As 2025 approaches, it’s time to prepare for a new year filled with financial support programs from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Whether it’s monthly child benefits, quarterly tax credits, or retirement pensions, these payments are designed to provide financial relief throughout the year. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the CRA benefits available in 2025, covering eligibility, amounts, and payment schedules.
GST/HST Credit: Quarterly Tax-Free Payments
Purpose
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free payment distributed quarterly to assist individuals and families with low or modest incomes in offsetting the GST or HST they’ve paid. Provincial and territorial programs may also supplement this credit.
Eligibility
- Must be at least 19 years old, unless you have (or had) a spouse or are a parent living with your child.
- Must be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes.
- Income thresholds vary by family status, ranging from $54,704 to $72,244 (2023 tax year).
Payment Details
| Family Status | Maximum Credit (July 2024 – June 2025) | Maximum Credit (July 2025 – June 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $519 | $533 |
| Married/Common-law Couples | $680 | $698 |
| Per Child Under 19 | $179 | $184 |
Payment Dates
- January 3, 2025
- April 4, 2025
- July 4, 2025
- October 3, 2025
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB): Supporting Low-Income Workers
Purpose
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit for low-income workers. Through the ACWB program, eligible individuals can receive advance payments of up to 50% of their annual benefit in three installments.
Eligibility
- Income must fall below provincial or territorial thresholds ($23,000 to $70,000).
- Must be at least 19 years old or living with a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child.
Payment Details
| Category | Maximum Benefit (July 2024 – June 2025) | Maximum Benefit (July 2025 – June 2026) |
| Single | $1,518 | $1,590 |
| Families | $2,616 | $2,739 |
| Disability | $784 | $821 |
Payment Dates
- January 10, 2025
- July 11, 2025
- October 10, 2025
Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR): Offsetting Pollution Costs
Purpose
The Canada Carbon Rebate is a quarterly, tax-free payment designed to help Canadians manage federal pollution pricing costs. The rebate includes a supplement for residents of rural or small communities.
Eligibility
- Must reside in a participating province: Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, etc.
- Minimum age of 19, unless living with a spouse, partner, or child.
Payment Details
| Province | Maximum Single Payment | Maximum Couple Payment | Per Child Amount |
| Alberta | $1,125 | $1,350 | $225 |
| Ontario | $700 | $840 | $140 |
Payment Dates
- January 15, 2025
- April 15, 2025
- July 15, 2025
- October 15, 2025
Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB): Supporting Alberta Families
Purpose
The ACFB is a tax-free benefit to assist low- and middle-income families in Alberta with child-raising costs. It comprises a base benefit and a working component for employed families.
Eligibility
- Must reside in Alberta with a family income under $45,285 for the base benefit.
- At least one child under 18 years old.
Payment Details
| Number of Children | Maximum Annual Amount (July 2024 – June 2025) |
| 1 | $2,221 |
| 2 | $3,641 |
| 3 | $4,786 |
| 4+ | $5,656 |
Payment Dates
- February 27, 2025
- May 27, 2025
- August 27, 2025
- November 27, 2025
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): Managing Living Costs
Purpose
The OTB provides monthly payments to low- and moderate-income Ontarians for energy, property taxes, and sales taxes.
Eligibility
- Must qualify for at least one of the following credits:
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
- Must file a 2023 tax return.
Payment Details
| Credit Type | Maximum Annual Amount |
| NOEC | $277 for families |
| OEPTC | $1,421 for seniors |
| OSTC | $360 per dependent |
Payment Dates
- January 10, 2025
- February 10, 2025
- March 10, 2025
- Monthly until December 10, 2025
Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Monthly Financial Support
Purpose
The CCB helps families with the cost of raising children through tax-free monthly payments.
Eligibility
- Must be the primary caregiver of a child under 18.
- Must meet Canadian residency requirements.
Payment Details
| Child Age Range | Maximum Annual Amount (July 2024 – June 2025) | Maximum Annual Amount (July 2025 – June 2026) |
| Under 6 | $7,787 | $7,997 |
| 6 to 17 | $6,570 | $6,748 |
Payment Dates
- January 20, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- Monthly until December 12, 2025
Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Lifetime Retirement Payments
Purpose
The CPP provides monthly retirement income to replace earnings.
Eligibility
- Must be at least 60 years old and have made contributions.
Payment Details
| Age at Collection | Average Monthly Amount | Maximum Monthly Amount |
| 65 | $815 | $1,364.60 |
Payment Dates
- January 29, 2025
- February 26, 2025
- Monthly until December 22, 2025
Old Age Security (OAS): Financial Support for Seniors
Purpose
The OAS helps seniors 65 and older with living expenses.
Eligibility
- Must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18.
Payment Details
| Age Range | Maximum Monthly Amount (Oct – Dec 2024) |
| 65 to 74 | $727.67 |
| 75+ | $800.44 |
Payment Dates
- January 29, 2025
- February 26, 2025
- Monthly until December 22, 2025
Veteran Disability Pension (VDP): Support for Veterans
Purpose
The VDP provides lifetime payments to veterans with service-related disabilities.
Eligibility
- Must be a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Payment Details
| Recipient | Maximum Monthly Amount |
| Veteran | $3,357.30 |
| Spouse | $839.33 |
| First Child | $436.45 |
| Additional Child | $251.80 |
Payment Dates
- January 30, 2025
- February 27, 2025
- Monthly until December 23, 2025
FAQs
Can I receive multiple CRA benefits at once?
Yes, you can qualify for multiple CRA programs simultaneously, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each.
Are CRA payments taxable?
Most CRA benefits, like the GST/HST Credit and CCB, are tax-free. However, certain benefits like CPP and OAS are taxable.
What should I do if I don’t receive my payment on the scheduled date?
Contact the CRA directly if you experience delays or issues with your payment.
