This tax-free financial aid is part of the federal government’s effort to support low-income and middle-income Canadians, especially seniors and families affected by high inflation and rising housing costs. The one-time payment will begin rolling out in mid-August 2025, and eligible individuals could see the funds deposited directly into their bank accounts.
Here’s everything you need to know about this $1,350 CRA payment—from eligibility rules and timelines to application steps and income limits.
What Is the $1,350 CRA One-Time Payment?
The CRA’s $1,350 payment is part of the federal government’s broader affordability initiative for 2025. This measure is designed to ease the burden of essential living costs such as groceries, rent, and utilities for Canadians in vulnerable financial situations.
The payment is:
- Non-taxable
- Does not reduce existing federal or provincial benefits
- Automatically issued to most qualifying Canadians
The support primarily targets:
- Low- and middle-income earners
- Seniors and pensioners
- Recipients of benefits such as GIS, OAS, CCB, or GST/HST credits
Who Is Eligible for the $1,350 CRA Relief?
To qualify for the CRA’s $1,350 one-time payment, you must meet several key criteria. These include residency status, tax filing compliance, income thresholds, and enrollment in certain federal support programs.
यह भी पढ़े:
Senior Payout Offers Major Financial Relief for Elderly, Check Eligibility and Payment Dates
Eligibility Requirements:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be a Canadian resident in 2025 |
| Tax Filing | Must have filed and been assessed for the 2024 tax year |
| Income Threshold (Single) | Under $38,000 annual net income |
| Income Threshold (Family) | Under $60,000 combined household income |
| Benefit Recipients | Must be receiving at least one of: GIS, OAS, CCB, GST/HST Credit |
| Age Limit | No specific age limit unless under senior-only supplements |
If you receive more than one federal benefit, you may receive a combined top-up, but the maximum payment is capped at $1,350 per person or household.
Payment Timeline: When Will the CRA Deposit the Money?
The CRA will start distributing the $1,350 payments on August 15, 2025, using a batch-wise process based on your benefits, tax filing status, and banking information.
यह भी पढ़े:
New Canadian Driving Laws Take Effect October 2025, Canada’s Road Rules Just Got Stricter
Key Payment Dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Checks Begin | July 20, 2025 |
| First Direct Deposit Issued | August 15, 2025 |
| Cheque Mailing Starts | August 20, 2025 |
| Final Tax Filing Deadline (Late) | October 31, 2025 |
If your banking info is up to date and your 2024 return has been processed, you can expect to receive the funds within 5–10 business days of the issue date.
How to Claim the CRA $1,350 Payment
Most eligible Canadians will receive this payment automatically, but to ensure timely delivery, it’s important to take the following steps:
यह भी पढ़े:
Singapore’s Economic Slowdown Meets Fiscal Strategy, Civil Servants Get Bonus & Targeted Aid in 2025
Step 1: File Your 2024 Tax Return
- Even if you earned no income, filing is mandatory to be assessed.
- The CRA uses your 2024 return to confirm income and benefit eligibility.
Step 2: Update Your Direct Deposit Info
- Log in to CRA My Account
- Go to Payment Options and update your banking details
Step 3: Watch for Notifications
- CRA will send official confirmation of your payment by email or mail
- Use CRA’s MyBenefits app or online account to track your status
Income Thresholds and Payment Reductions
Your actual payment amount depends on your net income reported in your 2024 return. The CRA uses a tapered reduction formula for individuals and families above the base thresholds.
Estimated Payment Chart:
| Income Range (Single) | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Under $30,000 | Full $1,350 |
| $30,001 – $38,000 | Partial (Reduced) |
| Income Range (Families) | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Under $45,000 | Full $1,350 |
| $45,001 – $60,000 | Partial (Reduced) |
Seniors receiving OAS or GIS may receive the full benefit even if their income structure is slightly different from general households.
How to Check the Status of Your Payment
Wondering if your $1,350 relief has been deposited? You can check using the following methods:
- CRA My Account (online portal)
- MyBenefits CRA mobile app
- CRA helpline: Call 1-800-959-8281
Please wait at least 10 business days after August 15, 2025 before calling CRA for payment issues.
Common Payment Issues and How to Fix Them
Here are some of the most common problems Canadians may face with this payment and how to address them:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Did not file taxes | File your 2024 return immediately |
| Incorrect or outdated bank details | Update banking info via CRA My Account |
| Received partial or no payment | Check your 2024 income level and benefit status |
| Cheque not received | Wait 2–3 weeks; then contact the CRA support line |
Staying on top of your tax filing and benefit records will help avoid these issues and ensure timely receipt.
Why This Payment Matters in 2025
With inflation continuing to impact food, rent, and essential services across Canada, this $1,350 CRA payment is a lifeline for many Canadians. It not only provides financial breathing room but also supports ongoing stability for families, seniors, and low-wage earners.
The payment is non-taxable, does not interfere with other support programs, and is automatically issued—making it one of the most accessible relief measures in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do I need to apply separately for the $1,350 CRA payment?
No. As long as you meet the income and benefit requirements and have filed your 2024 return, the CRA will issue the payment automatically.
Q2. Will this payment be taxed or reduce other government benefits?
No. It is a non-taxable relief and will not affect your OAS, GIS, GST credits, or any provincial income-tested programs.
Q3. What if I file taxes after August?
You can still qualify if you file before October 31, 2025. However, your payment may be delayed depending on your assessment date.