Key Highlights

  • If you still receive your Canada Revenue Agency payments by cheque, your next benefit could arrive slower than it needs to.
  • With CCB, Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payments all due this autumn, the CRA continues to encourage Canadians to set up direct deposit.
  • The next Canada Child Benefit payment is set for September 18, 2026, with the following one on October 20, 2026.
  • The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, the quarterly payment that replaced the GST/HST Credit in July 2026, is next due on October 5, 2026.

If you still receive your Canada Revenue Agency payments by cheque, your next benefit could arrive slower than it needs to. With CCB, Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payments all due this autumn, the CRA continues to encourage Canadians to set up direct deposit. It is faster, more secure and, importantly, unaffected by mail disruptions that can hold up paper cheques. Here is what to know before your next payment date.

Why direct deposit matters right now

Direct deposit sends your CRA payments straight into your bank account, usually on the scheduled payment date, without waiting for a cheque to be printed, mailed and delivered. For income-tested benefits that many households rely on month to month, that timing difference can matter. The CRA describes direct deposit as faster and more secure than cheques. Because the money moves electronically, it does not depend on the postal system, so it avoids the delays and delivery risks that come with mailed payments.

Cheques are more exposed to disruption

Paper cheques can be delayed by postal interruptions, lost in the mail or stolen. The CRA has noted that payments made by direct deposit continue to be issued on schedule even when mail delivery is affected by events beyond the agency's control. By contrast, a cheque that cannot be delivered can leave a recipient waiting, sometimes needing to contact the CRA to arrange a replacement. Switching to direct deposit removes that point of failure.

Upcoming CRA payment dates to plan around

Several payments are scheduled in the weeks ahead. The next Canada Child Benefit payment is set for September 18, 2026, with the following one on October 20, 2026. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, the quarterly payment that replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026, is next due on October 5, 2026. The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit installment is scheduled for October 9, 2026. If you switch to direct deposit before a payment is processed, you may receive that payment electronically. Setting it up well ahead of a payment date is the safest approach, since changes can take time to take effect. Payment amounts and eligibility still depend on your income, family situation and CRA records.

How to set up or update direct deposit

You can enrol in or update direct deposit through the CRA My Account online service, or in many cases through your financial institution, which can share your banking details with the CRA on your behalf. You will generally need your banking information, including your branch, institution and account numbers. It is also worth confirming that the CRA has your current address and banking details on file. If you have changed banks or moved, outdated information can send a payment to the wrong place or trigger a cheque instead of a deposit.

Conclusion

For Canadians receiving CRA benefits and credits in 2026, direct deposit is a straightforward way to get paid faster and avoid the risks that come with cheques. With the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit all scheduled in the coming weeks, checking your payment method now, and switching before your next payment date, can help ensure the money reaches you on time. As always, confirm the current details through CRA My Account or your financial institution.