With the holiday season fast approaching, many Ontarians are eagerly awaiting their government benefits, which will be landing in bank accounts earlier this December. As Christmas approaches, several benefit payments that are typically issued later in the month will be arriving sooner than expected. Here’s a breakdown of the key federal and provincial benefits being paid out for eligible recipients this month.
Key Benefit Payment Dates for December 2025
Here’s when you can expect your benefit payments to arrive in December:
- Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) – Dec. 10
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – Dec. 12 (direct deposit), Dec. 19 (mail)
- Canada Disability Payment (CDP) – Dec. 18
- Old Age Security (OAS) – Dec. 22
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – Dec. 22
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) – Dec. 22
- Veteran Disability Pension – Dec. 23
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) Payment Date: Dec. 10
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is set for release on Dec. 10. Eligible individuals can expect the funds to be deposited into their bank accounts on this date.
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The OTB is a combination of three benefits:
- The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- The Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- The Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
These credits are available to qualifying residents of Ontario to help with their energy costs and other expenses.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Payment Date: Dec. 12
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) will be issued on Dec. 12.
This benefit is adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation, ensuring that families receive adequate financial support.
- Direct deposits will be made on Dec. 12.
- Mailed cheques will arrive on Dec. 19.
Since the introduction of the CCB in 2016, the payment has been issued a week earlier in December to assist families during the holiday season.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) Payment Dates: Dec. 22
Both Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) payments are scheduled for Dec. 22.
- The OAS pension is updated quarterly (January, April, July, and October) to reflect changes in the cost of living. If the cost of living decreases, your OAS payments will remain unchanged.
- CPP payments are indexed to inflation, and in January, they will increase by 2.0% based on the Consumer Price Index, ensuring that pensioners maintain their purchasing power.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Payment Date: Dec. 22
ODSP recipients can expect their payments to be issued earlier than usual this December, with payments made on Dec. 22 to accommodate the holiday season.
Veteran Disability Pension Payment Date: Dec. 23
For those receiving the Veteran Disability Pension, the payment will be made on Dec. 23.
Potential Disruptions to Canada Post Services
While rotating strikes have ended, Canada Post is still working on restoring full labour stability, which may lead to potential delays in mail deliveries.
Impact on Payments
- Direct deposits will continue without disruption, meaning benefits issued through direct deposit will be delivered on time, even if postal services are affected.
- For mailed cheques such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), potential delays may occur. However, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has stated that cheques will be securely stored until any issues are resolved.
If you’re receiving your payment via direct deposit, you will not experience any delays due to postal disruptions.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Payment
If you haven’t received your payment within the expected time frame, the CRA advises waiting 10 working days from the scheduled payment date before contacting them.
For ODSP payments, the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services ensures that clients who rely on direct deposits or Reloadable Payment Cards will continue to receive their payments regularly. In case of a postal disruption, there is a plan in place to ensure cheque payments are distributed through local offices.
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Conclusion
With the holiday season fast approaching, December’s benefit payments will help Ontarians stay financially supported through early deposit dates. However, it’s essential to stay informed about potential postal disruptions and to ensure you are signed up for direct deposit to receive payments on time.
FAQs
1. What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The OTB is a combination of the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and Ontario Sales Tax Credit, available to eligible residents.
2. Can I expect delays in my Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment this December?
If you receive your CCB via direct deposit, there will be no delays. However, mailed cheques may face disruptions due to Canada Post issues.
3. When will my ODSP payment be made in December?
ODSP payments will be made earlier in December, with a scheduled payment date of Dec. 22, to ensure timely support before the holidays.