As November 2025 draws closer, many Canadians are preparing for a wave of federal support programs set to arrive. The six “New CRA Benefits” are scheduled to provide assistance to low‑ and modest‑income households, seniors, veterans and workers impacted by the rising cost of living. With increases already applied to some benefit lines (for example, the GST/HST Credit) and payment schedules updating, it’s important to understand what’s changing, who is eligible, and when the funds will hit your account.
“These benefit adjustments are not only about the amount—they signal a stronger safety‑net response to cost‑of‑living pressures across Canada,” says policy analyst Dr Susan Mathieu.
Contents
CRA Benefits Payments Increase 2025-2026 – Overview
| Program Name | CRA Benefits |
| Country | Canada |
| Authority | Canada Revenue Agency |
| Category | News |
| Who Qualifies? | Residents of Canada |
| What’s the Increase? | Each benefit will increase in 2026 |
| Official Website | canada.ca |
The federal government, through CRA and Service Canada, is rolling multiple benefit updates that take effect in or around November 2025. These include: enhanced quarterly payments, indexed benefit amounts for inflation, and expanded eligibility in some cases. While the headline “six new benefits” suggests entirely new programs, many are existing benefits with changes to amounts, eligibility or timing rather than brand‑new credits. For example:
- The GST/HST Credit has been increased by roughly 2.7% for the 2025‑26 benefit year.
- The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) continues with updated payment levels based on 2025 data.
- The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and its Advanced version (ACWB) are being emphasized for low‑income workers.
- Seniors’ pensions under the Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP), as well as provincial top‑ups such as the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB), are seeing inflation‑linked updates.
“If you think you qualify, now is the time to review your tax return, update your info and be ready for November,” adds tax advisor James Chen.
| Benefit Name | Administering Agency | Key Update for 2025‑26 Period | Typical Payment Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST/HST Credit | CRA | Increase of ~2.7% for 2025‑26 year | Quarterly (July, Oct, Jan, Apr) |
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | CRA | Updated maximum payment amounts for children | Monthly (20th of month) |
| Canada Workers Benefit / ACWB | CRA | Emphasis on advance instalments for low‑income workers | Advance & tax‑return timing |
| OAS / CPP pensions | Service Canada | Inflation‑linked increases (OAS + CPP) | End of each month |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | Ontario/CRA | Top‑up for low‑/moderate‑income households | Monthly (10th of month) |
| Veteran & Disability benefit enhancements | Service Canada | Indexed updates and improved eligibility | Payment aligned with benefit page |
Who Will Receive CRA Benefits?
Here are the core eligibility rules for the key benefiting programs:
- GST/HST Credit: Must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes and file a tax return for the base year. Children under age 19 can add an additional amount per child.
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB): You must be primarily responsible for a child under age 18, file a tax return, and meet income‑based criteria.
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB/ACWB): You must have working income, be 19 years or older (in most cases), and file a tax return. The “advance” feature may be available for low‑income workers.
- OAS / CPP pensions: OAS generally available at age 65, with residency requirements. CPP based on contributions and retirement age.
- Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): Residents of Ontario with low to moderate income may qualify; requires provincial tax‑filing.
- Veteran & Disability Benefit Enhancements: Must meet criteria for veteran status or disability and file relevant applications/returns.
“Many Canadians assume the payments will just show up automatically—filing and residency rules still matter,” warns veteran income‑support specialist Maria Lopez.
Benefits of the Programs
These benefit updates provide several key advantages:
- Increased support to households: The GST/HST Credit increase and CCB enhancements help offset rising costs of goods and services.
- Encouraging participation in the workforce: The CWB/ACWB helps low‑income workers by boosting income and offering advance payments.
- Support for seniors and retirees: OAS and CPP increases help maintain purchasing power amid inflation.
- Targeting vulnerable groups: Veterans, people with disabilities and families with children receive tailored support.
- Automatic indexing: Many of these benefits are tied to inflation or wage growth, providing predictable increases.
“For many families living paycheck‑to‑paycheck the extra few hundred dollars a year can make the difference between scraping by and meaningful relief,” notes financial planner Emma Vargas.
Payment Details CRA Recipients Should Know
| Benefit | Payment Frequency | Key Timing Info |
|---|---|---|
| GST/HST Credit | Quarterly | Payments on July 4, October 3, January 5, April 3 |
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Monthly | Payment on 20th of each month |
| CWB/ACWB | Advance & Annual | Advances during tax year, remainder via tax return |
| OAS / CPP | Monthly | CPP max at $1,433/month (2025); OAS adjusted quarterly |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | Monthly | Payment on 10th of each month (Ontario) |
| Veteran & Disability Payments | Monthly | Aligned with benefit calendars |
To illustrate differences and expectations:
| Metric | 2024 Typical Level | 2025‑26 Updated Level or Target |
|---|---|---|
| GST/HST Credit for single adult | Up to ~$519 annually | Up to ~$533 (+2.7%) |
| CPP Maximum Pension at age 65 | ~$1,433/month | Remains subject to contribution history but benefit base increases slowly |
| CCB Maximum (under age 6) | ~$7,997/year (2025‑26 base year) | Same base period, indexed annually |
| OAS Payment (age 65‑74) | Up to ~$727/month (per reports) | Continues to adjust with CPI |
These insights help families understand how much more support they might expect, though actual amounts vary with income, children and other factors.
Recent Updates
- July 2025: CRA confirmed the ~2.7% increase to GST/HST Credit for the benefit period July 2025 to June 2026.
- July 2025: Government updated maximum annual CCB amounts for July 2025‑June 2026 period.
- October 2025: Payment calendars released showing CCB payment dates including November 20 and OAS/CPP dates including November 26.
Why it Matters?
These benefit updates matter because they deliver real financial support to millions of Canadians at a time when living costs are climbing. For families with children, the CCB means thousands of dollars of support. Low‑income workers may benefit via the CWB/ACWB. Seniors and retirees rely on OAS and CPP to sustain their income—indexed increases help maintain their purchasing power.
For newcomers or residents with limited income, the GST/HST Credit offers a tangible quarterly payment. The bottom line: these programs bolster economic stability across demographics and reduce financial stress. As immigration and labour‑force changes occur in Canada, ensuring access to benefits strengthens social inclusion and economic resilience.
FAQs
Will I automatically receive these benefits?
Most payments are automatic if you file your 2024 tax return and meet eligibility. Some provincial top‑ups or veteran/disability benefits may require additional applications.
Do the increased amounts mean a lump‑sum “bonus” in November 2025?
Not necessarily. While some benefits see increases, they are typically spread via regular payment schedules—not a one‑time lump sum.
When are the payments arriving in November 2025?
For CCB, look for the November 20 payment date. OAS/CPP payment date is November 26 for many recipients. GST/HST Credit next payment is January 3, 2026—so none in November.
Does this apply if I live outside Canada?
Some benefits like CPP or OAS may still apply outside Canada if you meet residency and contribution rules. Others such as the GST/HST Credit typically require Canadian residency.
How can I check or update my information to get the benefits?
Use CRA’s “My Account” or Service Canada portals. Update your address, bank info, marital status and number of children to avoid payment delays.