Quebec residents can receive payment from these government benefits and credits in April
As the cost of living across Canada continues to rise, Quebec residents are looking for ways to not only save money but earn more, too.
The Quebec government offers a handful of financial programs and credits that could offset inflation and help Canadians struggling at the moment, particularly low-income families.
A few benefits and credits available to Quebecers are set to be paid out this upcoming April, and it's important to verify your eligibility for them. Credits and benefits being sent out include the Canada Child Benefit, the Quebec Pension Plan, the Quebec Family Allowance measure and the GST/HST credit, to name a few.
Here's everything you need to know about which benefits and credits are going out, when and how much you can receive.
Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)
The Québec Pension Plan is a compulsory public insurance program for workers aged 18 and over earning over $3,500 annually. It offers basic financial protection for retirement, disability and death. Since 2019, it has consisted of a base plan and an additional plan, boosting income replacement and the maximum pensionable salary, per Revenu Quebec.
Both plans are funded by contributions from employers and employees. The base plan provides pensions and benefits for retirement, disability and death, while the additional plan enhances these benefits, especially for retirement and disability.
Payment Date: April 30, 2024
Public-sector pension plans (RREGOP, PPMP)
For those who collect a pension and opt for direct deposit, the public-sector retirement pension will be paid on the 15th of each month for the rest of your life, per Retraite Quebec.
If the 15th falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, your pension will be paid on the preceding business day. If you opted for payment by cheque, the cheque will be issued no later than 48 hours before that date.
Payment Date: April 15, 2024
The Family Allowance measure
The Family Allowance measure offers various forms of financial assistance to families via the Quebec government.
These include the Family Allowance payment, designed for eligible families with dependent children under 18; a supplement for the purchase of school supplies, providing $121 per child aged 4 to 16; a supplement for handicapped children, offering support for parents caring for seriously impaired children; and the Supplement for Handicapped Children Requiring Exceptional Care, providing financial aid to parents facing the extraordinary responsibilities of caring for severely disabled children.
Payment Date: April 2, 2024
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
The Canada Pension Plan is a monthly, taxable benefit designed to supplement your income during retirement, the Canada Revenue Agency says.
If eligible, you will receive this pension for life. To qualify for the CPP retirement pension, you must be at least 60 years old and have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP. Valid contributions can stem from work in Canada or credits received from a former spouse or common-law partner at the end of the relationship.
Payment Date: April 26, 2024
Old Age Security (OAS)
The Old Age Security pension is a monthly payment available for individuals aged 65 and older. Typically, Service Canada automatically enrolls eligible individuals for the OAS pension if sufficient information is on record. They will notify you upon automatic enrollment.
However, if you haven't received any communication about the OAS pension by the month following your 64th birthday, you may need to apply for it.
Payment Date: April 26, 2024
GST/HST credit
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment aimed at assisting individuals and families with low to modest incomes in offsetting the GST or HST they pay. This benefit may incorporate payments from provincial and territorial programs. Eligibility for the GST/HST credit is automatic upon filing taxes, per the CRA.
To be eligible for the GST/HST credit, you must be at least 19 years old, or if under 19, meet specific conditions such as having a spouse or common-law partner, or being a parent living with your child. Additionally, you need to be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes during the relevant period, which includes the month before the CRA makes a payment and at the beginning of the month the payment is made.
The GST/HST credit payments, typically disbursed in July, October, January, and April, are determined by your adjusted family net income and the number of children under 19 registered for benefits. For the 2022 base year, the payment period from July 2023 to June 2024, potential payments could reach up to $496 if you're single, $650 if married or in a common-law relationship, and $171 for each child under 19.
Payment Date: April 5, 2024
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
According to the CRA, the Canada Child Benefit provides tax-free monthly payments to eligible families for raising children under 18. This benefit may encompass the child disability benefit and relevant provincial or territorial programs.
To qualify, you must meet specific criteria: residing with a child under 18, being primarily responsible for their care, and being a Canadian resident for tax purposes. Additionally, you, your spouse, or common-law partner must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, temporary residents who have lived in Canada for the previous 18 months with a valid permit in the 19th month, or individuals eligible for registration under the Indian Act.
Payment Date: April 19, 2024
Veteran Disability PensionÂ
The veteran disability benefit offers tax-free financial support for retired veterans' well-being, determined by the degree of their condition's service-relatedness (entitlement) and its severity's impact on their quality of life (assessment), per the Canada Revenue Agency.
Eligibility extends to Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) personnel, Second World War or Korean War veterans (including Merchant Navy), and certain civilians from the Second World War. You must have a diagnosed medical condition related to your service to qualify. If eligible, you can receive either pain and suffering compensation — a choice between a lifetime monthly benefit or a lump sum — or a disability pension, providing a lifetime monthly benefit, with additional support for dependents.
Payment Date: April 29, 2024
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
- Canada Pension Plan Payments Go Out Soon & You Could Receive Over $1,300 ›
- Quebec Pension Plan Payments Go Out Soon & You Can Receive Over $1,800 ›
- Revenu Québec Is Giving Up To $170 A Month For Rent To Eligible Canadians ›
- Quebec Residents Could Receive An Increase In Government Benefits & Credits In 2024 ›
- Canada Pension Plan payments go out soon — here's how much $ you can receive - MTL Blog ›
