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Believe it or not, December is almost here, and with it comes a new batch of provincial and federal government benefits Quebecers can cash in on. These payments from Revenu Québec, Retraite Québec and the Canada Revenue Agency could bring a little extra cheer to your holiday season, covering everything from child benefit payments to pension income.
December’s government payments include federal benefits like the Canada Child Benefit and Old Age Security as well as provincial ones like the Family Allowance and the Quebec Pension Plan. Each one is tailored to provide financial support to help with the cost of living, with varying amounts and schedules to ensure eligible Quebecers get the funds they need straight into their accounts.
It’s worth noting that if you normally receive your benefit payments by cheque, the Canada Post strike could impact when you get your payments. Both government bodies recommend signing up for direct deposit to ensure your funds are automatically transferred to your bank account without delay. Revenu Québec also allows you to pick up your cheques at a Services Québec office.
Here’s a breakdown of the government payments Quebecers can expect in December 2024, including details on who qualifies, how much you could receive and when those payments are coming through.
Family Allowance
The Family Allowance is a provincial program offering financial support to families in Quebec with children under 18, helping to cover the costs of raising kids. Payments are made quarterly by default — in January, April, July and October — but families can opt to receive them monthly, which would include a payment in December. Most families with newborns in Quebec are automatically enrolled, while others, such as adoptive parents or newcomers to the province, may need to apply.
How much you can get: Your December payment amount depends on factors such as the number of children, shared custody arrangements, family income, whether you’re a single-parent or two-parent household and whether you’ve opted for quarterly or monthly payments. In 2024:
- The maximum yearly amount is $2,923 per child, with an additional $1,026 for single-parent families.
- The minimum yearly amount is $1,163 per child, with an extra $409 for single-parent families.
- Families can also receive a supplement for school supplies of $121 per child.
Plus, additional support is available for children with disabilities.
Next payment date (monthly schedule): December 2, 2024
More about the Family Allowance
Shelter Allowance
The Shelter Allowance Program provides monthly financial assistance to low-income individuals and families in Quebec who spend a significant portion of their income on housing. The program is available to homeowners, tenants and boarders. Payments are determined based on your family income, household situation and the percentage of your income spent on housing.
How much you can get: From October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, eligible recipients can receive up to $170 per month. If you apply during this period, payments are retroactive to October 1, 2024, meaning your first payment will include any amounts you were entitled to since that date.
Next payment date: Within the first five days of December 2024
More about the Shelter Allowance
Solidarity Tax Credit
The Solidarity Tax Credit is a refundable provincial tax credit for low- and middle-income individuals and families in Quebec. This credit is designed to offset costs related to housing, the Quebec sales tax (QST) and the higher cost of living for residents of northern villages. Eligibility and the credit amount are based on your family income and situation as of December 31 of the previous year. Maximum family income thresholds range from $61,500 for individuals without a spouse to $67,067 for couples, with an additional $2,517 per dependent child.
How much you can get: The credit combines amounts from three components: housing, QST and northern villages. The best way to get an estimate of your payment amount is to use Revenu Quebec’s Solidarity Tax Credit Payments Estimator.
The total yearly amount of your credit determines the payment schedule:
- $240 or less is paid in a lump sum in July.
- $241 to $799 is divided into four quarterly payments (July, October, January and April).
- $800 or more is divided into monthly payments.
Next payment date (monthly schedule): December 5, 2024
Canada Child Benefit
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a federal, tax-free monthly payment designed to help families cover the costs of raising children. Administered by the CRA, the benefit also provides additional support for families with children who have disabilities.
To qualify, you need to live with a child under 18 and be primarily responsible for their care. You must also be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, and either you or your partner must meet specific residency criteria, such as being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
How much you can get: The payment amount depends on your family’s income, the number of children you have and their ages. Currently, families with an adjusted net income under $36,502 in 2023 qualify for the maximum payments, which are up to $648.91 monthly per child under 6 and up to $547.50 per month for each child aged 6 to 17. Payments gradually decrease as income rises.
Families with children with a disability may also be eligible to receive the Child Disability Benefit, which is sent out in the same payment as the CCB.
Next payment date: December 13, 2024
More about the Canada Child Benefit
Public sector pension plans (RREGOP, RRPE, etc.)
For eligible public sector retirees in Quebec, retirement pensions are paid out monthly for the rest of their life on the 15th of each and every month. If the 15th is not a business day, the payment will reach your account on the closest business day that comes before it. If your pension is paid by cheque rather than direct deposit, it will be sent out no later than 48 hours before the 15th of the month.
Next payment date: December 13, 2024
Old Age Security
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly federal payment that helps Canadians aged 65 and older manage their everyday living expenses. You can receive OAS whether you’re still working or even if you’ve never held a job.
To qualify, you need to be at least 65 years old and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18. If you’re living outside Canada, you’ll need a minimum of 20 years of Canadian residency. Most people are automatically enrolled, but if you don’t get an enrollment letter from Service Canada in the month following your 64th birthday, you may need to apply.
How much you can get: From October to December 2024, the maximum monthly OAS payment is $727.67 for those aged 65 to 74 and $800.44 if you’re 75 or older. OAS payments are adjusted every three months to account for inflation. If you turned 75 after July 2022, your OAS payment increases by 10% starting the month after your 75th birthday.
Next payment date: December 20, 2024
Veteran Disability Pension
The Veteran Disability Pension offers monthly financial support to veterans living with a disability linked to their military service. Eligible recipients include Canadian Armed Forces veterans, those who served during the Second World War or the Korean War and some current or former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members. Certain civilians who contributed to the Second World War effort may also qualify.
To receive the pension, you must have a diagnosed medical condition directly connected to your service. The Veteran Disability Pension provides lifetime monthly payments, with additional support for dependents, such as a spouse or children.
How much you can get: The amount varies based on your disability level. Veterans with the highest disability rating (Class 1) can receive up to $3,357.30 monthly, with extra payments for dependents: $839.33 for a spouse, $436.45 for the first child, $318.94 for the second child and $251.80 for each additional child.
Next payment date: December 23, 2024
More about the Veteran Disability Pension
Quebec Pension Plan
The Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) is a taxable monthly payment providing retirement income to individuals who have contributed to the plan during their working years. Similar to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), the QPP ensures steady financial support for life. If you’ve worked both in Québec and other parts of Canada, your contributions to both the QPP and CPP are combined to calculate your pension.
How much you can get: The amount depends on factors such as the age you start payments, your contributions during your working years, and your career earnings. In 2024, the maximum monthly payment for someone starting the QPP at age 65 is $1,365, though the average is closer to $682. For those starting early at 60, the maximum is $873, while delaying until 72 could result in up to $2,167 per month.
Next payment date: December 30, 2024
More about the Quebec Pension Plan
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