Eligibility for benefits, like the GST/HST Credit and the Canada Climate Rebate (CCR; previously the Climate Action Incentive), starts in July each year. The two benefits mentioned are paid in July, October, January, and April. Another benefit is the Trillium Benefit. It is paid monthly on the 10^th of the month. The amount you get for all these benefits depends on your income the previous year. This is determined based on your tax filing. If you haven’t filed your taxes, you won’t receive these benefits. If you filed your taxes late, your payments may come later.

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) also restarts in July. This is a monthly benefit that is paid to those with children under 18 years of age. The amount you receive is based on your income from the previous year. If you didn’t file your taxes, you won’t receive this benefit this month and going forward. If you file your taxes late, your payment may be delayed.

The other government payments that change in July are the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS). These are both income top-up programs for those 65 and older living on a low income. Again, the amounts you receive depend on your income from the previous year, shown on your tax filing. If you didn’t file your taxes, you won’t get GIS or GAINS payments. If you file your taxes late, your payments may come late.

If you haven’t yet filed your taxes, file as soon as possible. The sooner, the better. You will receive your benefits retroactively.