The Canada Revenue Agency has confirmed that a $250 one-time payment will be sent out in November 2025 as part of a government program to help with the cost of living. This payment is designed to give quick financial help to people with low incomes & to seniors and families who are having trouble keeping up with higher costs. The money will not be taxed and will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of those who qualify. Canadians should verify their benefit status & make sure their tax details are current. They should also check their CRA account regularly for updates about whether they qualify and when they can expect to receive the payment.
Updated Eligibility Rules for Canada’s $250 CRA One-Time Support
The CRA one-time benefit is designed for people experiencing financial difficulty because of rising inflation and higher costs of living. To qualify you generally need to be an OAS pensioner or GIS recipient or already registered for federal benefits like the Canada Child Benefit or GST/HST Credit. You must have submitted your 2024 tax return and have an active CRA My Account. The payment happens automatically with no application required. People who have current direct deposit information on file will get their money faster than those waiting for cheques in the mail.
Complete November 2025 CRA $250 Payment Calendar & Deposit Windows
The official CRA payment schedule shows that disbursements should start between November 15 & November 28 2025. The CRA has asked citizens not to call support lines unless their deposit arrives more than 10 business days late. Payments will go directly into bank accounts that are linked with the CRA. People who receive other federal benefits like the GST Credit or Canada Workers Benefit might see all their deposits arrive at the same time. This depends on their tax record and whether their account has been verified.
Step-by-Step Guide to Verify Your CRA Benefit Status Online
Canadians can check their CRA payment status by logging into the My Account portal on the official website. Once logged in go to the Benefits and Credits section to see current and upcoming payments. You can also check when the $250 payment was processed and how it will be delivered. If the payment shows as issued but has not appeared in your bank account, wait 5 to 7 business days before contacting CRA. Make sure your bank details are up to date for faster and safer transactions.
How the $250 Relief Boost Supports Canadians and What to Expect Next
The Canadian government has introduced a special one-time CRA relief payment to help citizens manage rising living costs. This national support measure aims to ease short-term financial pressure on vulnerable groups, including seniors, single parents, and low-income workers. While experts note that inflation remains a challenge, federal officials have suggested that permanent benefit threshold adjustments may be reviewed for 2026. More than 9 million Canadians are expected to benefit from this $250 top-up, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting household stability during economic uncertainty.
| Category | Eligibility Requirements | Payment Amount | Estimated Deposit Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAS Pensioners | Canadians aged 65+ currently receiving OAS | $250 (one-time) | November 15–28, 2025 |
| GIS Beneficiaries | Low-income seniors eligible for GIS | $250 (one-time) | November 15–28, 2025 |
| CCB Families | Households enrolled in the Canada Child Benefit before September 2025 | $250 per household | November 20–28, 2025 |
| GST Credit Recipients | Individuals who filed their 2024 tax return and qualify for GST Credit | $250 (non-taxable) | November 22–28, 2025 |
