Canadians in 8 provinces get this new federal benefit in April & here's what to look for
There is a new federal benefit going out to Canadians in certain provinces soon.
If you're expecting to get money from the climate action incentive payment in April, you won't see it in your bank account or on a cheque in the mail — it's been replaced with the Canada Carbon Rebate.
So, here's what you need to know about the Canada Carbon Rebate including what it is, who is eligible, how much money you can get, where to look for payments, and more!
What is the new Canada Carbon Rebate?
The climate action incentive payment was revamped in February, which included changing the name to the Canada Carbon Rebate — also called the CCR — and increasing payment amounts.
So, the simplified Canada Carbon Rebate is a tax-free quarterly payment that's meant to help eligible people offset the cost of federal pollution pricing.
There is a basic amount and an additional supplement for residents of small and rural communities.
Residents of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., and Newfoundland and Labrador receive the Canada Carbon Rebate.
Who is eligible for the Canada Carbon Rebate?
You're eligible for the Canada Carbon Rebate if all of the following conditions are met at the beginning of the payment month:
- you are a resident of Canada in the month before the payment
- you are a resident of a Canada Carbon Rebate province on the first day of the payment month
- you are 19 years old in the month before the CRA makes a payment or are under 19 and have a spouse, common-law partner or child
- your child is under 19 years old
- your child lives with you
- you are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of your child
- your child is registered for the rebate (or already registered for the Canada Child Benefit or GST/HST credit)
Do you need to apply for the Canada Carbon Rebate?
If you need to apply for the Canada Carbon Rebate depends on whether you're a resident of Canada or a newcomer.
Residents of Canada don't need to apply but they need to file their income tax each year.
In a household with spouses or common-law partners, only one of you can get the payment for the family — whoever files their taxes first.
The Canada Carbon Rebate also includes a supplement for residents of small and rural communities. You need to tick the box on page two of your income tax return to claim the supplement amount.
If you are a new resident of Canada, you do have to apply for the Canada Carbon Rebate by filling out forms and mailing them to your tax centre.
If you're a newcomer and have children, you have to:
- fill out and sign Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application includes federal, provincial, and territorial programs
- complete Form RC66SCH, Status in Canada and Income Information for the Canada Child Benefits Application
If you're a newcomer and don't have children, you need to:
How much money can you get from Canada Carbon Rebate payments?
How much money you get from the Canada Carbon Rebate depends on your family situation and which province you live in.
Unlike other federal benefits, this rebate isn't reduced based on adjusted family net income.
The base quarterly payment amount for Alberta is:
- $225 for an individual
- $112.50 for a spouse or common-law partner
- $56.25 per child under 19
- $112.50 for the first child in a single-parent family
The base amount for Saskatchewan is:
- $188 for an individual
- $94 for a spouse or common-law partner
- $47 per child under 19
- $94 for the first child in a single-parent family
Manitoba's base amount is:
- $150 for an individual
- $75 for a spouse or common-law partner
- $37.50 per child under 19
- $75 for the first child in a single-parent family
- $140 for an individual
- $70 for a spouse or common-law partner
- $35 per child under 19
- $70 for the first child in a single-parent family
The base amount for New Brunswick is:
- $95 for an individual
- $47.50 for a spouse or common-law partner
- $23.75 per child under 19
- $47.50 for the first child in a single-parent family
The base payment amount for Nova Scotia is:
- $103 for an individual
- $51.50 for a spouse or common-law partner
- $25.75 per child under 19
- $51.50 for the first child in a single-parent family
The quarterly base amount for P.E.I. is:
- $110 for an individual
- $55 for a spouse or common-law partner
- $27.50 per child under 19
- $55 for the first child in a single-parent family
Canada Carbon Rebate's base amount for Newfoundland and Labrador is:
- $149 for an individual
- $74.50 for a spouse or common-law partner
- $37.25 per child under 19
- $74.50 for the first child in a single-parent family
When is the Canada Carbon Rebate payment date in April?
If you're eligible, you can expect to receive your payment on Monday, April 15, 2024.
But you'll only get money from the Canada Carbon Rebate on the April payment date if you file your taxes electronically by March 15, 2024.
Your payment will be delayed if you file after March 15, 2024.
You'll get your money after the April payment date once your tax return has been assessed.
Since not filing on time — and even not filing early — can delay or stop your federal benefits and credits, it's a tax mistake to avoid making so you can get the most money back from your return, according to a tax expert.
After this, the next Canada Carbon Rebate payment dates in 2024 are Monday, July 15 and Tuesday, October 15.
How do you receive Canada Carbon Rebate payments?
You receive Canada Carbon Rebate payments either as a direct deposit into your bank account or a cheque sent through the mail.
If you get your tax refund by direct deposit, you will also get your CCR by direct deposit.
You can sign up for direct deposits through the CRA My Account portal and also see if you have any uncashed cheques.
If you're registered for direct deposits, you should see payments in your bank account as "Canada Carbon Rebate."
However, the Canada Revenue Agency noted that the wording could vary by financial institution and the new name might not be used yet.
When the climate action incentive was changed in February, the federal government urged financial institutions to consistently label the new Canada Carbon Rebate direct deposits.
That's because climate action incentive payment labels had varied by financial institution.
You should wait 10 working days before contacting the CRA if you don't receive your Canada Carbon Rebate as expected.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
