Through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the government provides benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Ontario Trillium Benefit to support families’ well-being and economic stability, especially for those with low to moderate incomes.
These payments help families meet essential needs, reduce child poverty, and address additional financial burdens, such as high energy and property taxes.
1. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
This payment, provided to eligible families, is scheduled for November 20, 2024.
The amount varies based on factors like household income and number of dependents.
To qualify for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), the applicant must meet these criteria:
- live with a child under 18,
- be primarily responsible for their care,
- be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Primary responsibility includes:
- supervising the child’s daily activities.
- ensuring medical needs are met.
- arranging childcare.
The applicant or the spouse/common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, temporary resident (with over 18 months in Canada), or registered under the Indian Act.
The CCB is unavailable for foster children if they receive Children’s Special Allowances (CSA). However, if an applicant cares for a child under a kinship program and CSA are not paid, they may still qualify for the CCB. Only one payment is allowed per household; typically, the female parent should apply if living with the child unless she designates the other parent in writing.
An assessment must be made in shared custody to determine who qualifies under shared custody rules if the child lives with one parent part-time. Same-sex parents should choose one applicant for the CCB on behalf of all children in the home.
2. Alberta Child and Family Benefit
Families in Alberta eligible for this assistance will receive it on November 27, 2024.
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is a Canada child benefit (CCB) related program administered by the Alberta provincial government. It is a tax-free amount paid to families with children under 18 years of age.
For July 2024 to June 2025, recipients are entitled to receive $1,469 ($122.41 per month) for the first child and $735 ($61.25 per month) each for the second, third, and fourth child. Other calculations apply depending on income threshold.
ACFB payments are made separately from the CCB and is fully funded by the Alberta provincial government fully funds.
3. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
The OTB is a tax-free payment for low- to moderate-income Ontario residents to help cover energy costs, sales tax, and property tax. It will be paid on November 8, 2024. The OTB combines three credits: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. To be eligible, recipients must meet specific residency, age, or parental criteria and have incurred qualifying expenses, such as paying property tax or renting in Ontario.
The Northern Ontario Energy Credit assists residents of Northern Ontario with high energy costs. Eligibility requires being a resident on December 31, 2023, and meeting age or parental status criteria. Maximum annual payments are $180 for singles and $277 for families.
The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit provides up to $1,248 for individuals aged 18-64, $1,421 for those 65+, and $277 for individuals in long-term care.
The Ontario Sales Tax Credit offers up to $360 for eligible individuals, with an additional $360 for spouses or dependents under 19. Payments do not affect GST/HST credits, and eligibility is based on residency, age, or family status.
4. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)
The CCP and OAS will be distributed on November 27, 2024, supporting retired Canadians and seniors. To qualify for the CPP retirement pension, an applicant must be at least 60 and have made at least one valid CPP contribution, either from work in Canada or from credits assigned after a relationship ends. An applicant who continues working while receiving a CPP retirement pension and is under 70, can still contribute to the CPP, which increases their income through a post-retirement benefit added each year.
For those who lived and worked in Quebec, the CPP coordinates with the Québec Pension Plan (QPP) Contact Retraite Québec for those who worked solely in Quebec, worked in Quebec and other provinces but live in Quebec, or if Quebec was their last province of residence.
The first payment of the OAS arrives either the month after age 65 or on a specific date the applicant chooses. Those who live outside Canada can still receive OAS if they either reside in Canada for 20 years after turning 18 or live in a country with a social security agreement with Canada that covers 20 years between both countries. If these conditions are not met, OAS payments stop if a recipient is abroad for more than six months.
5. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
Payments to veterans are due on November 28, 2024. This disability benefit is a tax-free payment that supports the well-being of qualified individuals. It is determined based on the service-related nature of the condition (entitlement) and its impact on quality of life (assessment). Eligible applicants include:
- Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans,
- former or current Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members,
- World War II or Korean War veterans, including some civilians who served during these wars.
There are two main benefit types: the Pain and Suffering Compensation, which comes as a monthly or lump-sum payment, and the Disability Pension, which increases if the recipient has dependents. Veterans who served before April 1, 2006, may also qualify for the Disability Pension.
Corrective payments may apply if miscalculations occurred in claims made under the Pension Act from 2003 to 2010. Benefit recipients may request a reassessment if their condition worsens, potentially increasing their benefit amount.
The range of benefits provided by the Canada Revenue Agency plays a vital role in enhancing the financial stability and quality of life for Canadian families and seniors, particularly those facing economic challenges. Programs like the Canada Child Benefit, Ontario Trillium Benefit, and various pension plans help to ease financial pressures on recipients. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application processes for these benefits is crucial for families and individuals to maximize their financial support.
FAQ on Canada Benefits Payments for November 2024
What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and who qualifies?
The CCB is a tax-free payment for families with children under 18, supporting those with low to moderate incomes. To qualify, applicants must be Canadian residents, primarily responsible for the child’s care, and meet specific residency requirements. Payments are calculated based on household income.
How does the Alberta Child and Family Benefit work?
This benefit, provided separately from the CCB, supports low- to moderate-income families in Alberta with children under 18. Payment amounts vary by the number of children and income. The benefit is funded by the Alberta provincial government and is disbursed quarterly, with the next payment scheduled for November 27, 2024.
What is included in the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The OTB assists low- to moderate-income residents with energy, property, and sales taxes. It combines the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and Ontario Sales Tax Credit. Eligible recipients must meet specific residency and income requirements, with the next payment set for November 8, 2024.
Who can receive the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)?
CPP and OAS support retired Canadians and seniors. CPP eligibility requires contributions from employment in Canada, and OAS is available to those 65 and older with qualifying residency. Payments are distributed monthly, with the next one scheduled for November 27, 2024, providing essential support to retirees.
What benefits are available through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)?
Veterans receive tax-free payments through VAC, including the Pain and Suffering Compensation and the Disability Pension. Eligibility extends to Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP members, and specific war veterans. Payments, assessed based on disability severity, are scheduled for November 28, 2024, offering vital financial support for veterans.
