Canadians who rely on federal and provincial supports to manage their household budgets should take note of the upcoming schedule for February 2026. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Service Canada have finalized the distribution dates for several key benefits, including the Canada Child Benefit and retirement pensions.
To ensure you receive your funds on time, it is essential to keep your personal information updated through the CRA My Account portal. Here are the four major payment dates to watch for this month.
Also Read
February 10: Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
The first significant provincial payment in February is the Ontario Trillium Benefit. Distributed on February 10, this credit helps low- to moderate-income Ontario residents with the cost of energy, sales taxes, and property taxes.
The OTB combines three different credits into one monthly payment: the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit. If your total annual entitlement is $2$ or less, you will not receive a payment. If it is between $2$ and $360$, you would have received a single lump-sum payment back in July.
February 20: Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
One of the most anticipated federal payments is the Canada Child Benefit, scheduled for February 20, 2026. This tax-free monthly payment is designed to help eligible families with the costs of raising children under the age of 18.
The amount you receive is based on several factors, including the number of children in your care, their ages, and your adjusted family net income from the previous tax year. Families with children under six years old generally receive a higher base amount compared to those with children aged 6 to 17.
February 25: CPP and Old Age Security (OAS)
For retirees and seniors, the primary pay date falls on February 25, 2026. This date covers both the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
As a general rule, these payments are issued on the third-to-last business day of every month. Since February 2026 ends on a Saturday, the payment is moved to Wednesday, February 25. Recipients who have opted for direct deposit can expect the funds to appear in their accounts on this day, while those receiving cheques by mail may experience slight variations due to postal delivery times.
February 27: Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
Residents of Alberta will see the final major payment of the month on February 27, 2026. The Alberta Child and Family Benefit is a provincial tax-free amount paid to families with at least one child under 18.
The ACFB is distributed quarterly in August, November, February, and May. This payment is specifically targeted toward lower-income families to assist with the rising cost of living and child-rearing expenses.
Essential Tips for Benefit Recipients
To avoid delays in receiving your payments, the government recommends using direct deposit. It is a faster and more secure alternative to paper cheques. If you do not receive your payment on the expected date, the CRA suggests waiting five business days before contacting them to allow for processing time.
You can check your eligibility and individual payment amounts by visiting the official benefit payment dates page or logging into your secure online profile.
February 2026 Payment Calendar Summary
- February 10: Ontario Trillium Benefit
- February 20: Canada Child Benefit
- February 25: CPP and OAS Pensions
- February 27: Alberta Child and Family Benefit
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn’t my CRA payment arrived yet?
If you have not received your payment by the scheduled date, wait five business days for processing before calling the CRA or Service Canada.
Are these February benefit payments taxable?
The Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credits are tax-free, but CPP and OAS payments are considered taxable income and must be reported on your tax return.
How can I change my payment method to direct deposit?
You can update your banking information through the “My Account” portal on the official CRA website or through your financial institution.
Ben Lee is a content writer specializing in government schemes and public benefit programs, delivering clear and up-to-date information to help readers understand eligibility, payments, and policy changes.