4 CRA Benefit Payments Ontario Residents Can Expect in October 2026

October brings several benefit payments for eligible Ontario residents. Here are the four key CRA-administered payments scheduled this month and the dates you should know.

Are you an Ontario resident receiving government benefits? You could have multiple payments coming your way this October.

Four different benefit programs have payments scheduled throughout the month, although the amount you receive depends on your income, family situation and eligibility.

Here’s what Ontario residents should know.

1. Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit — October 5

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) is a quarterly payment that replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026.

The October 5 payment is the second quarterly payment of the 2026–27 benefit year.

Eligible recipients may receive different amounts depending on their family situation and adjusted family net income.

Next payment: January 5, 2027.

2. Ontario Trillium Benefit — October 9

The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) combines three provincial credits:

• Ontario Sales Tax Credit
• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
• Northern Ontario Energy Credit

Eligible residents generally receive the OTB monthly, although some people receive their entitlement as a lump sum depending on their circumstances.

October payment: October 9, 2026.

3. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit — October 9

The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) provides eligible lower-income workers with advance payments instead of making them wait until tax-filing season.

The October 9 payment is the final ACWB instalment scheduled for calendar year 2026.

The remaining amount, if applicable, is reconciled when the 2026 tax return is filed.

4. Canada Child Benefit — October 20

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides monthly tax-free payments to eligible families raising children under 18.

For the 2026–27 benefit year, the maximum is:

• Up to $679.75/month for each child under 6
• Up to $573.58/month for each child aged 6–17

The actual amount depends mainly on family income and the number and ages of eligible children.

October payment: October 20, 2026.

One Month, Four Different Benefits

While these payments have different eligibility requirements, one thing is important: your tax information plays a major role in determining what you receive.

For many of these benefits, the CRA uses information from your 2025 tax return to calculate payments for the current benefit year.

If you are expecting a payment, make sure your tax return is filed, your CRA information is up to date, and your direct deposit details are correct.

💬 Which October benefit payment are you expecting?

CCB, OTB, ACWB or CGEB?

Tell us in the comments — and share this with someone in Ontario who may need to know about these October payment dates.