8 CRA Benefit Payments Canadians Can Receive in January 2025

As 2025 approaches, Canadian residents can look forward to a fresh round of government payments that provide financial support for various needs, including childcare, retirement, and disability. These CRA payments are a much-needed relief after the holiday season, helping individuals and families start the year with financial stability.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the benefits scheduled for January 2025, including eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and disbursement dates.

1. GST/HST Credit

The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly benefit aimed at assisting low- and moderate-income Canadians in recovering a portion of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) they’ve paid. Provincial and territorial top-ups may also be included.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes.
• Generally, applicants must be 19 years or older, though younger individuals may qualify if:
  • They have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner.
  • They are (or were) parents living with their child.

Payment Amounts:

The amount you receive depends on your adjusted family net income and the number of children in your household. Here’s what you could expect for the January 2025 payment:

• $129.75 if you’re single.
• $170 if you’re married or in a common-law partnership.
• An additional $44.75 per child under 19 years old.

Payment Date:

• January 3, 2025

2. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)

The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) provides early access to the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), a refundable tax credit for low-income individuals and families. Payments are split into three installments, delivering up to 50% of the annual benefit amount.

Eligibility:

• Must be at least 19 years old or living with a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child.
• Must be a Canadian resident throughout the year.
• Annual earned income must fall below the provincial or territorial thresholds.

Payment Amounts:

Maximum annual benefits are as follows:

• $1,518 for singles.
• $2,616 for families.
• $784 additional for the disability supplement.

For January 2025, eligible recipients could receive:

• Up to $253 if you’re single.
• Up to $436 if you have a spouse or common-law partner.
• An extra $130.66 for the disability supplement.

Payment Date:

• January 10, 2025

3. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)

The Ontario Trillium Benefit helps low- and moderate-income Ontarians offset essential costs like energy bills, property taxes, and sales taxes. It combines three credits:

• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC).
• Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC).
• Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC).

Eligibility:

• Must have filed a 2023 income tax return.
• Those entitled to annual benefits under $360 received a lump-sum payment in July 2024.

Payment Amounts:

Monthly payments for January 2025 include:

• Up to $104 from OEPTC (ages 18–64) or $118.41 (65+).
• Up to $15 for singles or $23.08 for families from NOEC.
• Up to $30 per family member (OSTC).

Payment Date:

• January 10, 2025

4. Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)

Previously known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment, the Canada Carbon Rebate is a tax-free quarterly benefit designed to offset costs from federal pollution pricing. Additional support is provided for rural and small-community residents.

Eligibility:

• Must reside in eligible provinces (e.g., Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba).
• Generally requires recipients to be 19 years old or meet alternate conditions, such as being a parent or living with a spouse/common-law partner.

Payment Amounts:

Amounts vary by province. For example, in Ontario, January payments include:

• $140 for individuals.
• $70 for a spouse/common-law partner or the first eligible child in a single-parent household.
• $35 per additional child.

Residents in rural areas receive an extra 20%. For a family of four in rural Ontario, this totals $336 for January.

Payment Date:

• January 15, 2025

5. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment supporting families with the cost of raising children. Additional support is available for families with children who have disabilities.

Eligibility:

• Must live with a child under 18 years old and be primarily responsible for their care.
• Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.

Payment Amounts:

Maximum payments for families with an adjusted net income under $36,502 include:

• $648.91 per child under 6 years old.
• $547.50 per child aged 6–17.

Payment Date:

• January 20, 2025

6. Old Age Security (OAS)

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension provides financial support to Canadians aged 65 and over, regardless of employment status or work history.

Eligibility:

• Must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18 (20 years if residing outside Canada).
• Automatic enrollment applies to most individuals, but manual application may be required if no notification is received after turning 64.

Payment Amounts:

• Maximum monthly payments:
  • $727.67 for those aged 65–74.
  • $800.44 for those aged 75+.

Payment Date:

• January 29, 2025

7. Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

The Canada Pension Plan offers lifelong retirement income to eligible Canadians. It operates independently of the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP).

Eligibility:

• Must be at least 60 years old with at least one CPP contribution during employment.
• Credits can be shared in case of a separation or divorce.

Payment Amounts:

The maximum monthly payment for someone starting benefits at age 65 is $1,364.60.

Payment Date:

• January 29, 2025

8. Veteran Disability Pension

The Veteran Disability Pension supports veterans with service-related disabilities. Payments include extra amounts for dependents, such as spouses and children.

Eligibility:

• Must have a diagnosed condition connected to military service.
• Available to Canadian Armed Forces veterans, RCMP members, and civilians who served in wartime roles.

Payment Amounts:

• Maximum monthly payment:
  • $3,357.30 for veterans with the highest disability rating.
  • Additional amounts: $839.33 (spouse), $436.45 (first child), $318.94 (second child), $251.80 (each additional child).

Payment Date:

• Typically, the last week of the month (TBA).

FAQs

Can I receive multiple benefits simultaneously?

Yes, individuals may qualify for and receive multiple CRA benefits if they meet the respective eligibility requirements.

How do I apply for these payments?

Most benefits are assessed automatically when you file your taxes. Some, like CPP and OAS, may require separate applications.

Are CRA payments taxable?

Most payments, such as GST/HST Credit, CCB, and CCR, are tax-free. However, others, like CPP and OAS, are considered taxable income.