The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that multiple federal and provincial benefit payments are scheduled for February 2026, and for households qualifying under several programs, total deposits could reach or exceed $3,500 in a single month.

These payments are not new programs. They reflect scheduled disbursements under established benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST Credit, advance instalments of the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), climate rebates and provincial top-ups.

Eligibility is based primarily on your 2024 income tax return, which determines payments for the 2025–2026 benefit year. No new application is required for most programs, but filing taxes on time is essential.

Why February 2026 Could Bring Larger Deposits

CRA benefits operate on different schedules:

• Monthly: Canada Child Benefit
• Quarterly: GST/HST Credit and Climate Action Incentive payments
• Advance instalments: Canada Workers Benefit
• Provincial credits: Monthly or quarterly, depending on province

When quarterly credits and monthly supports land in the same month, combined deposits can increase significantly.

The total depends on:

• 2024 assessed net income
• Household size
• Number of children
• Marital status
• Province or territory
• Disability eligibility

1. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The CCB remains the largest recurring monthly support for families with children under 18.

Who Qualifies

To receive CCB, 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 Potential

For the 2025–2026 benefit year:

• Higher annual maximums apply for children under age six
• Slightly lower, but still significant, amounts apply for children aged 6–17

A family with two young children could receive $1,000 or more in February alone, depending on income.

2. GST/HST Credit (Quarterly Payment)

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

Eligibility

You may qualify if you:

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

Payment Size

Quarterly amounts vary based on:

• Marital status
• Number of children
• Net family income

For couples with children, February’s quarterly credit could add several hundred dollars.

3. Canada Workers Benefit (Advance Instalment)

Low-income working Canadians may receive advance CWB payments during the year.

Who Qualifies

You must:

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

Advance instalments can add a few hundred dollars in a scheduled month like February.

4. Climate Action Incentive (Carbon Rebate)

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

Requirements

• Resident of participating province
• Filed tax return
• Meet residency rules

Family-of-four payments can be substantial and meaningfully increase February totals.

5. Disability-Related Supports

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

Requirements

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

Combined disability supports can add hundreds of dollars per month.

6. Provincial and Territorial Top-Ups

Several provinces provide additional supports administered through the CRA system, including:

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

These top-ups may be issued monthly or quarterly and can significantly boost total deposits.

How $3,500 in February Is Possible

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 in one month, totals can approach or exceed $3,500.

Not every household will reach this amount. It depends entirely on eligibility.

February 2026 Payment Timing

Typical CRA disbursement patterns include:

• Mid-month for CCB
• Early or mid-cycle for GST/HST credits
• Scheduled CWB instalments
• Provincial credits aligned with federal dates

The exact deposit date for each benefit appears in CRA My Account.

What You Must Do Now

To ensure uninterrupted payments:

• File your 2024 tax return
• Confirm direct deposit information
• Update marital or custody changes
• Ensure Disability Tax Credit approvals are current
• Keep address information accurate

CRA calculates benefits automatically, but only with up-to-date records.

Common Reasons Payments Are Delayed

Delays may occur due to:

• Unfiled or late tax returns
• Banking information changes
• Income reassessments
• Marital status discrepancies
• Verification reviews

Checking CRA My Account regularly helps resolve issues early.

Inflation and 2026 Indexation

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

Indexation helps preserve purchasing power for low- and modest-income Canadians.

FAQ

When will February 2026 payments arrive?

Each benefit has its own payment schedule. Check CRA My Account for confirmed dates.

Who could receive $3,500?

Households qualifying for multiple benefits such as CCB, GST/HST credit, CWB and provincial supports.

Do I need to apply?

Most benefits are automatic once you file your tax return.

What tax year determines eligibility?

Your 2024 tax return determines payments for 2025–2026.

Will seniors qualify?

Seniors may receive GST credits and provincial supplements; totals vary.

Can payments be delayed?

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

Are these new programs?

No. These are scheduled payments under existing CRA-administered benefits.