you can get: The amount varies based on your disability level. Veterans with the highest disability rating (Class 1) can receive up to $3,357.30 monthly, with extra payments for dependents: $839.33 for a spouse, $436.45 for the first child, $318.94 for the second child and $251.80 for each additional child.

Next payment date: December 23, 2024

More about the Veteran Disability Pension

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