As spring arrives across Canada, millions of households are preparing for a welcome boost to their monthly finances. April 2026 is particularly notable, as Canadians from coast to coast will receive four separate government benefit payments, providing critical support for families, seniors, and low-income households.
Whether you are raising children, counting on pension income, or navigating rising living costs, understanding these payments is essential for planning your finances effectively. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Service Canada have confirmed payment dates, amounts, and eligibility criteria, and upcoming changes later this year make it more important than ever to know what to expect.
This guide breaks down each benefit in detail, explains eligibility, and outlines steps to ensure you receive every dollar you are entitled to.
April 2026 CRA Benefit Payments: An Overview
In April 2026, Canadians can expect deposits from four major programs: the GST/HST Credit, Canada Child Benefit, Canada Pension Plan, and Old Age Security. Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Benefit Program | Payment Date | Maximum Amount | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST/HST Credit | April 2, 2026 | Up to $533/year (single) | Low/modest income Canadians |
| Canada Child Benefit | April 20, 2026 | Up to $666/month (under 6) | Parents with children under 18 |
| Canada Pension Plan | April 28, 2026 | Up to $1,507.65/month | CPP contributors and retirees |
| Old Age Security | April 28, 2026 | Up to $816.54/month (75+) | Seniors aged 65+ |
These payments are especially significant this year because they precede major benefit increases scheduled for July 2026, including a 25% boost to the newly renamed Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and inflation adjustments to the Canada Child Benefit.
GST/HST Credit Payment: April 2, 2026
The first payment of the month arrives on Thursday, April 2, when the CRA issues the quarterly GST/HST credit.
What It Is and Who Benefits
This tax-free payment is designed to help low- and modest-income Canadians offset the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on everyday purchases. The April payment represents the final installment for the 2025–2026 benefit year, based on 2024 tax return information.
For most recipients, the amount will match the January 2026 payment, assuming no changes to household income or family circumstances.
GST/HST Credit Amounts (2025–2026)
| Recipient Type | Annual Maximum | Quarterly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single individual | $533 | $133.25 |
| Married or common-law couple | $698 | $174.50 |
| Per child under 19 | $184 | $46.00 |
| Couple with two children | $1,066 | $266.50 |
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: What’s Changing
The GST/HST credit is being renamed and expanded as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. Key updates include:
- One-time top-up equal to 50% of your 2025–26 GST credit, arriving no later than June 2026.
- 25% increase in quarterly payments starting July 2026, extending over five years.
- New households eligible, adding approximately 500,000 Canadians.
| Household Type | One-Time Top-Up | 2026–27 Increase | Total 2026–27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single individual | $267 | $136 | $950 |
| Single senior ($25K income) | $267 | $136 | $950 |
| Couple with two children ($40K income) | $533 | $272 | $1,890 |
Eligibility Criteria
To receive the GST/HST Credit in April 2026 and qualify for upcoming enhancements:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Be at least 19 years old, or if younger, have a spouse/common-law partner or a child.
- Have an adjusted family net income below eligibility thresholds.
- File your annual income tax return, even if no income was earned.
- Temporary residents may qualify after 18 months in Canada.
Canada Child Benefit: April 20, 2026
Families with children under 18 can expect their next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment on Monday, April 20, 2026.
How It Supports Families
The CCB provides tax-free monthly payments to help cover the cost of raising children. The April payment is based on 2024 tax return information for the 2025–2026 benefit year.
Current Benefit Amounts (2025–2026)
| Child Age | Annual Maximum | Monthly Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $7,997 | $666.41 |
| 6–17 | $6,748 | $562.33 |
| Child Disability Benefit | $3,411 | $284.25 |
Payments gradually reduce for families with incomes above $37,487.
Upcoming Increases Starting July 2026
From July 20, 2026, the CCB will be adjusted for inflation (2% increase):
| Child Age | New Annual Maximum | New Monthly Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $8,157 | $679.75 |
| 6–17 | $6,883 | $573.58 |
| Child Disability | $3,480 | $290.00 |
Eligibility
- Must live with a child under 18.
- Be primarily responsible for the child’s care.
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- File taxes annually.
- Newcomers can apply using Form RC66 or the CRA online portal.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Payment: April 28, 2026
The CPP payment arrives on Tuesday, April 28. This benefit supports retirees, people with disabilities, and surviving family members of contributors.
Key Details for April
The April deposit continues with indexed amounts from January 2026, reflecting a 2% cost-of-living adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index.
Maximum Payment Amounts (2026)
| Type | Maximum Monthly |
|---|---|
| Retirement Pension | $1,507.65 |
| Disability Benefit | $1,741.20 |
| Survivor Pension (<65) | $803.54 |
| Survivor Pension (65+) | $904.59 |
| Children’s Benefit | $307.81 |
Most recipients receive less than the maximum, depending on contributions, years worked, and start age.
Timing Considerations
- Payments are typically issued on the third-to-last business day of each month.
- Direct deposit ensures faster access.
Old Age Security (OAS) Payment: April 28, 2026
The final April payment is the OAS pension, also scheduled for April 28.
Who Qualifies
OAS is available to most Canadians 65 and older, based on residency rather than work history.
Payment Increases
- OAS rises by 0.1% for the April–June quarter, following a 0.3% increase in January.
- Seniors 75+ continue to receive the permanent 10% enhancement.
Maximum OAS Amounts (April 2026)
| Category | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 65–74 | $742.31 | $8,907.72 |
| Ages 75+ | $816.54 | $9,798.48 |
| Guaranteed Income Supplement (single) | $1,105.43 | $13,265.16 |
| Survivor Allowance | $1,680.47 | $20,165.64 |
Eligibility
- Be 65 years or older.
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
- Reside in Canada for 10+ years after age 18 (40 years for full OAS).
Ensuring You Receive Your April 2026 Payments
- File taxes on time – CRA uses your annual return to calculate GST/HST and CCB payments.
- Set up direct deposit – quickest, safest method.
- Keep information updated – changes to address, marital status, or number of children can affect payments.
- Check payment status online – via CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account.
- Allow 5 business days before contacting CRA for delayed payments.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Benefit Changes
- Spring 2026 (no later than June): One-time GST credit top-up.
- July 2026: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit increases by 25%, CCB increases by 2%, and new benefit year starts.
- Quarterly OAS adjustments: Reviewed in July and October 2026.
Filing your 2025 tax return by April 30, 2026, is critical for accessing these enhanced benefits.
Complete 2026 CRA Benefit Payment Calendar
| Month | GST/HST | CCB | CPP | OAS | OTB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 2 | 20 | 28 | 28 | 10 |
| May | – | 20 | 27 | 27 | 8 |
| June | – | 19 | 26 | 26 | 10 |
| July | 3 | 20 | 29 | 29 | 10 |
| October | 5 | 20 | 28 | 28 | 9 |