The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides a variety of financial benefits to help families, individuals, and specific groups manage their expenses. These benefits range from the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to the GST/HST Credit and others, providing essential support throughout the year. Staying informed about the payment dates ensures you receive your benefits on time and plan your finances effectively.
This article outlines the 2024 payment schedules for key CRA benefits, highlights potential reasons for delays, and explains how to check your payment status.
Payment Dates
The CRA has released the 2024 payment schedule. Below is a summary of key dates:
| Month | Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | GST/HST Credit | Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | Canada Carbon Rebate | Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) | Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 20 November | – | 8 November | – | – | 27 November |
| December | 13 December | – | 10 December | – | – | – |
These dates help beneficiaries track payments and avoid surprises in their financial planning.
Benefits
The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment designed to assist families with children under 18. Payment amounts depend on the number of children, their ages, and the household income. This benefit helps offset the costs of raising children.
GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST Credit is a quarterly payment intended to help low-income families and individuals offset the cost of GST or HST. It reduces the financial burden of consumption taxes.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
The OTB combines three credits into a single monthly payment:
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit
It provides relief for property taxes and energy costs.
Canada Carbon Rebate
The Canada Carbon Rebate offsets the cost of carbon pricing. Issued quarterly, this benefit encourages environmentally friendly practices while reducing the financial impact of carbon taxes.
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
The ACWB supports low-income workers through monthly payments, supplementing their earnings and encouraging employment.
Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
The ACFB is a quarterly payment for Alberta families with children under 18, helping with the cost of raising children.
Payment Delays
Delays in receiving CRA payments may occur due to the following reasons:
- Public Holidays or Weekends: Payments are processed on the next business day if scheduled on a non-business day.
- Personal Circumstance Changes: Changes in eligibility or reassessments may cause delays.
- Errors or Incomplete Information: Mistakes in applications or tax returns can result in processing delays.
- Recipient’s Passing: CRA adjusts benefits, which may delay payments.
- Bank Processing Delays: Payments issued on time may still take a few days to process.
- System Errors: Technical issues within CRA’s systems can sometimes cause disruptions.
- Postal Delays: Cheque recipients may face delays due to postal service issues.
Payment Status
If you’re expecting a payment and it hasn’t arrived, you can check your status using the CRA’s online tools.
Steps to Check
- Visit the CRA website and log into your online account:
- Individuals: Use My Account.
- Businesses: Use My Business Account.
- Navigate to the relevant section:
- For individuals, select Accounts and Payments to view your balance and payments.
- For businesses, select View and Pay the Account Balance.
- Verify payments listed under Available Payments or specific tax years.
If you cannot access your online account or don’t see the expected payment, contact the CRA by phone for assistance.
Tips
- Apply Early: Submit applications as soon as possible.
- Double-Check Information: Ensure all details are accurate before submitting.
- Monitor Updates: Stay informed of CRA announcements regarding benefit changes.
The CRA’s benefits are crucial in supporting Canadians through financial challenges. By knowing payment schedules, addressing potential delays, and keeping your information up-to-date, you can ensure timely receipt of these essential benefits.
FAQs
When is the next CCB payment?
The next Canada Child Benefit payment is on 13 December 2024.
What is the GST/HST Credit?
It’s a quarterly payment to help low-income individuals offset GST or HST costs.
How do I check my CRA payment status?
Log into your CRA My Account and check under ‘Accounts and Payments.’
Why are CRA payments delayed?
Delays can occur due to holidays, errors, or bank processing times.
What is the ACFB?
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit helps Alberta families with children under 18.
