In March 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will introduce three significant benefit payments aimed at providing financial relief to Ontario residents.
These payments are designed to assist families, individuals, and households in managing rising living costs and enhancing financial stability.
The benefits include the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
Overview of the New Benefit Payments
Below is a summary of the three new benefit payments:
| Benefit Payment | Payment Date | Eligibility Criteria | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | March 20, 2025 | Primary caregivers of children under 18; must be Canadian residents; tax returns filed for both parents (if applicable). | Tax-free monthly payment to assist with child-rearing costs; amount varies based on number of children and family income. |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | March 10, 2025 | Ontario residents; eligibility for at least one of the included credits; income thresholds apply. | Combines Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Ontario Sales Tax Credit, and Northern Ontario Energy Credit to offset costs; amount depends on specific credits and income. |
| Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) | March 27, 2025 | Seniors aged 65 or older receiving Old Age Security (OAS); income below specified thresholds. | Additional monthly payment to low-income seniors; amount varies based on marital status and income. canada.ca |
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – Financial Support for Families
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment designed to support families with children under 18 years of age. It assists with the costs of raising children, including essentials like food, clothing, and educational expenses.
Eligibility for CCB:
To qualify for the CCB, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Primary Caregiver: Must be the individual responsible for the care and upbringing of a child under 18.
- Residency: Must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- Tax Filing: Both the applicant and their spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed their tax returns, as the benefit amount is calculated based on family income.
Benefit Amount:
The CCB amount varies depending on the number of children and the family’s net income. For the 2024-2025 benefit year, the maximum annual payment is up to $7,437 per child under six and up to $6,275 per child aged six to 17. Families with an adjusted net income below $32,797 receive the maximum amount, with payments decreasing as income increases.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) – Assistance with Living Expenses
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) consolidates three credits to help residents with various living expenses:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): Assists with property taxes and energy costs.
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): Provides relief from sales tax for low- to moderate-income individuals and families.
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): Offers additional support for residents in Northern Ontario to manage higher energy costs.
Eligibility for OTB:
To be eligible for the OTB, individuals must:
- Residency: Be residents of Ontario.
- Income Requirements: Meet specific income thresholds for at least one of the included credits.
- Tax Filing: Have filed their income tax return, as eligibility and benefit amounts are determined based on income reported.
Benefit Amount:
The OTB amount varies depending on individual circumstances and eligibility for the specific credits. For instance, the OEPTC offers maximum monthly payments of $104 for individuals aged 18-64 and $118.41 for those 65 and older. The OSTC provides up to $30 per family member monthly, and the NOEC offers up to $15 for singles or $23.08 for families monthly.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – Supporting Low-Income Seniors
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an additional monthly payment to Old Age Security (OAS) recipients who have a low income. It aims to provide financial assistance to seniors to help them maintain a basic standard of living.
Eligibility for GIS:
To qualify for the GIS, individuals must:
- Age Requirement: Be 65 years of age or older.
- OAS Recipient: Be receiving the Old Age Security pension.
- Income Threshold: Have an annual income below the specified limits, which vary depending on marital status.
Benefit Amount:
The GIS amount depends on the recipient’s income and marital status. As of the first quarter of 2025, the maximum monthly payment is up to $1,086.88 for single individuals with an annual income less than $22,056. For those with a spouse or common-law partner receiving the full OAS pension, the combined annual income must be less than $29,136, with a maximum monthly payment of up to $654.23.
How to Apply and Claim These Benefits
To access these benefits, individuals should:
- File Income Tax Returns: Ensure that tax returns are filed annually, as eligibility and benefit amounts are determined based on income. Most benefits are automatically calculated based on tax filings.
- Register for Direct Deposit: Enroll in CRA’s direct deposit service to receive payments faster and securely into a bank account.
- Apply Online (If Required):
- For CCB: Apply through the My Account portal on the CRA website or by submitting Form RC66.
- For GIS: Apply through My Service Canada Account or by submitting a paper application to Service Canada.
- Monitor CRA Correspondence: CRA may request additional information or reassess eligibility. Keep an eye on emails and letters regarding benefit updates.
- Update Personal Information: Report any changes in income, marital status, or residency to ensure continued eligibility and accurate payment amounts.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
Parents or guardians of children under 18 who are residents of Canada and file their taxes are eligible. The benefit amount depends on family income and the number of children
How often is the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) paid?
The CCR is issued quarterly, with the next payment scheduled for March 15, 2025. The amount varies based on family size and province of residence.
Do I need to apply separately for these benefits?
No separate application is needed. Eligibility is determined based on the income tax return filed with the CRA. Ensure all personal details are updated to avoid delays.