How to apply for 2025 benefit cheques in Canada and Ontario
Published December 28, 2024 at 10:53 am
With the holiday season winding down and the New Year just days away, many Canadians may be seeking financial relief to begin 2025 on the right foot. If you’re in need of extra support, here’s a look at the benefit payments set to roll out in 2025 and how to apply.
Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security
The Canadian retirement benefits system includes the Old Age Security pension, guaranteed income supplement, allowance, and allowance for the survivor, along with the Canadian Pension Plan.
- CPP: Residents over 65 are eligible for a maximum monthly payment of $1,306.57.
- OAS Pension: Individuals aged 65 to 74 with an annual income below $148,451 can receive up to $707.68 per month. Those 75 and over with an income below $154,196 may receive up to $880.44 monthly.
Eligible individuals should note that the OAS pension is reviewed quarterly—in January, April, July, and October—to reflect increases in the cost of living based on the Consumer Price Index. Importantly, payments will not decrease if the cost of living goes down.
How to apply: Residents looking to apply for the program can visit the website here for details on the requirements and follow the four-step application process.
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 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 in their care.
How to apply: Parents or guardians can apply using birth registration or their online CRA account or by opting for mail submission. Individuals can apply in various situations, including when the child is born, starts living with them, returns after a temporary period away, or if custody arrangements change. To check for eligibility requirements and other information, applicants can visit the website here.
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.
How to apply: Visit the Ontario Works application page or the Emergency Assistance page on the Ontario government website. Complete the online application form with your personal and financial details. Applicants can also apply in person at their local Ontario Works office.
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.
How to apply: According to the website, individuals interested in this benefit must apply annually. They must submit their personal Income Tax and Benefit Return. Additionally, they must complete and include the ON-BEN Application Form provided in their tax return package. The CRA says residents must file their tax return, even if there’s no income to report.
Canada Carbon Rate
The Canada Carbon Rebate, previously called the Climate Action Incentive Payment, is a federal initiative designed to help Canadians manage the financial impact of carbon pricing. The program returns funds to residents in provinces where the federal carbon tax applies, including Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Most households receive more back than they pay in carbon taxes, with additional top-ups available for those in rural areas. The annual payment for a family of four in Ontario could be up to $976.
How to Apply: The supplement is issued to the spouse or common-law partner who files their return first. To find out more about the application process, click here.
GST/HST refund
The GST and HST refunds are sent out quarterly. For individuals who are single, may receive an annual amount of $496. Those married or have a common-law partner are eligible to receive $650.Parents with a child under the age of 19 could get $171 per child.
How to apply: Applicants who filed their taxes from the previous year are automatically eligible for this benefit. A cheque would be sent out, or if individuals opted for direct deposit, the amount would be sent to their banking account.
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit
The Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) is a refundable tax credit to help low-income individuals and families who are working. The benefit consists of a basic amount and a disability supplement.
As per the CRA’s website, the maximum basic amount for the benefit is $1,428 for single individuals and $2,461 for families. Single individuals with an adjusted net income exceeding $33,015 are not eligible for the basic amount, while for families, the adjusted net income is $43,212.
The disability supplement offers a maximum of $737 for singles and families. Ineligibility applies to individuals if their net income exceeds $37,932, and for families, it’s a household income between $48,124 and $53,037, depending on spouse eligibility.
How to apply: Individuals can claim the CWB when they file their income tax return. More information on eligibility requirements can be found here.
Taxpayer Rebate
Most Ontarians are set to receive the tax-free $200 rebate.
However, they must not be incarcerated or bankrupt in 2024.The extra payment would be made to the individual(s) who gets the CCB payment for the child, who must live in Ontario.
How to apply: Eligible individuals do not need to take any additional steps. Simply ensure that your 2023 Income Tax and Benefit Return is filed by Dec. 31, 2024.
The cheques will be sent out early 2025, though an exact payment date has not been announced.
Tax assistance for residents
Low-income seniors (65+ years) or individuals with disabilities who have owned and lived in their homes for at least one year can apply for an annual property tax rebate if they meet specific criteria.
To be eligible, every property owner must receive benefits under the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Program or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
Alternatively, the spouse of an owner receiving GIS or ODSP benefits also qualifies.
Some instances include:
- If a married couple owns the property, either one must receive GIS or ODSP.
- If a married couple, along with a sibling, owns the property, the sibling and either spouse must receive GIS or ODSP.
- If two siblings own the property, both must receive GIS or ODSP.
Qualifying for the tax rebate automatically makes you eligible for a Stormwater Charge Subsidy.
For example,single-family homes receive subsidies on their Region of Peel water bill, while condominiums receive a mailed cheque from the City of Mississauga.
How to apply: Complete the online forms and applications must be submitted to the CRA by December 31 of the current tax year, but submission is possible at any point in the year if all required documentation is available.
Veteran disability pension
The veteran disability pension is a tax-free monthly payment that supports veterans and service members with service-related injuries or illnesses.
Eligibility includes Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP members, and Second World War or Korean War veterans, including some who served in the Second World War. Recipients can choose either Pain and Suffering Compensation—a lifetime monthly or lump sum payment—or a Disability Pension with added support for dependents.
How to apply: You can use My VAC Account for a streamlined online process by signing in or registering for an account. Alternatively, download the application form and submit it in person at a VAC office, CAF Transition Centre, or Service Canada office. Completed forms can also be mailed directly to the address provided on the form.
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