As the new year approaches, Canadians can look forward to a range of government payments set to roll out in January 2025. These benefits, offered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), provide financial relief for individuals and families, addressing needs like childcare, retirement, and household expenses.
Here’s an in-depth look at the payments scheduled for next month, including eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and important dates to mark on your calendar.
GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST Credit is a quarterly, tax-free benefit that helps individuals and families with modest incomes recover a portion of the GST/HST taxes they’ve paid. It also incorporates additional supports from various provincial and territorial programs.
Eligibility
You may qualify if:
- You are at least 19 years old.
- You are younger than 19 but have a spouse, a common-law partner, or are a parent living with your child.
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes during the required periods.
Payment Amounts
The payment amount varies based on your adjusted family net income and the number of children in your care. For January 2025, the payments are as follows:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single individual | Up to $129.75 |
| Married/common-law partner | Up to $170.00 |
| Per child under 19 | Additional $44.75 |
Payment Date
- January 3, 2025
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit supporting low-income workers. Eligible individuals can receive up to 50% of their annual Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) amount in advance, divided into three payments throughout the year.
Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
- Have an earned income below your province or territory’s threshold.
- Be a Canadian resident for the entire year.
- Be at least 19 years old by December 31 or live with a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child.
Payment Amounts
The January 2025 installment could include:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single individual | Up to $253.00 |
| Married/common-law partner | Up to $436.00 |
| Disability supplement (additional) | $130.66 |
Payment Date
- January 10, 2025
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
The Ontario Trillium Benefit provides monthly financial assistance for low- and moderate-income Ontarians. It offsets costs related to energy, property taxes, and sales taxes by combining three credits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
Eligibility
You must have filed your 2023 income tax return and meet the criteria for at least one of the three credits. Payments are generally issued monthly unless the annual amount is $360 or less, in which case it is paid as a lump sum in July.
Payment Amounts
The maximum monthly amounts for January 2025 include:
| Credit | Amount |
|---|---|
| OEPTC (18–64 years) | Up to $104.00 |
| OEPTC (65+ years) | Up to $118.41 |
| NOEC (singles) | Up to $15.00 |
| NOEC (families) | Up to $23.08 |
| OSTC (per family member) | Up to $30.00 |
Payment Date
- January 10, 2025
Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)
Formerly known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment, the Canada Carbon Rebate is a quarterly, tax-free payment designed to help offset the costs of federal pollution pricing.
Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
- Reside in one of the eligible provinces (e.g., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan).
- Be at least 19 years old or meet exceptions if under 19 (e.g., being a parent or having a spouse).
Payment Amounts
Amounts vary by province. For residents of Ontario:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Individual | $140.00 |
| Spouse or first eligible child | $70.00 |
| Additional children | $35.00 |
| Rural bonus | +20% |
For a rural Ontario family with two children, the total January payment could be $336.00.
Payment Date
- January 15, 2025
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment aimed at easing the financial burden of raising children.
Eligibility
You must:
- Reside with a child under 18 and be primarily responsible for their care.
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Payment Amounts
The maximum monthly amounts for January 2025:
| Age Group | Amount (per child) |
|---|---|
| Under 6 years | Up to $648.91 |
| 6–17 years | Up to $547.50 |
Payment Date
- January 20, 2025
Old Age Security (OAS)
The Old Age Security program provides monthly support to seniors aged 65 and older.
Eligibility
You must:
- Be at least 65 years old.
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years (or 20 years if residing abroad).
Payment Amounts
From January to March 2025:
| Age | Amount (monthly) |
|---|---|
| 65–74 years | $727.67 |
| 75+ years | $800.44 |
Payment Date
- January 29, 2025
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
The Canada Pension Plan offers monthly retirement income to Canadians who have contributed during their working years.
Eligibility
You must:
- Be at least 60 years old.
- Have made at least one contribution to the CPP.
Payment Amounts
| Start Age | Maximum Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| 65 years | $1,364.60 |
Payment Date
- January 29, 2025
Veteran Disability Pension
This monthly benefit supports veterans with service-related disabilities, offering additional payments for dependents.
Eligibility
You must have a medically diagnosed, service-related condition.
Payment Amounts
| Category | Maximum Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Disability Pension | $3,357.30 |
| Spouse/partner | $839.33 |
| First child | $436.45 |
FAQs
Can I receive multiple benefits simultaneously?
Yes, eligible individuals may qualify for multiple CRA benefits, provided they meet the criteria for each program.
Do I need to apply for these benefits every year?
No, most benefits are automatically assessed based on your tax return, but you should file your taxes annually to remain eligible.
Are these payments taxable?
Most CRA benefits, such as the GST/HST Credit and Canada Child Benefit, are non-taxable.
