5 government benefit payments Canadians can get from the feds in March
Everything you need to know. 👇
Canadians can get thousands of dollars from Service Canada and the CRA this month.
As the month winds down, it's almost time to start thinking about the next round of government benefit payments coming your way in March 2025.
Whether you're saving up for spring plans or just trying to keep up with monthly expenses, these upcoming benefit payments from the Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada could offer some much-needed financial relief.
From child benefits to pension payments, these Service Canada and CRA payments are designed to help Canadians stay on top of their finances.
The March 2025 benefit payment lineup includes several monthly mainstays, including CRA payments like the Canada Child Benefit and Service Canada ones like the Canada Pension Plan.
Here's your full breakdown of the government payments arriving in March — including who qualifies, how much you could receive and when the money is expected to land in your account.
Ontario Trillium Benefit
If you're living in Ontario and juggling expenses like energy bills, property taxes and sales taxes, the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) could help lighten the load. This monthly payment bundles together three credits: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC), the Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC). While it's funded by the province, the CRA takes care of sending out the payments.
To be eligible, you’ll need to have filed your 2023 income tax return. If you qualified for $360 or less for the year, you would have received the entire amount as a lump sum back in July instead of smaller monthly payments.
How much you can get: The total amount depends on your income and which credits apply to you. Here's a breakdown of the maximum payments for March 2025:
- OEPTC: $104 for individuals aged 18 to 64 or $118.41 for those aged 65 or older
- NOEC: $15 for singles or $23.08 for families
- OSTC: $30 for each family member, including yourself, your spouse and any dependents
Next payment date: March 10, 2025
Canada Child Benefit
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that helps families manage the cost of raising kids. It’s designed to ease financial pressures while supporting the well-being of children across the country.
To qualify, you need to live with a child under 18 and be their primary caregiver. You must also be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, and either you or your spouse has to meet specific residency requirements like being a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or holding another eligible status.
How much you can get: The amount you receive depends on your family's income, the number of children in your household and their ages. Families with a 2023 adjusted net income under $36,502 are eligible for the maximum monthly amounts:
- $648.91 for each child under the age of 6
- $547.50 for each child aged 6 to 17
As your income increases, the payments are gradually reduced. Depending on where you live and your family's situation, you might also qualify for extra support through provincial or territorial programs or disability-related benefits. These additional amounts are combined with your regular CCB payment.
Next payment date: March 20, 2025
Old Age Security
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly payment that gives Canadians aged 65 and up some extra support to help manage the cost of everyday life. Whether you're still clocking in at work, enjoying retirement or never had a formal job, you could be eligible for this federal benefit.
To qualify, you must be at least 65 and have spent at least 10 years living in Canada after turning 18. If you're living abroad, that minimum jumps to 20 years. While most people are enrolled automatically, if you don't get a letter from Service Canada within a month of your 64th birthday, you may need to apply manually to start receiving payments.
How much you can get: The amount you receive depends on your age. Here are the maximums for the payment period of January to March 2025:
- $727.67 per month if you're between 65 and 74
- $800.44 per month if you're 75 or older
OAS payments are reassessed every quarter and adjusted as needed to keep up with inflation, though there's no increase for this period. Once you turn 75, your monthly payment will automatically increase by 10%, starting the month after your 75th birthday.
Next payment date: March 27, 2025
Canada Pension Plan
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides monthly payments designed to replace part of your income once you retire. It's a lifelong benefit for those who qualify, offering a steady financial cushion in your later years. If you live in Quebec, a similar program called the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) handles payments separately but works in much the same way.
To qualify, you need to be at least 60 years old and have made at least one contribution while working in Canada. If you've experienced a separation, some credits can also be transferred between partners.
How much you can get: The amount you'll receive depends on when you begin collecting CPP, how much you contributed during your working years and your overall lifetime earnings. For someone who started collecting in January 2025 at age 65, the maximum monthly payment is $1,433, though the average is closer to $800. For a clearer idea of what you might qualify for, you can check your personalized estimate through your My Service Canada Account.
Next payment date: March 27, 2025
Veteran Disability Pension
The Veteran Disability Pension offers monthly financial support for veterans living with a disability caused by their military service. This benefit is available to Canadian Armed Forces veterans, those who served in the Second World War or the Korean War and certain current or former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Some civilians who contributed to the Second World War effort may also qualify.
Eligible veterans must have a diagnosed medical condition linked to their service. This pension provides lifelong monthly payments and can include additional financial assistance for dependents.
How much you can get: The amount you receive depends on the severity of your disability. Veterans with the highest rating (Class 1) can get up to $3,444.59 each month. Extra payments are available for dependents such as a spouse or children.
Next payment date: March 28, 2025
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