Do not miss out on these important benefits, and read on to see what you are eligible for this month. As we are heading towards the major financial event of 2025, here are the top 5 government benefits that you can get from the CRA and Service Canada in September. These support programs are on the way to easing the financial burden of Canadians.
Inflation is still lingering in the country’s economy, and grocery prices are also soaring. Additionally, housing rentals are unreasonably expensive in Canada. What are the average-income people supposed to do for their survival? To cater to the rising prices, people are leaning on federal and provincial benefits to stay financially stable.
Top 5 Government Benefits From CRA & Service Canada
Most homes spend a great sum of their incomes on essentials, which leaves them with a limited budget to run the house. In fact, most houses are hand-to-mouth and don’t have room for savings and unexpected costs. Here is how you can benefit from the following programs in September:
#1. The Goods and Services Tax/Harmonised Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit
Oftentimes, the GST/HST credit is viewed as the lifeblood for low-income Canadians because it’s the simplest financial support to get. What is it? It is a tax-free quarterly payment with the intended purpose of mitigating the cost of the sales tax you pay on goods and services. You may even qualify if you owe no income tax. So, try your luck!
Who qualifies to be eligible for the GST/HST credit? In general, this benefit is for everyone, but particularly it is beneficial for students, single parents, and newcomers who are still establishing their financial standing in Canada. Besides, here are some pointers to remember that you must be:
- 19 years of age or older
- A Canadian resident for income tax purposes
- Earning a net income below certain thresholds (based on family size)
How Much Can You Receive?
From the last update of 2024, which is valid through 2025, we get that individuals who are eligible for this credit will receive $519 if they are single, $680 for their common law partners, and $275 for each child under 19. However, this is an expected amount, and the actual amount might change annually. These figures are indexed annually and may increase slightly next year according to the inflation rate.
The GST/HST Credit represents the return of sales tax, but it’s a lessening of the financial burden faced every day. For those living paycheck to paycheck, that incremental cash will pay for groceries, transit passes, or back-to-school items.
#2. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – Monthly Relief for Growing Families
Raising a child is an expensive responsibility, and the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) acknowledges that. The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment acknowledging this cost and provides families with some essential support to help them pay for child care, food, clothing, education, and much more. It is supposed to be receivable on the 19th and 20th of September.
The CRA (Canadian Revenue Agency) will calculate your CCB based on your adjusted family net income, number of children, and their ages. If you are eligible for the CCB, you have to file for it following the process or through a tax agent.
A tax expert at Tax Headaches can help you file for your CCB. You can receive the CCB if you fall under the following criteria:
- A resident of Canada
- A primary caregiver of a child under 18
- An annual tax filer (even with zero income)
How Much You Can Get From CCB
For your info, families that have a lower income overall will get higher returns. So there you go, the amount will vary from family to family based on the overall household income. According to the CRA, the eligible families can expect to receive $6,748 per child aged 6 through 17, and up to $7,997 per child under the age of 6 in 2025 (July 2025 to June 2026).
At the same time, a family that has one child aged five and one child aged nine and an adjusted family net income of $65,000 can expect around $11,000 in 2025–26. Besides, if your child has a disability, you are eligible for the Child Disability Benefit, which is up to $3,173 annually.
Note
The CCB has been tested and has been shown to reduce child poverty and support parents in finding a balance between work and family. Additionally, September marks the beginning of the school year, which is the perfect time to issue a support payment.
#3. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) (For Ontario Residents)
In simpler words, it is the monthly energy and tax relief that is expected on the 10th of September. If you are an Ontario resident who is being hit by high housing or utility costs, the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) can provide you with monthly relief.
This one payment to you is effectively three separate credits, including the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Ontario Sales Tax credit, and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit. To qualify, you must be an Ontario resident, have filed your 2024 tax return, and be qualifying based on your income, how much rent or property tax you paid, and energy usage, particularly regarding higher heating costs in northern Ontario.
Whether as a senior, renter, or low-income household, the OTB helps offset the costs of necessary living expenses, meaning that more of your monthly income will stay in your pocket.
How Much Will You Get?
The amounts may differ, but individuals can get more than $1,200 each year through the OTB program. Please note that seniors, renters, and people in Northern Ontario often receive higher payments.
You have the choice to receive your benefit as a lump sum in July or in 12 monthly instalments from July to June. The OTB is particularly important for seniors and renters who live on fixed incomes. It also helps those who live in older homes with higher utility bills, a common situation in rural and northern Ontario.
#4. Old Age Security (OAS) Pension
It is the income support for seniors, which is expected on the 25th of September. Old Age Security (OAS) is an essential income source for most retired Canadians aged 65 and older, offering monthly payments and financial assistance, regardless of employment records.
OAS differs from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) in that it is not influenced by the amount you were paid or contributed to the plan, but rather by your tenure living as an adult in Canada. In order to receive OAS, you must be at least 65 years old, must have lived in Canada for 10 years or more after the age of 18, and have legal status as a citizen or permanent resident.
You receive money from OAS and receive funding continuously, which can always be included in your planning/cash flow. However, OAS is considered taxable income. Seniors with higher income levels (approximately, $90,000+) who receive OAS will experience a partial or total clawback of OAS through the OAS recovery tax. Therefore, proper planning at retirement and on-time applications are important regarding OAS, and to maximise this benefit.
How Much Will You Get
In the third quarter of 2025, you can expect to get up to $713.34 a month if you are aged between 65 and 74. Also, if you are aged 75 or above, you can expect to get up to $784.67 a month. But if your income is low, you can also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which adds hundreds more per month, tax-free.
#5. Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a retirement benefit that is based on your contributions while working in Canada. If you contributed to CPP all your working life, you can start to receive payments as early as age 60.
To qualify for the CPP, you must be a minimum of 60 years of age, have made valid contributions to the CPP, and you must apply through Service Canada (the CPP is not automatic). You can apply online or in person, and you can start receiving benefits anytime between the ages of 60 and 70. The longer you delay starting to receive your CPP, the higher the monthly benefit amount.
How Much Will You Receive
Pension income is also tax-eligible, so learn how to calculate your tax on pension income. Besides, the CCP expects to receive an average monthly payment of $758.32 and a maximum monthly payment of $1,364.60.
Conclusion
These benefits are actual support systems that can help you cover ongoing expenses, prepare for emergencies, or just make life that little bit easier. However, too many Canadians miss out due to not filing taxes, not knowing about eligibility criteria, or being just unsure of the application process.