As March 2026 approaches, several key government benefit payments are scheduled to arrive in the bank accounts of eligible Canadians. From the Ontario Trillium Benefit to the Canada Pension Plan and the Ontario Disability Support Program, these payments are designed to help Canadians with everyday expenses, child-rearing costs, living expenses, and support for those with disabilities.
Understanding when each payment is scheduled, who is eligible, and how to ensure you receive your benefits can help you plan your finances more effectively this month.
March 2026 Benefit Payment Calendar
For easy reference, here is a full list of major government benefits scheduled for March 2026:
- Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) – March 10
- Canada Disability Benefit – March 19
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – March 20
- Old Age Security (OAS) – March 27
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – March 27
- Veteran Disability Pension – March 30
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) – March 31
Let’s break down each benefit, the eligibility criteria, and what you need to know about receiving your payments this month.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) – March 10
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a combined payment that helps eligible Ontarians with energy costs, property taxes, and sales taxes. The OTB is composed of three components:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
Payment Details
For March 2026, the OTB payment is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10. If you are eligible, the payment will arrive either directly in your bank account or in the mail by Friday, or potentially early the following week.
Eligibility and How It Works
The OTB is typically available to residents of Ontario who meet certain income thresholds and pay property taxes or rent. The amount of your payment depends on your income, family situation, and whether you reside in Northern Ontario, where additional energy credits are provided.
Canada Disability Benefit – March 19
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a relatively new program, first introduced in 2025, aimed at providing financial support to Canadians aged 18 to 64 who have a disability.
Payment Schedule
- March 19, 2026 – CDB payments will be deposited into bank accounts of eligible recipients.
This is the first full year that the monthly payments will be fully operational, providing consistent support for individuals who qualify.
Eligibility and Purpose
The benefit is designed to help with the extra costs that come with living with a disability, including accessibility aids, medical expenses, and everyday living costs. Eligibility is assessed based on income, disability status, and other federal requirements.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – March 20
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment for families to assist with the cost of raising children under the age of 18.
What the CCB Includes
- Base child benefit amount
- Child disability benefit, if applicable
- Any relevant provincial or territorial top-ups
Payment Date
- Friday, March 20, 2026 – The CCB payment will be deposited directly into the bank account of eligible families.
Families rely on the CCB to manage expenses such as school supplies, clothing, food, and extracurricular activities for their children. The amount received varies depending on family income, number of children, and special needs status.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) – March 27
For seniors and retirees, March brings another scheduled deposit for the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security payments.
Payment Date
- Friday, March 27, 2026 – Both CPP and OAS payments will be issued.
Recent Increases
- CPP and OAS payments increased by 2 percent in January 2026 to keep up with the rising cost of living.
- For OAS, the increase for the January to March 2026 quarter is 0.3 percent, with a total increase of 2 percent since January 2025.
How CPP and OAS Work
- CPP: A contributory program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits based on contributions made during working years.
- OAS: A non-contributory program providing monthly payments to eligible seniors aged 65 and older, based on residency requirements.
Veteran Disability Pension – March 30
The Veteran Disability Pension supports Canadian veterans who have service-related disabilities.
Payment Date
- Monday, March 30, 2026 – The payment is deposited on the second last banking day of the month.
Purpose
This pension helps veterans cover living expenses, healthcare costs, and other needs arising from their service-related disability. It is separate from other veterans’ benefits, like the War Veterans Allowance, and is specifically aimed at those living with long-term disabilities.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) – March 31
The Ontario Disability Support Program is designed to assist individuals with disabilities and their families in managing daily living costs.
Payment Details
- Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – ODSP payments will be issued to eligible recipients.
What ODSP Covers
ODSP provides financial assistance for:
- Food and rent
- Prescription drugs and vision care
- Employment support and training programs
How to Receive ODSP
To ensure you receive your ODSP payment:
- Access your ODSP portal online
- Or contact your local ODSP office to confirm your payment method
How to Sign Up for Direct Deposit
Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive government benefits. Most federal and provincial benefits can be directly deposited into your bank account.
Steps to Set Up Direct Deposit
- Visit the official federal or provincial website for your specific benefit.
- Follow the instructions for signing up for direct deposit.
- For multiple benefits, you may need to set up separate direct deposit instructions for each administering agency:
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for CCB and CDB
- Service Canada for CPP and OAS
- ODSP portal for Ontario Disability Support Program
Direct deposit ensures that your payments arrive promptly on the scheduled dates without delays caused by mail.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Payment
Sometimes, payments may be delayed due to processing issues or banking timelines. If you do not receive your scheduled benefit payment:
- Wait 10 working days after the scheduled payment date.
- Contact the agency administering your benefit:
- CRA for CCB and CDB
- Service Canada for CPP, OAS, and Veterans’ benefits
- Local ODSP office for Ontario Disability Support Program
It’s important to have your identification and account details ready when contacting the agency to resolve any payment issues.