What is a Canada PRO Deposit? (2024)

A Canada PRO deposit in your bank account signifies that you have received a child and family benefit from your provincial government through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This payment is intended for eligible residents of Ontario and Alberta and aims to provide support for families in these provinces.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Canada PRO payment. We’ll cover the eligibility criteria, application process, expected payment dates, and more. Additionally, we’ll explore the different government programs under Canada PRO, including the recent changes to the Alberta Child and Family Benefits (AFCB).

What is Canada PRO?

The Canada PRO Deposit offers tax credits and financial assistance to qualifying Ontario and Alberta residents. The benefits are distributed tax-free, either on a monthly basis or as a lump sum, offering valuable support to low-income households and alleviating financial challenges.

Canada PRO deposits are made to eligible Canadians residing in Ontario and Alberta by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the government of those provinces. 

It is a government-sponsored monetary program that assists low-income households in Canada, giving them the strength to have a plan in the event of an emergency and making life easier for those with money problems.

Canada PRO is also known as the Ontario Trillium Benefits (for eligible residents of Ontario), and it has three components, namely;

• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
• Northern Ontario Energy Credit
• Ontario Sales Tax Credit

These benefits help eligible Ontario residents with modest incomes pay for energy costs, sales taxes, and property taxes.

For citizens of Alberta, it is known as Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB).

Canada PRO Payment Dates 2024

Below are the Canada pro deposit dates for 2024:

If your benefit amount is less than $360, your Canada PRO deposit will be paid out by cheque or direct bank deposit as a single lump payment in July 2024.

However, if you qualify for over $360, you can elect to collect it monthly or quarterly, depending on your province of residence and the underlying credit.

Note: If you do not receive your Canada PRO payment on the scheduled dates, wait for five business days, then contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) at 1-800-959-8281.

Who is Eligible For Canada PRO?

To be eligible for the Canada PRO Deposit, you must reside in Ontario or Alberta and be considered low-income, depending on the type of Canada PRO Deposit.

In Alberta, the Canada PRO appears as the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB); in Ontario, it is referred to as the Ontario Trillium Benefit.

The Ontario Trillium Benefit comprises three distinct benefits, and you may qualify for any or all of the following:

• Northern Ontario Energy Credit
• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
• Ontario Sales Tax Credit

Here, I will discuss each tax credit and their eligibility requirements:

1. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) Eligibility

The OEPTC is a benefit paid to low-to-moderate-income Ontario residents to offset energy and property taxes.

The OEPTC consists of energy and property components; you must qualify for either to get paid.

You may qualify for the OEPTC in 2022 if you meet one of the following requirements:

• You were a resident of Ontario as of December 31, 2021
• You are at least 18 years of age
• You currently are (or previously were) married or in a common-law relationship
• You are a parent who lives or previously lived with your child

And if in 2021,

• You rented or paid property taxes for your principal residence
• You lived on a reserve in Ontario, and you paid for your home energy costs (e.g., electricity, heat)
• You lived in a public or non-profit long-term care home in Ontario and paid a portion of the accommodation.
• You lived in Ontario’s designated private school, university, or college.

To receive the benefit for a particular month, you must be a resident of Ontario at the beginning of that month. However, you are not eligible to receive OEPTC if you are imprisoned for 90 days or more.

2. The Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) Eligibility

The NOEC is a relief benefit paid to low-to-moderate-income Northern Ontario residents to offset the higher home energy costs they pay in the north.

To qualify for the NOEC, you must reside in the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury (including the City of Greater Sudbury), Timiskaming, and Thunder Bay.

You may qualify for the NOEC in 2022 if you meet one of the following requirements:

• You were a resident of the previously listed districts as of December 31, 2021
• You are at least 18 years of age
• You currently are (or previously were) married or in a common-law relationship
• You are a parent who lives or previously lived with your child

And if in 2021,

• You rented or paid property taxes in the eligible Northern Ontario districts.
• You lived in a public or non-profit long-term care home in Northern Ontario and paid some of the accommodation.
• You lived on a reserve in Northern Ontario and paid for home energy costs.

To receive the benefit for a specific month, you must be a resident of the eligible Northern Ontario districts at the beginning of that month. However, you are not eligible to receive NOEC if imprisoned for 90 days or more.

3. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) Eligibility

The OSTC is a relief benefit paid to Ontario residents with a modest income to offset their sales and services taxes.

To qualify for the OSTC, you must be a resident of Ontario, and you must also meet at least one of the following requirements:

• You are at least 19 years of age
• You currently are (or previously were) married or in a common-law relationship
• You are a parent who lives or previously lived with your child

The OSTC benefit is similar to the federal GST/HST benefit and requires no application. You are only required to file your income tax return to determine your eligibility, and you will receive a notice from the CRA if you are eligible.

4. Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) Eligibility

The ACFB is a benefit paid to Alberta families that has children under the age of 18 years to supplement the cost of raising their children.

It was introduced in 2020 to replace the Alberta Child Benefit (ACB) and the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit (AFETC).

ACFB is income-tested, so low-to-moderate-income Albertans get more ACFB benefits, and high-income earners will typically not qualify.

To qualify for the ACFB, you must meet the following requirements:

• You are a resident of Alberta 
• You are a parent of one or more children under the age of 18
• You have filed an income tax return
• You must meet the income criteria, i.e., earning a modest income

The ACFB benefit is similar to the federal CCB benefit and requires no application. You are only required to file your income tax return to determine your eligibility, and you will receive a notice from the CRA if you are eligible.

How Much is the Canada PRO Payment?

The amount you receive as your Canada PRO benefit is determined by the programs you qualify for and the payout amounts associated with the program you qualify for.

Alberta Child and Family Benefit (AFCB) Amount

The amount of Alberta Child and Family Benefit you and your family receive depends on the number of children under 18 in your household and your household income.

If you have a low income, you can receive the base amount based on the number of children you have, regardless of whether or not you have any income.

In addition, families with an income of more than $2,760 are eligible for the working component. However, the base amount is reduced once families earn more than $24,467 net, and the working component amount is reduced once families earn more than $41,000 net.

Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) Amount

You may be eligible to receive an annual credit of up to $158 if you are single with no children or $243 for single parents or couples. 

However, the credit you receive is gradually reduced if your adjusted net income exceeds $42,580 for single individuals without children or $54,746 for single parents or couples. 

The reduction is calculated at a rate of 1% for every dollar of adjusted net income above these thresholds.

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) Amount

The amount you receive for the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) depends on the aforementioned factors. Here are the maximum amounts you can receive:

For non-senior residents:

• $1,095 for the OEPTC
• $243 for the energy component
• $852 for property tax

For senior residents:

• $1,247 for the OEPTC
• $243 for the energy component
• $1,004 for property tax

To determine the specific amount you qualify for, please refer to the Government of Canada’s calculation sheet.

Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) Amount

You can receive a maximum of $316 per year for each adult and child in your family. However, certain income thresholds may affect the amount you receive. 

If you are an individual with no children and your adjusted net income exceeds $24,332, your payment will be reduced by 4%. Similarly, if you are a single parent, married, or living common-law, your credit will also be reduced by 4% of your adjusted net income above the limits mentioned. This reduction applies if your adjusted family net income exceeds $30,415.

How To Apply for Canada PRO Deposit

If you are a resident of Ontario, you are expected to apply for Canada PRO when you file your annual income tax return. All you have to do is fill out the ON-BEN Application form and attach it to your income tax return.

On the other hand, if you are a resident of Alberta, you do not need to apply. Just file your annual income tax return, and you will be automatically considered for this benefit.

Thus, CRA automatically handles that based on your previous tax return.

Is Canada PRO Taxable?

No, Canada PRO Deposits are not subject to taxes. These payments are considered tax-free, meaning they do not contribute to your taxable income. Therefore, you do not have to include PRO Deposits in your tax calculations or report them as income when filing your tax return.

Furthermore, PRO Deposits do not have any impact on your eligibility for other social assistance programs and benefits. Receiving PRO Deposits will not affect your qualification or the amount you receive from other government programs aimed at providing social support.

Final Thoughts on Canada PRO Deposit

Canada PRO is an excellent supplement to your income and can be used to boost your investment and savings. It is a valuable benefit that can assist with paying your home energy and property tax and even the cost of raising your children.

The Ontario Trillium Benefit for Ontario residents and the Alberta Child and Family Benefit for Alberta residents can be lifesavers for many disadvantaged Canadians.

Having fully understood what Canada PRO means and its aims, you shouldn’t fret when you see the title in your bank statement.

FAQs on Canada PRO Deposit

How often is Canada PRO Paid?

Canada PRO is paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Ontario Trillium Benefit beneficiaries can receive monthly or one lump-sum annual payment. On the other hand, Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) beneficiaries receive quarterly payments.

Where Can I Get More Details on the Canada PRO?

To get more details on the Canada PRO payment, log in to your CRA My Account or call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.

What is Canada PRO Payment?

Canada PRO payment is a monthly/annual benefit given to eligible Ontario and Alberta residents with low-moderate-income levels.

What to Do if You Receive the Canada PRO Deposit?

It is always a great idea to confirm why you have received the Canada PRO deposit before you spend it. But how do you confirm the Canada PRO deposit? All you need is to log in to your CRA My Account to view all the benefits you are entitled to.

Moreover, If you’re unsure of anything or need help, don’t hesitate to call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.

Who is Eligible for Canada PRO?

Ontario residents who qualify for one of the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) components are eligible for the Canada PRO deposit. Also, Alberta residents who qualify for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (AFCB) are eligible for the Canada PRO deposit.