As inflation rises for the first time in six months, Canadians are feeling the squeeze with rising housing and food prices. February saw inflation jump from 1.9% to 2.6%, the highest spike in eight months. With both the U.S. and China imposing hefty tariffs on Canada, economic uncertainty is growing, making it more important than ever for Canadians to take advantage of available financial assistance programs. The good news is that there are several key government benefits slated for release in April 2025. If you’re eligible, these payments can provide much-needed financial relief. Here’s what to look forward to and how to make sure you don’t miss out.
Table of Contents
1. GST/HST Credit – April 4
The GST/HST credit will be paid out to eligible Canadians on April 4. This credit is designed to help individuals and families with low to modest incomes offset the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) they pay. Here’s what you could receive:
- Single Canadians: Up to $519
- Married Couples/Common-Law Partners: Up to $680
- For Each Child Under 19: Up to $179
To be eligible, you need to be at least 19 years old and a Canadian resident for income tax purposes. If you’re under 19, you must meet certain criteria such as having a spouse or being a parent with children living with you. Importantly, the credit is automatically considered when you file your taxes, so there’s no need to apply separately.
2. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) – April 10
If you reside in Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) will be paid out on April 10. The OTB combines three separate tax-free payments:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit: You can receive up to $1,248 if you’re between 18 and 64 years old, or up to $1,421 if you’re over 65.
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit: Singles can receive up to $180, and families can get up to $277.
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit: You may be eligible for up to $360, with additional credits for spouses or dependents.
To qualify, you must meet eligibility criteria for at least one of these credits. The OTB is designed to provide financial relief for those in Ontario, especially for those living in Northern Ontario or in energy-cost-heavy households.
3. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – April 17
Parents in Canada can expect to receive their monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments on April 17, three days earlier than usual due to Good Friday on April 18. The CCB is a key program aimed at supporting families with children under 18, with recent increases to the maximum benefits:
- For children under six years: The maximum benefit has increased by $350, from $7,437 to $7,787.
- For children aged six to 17: The maximum benefit has risen by $295, from $6,275 to $6,570.
The CCB payments are automatically calculated, and parents don’t need to apply. The next scheduled increase will happen in July 2025, when new federal child tax rules kick in.
4. B.C. Family Benefit and Bonus – April 17
British Columbia residents can also anticipate their B.C. Family Benefit payments on April 17, with an added 25% bonus introduced in July 2024. This program aims to support families with children in the province, with benefits varying depending on the number of children:
- First Child: Up to $2,188
- Second Child: Up to $1,375
- Each Additional Child: Up to $1,125
This benefit will be paid out monthly and is available to families with children who meet the eligibility criteria. The 25% bonus will continue until June 2025, adding additional financial relief to B.C. families.
5. Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) – April 22
The Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR), formerly known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment, will be paid out to eligible Canadians on April 22. This rebate helps offset the cost of federal pollution pricing. Here are the details:
- Eligible provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario.
- Payment amounts vary by province and can range from $95 in New Brunswick to $225 in Alberta.
To receive the rebate, you must file your 2024 income tax electronically by April 2. If you miss the deadline, your payment will be delayed until your return is processed.
Additionally, the rebate includes a 20% supplement for residents of small and rural communities, offering more support to those in need.
Final Thoughts
With inflation climbing and the cost of living on the rise, taking full advantage of available government benefits is a smart way to ease the financial pressure. From the GST/HST credit to the Canada Carbon Rebate, Canadians can expect significant payments in April that can help cover rising costs. Be sure to file your taxes on time and ensure your direct deposit is set up to receive these vital payments without delay.
In these uncertain economic times, staying informed and prepared is essential for maximizing the support available to you. Make sure you’re eligible for these programs and get ready for these important financial boosts in April 2025.
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