For millions of Canadians, December is one of the most financially important months of the year. With winter heating bills rising, grocery costs still elevated, and holiday spending increasing, many individuals and families rely heavily on federal benefits that arrive before the year ends. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Service Canada have now confirmed the full list of December 2026 direct deposit dates, covering major programs such as:
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Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
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Old Age Security (OAS)
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Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
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Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
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Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP)
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Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
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Disability benefits
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And certain provincial top-ups
This guide explains every confirmed deposit date, who qualifies, what amounts to expect, and what Canadians should prepare for as 2027 approaches.
⭐ Why December 2026 CRA Payments Matter
December is not a typical month for CRA and Service Canada benefits. It includes:
✔ Year-end direct deposits
✔ Early deposits because of holiday banking closures
✔ The last benefit payments before 2027 rate changes
✔ Winter affordability supplements in some provinces
✔ The final CCB deposit for the year
✔ OAS, GIS, and CPP payments before January adjustments
For many households, these deposits ensure they can manage expenses like:
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Heating and electricity bills
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Groceries and holiday meals
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Gifts and seasonal travel
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Rent and housing costs
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Winter clothing
Understanding the confirmed schedule helps Canadians plan their finances accurately.
CRA & Service Canada December 2026 Direct Deposit Schedule (Confirmed)
Below is the complete list of all major federal payments landing in December 2026.
1. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
✔ Payment Date: December 18, 2026
This is the final CCB payment of 2026.
CCB is a tax-free monthly benefit for families raising children under 18. December’s payment includes:
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Monthly base amount
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Disability child supplement
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Provincial add-ons (in some regions)
To receive it, parents must have:
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Filed their 2025 tax return
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Updated custody and marital status
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Met income and residency requirements
Families relying on CCB will receive this payment just before the Christmas season.
2. Old Age Security (OAS)
3. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
4. CPP (Canada Pension Plan)
✔ Payment Date (All Three): December 22, 2026
OAS, GIS, and CPP all deposit on the same date.
⭐ OAS (Old Age Security)
Paid to seniors aged 65+ who meet residency requirements.
⭐ GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement)
Paid to low-income seniors already receiving OAS.
⭐ CPP (Canada Pension Plan)
Includes:
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Retirement pension
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Disability benefits (CPP-D)
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Survivor’s pension
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Post-Retirement Benefits (PRB)
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Children’s benefits
This December deposit is the last 2026 payment before the 2027 adjustments begin.
5. Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP)
✔ Next Payment: January 2027 (no December payment)
CAIP is issued quarterly. There is no CAIP deposit in December, but many families will receive their next payment in early January.
6. GST/HST Credit
✔ Next Payment: January 2027 (no December payment)
The GST/HST Credit is also quarterly, with payments in:
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January
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April
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July
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October
December is not a payment month.
7. Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) – Advance Payments
✔ Next Likely Payment: January 2027
CWB advance payments occur in:
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January
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July
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October
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April
There is no scheduled December deposit.
8. Provincial & Territorial Benefits (Some Arrive in December)
Although not administered by CRA in every case, several provinces issue year-end direct deposits, often alongside CRA benefits.
Examples include:
Ontario
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Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): Dec 10, 2026
British Columbia
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BC Family Benefit: Dec 20, 2026
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BC Climate Action Tax Credit (if issued this quarter)
Alberta
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ACFB (Alberta Child & Family Benefit): Dec 27, 2026
Quebec
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Family Allowance: Dec 1, 2026
Provincial payments vary, but most arrive before Christmas.
⭐ Why Deposits May Arrive Early
Banks may process deposits earlier if payment dates fall close to:
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Christmas Day (Friday, Dec 25, 2026)
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Boxing Day (Saturday, Dec 26)
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New Year’s Day (Friday, Jan 1, 2027)
CRA does not issue early payments, but banks often post them earlier due to holiday processing.
Expect possible early deposit posting on:
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Thursday, Dec 17 (for CCB)
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Monday, Dec 21 (for OAS/CPP/GIS)
Direct deposit is more reliable than mailed cheques, which may face postal delays in December.
⭐ How Much Will Canadians Receive in December 2026?
Below are approximate payment amounts based on current benefit schedules.
CCB
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Up to $7,787 per child under 6 annually
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Up to $6,570 per child age 6–17
(Payment varies based on income)
CPP
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Average CPP: ~$780/month
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Maximum CPP: ~$1,390/month
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CPP Disability: ~$1,570/month
OAS
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Ages 65–74: ~$765/month
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Ages 75+: ~$815/month
GIS
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Singles: Up to ~$1,072/month
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Couples: Up to ~$1,071 combined
Exact amounts depend on income and updated 2026 benefit rates.
⭐ Eligibility Rules for December 2026 Benefits
Eligibility depends on the program:
CCB Eligibility
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Filed 2025 taxes
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Child under 18
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Legal residency in Canada
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Primary caregiver status
OAS Eligibility
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Age 65+
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Legal status in Canada
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Required years of residency
GIS Eligibility
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Low-income OAS recipient
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Filed 2025 taxes
CPP Eligibility
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Age 60+ for retirement CPP
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Contribution history
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Medical approval for CPP-D
⭐ What Changes in January 2027?
December payments do not include next year’s updates.
But January 2027 brings:
✔ Adjusted OAS and GIS amounts (inflation indexing)
✔ Updated CPP contributions for workers
✔ Updated CCB payment estimates (mid-year recalculation in July)
✔ New CAIP and GST/HST deposits
✔ New income thresholds for 2027 benefit year
Beneficiaries should check their CRA My Account and My Service Canada portal for updated 2027 payment amounts.
⭐ How to Avoid Delays in December 2026
To ensure payments arrive on time:
✔ Maintain updated banking information
✔ Keep your mailing address current
✔ File your taxes early each year
✔ Respond to CRA verification letters immediately
✔ Avoid switching banks in late December
✔ Use direct deposit instead of mailed cheques
⭐ Final Summary — CRA December 2026 Direct Deposit Schedule
Here is the quick overview:
✔ CCB: December 18, 2026
✔ OAS: December 22, 2026
✔ GIS: December 22, 2026
✔ CPP: December 22, 2026
❌ No CAIP, CWB, or GST/HST deposits in December
(Next payments arrive January 2027)
✔ Provincial benefits may arrive mid-month (varies by region)
✔ Some deposits may appear early depending on bank processing
With the confirmed dates above, Canadians can plan their year-end budget confidently and prepare for the 2027 adjustments ahead.
Meta Title
CRA December 2026 Direct Deposit: CCB, OAS, GIS & CPP Dates
Meta Description
Get the full CRA December 2026 direct deposit schedule. See confirmed dates for CCB, OAS, GIS, CPP, plus eligibility rules and year-end payment updates.
FAQs — CRA December 2026 Direct Deposit
1. When is the CCB payment for December 2026?
December 18, 2026.
2. Do OAS and CPP arrive before Christmas?
Yes, both deposit on December 22, 2026.
3. Is there a GST/HST payment in December 2026?
No. The next GST/HST Credit is in January 2027.
4. Will I receive CAIP in December?
No. CAIP is quarterly. The next payment is January 2027.
5. Can deposits arrive early?
Yes. Some banks post payments early due to holiday processing.
