October 2026: Key Canadian benefit payments and the dates to watch

The Story

Eligible Canadians expecting government benefit payments in October 2026 can mark a number of scheduled dates for benefits that range from grocery and disability support to retirement and child-related payments.

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) is scheduled for Oct. 5. The quarterly, tax-free payment varies based on adjusted family net income from a 2025 tax return. The maximum is $679 for a single person and $890 for a married couple; the maximum for a family benefit is $234 for each eligible child under the age of 19.

The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is scheduled for Oct. 9. The tax-free payment combines credits including the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. For the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the maximum is $1,307 for people aged 18 to 64, and $1,488 for those 65 and older; for those living on a reserve or in a public long-term care home, the maximum is $290. For the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, the maximum is $189 for single people and $290 for families. For the Sales Tax Credit, the maximum is $378 for people 19 or older, as well as for married or common-law couples, and for parents who live with or previously lived with their child; an additional credit of up to $378 may be available for a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child under 19.

The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is scheduled for Oct. 15. Administered by Service Canada, the benefit provides financial support to Canadians aged 18 to 64 who meet eligibility requirements. The maximum monthly benefit is $204.20, based on family net income from a 2025 federal income tax return.

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is scheduled for Oct. 20. Eligible families receive payments based on adjusted family net income from 2025. If income is under $38,237, families can receive the maximum benefit for each eligible child, with payments decreasing as income rises above that amount. The maximum is $8,157 per year ($679.75 per month) for each child under six, and $6,883 per year ($573.58 per month) for children aged six to 17. The Canada Child Benefit may also include child disability benefit payments added automatically if a child is eligible for the disability tax credit, and families can receive $290 per month for each child.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is scheduled for Oct. 28. CPP is a monthly, taxable benefit paid for life to eligible Canadians, and it replaces part of income upon retirement. The amount a recipient receives depends on when they started receiving their pension, contributions to CPP, and how much they earned during their working life. New beneficiaries aged 65 can expect to receive an average of $858.34 per month, while the maximum amount is $1,507.65 per month.

Also scheduled for Oct. 28 is the Old Age Security (OAS) pension. Canadians 65 and older may be eligible if they meet residency requirements, including being a Canadian resident for at least 10 years since the age of 18, or living in Canada for at least 20 years since turning 18 if they live abroad. OAS payments depend on age, income, and time lived in Canada since age 18. Seniors aged 75 and older receive an additional 10 percent in benefits, with maximum October payments set at $762.50 per month for ages 65 to 74 and up to $838.75 per month for those 75 and above.

The Veteran Disability Pension is scheduled for Oct. 29. The tax-free monthly benefit supports the well-being of eligible Canadians, including members or veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, members or former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Second World War or Korean War veterans (including Merchant Navy), as well as eligible civilians who served in the Second World War. To qualify, applicants must have a diagnosed medical condition or disability that is related to their service. Monthly payments vary from $70.99 to $1,419.82, and the benefit can be provided as a lifetime monthly benefit depending on the number of dependents, or as a lump sum for pain and suffering compensation.