CRA Sends $250 Tax-Free Payment to Millions – Everything Canadians Need to Know Now

In 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) introduced a $250 one-time, tax-free payment to provide immediate financial relief to Canadians coping with rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures. This new benefit is part of a broader federal affordability initiative designed to support low- and middle-income individuals and families without requiring any extra paperwork.

What is the CRA $250 One-Time Payment?

The CRA $250 One-Time Payment is a non-taxable lump-sum benefit aimed at helping Canadians cover essential living costs such as groceries, rent, utilities, and transportation. It is not a recurring monthly payout, but a single, automatic cash relief payment issued based on income and residency information from the 2024 tax year.

Unlike other government programs, there is no need to apply. The CRA deposits the amount directly into eligible recipients’ bank accounts or mails a cheque using the information already on file.

Why Was This Payment Introduced?

In 2025, Canada continued to experience high inflation, especially in key expense areas such as food, fuel, housing, and utilities. With many households struggling to balance their budgets, the federal government took action by launching this one-time emergency payment.

The goal is to provide immediate relief while maintaining other existing benefits like the GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, and Old Age Security untouched.

CRA $250 Payment 2025 — Key Information at a Glance

Details	Description
Payment Name	CRA $250 One-Time Payment 2025
Issuing Authority	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Payment Amount	$250 (non-taxable, one-time)
Eligibility	Based on 2024 tax return + residency status
Application Required	No (automatic payment)
Distribution Method	Direct deposit or mailed cheque
Expected Payout Date	Mid to late November 2025
Target Group	Low- and middle-income Canadians
Impact on Other Benefits	None (no reduction or clawback)
Status Check	CRA My Account portal

Who Is Eligible for the $250 CRA One-Time Payment?

Eligibility for this benefit is automated and depends on information provided in your 2024 income tax return and your residency status.

You are likely eligible if:

• You filed a 2024 federal tax return, and it has been assessed by CRA.
• You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes in 2025.
• Your income falls within the designated low-to-middle income range, typically between $45,000 to $65,000, depending on your situation.
• You are already receiving other federal benefits, such as:
• Old Age Security (OAS)
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• *Disability tax credits or similar entitlements

How Is the CRA $250 Payment Delivered?

The CRA will automatically deposit the $250 into your account if you’ve registered for direct deposit through CRA My Account.

If direct deposit is not active or outdated:

• The CRA will mail a physical cheque to your registered address.
• Direct deposit recipients will receive their payments faster than cheque recipients.
• No additional application, phone call, or online form is required to receive the payment.

When Will Canadians Receive the $250 One-Time Payment?

The CRA has scheduled the payment rollout for mid to late November 2025. Most recipients will see the funds in their accounts between November 15 and November 22, depending on:

• Direct deposit setup
• CRA processing times
• Bank clearing delays
• Postal delivery timelines (for cheques)

To track your payment, log in to your CRA My Account portal and check under the “Benefits and Credits” section.

What If You Don’t Receive the Payment?

There are several reasons you might not receive the $250:

• You didn’t file your 2024 tax return.
• Your return has not been assessed yet by CRA.
• Your direct deposit or mailing information is outdated.
• You have unresolved compliance issues with the CRA.
• You do not meet the income/residency thresholds.

To resolve this:

• Ensure your 2024 return is filed and assessed before November 2025.
• Update your banking and address details in CRA My Account.
• Contact the CRA if you suspect your file has issues or delays.

Does the CRA $250 Payment Affect Other Benefits?

No. The CRA has confirmed that this one-time payment is entirely tax-free and does not affect other federal or provincial benefits.

You will continue to receive:

• GST/HST Credit
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• Old Age Security (OAS)
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Any provincial tax credits or rebates

It is considered extra support and is not included in income calculations for benefit eligibility.

How to Make Sure You Get the Payment on Time

To receive the payment without delay, follow these steps:

1. File your 2024 tax return on time and ensure it is assessed.
2. Log into CRA My Account and check your direct deposit status.
3. Update your mailing address if you’re expecting a cheque.
4. Track the payment status under “Benefits and Credits.”
5. Set up CRA notifications to get alerts about benefit activity.

Why This Payment Matters in 2025

For many households, a one-time $250 payment may seem small—but in times of rising inflation, every dollar counts. The benefit:

• Helps offset groceries, rent, heating, and transport costs.
• Targets those most impacted by inflation.
• Arrives automatically, offering quick relief without red tape.
• Does not interfere with other benefits or tax credits.

It’s part of a larger affordability response from the Canadian government to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families don’t fall behind in difficult economic times.