Are you struggling to stretch your paycheque until the end of the month? Groceries, rent, and bills have all gone up, but your income probably hasn’t kept pace. If that sounds familiar, there may be a little good news on the horizon.
The federal government has proposed a CRA $250 one-time relief payment for Canadians feeling the weight of higher living costs. It won’t solve everything, but it could give you that small cushion you’ve been needing to catch your breath.
CRA $250 One-Time Relief Payment 2025 – At a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Program Name | CRA $250 One-Time Relief Payment |
| Proposed Amount | $250 |
| Payment Date | Expected September 2025 |
| Mode of Payment | Direct deposit or mailed cheque |
| Eligibility | Based on GST/HST credit criteria |
| Status | Pending approval |
What is the CRA $250 One-Time Relief Payment?
The idea is simple. Eligible Canadians would receive a flat $250 payment through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Instead of adding new paperwork or complicated steps, the money would likely be delivered the same way GST/HST credits are—direct to your bank account or by cheque.
That means no extra forms, no re-applications, and no waiting months for adjustments. If you already qualify for GST/HST credits, you’ll probably be in line for this too.
Why is the Government Proposing This?
Canadians everywhere are feeling squeezed. Prices for essentials like food, housing, and utilities have jumped, and families on lower incomes are getting hit the hardest.
This relief payment is designed to:
- Put extra cash in the hands of households who need it most.
- Help with urgent costs like rent, groceries, or school supplies.
- Deliver support automatically, without creating more red tape.
Who Will Be Eligible?
If this plan moves forward, eligibility will closely follow the GST/HST credit system. That usually means:
- You must be 19 or older.
- You need to be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- You must have filed your 2024 tax return.
Your annual family income must fall within certain limits (lower-income households benefit most).
Groups most likely to qualify:
- Single-parent households
- Low- to modest-income families
- Seniors living on fixed incomes
How Will You Get the Payment?
No extra steps are expected. If approved, the payment will arrive automatically through the CRA.
- Here’s what you can do to be ready:
- File your 2024 taxes – no tax return means no payment.
- Update your banking info in CRA My Account to avoid delays.
- Check your mailing address if you usually get a cheque.
- Keep CRA My Account active so you can track payments online.
When Will the $250 Payment Arrive?
The proposed timeline points to September 2025. That’s when the quarterly GST/HST credits are normally released, so it makes sense the government would piggyback on that schedule.