The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that a new $1,350 one-time payment will be issued to eligible Canadians on December 10, 2025, providing essential relief as households continue facing rising living costs. The federal government says this measure will help millions of individuals, families, workers, and seniors manage everyday expenses before the holiday season.
This payment is part of a broad national affordability effort aimed at giving immediate, inflation-adjusted support to low- and moderate-income groups hit hardest by ongoing economic pressures.
Purpose of the $1,350 One-Time Payment
The $1,350 payment is designed to help Canadians navigate rising costs for housing, groceries, utilities, and daily essentials as inflation continues to strain household budgets. Unlike loans or repayable credits, the payment is non-taxable, non-repayable, and will not reduce other benefits or entitlements.
By targeting groups most affected by cost-of-living adjustments — including families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities — the program aims to provide direct, practical assistance during one of the most expensive times of the year.
Recipients can use the funds for any purpose, though most are expected to allocate it toward:
- Groceries and essential food purchases
- Rent, utilities, and heating bills
- Medical and personal care needs
- Transportation or holiday costs
- Winter household expenses
The timing in early December ensures that recipients have extra financial flexibility ahead of the holidays and winter heating spikes.
Deposit Schedule and Payment Method
The CRA has scheduled deposits for Tuesday, December 10, 2025. Payments will be made automatically to eligible Canadians through direct deposit if they are enrolled for benefit payments such as:
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Climate Action Incentive (CAIP)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Disability benefits
Funds will appear under the label “CRA Benefit Payment” or “One-Time Federal Payment.” Deposits usually post early in the day, though timing varies by bank.
Seniors and families not registered for direct deposit will receive a paper cheque by mail. However, cheques may take additional days to arrive, depending on postal service conditions.
To avoid interruptions, eligible Canadians should:
- Confirm banking details in CRA My Account.
- Verify their mailing address if expecting a cheque.
- File their 2024 tax return, as eligibility is automatically assessed through CRA records.
Eligibility Criteria for the $1,350 Payment
Eligibility for this relief payment is based on income thresholds, household type, and tax filing status. The CRA will use 2024 tax data to determine who qualifies. Individuals do not need to apply — assessment is automatic for those with current tax filings.
To qualify, individuals or families must generally:
- Be Canadian residents for tax purposes.
- Have filed a 2024 income tax return.
- Have an income within the low- to moderate-income range.
- Maintain an active CRA account for benefits.
- Not have outstanding compliance issues or unverified documentation.
Who Will Receive the Payment
The $1,350 amount applies to several major groups, including:
- Single adults with modest incomes: Up to $1,350.
- Couples filing jointly: Up to $1,350 per household.
- Single parents or guardians with dependents: Up to $1,350 if eligible.
- Low-income seniors, particularly GIS recipients: Full payment expected.
- Individuals with disabilities: Full or partial amount depending on income.
- Families receiving the Canada Child Benefit: Additional eligibility tied to income.
Households where one or more members qualify under these categories may receive the full payment or a reduced amount based on their adjusted family net income.
Key Factors That Affect Eligibility
The CRA calculates eligibility and final payment values using:
- Adjusted net household income.
- Marital status and dependents.
- Disability Tax Credit enrollment.
- Participation in federal benefit programs.
- Residency and filing compliance.
Lower-income families and seniors will generally qualify for the full amount, while middle-income households could receive partial support.
How to Prepare Before December 10
To ensure there are no delays in receiving the payment, Canadians should complete these essential steps before the deposit date:
- Update direct deposit information through CRA My Account.
- File the 2024 income tax return, even with minimal or no income.
- Confirm marital status, dependents, and Disability Tax Credit status.
- Review CRA messages for pending verification requests.
- Check bank accounts on or after December 10 for the deposit.
If your payment does not appear within five business days, verify your account online before contacting CRA’s Benefit Enquiries line. Returned or delayed deposits often occur due to outdated banking information.
No Impact on Other Federal Programs
The $1,350 one-time payment is completely separate from existing assistance programs. Receipt of this payment does not reduce other monthly or quarterly benefits, including:
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Climate Action Incentive (CAIP)
- Disability and CPP benefits
It is also not considered taxable income, meaning recipients will not owe taxes or face deductions in future benefit entitlements.
Why the Government Introduced the Payment
The federal government announced the $1,350 payment to relieve cost-of-living pressures on vulnerable Canadians. Persistent inflation has elevated expenses for housing, groceries, and heating, particularly during winter.
Key factors behind this initiative include:
- Rising housing and utility costs.
- Escalating grocery and fuel prices.
- Economic pressure on retirees and fixed-income households.
- Wage stagnation among low-income workers.
- Increased benefit usage amid prolonged inflation.
This support round is part of Canada’s ongoing affordability framework focused on stabilizing household finances while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
What Happens After the Deposit
Once funds are deposited, recipients can use the money as needed. While there are no restrictions, most Canadians are expected to direct the payment toward essential and seasonal expenses.
Canadians who do not receive their funds by December 17, 2025, are encouraged to review their CRA My Account for updates or correspondence. Issues such as incomplete tax filings or incorrect banking details can delay processing.
Final Takeaway
The CRA $1,350 one-time payment scheduled for December 10, 2025, offers well-timed help for Canadians facing high living costs during the winter months. Delivered automatically through the CRA’s benefit system, the deposit ensures quick access to funds for those who need it most.
By confirming tax and banking details early, eligible households can ensure seamless payment delivery before the holidays. This one-time measure underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting affordability and maintaining financial stability for millions across Canada.