Ways Canadians will get money from the government in May 2025

Eligible Canadians can expect money from the government this month through various Government of Canada benefits and credits.

According to Statistics Canada, the country’s inflation rate rose to 2.3 per cent in March, slightly lower than the 2.6 per cent increase seen in February.

Despite a slightly lower inflation rate, life in Canada remains expensive.

In March, the cost of housing increased by 3.9 per cent, while transportation costs rose by 1.2 per cent. Food purchased from stores continues to become more expensive, with prices increasing by 3.2 per cent.

As the cost of living remains high, it’s worth checking to see which government benefits you may qualify for. Even if you don’t meet the criteria for one benefit, there are other opportunities to receive money from the government this May. Ensure that your direct deposit is enabled, as you look forward to the following benefits.

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — May 20

Eligible families in Canada can expect their monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment on May 20. In July 2024, with the start of the new benefit year, the Government of Canada increased child tax payments by 4.7 per cent.

The maximum benefit for kids under six increased by $350, from $7,437 to $7,787. For children aged six to 17, payments increased by $295, from $6,275 to $6,570.

A federal child tax booster will follow when the new benefit year begins in July 2025. Rules for the CCB program also changed in January to better benefit parents.

After the Tuesday, May 20 payment, the next one is on June 20. Check out the rest of 2025’s child benefit payment dates.

Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) — May 9

The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is the combined tax-free payment of the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. This month, eligible Ontarians will receive theirs on Friday, May 9.

To receive money from the government, you must be eligible for at least one of three types of credits.

The amount you receive depends on several factors, such as your age, marital status, the property tax paid by you, etc. For the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, you could get a maximum of $1,283 if you are between 18 and 64 years old, $1,461 if you are 65 or older, $285 if you live on a reserve or in a public long-term care home, and $25 for the time you lived in a designated college, university, or private residence in 2024, according to the province’s website.

The Northern Ontario Energy Credit allows singles to receive a maximum of $185, and families could receive a maximum of $285.

For the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, you can receive up to $371. You may be eligible for additional credit of up to $371 for your spouse or common-law partner, and each dependent child who is under 19 years of age on the 1st of the payment month. This credit does not affect your GST/HST credit payments. You can find more information on the OTB website.

Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) — May 27

The Alberta Child and Family Benefit offers financial support to lower- and middle-income families with children under the age of 18. To be eligible, families must meet the income criteria, file a tax return, reside in Alberta, and have one or more children under the age of 18.

Families are automatically considered for this benefit when they file their annual tax return.

According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), parents can expect $7,787 per year ($648.91 per month) for each eligible child under the age of six and $6,570 per year ($547.50 per month) for each eligible child aged six to 17.

The child disability benefit (CDB) is included in the CCB for families caring for children who have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. Families can receive CDB payments of up to $3,322 per year or $276.83 per month.

B.C. Family Benefit and Bonus — May 20

Eligible families will receive the provincial Family Benefit on May 20, with an added bonus. A 25 per cent bonus on this benefit took effect in July 2024 and will remain in effect until the next benefit year begins.

Approximately 340,000 families in B.C. will receive monthly payments from the provincial government via direct deposit or mailed cheques. Eligible families can receive a maximum annual benefit of $2,188 for the first child, $1,375 for the second child, and $1,125 for each additional child until June 2025.

Families will receive money from the government, along with the Canada Child Benefit, on May 20.

Canada Pension Plan — May 28

Canadians who qualify for this benefit can expect to receive this month’s payment on May 28. The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a monthly benefit for Canadians who are at least 60 years old and have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP.

Working Canadians over 60 can still qualify for the full payment — in fact, if you’re working and under 70, contributions towards post-retirement benefits (PRB), which will increase your retirement income.

The amount you receive depends on when you decided to start your pension, the amount you contributed, how much you earned throughout your working life, and how long you contributed to the CPP. New beneficiaries aged 65 will receive an average monthly payment of $899.67. The maximum monthly payment you can receive is $1,433.

Eligible Canadians will receive CPP payments on Wednesday, May 28.

Old Age Security (OAS) pension — May 28

Canadians aged 65 and older can qualify for the Old Age Security (OAS) monthly pension. Unlike the CPP, your eligibility does not depend on your work history.

Those living in Canada can qualify for this benefit if they’re 65 and older, a citizen or resident at the time their pension application is approved, and have resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18. However, if you’re living outside Canada, you must meet the same age requirement, be a citizen or resident on the day before you left Canada, and have resided in Canada for 20 years since the age of 18.

Canadians aged 65 to 74 can receive up to $727.67 per month in 2025 if their net annual net world income in 2023 is less than $142,609. However, Canadians aged 75 and over can receive a maximum of $800.44 if their annual net world income in 2023 is less than $148,179.

Payments will go out on Wednesday, May 28.

Veteran Disability Pension — May 29

Some Canadians will be eligible for a tax-free disability payment to support their well-being. To qualify for the Veteran Disability Pension, you must be one of the following:

• A member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces
• A member or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
• A Second World War or Korean War Veteran (includes Merchant Navy), or an eligible civilian who served in the Second World War

To qualify, you must have a diagnosed medical condition or disability and be able to show that it was related to your service. Eligible candidates can receive a lifetime monthly benefit or lump sum for Pain and Suffering Compensation. Rates vary depending on the extent of the disability, and the monthly payments can range from $69.60 to $1,391.98.

The second type of lifetime benefit is the disability pension. The monthly amount depends on the number of dependents, such as your spouse, common-law partner, and/or children.

Those who qualify for this benefit can expect to receive money from the government on Thursday, May 29.

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