The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially confirmed a one-time $250 relief payment as part of the federal government’s financial support measures for 2025. This new relief initiative is intended to help Canadians cope with rising living costs, ongoing inflation, and general economic pressure affecting households nationwide.

The payment will be tax-free, non-repayable, and delivered automatically to eligible Canadians in November 2025 — offering immediate support during a financially challenging period. From income requirements to filing deadlines and direct deposit rules, here is everything Canadians need to know about the upcoming payment.

Understanding the CRA’s $250 One-Time Relief Payment

The $250 payment is designed as a targeted financial boost for low- and middle‑income earners facing increased expenses in 2025. Unlike many federal benefits requiring formal applications, this payment will be issued automatically through the CRA’s system using 2024 tax return data.

Key features of the relief payment include:

• Amount: $250 per eligible individual
• Type: One-time financial relief
• Tax Status: Fully non-taxable
• Application Requirement: None — processed automatically
• Distribution Window: November 2025
• Administrator: Canada Revenue Agency

The payment is intended to complement other forms of federal aid, including the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST credit, disability benefits, and senior supports.

Why the Federal Government Introduced This Payment

The one-time payment was introduced to help Canadians manage the increasing cost of living brought on by inflation, supply chain pressures, higher grocery prices, rising rents, transportation costs, and elevated utility bills.

Officials stated that the $250 relief aims to offer:

• Immediate financial support
• Assistance with essential expenses such as food, utilities, and medical items
• An added layer of stability during a year of economic uncertainty

The government acknowledged that even a small infusion can help avoid deeper financial strain for vulnerable households.

Who Qualifies for the $250 CRA One-Time Relief Payment?

Eligibility for the payment will be determined based on income, residency, and tax filing compliance. The CRA will rely exclusively on information submitted through 2024 income tax returns.

Residency and Filing Conditions

To be eligible, individuals must:

• Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes during the 2024 tax year
• File their 2024 income tax return on time
• Ensure all personal details (address, bank information, marital status) are accurate in CRA records

Individuals who fail to file their returns may not receive the payment — even if they qualify based on income.

Income Thresholds and Target Groups

The CRA has designed the program to support those most vulnerable to economic pressure. While exact thresholds vary depending on household size and benefit category, the payment generally targets:

• Low‑income individuals
• Middle‑income Canadians within moderate earning ranges
• Seniors receiving Old Age Security (OAS) or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Persons with disabilities or those receiving the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
• Single parents and caregivers
• Individuals experiencing financial hardship

CRA will automatically calculate eligibility using the adjusted net income reported on the 2024 tax return

Payment Timeline for the $250 Relief

The government has confirmed a November 2025 distribution timeline. The process consists of three key stages:

Milestone	Timeline	Details
Eligibility Assessment	Ongoing (after 2024 returns)	CRA verifies income, residency, and filing accuracy
Payment Initiation	Early November 2025	Automated payment processing begins
Payment Completion	Throughout November	Direct deposits are prioritised; cheques mailed to others

Those registered for direct deposit will receive funds faster than those waiting for cheques by mail.

How Canadians Will Receive Their $250 Payment

The CRA will issue payments through two primary methods:

1. Direct Deposit (Preferred)

Funds go straight into the recipient’s bank account — typically within days.

2. Mailed Cheques

For those not enrolled in direct deposit, cheques will be mailed to the address on file, which may take longer due to postal timelines.

To avoid delays, the CRA encourages all Canadians to enrol in direct deposit through CRA My Account.

Steps to Ensure You Receive Your Payment Without Delay

To avoid missing the payment, Canadians should follow these essential steps:

• File the 2024 tax return as early as possible
• Ensure your direct deposit details are up to date
• Verify your current address, name, and marital status are correct
• Log in to CRA My Account regularly for notifications
• Respond to any CRA requests for additional information

These proactive steps significantly reduce the risk of misdirected payments, cheque delays, or processing problems.

Broader Impact of the $250 Relief Payment

Although the amount may seem modest, the relief payment serves several important purposes:

• Helps cover rising household essentials such as groceries, heating bills, and transportation
• Provides timely financial support during a period of economic strain
• Assists seniors, persons with disabilities, and single‑income families with immediate cash flow
• Acts as a buffer to prevent further debt accumulation for low‑income households

For millions of Canadians, the payment provides breathing room during an inflation-heavy year.

Summary Table: $250 CRA One-Time Relief Payment Details

Feature	Detail
Payment Amount	$250
Payment Type	One-time relief
Tax Treatment	Non-taxable
Eligibility Basis	2024 tax return + residency
Distribution Agency	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Payment Date	November 2025
Delivery Method	Direct deposit or cheque
Application Requirement	None; fully automatic

When Should You Contact the CRA?

You should contact the CRA if:

• You did not receive the payment by December 2025
• You believe you qualify based on your 2024 income
• Your personal information (bank, address) was outdated at the time of payment
• You filed your taxes late and want to confirm eligibility

Additionally, Canadians who have not filed their 2024 tax return are urged to file immediately to ensure they can receive the $250 benefit.

(5) Five FAQs with Answers

1. When will the CRA issue the $250 one-time relief payment?

Payments are scheduled for November 2025, with direct deposit recipients receiving funds first.

2. Is the $250 relief payment taxable?

No. The payment is 100% non‑taxable and will not affect other benefits.

3. Do I need to apply for the payment?

No. The CRA will issue it automatically based on your 2024 income tax return.

4. Who qualifies for the $250 payment?

Eligibility depends on income level, residency, and 2024 tax filing status. Low‑ and middle‑income Canadians, seniors, persons with disabilities, and single parents are among expected recipients.

5. What if I don’t receive the payment by December 2025?

You should contact the CRA to review your eligibility, update personal details, or confirm tax filing status.