In the next few weeks, millions of people in Ontario will get three separate CRA benefit payments in their bank accounts.
The Canada Revenue Agency has confirmed that the three payments will arrive on different days in April 2026, and each one is for a different reason payment.
When these three payments are added together, some families could get more than $1,000 in a single month of help.
April 2026 is even more important because all three of these benefit programs will see big increases starting in July 2026 increases.
Knowing exactly what you will get this month before those increases go into effect will help you confidently plan your household finances and manage monthly expenses better.
Here is all the information that people in Ontario need to know about the three CRA benefit payments that will be sent out in April 2026. This includes the exact dates and amounts, the new amounts, the rules for who can get them, and the fact that the amounts will be higher in July 2026.
Payment for the GST/HST Credit
The first of the three April benefit payments comes on Wednesday, April 2, 2026. On that day, the Canada Revenue Agency will put the quarterly GST/HST credit into the bank accounts of people in Ontario and the rest of Canada who are eligible for this payment.
This tax-free payment every three months is meant to help low- and moderate-income people and families pay for the goods and services tax they pay on everyday purchases all year long.
The payment in April is the last quarterly payment for the benefit year from July 2025 to June 2026. This means that the amount you get is based on your 2024 tax return information.
If there have been no changes to household income or status, marital status, or the number of dependent children in the home, the April 2 deposit will be exactly the same as what they got in January 2026 payment.
People in Ontario who have set up direct deposit with the CRA can expect to see the money in their bank accounts on the morning of April 2.
People who get their payments by check should give extra time for processing and delivery after the official payment date and possible mailing delays.
Maximum GST/HST Credit Amounts for April 2026
The CRA has confirmed the following maximum annual GST/HST credit amounts for the current benefit year, which runs from July 2025 to June 2026 and applies to eligible Canadian households.
| Category | Maximum Annual Amount | Quarterly Payment |
| Single individual | $533 | $133.25 |
| Married or common law couple | $698 | $174.50 |
| Each child under 19 | $184 | $46.00 |
| Single parent with 1 child | $717 | $179.25 |
| Couple with 2 children | $1,066 | $266.50 |
These maximum amounts are for families and people whose adjusted family net income is less than the first income threshold level for the base year 2024 and eligible income criteria applies.
The amount you get depends on your adjusted family net income, whether you are married or single, and how many children under 19 in your household are eligible for the benefit.
If the CRA figured out that your total annual GST/HST credit was less than $50 per quarter in July 2025, you would have gotten the whole amount in one payment instead of getting it in quarterly installment payments.
This spring, there will be a new one-time bonus payment equal to 50 percent GST top-up and additional financial support boost.
This extra payment is equal to half of the recipient’s total GST/HST credit value for the years 2025 to 2026 period and applies automatically to recipients.
The government has promised to make this payment as soon as possible this spring, but it must be done by June 2026 deadline at the latest and processed automatically by CRA.
To get the top-up bonus, you must have gotten the GST/HST January 2026 payment and meet the eligibility requirements already set.
You don’t have to fill out any more forms or applications to get this one-time payment. The CRA will automatically send you the bonus using the same payment information you used to make your January deposit details.
The GST/HST credit will be officially renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit starting in July 2026 program change and expanded benefit coverage introduced.
This is not just a name change; it is a historic expansion of the program with much higher payment amounts increased significantly and long-term financial support plan.
The amount of the benefit will go up by 25% for five years, starting with the payment in July 2026 and ending in 2031 benefit period under the government expansion initiative.
The new name better describes the goal of helping Canadian families pay for basic needs like food household items and everyday essential purchases.
Payment for the Ontario Trillium Benefit
On Friday, April 10, 2026, the Canada Revenue Agency will deposit the monthly Ontario Trillium Benefit on behalf of the Ontario government as the second major benefit payment for residents.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment that combines three different provincial credits into one monthly deposit and helps cover living costs.
The CRA runs the OTB for the Province of Ontario, and you can see it in your bank account as Canada Pro Deposit entry with monthly benefit credit.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) program is one of the most valuable and least known provincial benefit programs in Canada and provides up to $3,230 yearly support for eligible families.
Three Credits in the Ontario Trillium Benefit
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a single monthly payment that combines three different provincial credits into one and simplifies benefit distribution.
You only need to meet the requirements for one of these three credits to get the benefit and receive monthly financial assistance.
OTB Part Purpose Maximum Amount per Year
The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) helps with the costs of energy and property taxes and provides financial support for housing and energy cost relief.
The Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) pays for the Ontario part of the HST and provides tax relief for purchases and annual financial support amount.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): This program helps people in Northern Ontario pay for extra energy costs and provides additional regional support benefit for northern residents expenses.
Payment for the Canada Child Benefit
The third and last big benefit payment for families in Ontario will be made on Monday, April 20, 2026, when the CRA deposits the monthly child benefit payment for eligible parents and guardians.
The Canada Child Benefit is one of the most important tax-free monthly support programs that helps families manage the cost of raising children under 18.
The April payment is based on the 2024 tax return data and applies to the benefit year from July 2025 to June 2026.
Summary of the combined April 2026 payment for people in Ontario
This is a full list of all three CRA benefit payment dates that will be sent to eligible Ontario residents in April 2026.
| Benefit Program | April Payment Date | Maximum Quarterly/Monthly Amount |
| GST/HST Credit | Wednesday, April 2, 2026 | $133.25 (single) / $174.50 (couple) |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Up to $269/month (max OTB) |
| Canada Child Benefit | Monday, April 20, 2026 | $666.41/month (per child under 6) |
Depending on their income and family size, families in Ontario who qualify for all three programs could get more than $1,000 total monthly benefit in April 2026 payments combined.
How to Make Sure You Always Get All Three Payments on Time
The most important thing you can do to make sure you get all three of these benefits without any problems is to file your income tax return and ensure accurate financial information submitted.
The quickest and safest way to get all of your government benefit payments on the exact date they are due is to set up direct deposit with the CRA and avoid payment delays issues.
To avoid problems with your payments, it’s important to keep your personal information up to date with the CRA and ensure correct banking details updated.
Information for immigrants and newcomers to Ontario
Permanent residents, refugees, and protected persons who are new to Ontario can all get these three types of benefits if they meet the eligibility and residency rules.
The most important thing for new Canadians to do is file their first tax return because the CRA uses this information to determine benefit eligibility and payments.
Questions and Answers (FAQs)
Can I get all three benefit payments even if I don’t have a job?
Yes, you can get the GST/HST credit, the Ontario Trillium Benefit, and the Canada Child Benefit even if you don’t make any money as long as you file your taxes yearly and meet eligibility requirements properly.
Is the 25 percent GST/HST credit increase that will happen in July 2026 going to last?
The increase will last for five years from July 2026 to 2031 under the government benefit expansion plan.
Do I need to fill out a separate application for the one-time 50% GST/HST top-up payment?
No, the CRA will automatically send the payment to eligible recipients using existing payment information details and previous benefit records.
How can I tell if my Ontario Trillium Benefit payment has all three credit parts?
You can check through CRA My Account or review the Notice of Determination to confirm included benefit credit components and payment breakdown details.
If I move from Ontario to another province, what happens to my Canada Child Benefit payments?
Your Canada Child Benefit payments will continue because it is a federal program, but Ontario Trillium Benefit payments will stop since it is a province-specific benefit program and applies only to residents.
