The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has scheduled multiple federal and provincial-administered benefit payments for February 2026, and eligible households could receive combined deposits totalling $3,500 or more, depending on income, family size and province of residence.

Several major programs — including the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST Credit, and advance payments of the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) — are expected to land in February under their regular payment cycles.

There is no new application process. Eligibility and payment amounts are calculated automatically using information from your 2024 income tax return, which determines benefits for the 2025–2026 cycle.

Why February 2026 Could Be a High-Payout Month

CRA benefits follow different schedules:

• Monthly: Canada Child Benefit
• Quarterly: GST/HST Credit and Climate Incentive payments
• Advance instalments: Canada Workers Benefit
• Provincial top-ups: Vary by region

When multiple programs align in the same month, deposits can accumulate quickly — particularly for families with children or low-income workers.

The total amount depends on:

• 2024 assessed income
• Marital status
• Number of children
• Disability eligibility
• Province or territory of residence

Filing taxes on time remains the single most important requirement.

1. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The Canada Child Benefit is the largest monthly support for families with children under 18.

Who Qualifies

You must:

• Live with a child under 18
• Be primarily responsible for their care
• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• File your 2024 tax return

Both parents must file, even if one has no income.

February 2026 Payment Impact

For the 2025–2026 benefit year:

• Families with children under six may receive the highest annual maximum
• Children aged 6–17 qualify for slightly lower amounts

A family with two young children could receive $1,000 or more in a single month, depending on income level.

2. GST/HST Credit (Quarterly Payment)

The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment designed to offset sales tax costs for low- and modest-income Canadians.

Eligibility

You may qualify if you:

• Are at least 19 (or meet family criteria)
• Filed your 2024 tax return
• Meet income thresholds

February Payment Potential

Quarterly GST payments for couples with children can reach several hundred dollars. When combined with CCB, totals rise quickly.

3. Canada Workers Benefit (Advance Instalment)

Low-income working Canadians may receive advance payments of the CWB rather than waiting for tax filing season.

Eligibility

You must:

• Earn working income
• Meet income thresholds
• Be at least 19 (with exceptions)
• File your tax return

Advance instalments can add several hundred dollars in February if scheduled in that cycle.

4. Climate Action Incentive (Carbon Rebate)

Eligible residents in provinces where the federal fuel charge applies receive quarterly climate rebate payments.

Who Qualifies

• Resident of a participating province
• Filed tax return
• Meet residency requirements

Family-of-four payments in certain provinces can be substantial and significantly boost monthly totals.

5. Disability-Related Credits and Supports

Canadians approved for the Disability Tax Credit may receive enhanced benefit amounts under federal or provincial programs.

Requirements

• Approved Disability Tax Credit certificate
• Income eligibility
• Filed 2024 tax return

Disability-related payments can add hundreds of dollars per month when combined with other benefits.

6. Provincial and Territorial Top-Ups

Many provinces administer additional supports through the CRA system, including:

• Ontario Trillium Benefit
• BC Family Benefit
• Alberta child and family supplements
• Other provincial low-income credits

These top-ups can add several hundred dollars, particularly for families with children.

How $3,500 in February Is Possible

Here’s a simplified example:

• Two young children → $1,000+ CCB
• GST/HST quarterly credit → $400–$700
• Provincial family benefit → $300–$600
• Climate rebate → $200–$400
• CWB advance → Several hundred dollars

When payments align, combined deposits can approach or exceed $3,500.

Not all households will reach this amount — totals vary based on eligibility.

Key February 2026 Payment Timing

Typical CRA payment timing includes:

• Mid-month for CCB
• Early or mid-quarter for GST/HST credit
• Scheduled CWB advance instalments
• Provincial payments aligned with federal cycles

The exact dates will appear in CRA My Account.

What You Must Do Now

To ensure payment arrives without delay:

• File your 2024 tax return
• Confirm direct deposit details
• Update marital status and custody changes
• Ensure Disability Tax Credit approval is current
• Keep address information updated

No additional applications are required for most programs.

Common Reasons for Delays

Payments may be delayed due to:

• Unfiled tax returns
• Banking information changes not reported
• Income reassessments
• Marital status discrepancies
• Verification reviews

Monitoring your CRA account helps prevent surprises.

Inflation and 2026 Indexation Adjustments

Many federal benefits are indexed to inflation. For the 2025–2026 cycle, maximum amounts may increase slightly to reflect cost-of-living adjustments.

While indexation varies by program, the goal is to preserve purchasing power for low- and modest-income Canadians.

FAQ

When will February 2026 payments arrive?

Payment dates vary by program. Check CRA My Account for exact deposit schedules.

Who could receive up to $3,500?

Families or individuals qualifying for multiple benefits at once, including CCB, GST, CWB and provincial credits.

Do I need to apply for these benefits?

Most are automatic if you file your tax return.

Is this confirmed by CRA?

Yes. These payments follow established CRA benefit schedules.

What tax year determines eligibility?

Your 2024 tax return determines 2025–2026 benefit payments.

Will seniors qualify?

Seniors may receive GST credits and provincial supplements, but totals vary.

Can payments be delayed?

Yes, if tax returns are not filed or personal details are outdated.