The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has unveiled a special $250 one-time relief payment scheduled for November 2025 to help Canadians cope with rising living expenses. This support measure is aimed particularly at low- and middle-income households across the country. The payment, which will be issued automatically to eligible benefit recipients (such as those under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)), underscores the federal government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of inflation on Canadian households.
Purpose of the Relief Payment
This one-time payment is part of a broader affordability strategy designed to reduce the financial strain from higher prices of essentials like groceries, utilities and rent. By making this extra payment, the government intends to give immediate support to households before the winter months, when expenses often climb.
Key Features of the Payment
- Amount: CAD $250 (one-time)
- Start Date: Rolling out from November 2025
- Distribution: Automatically credited to bank accounts linked with CRA MyAccount or via mailed cheques for those not set up for direct deposit
- Tax & Benefit Impact: For most recipients, the payment is tax-free and will not affect other federal benefit payments
- Target Groups: Low-income and senior Canadians, individuals and families who receive federal benefit programs
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for this payment you must satisfy specific criteria set by the CRA:
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- File your 2024 tax return and meet income requirements (registration under key benefits signals eligibility)
- Automatically eligible if you receive programmes such as CPP, OAS, Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or GST/HST-credit eligible households
- Ensure your direct deposit and contact details are up-to-date in your CRA MyAccount
At-a-Glance Eligibility Table
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment amount | CAD $250 (one-time) |
| Payment date | From mid-November 2025 onwards |
| Eligible benefit programmes | CPP, OAS, CCB, GST/HST credit |
| Application required | No – automatic for eligible persons |
| Target audience | Low- and middle-income Canadians |
Payment Timeline & How It Is Distributed
The CRA plans to begin issuing the payment in mid-November 2025, continuing in phases through to early December. Payments will arrive via direct deposit for those who have it set up; otherwise, cheques will be mailed. Priority will be given to seniors, families with children and individuals already on income-support programmes. As no new application is required, eligible citizens should watch for notification via their CRA MyAccount or email message.
Additional Support Measures
In parallel with this $250 payment, the federal government is sustaining and expanding other cost-of-living supports:
- Enhanced GST/HST rebates
- Increased OAS payments for seniors
- Extended climate-action incentive benefits
The CRA is also working to streamline online claim processes to make future relief access smoother for Canadians. Individuals are encouraged to log in to their MyAccount or visit the official CRA website for personalised updates on payment status, timing and other available support.
Conclusion
The CRA’s one-time $250 relief payment scheduled for November 2025 offers a timely boost for eligible Canadians facing high inflation and rising household costs. With automatic distribution, tax-free status and no application required, the initiative is designed to deliver swift support. If you have filed your 2024 taxes, keep your MyAccount information current and watch for your notification — this payment could make a meaningful difference as you head into the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do to ensure I receive the payment?
Make sure you filed your 2024 tax return, confirm that your direct-deposit banking information is up-to-date in your CRA MyAccount and monitor the “Benefits and Credits” section for payment status.
Will this $250 payment reduce my other federal benefits?
No. For most recipients this payment is tax-free and will not reduce or affect other federal social benefits.
I didn’t receive a notification by early December 2025. What next?
If you believe you were eligible but did not receive the payment by then, check your MyAccount for any messages and contact the CRA for further clarification or to verify your eligibility.
