Canadians can expect a range of government benefit payments in October

Several government benefit payments are due in October. Eligibility and amounts vary by program, and some payments are tax-free. Here are the dates and maximum amounts described for each benefit.

**Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit — Oct. 5**

Eligible recipients can receive quarterly tax-free payments. The amount is based on adjusted family net income reported on a 2025 tax return. A single person could receive up to $679; a married couple up to $890; and a family up to $234 for each eligible child under 19.

**Ontario Trillium Benefit — Oct. 9**

The tax-free Ontario Trillium Benefit combines the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. Ontario residents may qualify for one or more of the credits.

For the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the maximum is $1,307 for eligible people aged 18 to 64 and $1,488 for those 65 and older. People living on a reserve or in a public long-term care home can receive up to $290. A $25 amount is available for the time spent living in a designated college, university or private school residence in 2005.

The Northern Ontario Energy Credit depends on marital status: the maximum is $189 for a single person and $290 for a family. For the Sales Tax Credit, eligible people may receive up to $378 if they are at least 19, married or in a common-law relationship, or are a parent who lives or previously lived with their child. A spouse, common-law partner or dependent child under 19 may qualify for an additional credit of up to $378.

**Canada Disability Benefit — Oct. 15**

Administered by Service Canada, the Canada Disability Benefit provides financial support to people with disabilities. Canadians aged 18 to 64 who meet the requirements may qualify. The maximum monthly amount is $204.20, based on family net income reported on a 2025 federal income tax return.

**Canada Child Benefit — Oct. 20**

Eligible Canadians may receive the Canada Child Benefit, with the amount based on adjusted family net income in 2025. Those whose income was below $38,237 could receive the maximum for each eligible child; payments begin to decrease above that threshold.

The maximum is $8,157 a year, or $679.75 a month, for each child under six. For children aged six to 17, it is $6,883 a year, or $573.58 a month. If a child qualifies for the disability tax credit, child disability benefit payments may be added automatically to the Canada Child Benefit. Families can receive $290 per month for each child.

**Canada Pension Plan — Oct. 28**

The Canada Pension Plan is a taxable monthly benefit that replaces part of eligible Canadians’ income in retirement and is paid for the rest of their lives. To qualify, a person must be at least 60 and have made at least one valid contribution. Canadians under 70 who are still working can continue to receive their full pension; contributions to the post-retirement benefit can increase their pension.

The amount depends on the age at which a person started receiving the pension, their contributions and their earnings over their working life. New beneficiaries aged 65 can expect an average of $858.34 a month. The maximum monthly amount is $1,507.65.

**Old Age Security pension — Oct. 28**

Canadians aged 65 and older may qualify for Old Age Security. Requirements include, for example, having lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18. People living abroad must have lived in Canada for at least 20 years since turning 18. The amount depends on age, income and how long a person has lived in Canada since age 18. Seniors aged 75 and older receive an additional 10 per cent.

The amount is reviewed quarterly. Maximum October payments have increased to $762.50 a month for people aged 65 to 74 and up to $838.75 a month for those 75 and older.

**Veteran Disability Pension — Oct. 29**

Eligible Canadians may receive the tax-free Veteran Disability Pension to support their well-being. Qualifying people include current members or veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces; current or former members of the RCMP; Second World War or Korean War veterans, including Merchant Navy veterans; and eligible civilians who served during the Second World War. Applicants must also have a diagnosed medical condition or disability and show that it is related to their service.

Eligible recipients can receive a lifetime monthly benefit, with the amount depending on the number of dependants, or a lump sum for pain and suffering compensation. Monthly payments range from $70.99 to $1,419.82.