As April 2025 approaches, a new wave of government benefits will be arriving in Canadians’ accounts, providing much-needed financial assistance.
These payments from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Service Canada are crucial for managing day-to-day living costs, particularly in light of the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
From child support to pension payments, these benefits are designed to provide financial relief, whether you’re planning your summer expenses or just trying to stick to a budget.
Some payments are made monthly, like the Canada Child Benefit and Old Age Security, while others, such as the GST/HST Credit and the Canada Carbon Rebate, are issued quarterly. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the government benefits Canadians can expect in April 2025, including eligibility, amounts, and payment dates.
GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST Credit is a quarterly, tax-free benefit aimed at assisting lower-income Canadians with the additional cost of goods and services, especially the GST or HST paid during the year. Depending on your province or territory, you may also receive supplementary payments from the local government.
Eligibility and Payment Amount
This benefit is automatic for eligible Canadians who file their taxes. To qualify, you must be at least 19 years old, or under 19 but living with a spouse, common-law partner, or child. You also need to be a Canadian resident for tax purposes at the start of the month the credit is issued.
Payment amounts vary based on family income and the number of children in the household. In April 2025, here’s what you can expect:
- Single without children: up to $129.75
- Couple or single parent: up to $170
- Additional children under 19: $44.75 per child
Higher-income individuals may receive reduced payments, or no payment at all.
Next Payment Date: April 4, 2025
Ontario Trillium Benefit
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a monthly payment aimed at helping Ontarians manage costs like energy bills, property taxes, and sales taxes. The OTB combines three credits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
Though funded by the provincial government, the CRA manages the disbursements.
Eligibility and Payment Amount
To receive the April 2025 OTB payment, you must have filed your 2023 income tax return. Depending on your eligibility, the payment is typically issued on the 10th of every month, though for those with entitlements of $360 or less, a lump sum payment may have been issued last July.
Here are the maximum amounts you could receive in April:
- OEPTC: Up to $104 for those aged 18-64, or up to $118.41 for seniors (65+)
- NOEC: Up to $15 for singles, or $23.08 for families
- OSTC: Up to $30 for each family member
A family of four eligible for all three credits could receive up to $351.08 in April.
Next Payment Date: April 10, 2025
Canada Child Benefit
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment that helps families cover the cost of raising children. It also provides additional support for children with disabilities.
Eligibility and Payment Amount
To be eligible, parents or guardians must live with a child under 18 and be primarily responsible for their care. CCB payments are income-tested, meaning the higher your family’s income, the lower your monthly payment. The maximum monthly payment for families with an income below $36,502 is:
- $648.91 per child under 6
- $547.50 per child aged 6-17
Additional provincial or disability-related credits may also be included in the payment.
Next Payment Date: April 17, 2025
Canada Carbon Rebate
The Canada Carbon Rebate (formerly the Climate Action Incentive Payment) is a quarterly tax-free benefit designed to return money collected through the federal carbon tax. However, this will be the final payment, as the carbon tax will be eliminated on April 1, 2025.
Eligibility and Payment Amount
The Canada Carbon Rebate is available only to residents of certain provinces—Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. Payments are based on household size and location, with no income requirement.
For example, a family of four in Alberta living in a rural area could receive $547.20.
Here’s a breakdown of the final payment amounts by province:
| Province | First Adult | Second Adult/First Child | Additional Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $228 | $114 | $57 |
| Manitoba | $150 | $75 | $37.50 |
| New Brunswick | $165 | $82.50 | $41.25 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $149 | $74.50 | $37.25 |
| Nova Scotia | $110 | $55 | $27.50 |
| Ontario | $151 | $75.50 | $37.75 |
| Prince Edward Island | $110 | $55 | $27.50 |
| Saskatchewan | $206 | $103 | $51.50 |
If you live in a rural area, an additional 20% will be added to your payment.
Next Payment Date: April 22, 2025
Canada Pension Plan
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides a monthly income to Canadians once they retire, helping to replace a portion of their earnings from working years.
Eligibility and Payment Amount
To qualify, you must be at least 60 years old and have contributed to CPP during your working years. The payment amount is based on how much you contributed and when you start receiving the benefits.
For those starting at 65, the maximum monthly CPP payment is $1,433, though the average payment is closer to $800.
Next Payment Date: April 28, 2025
Old Age Security
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension provides monthly financial support to Canadians aged 65 and older.
Eligibility and Payment Amount
To qualify, you need to have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after the age of 18. OAS is reviewed every three months for inflation adjustments.
In the January to March 2025 period, the maximum monthly OAS payment was $727.67 for those aged 65-74, and $800.44 for those 75 and older. Payments increase by 10% once you turn 75.
Next Payment Date: April 28, 2025
Veteran Disability Pension
The Veteran Disability Pension is a monthly benefit for veterans with disabilities related to their military service.
Eligibility and Payment Amount
The benefit amount depends on the severity of the disability. Veterans with the highest disability rating can receive up to $3,444.59 per month, with additional amounts for dependents.
Next Payment Date: April 29, 2025
In April 2025, Canadians can expect a range of essential government benefit payments that can provide much-needed financial support.
Whether you’re a parent, retiree, or veteran, these benefits are designed to ease the cost of living, covering everything from child expenses to senior support.
Be sure to check your eligibility for each program, as the payment amounts depend on various factors like income, family size, and residency.
FAQs
What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help parents with the costs of raising children under 18. Payment amounts vary based on income and number of children.
How do I apply for the GST/HST Credit?
You don’t need to apply separately for the GST/HST Credit. As long as you file your taxes, the CRA will automatically assess your eligibility.
When will the Canada Carbon Rebate end?
The Canada Carbon Rebate will be issued for the final time in April 2025, as the federal carbon tax will be eliminated after April 1, 2025.
Can I receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit if I didn’t file my 2023 taxes?
To receive the OTB, you must have filed your 2023 tax return. If you haven’t, you won’t be eligible for the payment.