In October 2026, the Canadian government will distribute several benefits that could provide hundreds of dollars to not only citizens and permanent residents, but also some immigrants. These include child benefits, grocery assistance, energy and tax help, and pensions. Most payments do not require citizenship.
Grocery and Essential Items Benefit
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) — renamed in July 2026 from Credit for Essentials Tax-Free Savings — is paid quarterly to low and middle-income residents. The fourth payment of the year will arrive on October 5.
The maximum annual benefit is $679 for single individuals or $890 for spouses and common-law partners. An additional $234 per year is added for each child under 19 years old.
Payments are distributed as four quarterly installments in July, October, January, and April. Newcomers to Canada can apply for this benefit without waiting for their first tax return.
Child Benefit
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — a payment for supporting children under 18 years old. The payment will arrive on October 20.
This year’s maximum is $680 per month for each child under 6 years old and $573 per month for children aged 6–17. The amount depends on family income, number of children, and their ages.
New permanent residents and some temporary residents can apply for the benefit before their first tax return. In addition to the federal benefit, all provinces and territories (except Quebec and Alberta, which have their own programs) offer regional child benefits. Manitoba does not provide such a benefit. For example, in Ontario, families can receive up to $146 per month per child through the Ontario Child Benefit. In Quebec, the regional benefit is called the family allowance and is paid on October 1; in 2026 it amounts to up to $368 per year per child, with single parents receiving an additional $177 per year.
Tax and Energy Credits in Ontario
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is paid on October 9 and combines three provincial credits: Ontario Sales Tax Credit (sales tax assistance), Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (property tax and energy tax assistance), and Northern Ontario Energy Credit (additional energy assistance in northern parts of the province).
The amount depends on which credits you are eligible for, as well as on income, age, marital status, location within the province, and housing costs. To receive the OTB, you must have already filed a Canadian tax return. Even if you have no income, filing a return is important.
Worker and Pensioner Benefits
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit is paid on October 9 to low-income workers who have become eligible for the Canada Workers Benefit.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments arrive on October 28. The amount depends on contributions paid while working in Canada. If you worked in another country before moving, check whether it has a social security agreement with Canada.
On the same date, Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement are paid to eligible pensioners. Unlike CPP, these are not based on work contributions but depend on the length of residence in Canada and income level.
Amounts and Payment Dates May Change
Payment amounts and dates vary depending on the month. However, there are three key points for newcomers to the country.
First, do not assume you need to be a permanent resident or citizen to receive benefits. Each benefit has its own conditions, so check before declining.
Second, if you have just arrived, do not wait for the next tax season. Newcomers can apply for Canada Child Benefit and Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit before their first tax return.
Third, file your tax return annually, even if your income is absent or minimal. The government uses data from your most recent tax return to determine eligibility for benefits and calculate amounts.
Comments
Reader experience is useful, but it is not advice: check the rules on the official site.
No account needed: click Sign in, type any name, and you are done.