There are some changes to your Canada PRO deposits this year.
Of the four government programs that fall under the Canada PRO deposit, one payment is going up.
Starting in February 2023, your Alberta Child and Family Benefit (AFCB) is going up. This is to reduce the impact of inflation on households earning low to middle incomes.
In order to qualify for any of the Canada PRO deposit programs, you need to file your income taxes. Also, any Canada PRO deposit will go toward your debt if you owe the government any money.
What Is Canada PRO?
If you see a deposit in your bank account under the name Canada PRO, this means that you have received a payment from one of the four Canada PRO programs. These programs are tax-free benefits that help low to moderate-income residents of Ontario and Alberta with some of the costs that they encounter.
If you get the Canada PRO deposit, you can use the money to pay down bills however you see fit. It can go toward bills, repaying personal loans, or rent. Plus, you don’t have to worry about your credit score. Receiving the benefit doesn’t impact it at all.
What Are The Canada PRO Programs?
There are four Canada PRO programs, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, and the Alberta Child and Family Benefit. The three Ontario programs combined are known as the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB).
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
If you are a resident of Ontario and see a deposit in your bank account under the name Canada PRO, it’s likely the money you receive from the Ontario Trillium Benefit. The OTB is comprised of three different programs, your deposit amount will depend on which of the programs you qualify for.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
The Northern Ontario Energy Credit exists to help low- to moderate-income residents of Northern Ontario cover the higher energy costs that they face.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit helps low- to moderate-income residents of Ontario cover some of the costs of property taxes and the sales taxes on energy.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
The Ontario Sales Tax Credit is designed to give money to low- to moderate-income residents of Ontario to help balance out some of the sales tax they pay.
Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
If you are a resident of Alberta and see a deposit in your bank account under the name Canada PRO, it is likely the money you receive from qualifying for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit.
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit provides payments to low-to-moderate income Alberta families with children under 18. It consists of a base component, which all families get, and a working component, which families receive if their income is over $2,760.
Canada PRO Payment Dates 2023
The Canada PRO payment dates are dependent on the programs you are enrolled in and whether you’ve signed up for direct deposits.
Sign up for direct deposit through your CRA account.
While the Ontario Trillium Benefit is usually paid on the 10th of each month, the Alberta Child and Family Benefit is paid quarterly each year (February, May, August, and November).
| OTB Payment Dates 2023 |
| January 10, 2023 |
| February 10, 2023 |
| March 10, 2023 |
| April 7, 2023 |
| May 10, 2023 |
| June 9, 2023 |
| July 10, 2023 |
| August 10, 2023 |
| September 8, 2023 |
| October 10, 2023 |
| November 10, 2023 |
| December 8, 2023 |
| ACFB Payment Dates |
| May 10, 2023 |
| August 10, 2023 |
| November 10, 2023 |
| February 9, 2024 |
| May 10, 2024 |
Check out these other tax credits for parents.
Who Is Eligible For The Canada PRO Programs?
Your eligibility for Canada PRO programs depends on where you live and what your income is.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit
You may be eligible for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit if you are a resident of Northern Ontario and pay rent or property tax in Northern Ontario. This includes Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Algoma, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Kenora, Timiskaming, Cochrane, Manitoulin, and Rainy River.
To qualify for the NOEC, you’ll also need to meet any one of these conditions:
- Be 18 years or older before June 1st of the year you pay your taxes. For example, for the tax year 2022, you would need to be at least 18 years old by June 01, 2023.
- Have a spouse or common-law partner
- Are a parent who lives or lived with their child
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
You may be eligible for the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit if:
- You are a resident of Ontario and pay rent or property tax in Northern Ontario or;
- You live in a designated Ontario university, college, or private school residence or;
- You or someone else paid for your home energy costs for your principal residence that is on a reserve.
To qualify for the OEPTC, you’ll also need to meet any one of these conditions:
- Be 18 years or older before June 1st of the year you pay your taxes.
- Have a spouse or common-law partner
- Are a parent who lives or lived with their child
Are you a senior citizen? Learn how you can defer your property taxes.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit
You may be eligible for the full Ontario Sales Tax Credit if you are an Ontario resident who meets one of the following conditions before June 1st of the year you pay your taxes. For example, to claim the OSTC for the year 2022, you must be at least 19 years of age by June 1st, 2023.
- Be 19 years or older
- Have a spouse or common-law partner
- Are a parent who lives or lived with their child
Alberta Child and Family Benefit
To be eligible for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit, you must be the parent of one or more children under 18. You must also be a resident of Alberta and meet the income criteria. The benefit amounts are reduced once your family net income exceeds $24,467 (for the base component of the benefit) or $41,000 (for the working component of the benefit).
This year, Alberta is giving its citizens a financial boost. As of February 2023, eligible Albertas can appkly for an extra $100 per month for 6 months. Households earning up to $180,000 annually can apply.
Need extra cash for your child, check out the FSCD program.
Additional Reading
How To Apply For The Canada PRO Payment?
As mentioned, the Canada PRO payment is a payment of a combination of government benefits. Depending on the program, the requirements to apply will vary.
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit – Applying for the ACFB is simple as it doesn’t require any forms. You simply need to fill out your annual income tax return. The government will automatically check if you qualify for the benefit.
- The Ontario Trillium Benefit – To apply for the OTB, you’ll need to file your income tax return and include in it the ON-BEN Application Form. The CRA will review your application then and determine if you’re eligible for the OTB.
How Much Is The Canada PRO Payment Amount?
Your Canada PRO payment amount depends on which of the programs you qualify for and how much that program pays out.
Alberta Child and Family Benefit
The amount you and your family receive from the Alberta Child and Family Benefit depends on two factors. The number of children you have under the age of 18 and your household income.
Low-income families can receive the base amount depending on the number of children they have. Regardless of whether or not they have an income.
- Families who earn an income of more than $2,760, are also eligible for the working component.
- The base amount received is reduced once families earn more than $24,467 net.
- The working component amount received is reduced once families earn more than $41,000 net.
| Number of Children | Base Amount Maximum | Working Component Maximum |
| 1 | $1,330 | $681 |
| 2 | $1,995 | $1,301 |
| 3 | $2,660 | $1,672 |
| 4 or more | $3,325 | $1,795 |
Northern Ontario Energy Credit
You can receive up to $158 per year if you are single and have no children or $243 for single parents or couples. The credit is reduced by 1% of your adjusted net income over $42,580 if you are a single individual with no children. Similarly, if you are a single parent or are part of a couple your credit will be reduced by 1% of your adjusted family net income over $54,746.
| Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) Maximum Payment | |
| Single Individuals | $158 per year |
| Families | $243 per year |
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
How much you receive for the Ontario Energy and Property tax Credit depends on several factors that we outlined above.
The maximum amount you can receive from the OEPTC is as follows:
- $1,095 for non-senior residents
- $243 for the energy component
- $852 for property tax
- $1,247 for senior residents
- $243 for the energy component
- $1,004 for property tax
Check out the government of Canada’s calculation sheet to determine how much you qualify for.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit
You can receive up to $316 per year for each adult and each child in a family. Please note, that if you are an individual with no children making an adjusted net income of over $24,332, your payment will be reduced by 4%. Similarly, if you are a single parent, are married, or are living common-law, your credit too will be reduced by 4% of your adjusted net income above these limits. That is if you’re making an adjusted family net income of over $30,415.
| Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) | |
| Maximum Annual Credit (per adult and child) | $316 |
Canada PRO FAQs
Are Canada PRO payments taxable?
Why did I get money from Canada PRO?
When will I receive Canada PRO payments?
Who is eligible for Canada PRO deposits?
Bottom Line
Canada PRO is a payment that you will receive if you are eligible for one or more of the following benefits: the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, and the Alberta Child and Family Benefit. These benefits are designed to help low- to moderate-income residents of Ontario and Alberta cover some of the costs they may encounter. Each has its own eligibility criteria, which often includes income, family status, and where you live.
