August brings a stack of government benefit payments in Canada, and several of them come with real increases this year — including one program that got a new name entirely.
What’s landing in August
| Benefit | Max monthly/annual amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| CPP (age 65+) | Up to $1,433/month | Canada Pension Plan |
| OAS (65-74) | Up to $751.97/month | If 2025 net income under $152,062 |
| OAS (75+) | Up to $827.17/month | If 2025 net income under $157,923 |
| CCB (under 6) | Up to $8,157/year | Per child |
| CCB (6-17) | Up to $6,883/year | Per child |
The GST credit has a new name
The GST/HST Credit has effectively been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) starting July 2026 — not just a rename, but a 25% increase locked in for five years. Payment dates for the renamed program are July 3 and October 5. Eligible recipients from the January 2026 cycle also got a one-time top-up worth 50% of their 2025-26 GST credit value, issued no later than June 2026.
Ontario gets a boost too
For Ontarians between 18 and 64, the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit is increasing from $1,283 to $1,307. The Ontario Sales Tax Credit is going from $371 to $378. Both are part of the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
Why the numbers keep going up
Canada indexes many federal benefits to inflation. For 2026, the indexation increase is 2%, which is why CPP, OAS, and several other programs show slightly higher numbers than the year before.
FAQ
Q. Do I need to apply for these increases separately?
A. No. Indexation increases apply automatically to people already receiving the benefit — there’s no separate application.
Q. What happened to the GST/HST Credit?
A. It was renamed and expanded into the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) starting July 2026, with a 25% increase built in for five years.
Q. Why is OAS different for people 75 and older?
A. Canada pays a higher OAS rate to seniors 75+ as a standing policy, separate from this year’s increase.
Q. Is CPP the same for everyone 65+?
A. No — $1,433/month is the maximum. The actual amount depends on how much and how long you contributed.