The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed one of the most anticipated financial relief measures of the year — a $1,350 benefit payment scheduled for December 10, 2025. The one-time deposit comes as families across the country face rising costs tied to inflation, higher grocery bills, and winter expenses.
Designed as a targeted year-end top-up, the December benefit supports low- and middle-income households through existing federal programs. It provides critical help during one of the most expensive months of the year, ensuring families and seniors can manage essentials while preparing for the holiday season.
Why The December 2025 Benefit Matters
December often places additional strain on household budgets. Heating costs rise, grocery bills increase, and holiday-related spending can quickly add up. At the same time, inflation has sustained upward pressure on rent, transportation, and daily necessities.
To counter these challenges, the federal government has introduced this one-time $1,350 payment to provide direct relief to Canadians coping with higher living expenses. The deposit ensures households receive much-needed support when it matters most, arriving just two weeks before the holidays.
While not every recipient will receive the full $1,350, the benefit combines top-ups from several federal programs, reaching millions of Canadians through existing CRA systems.
How the Payment Works
The $1,350 December benefit is not a new standalone program. Instead, it is a one-time enhancement distributed through federal programs that already assist Canadians facing affordability challenges.
The CRA will automatically calculate eligibility using information from 2024 tax returns and active benefit files. By using existing systems, the payment can be distributed more efficiently without requiring new applications.
The December support draws from multiple programs, including:
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) for eligible provinces
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or OAS-linked top-ups
Each household’s total depends on which programs they receive. Eligible individuals may receive partial or full support, with the maximum combined benefit reaching up to $1,350 per household.
Who Qualifies for the $1,350 Payment
Eligibility is tied to both income level and program participation. Canadians do not need to apply separately — the CRA determines who qualifies automatically.
Typically, the following groups will qualify for full or partial payments:
- Canadians receiving the GST/HST Credit, based on income thresholds.
- Families with children who receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
- Workers claiming the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), including those receiving the disability supplement.
- Seniors collecting the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or similar income-tested programs.
- Households in eligible provinces receiving the federal Climate Action Incentive Payment.
To be included, individuals must:
- Have filed their 2024 income tax return.
- Be Canadian residents for tax purposes.
- Meet income and benefit eligibility requirements for one or more federal programs.
- Maintain accurate banking and mailing details in the CRA’s system.
Those who typically qualify for multiple benefits—such as families receiving both the CCB and GST/HST Credit—are likely to receive closer to the maximum amount.
Deposit Date and Direct Deposit Details
The CRA has confirmed that payments will begin on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Most eligible Canadians will receive their funds through direct deposit, the fastest and most reliable method.
If you already receive CRA benefits by direct deposit, the $1,350 payment will appear automatically in your account, often labeled with your program type.
Those who have not enrolled in direct deposit may receive a cheque by mail, though delivery times can vary, particularly during the December postal rush. Mailing delays could extend up to 10 business days depending on location and weather conditions.
How to Ensure Your Payment Arrives Smoothly
To avoid missing or delayed deposits, Canadians should take time to verify their information before December 10.
Steps to prepare include:
- Check CRA My Account for accurate direct deposit details.
- File your 2024 taxes if you haven’t already, since eligibility depends on updated tax data.
- Confirm your address and marital status, as these affect benefit calculations.
- Review your bank account details for accuracy or changes.
- Monitor CRA messages for any updates or additional verification requests.
If your payment does not appear by December 15, the CRA recommends verifying your account before contacting support. Small processing delays are common when high volumes of payments are issued simultaneously.
How Canadians Can Use the $1,350 Payment
There are no restrictions on how this one-time top-up can be spent. However, the payment is designed to help with essential expenses and financial stability during the holiday period.
Common uses include:
- Paying off utility and heating bills for winter.
- Buying groceries and household necessities.
- Covering transportation and fuel costs.
- Balancing rent, mortgage, or debt payments.
- Managing holiday-related spending or gift budgets.
For many low- and middle-income Canadians, the December 2025 deposit will provide financial breathing room and help avoid additional debt during one of the most financially demanding seasons.
Broader Context: Strengthening Affordability Programs
The CRA $1,350 December payment builds on recent federal initiatives aimed at improving affordability. Over the past several years, Ottawa has introduced expanded tax credits and rebates to offset inflation and wage stagnation, including:
- Higher GST/HST credits indexed to inflation.
- Enhanced Canada Child Benefit payments.
- Increases to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits.
- Quarterly carbon rebates under the Climate Action Incentive Payment.
- Additional support for seniors through GIS and OAS adjustments.
The December payment fits into this broader approach by offering timely short-term relief, while long-term measures continue addressing affordability and cost-of-living challenges across Canada.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As inflation pressures remain persistent, the government is expected to review affordability programs again in 2026. Future updates may involve higher credit amounts, additional federal supplements for low-income earners, or revisions to carbon rebate structures.
Canadians are encouraged to keep their CRA profiles current to ensure smooth access to upcoming benefits or program adjustments.
Final Takeaway
The CRA $1,350 December 2025 benefit offers a meaningful financial boost to millions of Canadians at a critical time. Whether used for bills, groceries, or holiday costs, this payment underscores the federal government’s continuing effort to support households facing higher prices.
With deposits arriving on December 10, 2025, and automatic eligibility for most recipients, Canadians can look forward to a welcome year-end cushion—providing both stability and relief heading into the new year.