December is one of the most important months for Canadian households, especially for families, seniors, and low-income individuals who rely on federal benefits to manage living costs. With winter expenses rising, holiday spending increasing, and 2027 financial updates approaching, many Canadians want clarity on when their final CRA and Service Canada payments of the year will arrive.

The good news: Canada has officially confirmed the December 2026 payment schedule for major benefits including:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

• Old Age Security (OAS)

• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

This guide breaks down all December 2026 deposit dates, eligibility rules, expected amounts, and important year-end changes you should prepare for before 2027.

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⭐ Why December 2026 Is an Important Month for Benefit Payments

December is always a unique month because it includes:

✔ Final federal benefit deposits of the year

✔ Early payments due to holiday banking schedules

✔ Notices of updated 2027 benefit amounts

✔ Cost-of-living adjustments (for some programs starting in January)

✔ Provincial top-ups for families and seniors (varies by province)

For millions, December payments help cover:

• Higher heating bills

• Holiday expenses

• Rising grocery prices

• Winter travel costs

• Rent and mortgage payments

Understanding your deposit schedule ensures you can budget confidently for the final stretch of the year.

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1. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — December 2026 Payment Date

✔ CCB Payment Date: December 18, 2026

The Canada Child Benefit is paid monthly and provides tax-free support to households with children under 18.

This is the final CCB deposit of 2026, and it will include:

• Monthly base payment

• CCB Disability Supplement (if eligible)

• Provincial child benefit add-ons (depending on your province)

Who qualifies for the December 2026 CCB?

You qualify if you:

• Filed your 2025 tax return

• Are the primary caregiver of the child

• Live with the child

• Meet income and residency requirements

If your family had a change in income, marital status, or number of children, CRA may adjust your December amount.

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2. Old Age Security (OAS) — December 2026 Payment Date

✔ OAS Payment Date: December 22, 2026

OAS provides monthly benefits to seniors aged 65 and older.
December’s payment is important because:

• It is the last 2026 OAS deposit

• It reflects your income-tested benefit amount

• It arrives just before Christmas

• Many seniors use it to manage winter and holiday expenses

Who qualifies for OAS?

You qualify if you:

• Are 65+

• Have lived in Canada long enough to meet residency rules

• Filed taxes

• Meet income thresholds for OAS/GIS

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3. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) — December 2026 Deposit

✔ GIS Payment Date: December 22, 2026

(Paid together with OAS)

GIS provides additional monthly support to low-income seniors receiving OAS.

December GIS notes:

• Amount is based on income reported on your taxes

• Some seniors may receive adjusted GIS due to mid-year recalculations

• GIS is not taxable, making December payments critical for low-income seniors

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4. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) — December 2026 Payment Date

✔ CPP Payment Date: December 22, 2026

CPP benefits include:

• CPP Retirement

• CPP Disability (CPP-D)

• CPP Survivor benefits

• Children of disabled or deceased contributors

• Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB)

CPP and OAS always arrive on the same day.

Who qualifies for CPP?

You qualify if you:

• Have made past CPP contributions

• Meet age requirements (60+ for retirement)

• Have an approved disability (for CPP-D)

• Are a survivor or dependent child of a contributor

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⭐ Full December 2026 Federal Payment Schedule (Confirmed)

(Some provinces issue additional year-end payments; schedules vary.)

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⭐ Will Benefits Arrive Early Due to Holidays?

✔ Yes, some banks may deposit early

Because December 22 and December 18 fall close to the Christmas holidays, deposits may appear:

• The night before

• Earlier in the morning

• Based on bank processing hours

❌ CRA does not issue early deposits

Any early arrivals come from bank processing, not CRA.

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Year-End 2026 Eligibility Reminders

To continue receiving benefits in December and beyond, you must ensure:

✔ You filed your taxes

Most CRA benefits rely on your previous tax return.

✔ CRA has your updated bank account

Changing banks in December can delay payments.

✔ Address changes are updated

Paper mail delays can impact notices and adjustments.

✔ Family changes are reported

Births, custody changes, or marital status updates affect CCB.

✔ Seniors update income and residency information

Especially for OAS and GIS.

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Will December 2026 Payments Be Higher?

✔ For most programs, December payments stay the same.

❗ Major increases come into effect January 2027, including:

• OAS adjustments

• GIS updates

• CPP increases based on enhanced contributions

• CCB inflation indexing (July 2027 adjustment)

December payments do not include January COLA-style increases.

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What Canadians Can Expect for 2027 Benefits

As December closes, Canadians should prepare for:

⭐ Higher OAS and GIS amounts

Adjusted based on inflation index.

⭐ CPP contributions and benefits increasing

Because CPP enhancement continues.

⭐ CCB recalculated in July 2027

Based on CPI inflation.

⭐ CAIP quarterly payment in January 2027

⭐ GST/HST credit payment in January 2027

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How to Check Your December 2026 Payments

Use these tools:

✔ CRA My Account

Payment status and benefit amounts.

✔ My Service Canada Account (MSCA)

For OAS, GIS, CPP.

✔ Bank mobile app

Shows early pending deposits.

✔ CRA automated benefit line

Provides recorded payment dates.

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Budgeting Tips for December 2026

Because December often includes higher spending:

✔ Use the December payments to cover essential bills

✔ Keep funds aside for January expenses

✔ Reduce the risk of holiday overspending

✔ Watch for increases scheduled for early 2027

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⭐ Final Summary — CRA December 2026 Payment Round

Here’s everything you need to remember:

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✔ CCB: December 18, 2026

✔ OAS: December 22, 2026

✔ GIS: December 22, 2026

✔ CPP: December 22, 2026

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✔ Payments may arrive early depending on your bank

✔ No December GST/HST, CAIP, or CWB deposits

✔ December is the final 2026 payment month before January adjustments

✔ Seniors and families should review CRA notices for 2027 changes

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Meta Title

CRA December 2026 Payments: CCB, OAS, GIS & CPP Dates Confirmed

Meta Description

CRA confirms December 2026 benefit payment dates. See full schedule for CCB, OAS, GIS, and CPP, plus eligibility rules, deposit amounts, and year-end updates.

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FAQs — CRA December 2026 Benefit Payments

1. When will CCB be paid in December 2026?

The CCB payment arrives on December 18, 2026.

2. Do OAS and CPP come before Christmas?

Yes. Both OAS and CPP deposit on December 22, 2026.

3. Will GIS also be paid on December 22?

GIS is paid at the same time as OAS—on December 22, 2026.

4. Is there a GST/HST Credit payment in December 2026?

No. The next GST/HST credit payment is in January 2027.

5. Will December payments arrive early?

Some banks may process deposits early, but CRA does not issue early payments.

6. Are December 2026 benefits higher?

No. Increases take effect starting January 2027.