Several provincial and federal government benefits will be disbursed in April, including various credits and pensions designed to support eligible individuals.
Below is an overview of the benefit payment dates, key eligibility criteria, and other essential details to help you understand these government programs.
Key April Payment Dates
The government benefits for April are scheduled to be paid out on the following dates:
| Benefit Payment | Date |
|---|---|
| Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) | April 4 |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | April 10 |
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | April 17 |
| Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) | April 22 |
| Canada Pension Plan (CPP) | April 28 |
| Old Age Security (OAS) | April 28 |
| Veteran Disability Pension | April 29 |
| Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) | April 30 |
What is the Canada Carbon Rebate and Why is April’s Payment the Last?
Previously known as the climate action incentive payment, the Canada Carbon Rebate is designed to help residents in certain provinces with the cost of carbon pricing.
The rebate applies to those in Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.
However, the Canadian government recently announced the removal of the fuel charge from the carbon pollution pricing system. As a result, April’s payment marks the final Canada Carbon Rebate for individuals.
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) and How Do I Apply?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a combined payment that includes three separate credits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
To be eligible, you must meet specific criteria and have filed your previous year’s tax return. The OTB is available to individuals who paid property tax or rent, lived in a designated post-secondary school residence, or incurred specific energy costs.
You can apply for the OTB by filing your income tax return and completing the ON-BEN application form included in your tax return package.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB): What is it and How Much Could You Receive?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly, tax-free payment aimed at helping eligible families with children under 18. The amount you can receive is determined by several factors, including the number of children, your family’s net income, and marital status.
The CCB is recalculated annually based on the previous year’s net income, with the maximum payment available for families earning under $36,502. Here’s a breakdown of the base amounts:
- $7,787 per child under 6 years old
- $6,570 per child between 6 and 17 years old
- An additional $3,173 per year if the child qualifies for the Child Disability Benefit
You can calculate your estimated payments using the government’s child and family benefits calculator.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Eligibility and Payment Amount
To qualify for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), you must be at least 60 years old and have contributed to the plan through your work in Canada or credits from a former spouse. The amount you will receive is based on several factors, including:
- The age at which you begin receiving the pension
- The total amount you contributed to the CPP
- Your average earnings throughout your career
For 2025, the maximum monthly CPP payment at age 65 could be $1,364.60. The average amount for new recipients starting at age 65 in 2024 is $815 per month.
Old Age Security (OAS): Who is Eligible and Do You Need to Enroll?
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly pension available to individuals 65 years or older. Service Canada typically automatically enrolls individuals who are eligible, provided they have enough information on file.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Who Qualifies and What Are the Payment Amounts?
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities to help cover living expenses, including food, rent, health benefits (such as prescription drugs and vision care), and employment support.
Eligible individuals can receive up to $1,368 per month for basic needs and shelter if they are single. Payments are typically issued on the last business day of each month.
Veteran Disability Pension: What It Is and Who Is Eligible
The Veteran Disability Pension is a tax-free payment provided by Veterans Affairs Canada to support veterans who have disabilities related to their military service.
The amount of the pension depends on the degree of entitlement and the severity of the veteran’s condition, including how it affects their quality of life.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Payment
If you haven’t received your government payment, it’s recommended to wait 10 business days from the scheduled payment date before contacting the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
April marks the release of various government benefit payments designed to assist eligible citizens, including the Canada Child Benefit, Ontario Trillium Benefit, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and more.
It’s important to stay informed about your eligibility and ensure that you apply on time to receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Be sure to keep track of the specific payment dates and check the relevant programs’ requirements to make sure you don’t miss out on essential support.
FAQs
What is the OTB and how do I apply for it?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a combined payment including the Ontario energy and property tax credit, northern Ontario energy credit, and Ontario sales tax credit. To apply, you need to file your income tax return and complete the ON-BEN application form.
How can I check my CPP payment amount?
You can get an estimate of your monthly Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments by signing in to your My Service Canada account.
What is the Canada Child Benefit and how much can I get?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly, tax-free payment to assist eligible families with raising children under 18. The payment depends on your family’s net income, the number of children, and other factors. You can calculate the amount using the government’s child and family benefits calculator.
When can I expect my OAS payment?
If you’re 65 or older, you’ll automatically be enrolled for Old Age Security (OAS) in most cases. You will receive a monthly payment on the set date for that month.