Benefit cheques coming out in January 2025 in Canada

After the Christmas holidays can be a tough time for many families so it is good to know what benefit cheques are coming in the new year.

Many Canadians are struggling with inflation. Housing, gas and food prices have gone up in Canada and across the globe.

There are a few benefit payments many Canadians can expect in January 2025. Payments are sent automatically as a cheque or direct deposit. But residents must file income taxes to be eligible for most benefits.

Here are the benefits Canadians can expect in January 2025:

Canada Carbon Rebate

Formerly known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment Credit, the Canada Carbon Rebate is sent out quarterly.

The payment is a tax-free amount to help eligible individuals and families offset the cost of the federal pollution pricing. It consists of a basic amount and a supplement for residents of small and rural communities.

Ontario residents could get $140 for an individual and additional amounts for children and a rural resident supplement.

The first 2025 payment date is Jan. 15.

GST/HST refund

The goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset the GST or HST that they pay. It may also include payments from provincial and territorial programs. You are automatically considered for the GST/HST credit when you file your taxes.

Single people could get up to $519 as an annual amount, $680 if you are married or have a common-law partner and $179 for each child under the age of 19.

The first 2025 payment is Jan. 5.

Ontario Trillium Benefit

The Ontario Trillium Benefit helps low-to moderate-income Ontario residents pay for energy costs, sales and property tax. It includes the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. Residents need to be eligible for at least one of the three credits to receive the benefit.

The benefit is paid on the 10th of each month.

The first 2025 payment date should be Jan. 10.

Child Tax Credit

The Canada Revenue Agency oversees the tax-free monthly Child Tax Credit benefit, designed for eligible families supporting children under 18.

The Ontario Child Benefit offers up to $1,607 annually per child, depending on an individual’s family net income and the number of children under 18 years of age in their care. The 2025 payment dates have not been announced.

Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security

The Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security pension are sent out monthly to residents over the age of 65. Canadian Pension Plan maximum amount for residents over 65 is $1,364.60. Old Age Security depends on age and income levels.

The 2025 payment dates have not been announced.

For more information on these and other benefits see the Canadian government website here.