Benefit cheques that will be coming to Ontario over the spring season

As the spring season approaches, eligible residents can look forward to additional government benefit cheques being distributed in the coming months. Below are the scheduled dates for these payments:

Ontario Works or emergency assistance

For those facing financial difficulties like buying essentials such as food and paying for shelter, the Ontario government offers assistance known as Ontario Works or social assistance.

Additionally, emergency assistance provides short-term financial support during crises or emergencies.

Eligibility is based on household income, ownership, and family size and only one application is needed per family.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old, Ontario residents with Canadian status, and willing to participate in employment-related activities.

Emergency assistance is available for those in crisis, such as those affected by COVID-19, facing eviction, leaving an abusive situation, or experiencing a natural disaster.

Applicants must be Ontario residents with Canadian status, not currently receiving social assistance, and have ongoing income. Here are the next two payment dates:

• March 28
• April 30

Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security

For residents who are over the age of 65, the maximum monthly payment for the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) is $1,306.57.

For the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, individuals between ages 65 to 74 with an annual income of less than $142,609 are eligible for a monthly payment of up to $707.68. Those between the ages of 75 and over with an annual income of less than $148,179 may receive up to $778.45 per month.

The Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security payments are sent out monthly. The dates for the next few payments are:

• March 26
• April 26

Child Tax Credit

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) oversees the tax-free monthly Child Tax Credit benefit, designed for eligible families supporting children under 18. The CCB may incorporate the child disability benefit along with relevant provincial and territorial programs.

The next two payment dates for the Child Tax Credit are:

• March 20
• April 19

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.

Ontario Trillium Benefit

The Ontario Trillium Benefit, disbursed on a monthly basis, includes the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. The next two payment dates are as follows:

• March 8
• April 10

Individuals between the ages of 18 – 64 could receive an annual amount of up to $1,194. For those 65 years old and over may receive up to $1,360 per year.

Climate Action Incentive

Other benefits, such as the GST/HST credit and the Climate Action Incentive Payment Credit, are sent out quarterly, each on separate days. The Climate Action Incentive serves as a carbon tax refund for taxpayers. Here is the next date when the payments will go out:

• April 15

GST/HST refund

These benefits are sent out quarterly. The next payment date is:

• April 5, 2024