CRA Benefit Payments Coming in May 2026: What Newcomers Could Get

For newcomers, government benefits can help cover daily costs like housing, childcare, and basic needs. Here is what newcomers should know about who qualifies and how much you could receive from CRA benefit payments.

Key Takeaways 

• Several major benefits will be paid in May 2026, including CCB, CPP, and OAS 

• Most provincial child benefits are often paid with the Canada Child Benefit, except for Alberta Child and Family Benefit and Quebec Family Allowance 

• Many benefits are tax-free and based on your family income 

• Newcomers can qualify for CCB before filing taxes, but you must register with CRA

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – May 20, 2026 

The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly tax-free payment that helps families cover the cost of raising children under 18. It is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency and paid monthly. Because it is income tested, families with lower incomes receive higher payments. 

Who is Eligible for the Canada Child Benefit? 

To qualify, you must live with a child under 18 and be primarily responsible for their care and upbringing. This usually means you are responsible for daily needs such as housing, food, and supervision. 

You must also be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. In addition, you or your spouse or common law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for at least 18 months and has a valid permit in the 19th month. 

As a newcomer, you can qualify for the CCB as soon as you arrive and receive a Social Insurance Number (SIN), but you must apply through the CRA. You do not need to wait until you’ve filed your tax return.  

How Much Can I Receive Under Canada Child Benefit in May 2026? 

The maximum annual amounts for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year are approximately: 

• Up to $7,437 per child under 6 

• Up to $6,275 per child aged 6 to 17 

The actual amount you receive depends on your adjusted family net income. Families with a net adjusted income of $37,487 in 2024 will be entitled to the maximum benefit amount. Higher income families receive smaller amounts.  

In May 2026, you will receive one-twelfth of your total annual entitlement. 

Provincial Child Benefits Paid With CCB 

You may also receive additional monthly amounts depending on your province and income. These provincial amounts are typically paid with CCB in a combined payment. 

• BC Family Benefit (BCFB): Up to $145.83 per month for first child. The higher your income, the less you’ll receive. Amount drops to zero if your net adjusted family income is over $94,483. 

• Ontario Child Benefit: Up to about $143.91 per child each month, based on income. 

• New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit (NBCTB): Up to $41.66 per month for each child (includes a base and working component). 

• Northwest Territories Child Benefit: Up to $67.91 per month for the first child (depends on your income, the child’s age, and number of children). 

• Nova Scotia Child Benefit: Up to $127.08 per child per month, based on income. Benefit stops once your adjusted family income crosses $34,000. 

• Nunavut Child Benefit: Up to $53.16 per month for each child (includes a basic benefit and territorial worker’s supplement) 

• PEI Child Benefit: Up to $30 per child per month, based on income. Amount is reduced to zero if your family income crosses $80,000. 

• Yukon Child Benefit: Up to $78.08 per month for each child. 

Ontario Trillium Benefit – May 8, 2026 

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a monthly tax-free payment that combines three credits: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and Ontario Sales Tax Credit. 

Who is Eligible for Ontario Trillium Benefit? 

Eligibility depends on which of the three credits you qualify for, but in general, you must be a resident of Ontario and file a tax return. 

• You may qualify for the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, if you paid rent or property tax for your principal residence, or lived in a public long term care home. 

• For the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, you must live in a designated Northern Ontario area and have paid rent or property tax. 

• The Ontario Sales Tax Credit is designed for low to moderate incomes. You may qualify if you are 19 or older, or if you have a spouse or partner, or if you are a parent living with your child. 

How Much Can I Receive Under Ontario Trillium Benefit? 

Amounts vary widely depending on rent, property tax, and income.  

• Ontario Sales Tax Credit: Up to $378 per adult and child annually. 

• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit: Up to $1,488 annually, based on age and where you live. 

• Northern Ontario Energy Credit: Up to $189 per year for single adults, and $290 per family. 

Most people receive a combined monthly payment, though some may receive a single lump sum. 

Alberta Child and Family Benefit – May 27, 2026 

The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is a tax-free quarterly payment for low- and middle-income families with children under 18. ACFB includes a base component available to eligible families regardless of whether they earn employment income, and a working component for families whose employment income is over $2,760. 

Who is Eligible for Alberta Child and Family Benefit? 

• You have children under 18 

• You are a resident of Alberta 

• You file a tax return 

• Your income is below $28,116 (base component) and $47,115 (working component) 

How Much Can I Receive Under Alberta Child and Family Benefit? 

Until June 2026, the maximum annual amount for families with one child is $2,266 ($1,499 base plus $767 working component). The amount maxes out at $5,767 ($3,746 plus $2,021) for families with four or more children. 

Quebec Family Allowance – May 1, 2026 or First Working Day 

Quebec Family Allowance is a tax-free payment for families with dependent children under 18. It is paid monthly by Retraite Québec, on the first working day of the month. 

Who is Eligible for Quebec Family Allowance? 

• You live in Quebec 

• You have a dependent child under 18 in your care 

• You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident living in Canada for the last 18 months. 

How Much Can I Receive Under Quebec Family Allowance? 

Annual amounts for 2026 can be as high as $3,036. Additional supplements are available for disability or single parent families. 

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – May 27, 2026 

The Canada Pension Plan is a monthly taxable benefit that provides income in retirement. It is funded through contributions made by workers and employers during your working years in Canada. 

Who is Eligible for Canada Pension Plan? 

• You can start receiving CPP as early as age 60 or as late as age 70.  

• You must have made at least one valid CPP contribution. 

Newcomers can qualify if they have worked in Canada and made CPP contributions. In some cases, Canada has social security agreements with other countries that may help you qualify if you do not have enough contributions on your own. 

How Much Can I Receive Under Canada Pension Plan? 

The amount you receive depends on your contribution history, including how much you earned and how many years you contributed, and the age at which you start receiving CPP payments. For 2026, the maximum monthly amount at age 65 is over $1,500. 

Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – May 27, 2026 

OAS is a taxable monthly pension for seniors aged 65 and older. GIS is a non-taxable supplement for low-income seniors receiving OAS. 

Who is Eligible for OAS and GIS? 

• Aged 65 or older 

• Must have legal status in Canada 

• Must meet residency requirements 

• To receive OAS, your net world income should be less than $148,451 

• For GIS, you (and your spouse’s) annual income should be less than $53,952 

How Much Can I Receive Under OAS and GIS? 

OAS maximum is $743 or $817.36 per month, depending on age. GIS can add up to $1,109.85 monthly based on your and your spouse/partner’s combined annual income. 

The amount you receive will vary based on your income and the number of years you have lived in Canada. 

How is Eligibility for Government Benefits Calculated in Canada? 

Most government benefits are based on your previous year’s taxable income. For May 2026 payments, your 2024 tax return (which would have been filed after February 2025) is typically used. 

As a newcomer, you should file a tax return the year after arriving in Canada, even if you had little or no income. This can help you qualify for certain benefits, including the newly introduced Groceries and Essentials Benefit. You may also need to register for certain benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit, through the CRA. 

Keeping your tax filings up to date ensures you receive the correct payments and do not miss out on support you are eligible for.