Canada’s $900 Cost-of-Living Payment Coming in December 2025 The federal government has announced a $900 payment to help Canadian families deal with rising prices for housing and everyday expenses. The Canada Revenue Agency will send out this one-time payment in December 2025 to support low- and middle-income households as they face increasing costs. This guide explains what the payment covers and who can receive it. It also describes how the money will be delivered & what Canadians need to know.
Understanding Canada’s $900 Cost-of-Living Relief for 2025
The $900 Cost-of-Living Boost is a temporary one-time financial support payment designed to help Canadians deal with higher expenses related to groceries and housing and rent and utilities and transportation and general inflation pressures. This relief is part of the government’s broader affordability measures heading into 2026. The payment is not taxable & does not affect other federal benefits and will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of eligible Canadians.
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Eligibility Rules for the $900 CRA December Support
Eligibility Requirements for CRA Payment To receive this payment from the CRA you need to meet specific requirements related to your income and tax filing status. Income Limits Your household income determines whether you qualify for this benefit. The CRA focuses on helping lower and middle income Canadians by setting these thresholds: Single people must earn less than $45,000 per year to be considered for the payment. For couples & families the income limit is set at $65000 annually. These amounts match other federal programs designed to support Canadians who earn modest incomes. Tax Filing Requirement You must have submitted your 2024 income tax return to be eligible. The CRA uses information from your most recent tax filing to decide if you qualify. If you have not yet filed your 2024 return you will likely not receive the December payment. Automatic Qualification Through Other Benefits Many Canadians who already get certain government benefits will automatically qualify for this payment. If you currently receive the GST/HST Credit or the Canada Child Benefit you are likely eligible. The same applies to those getting the Guaranteed Income Supplement or claiming the Disability Tax Credit. However you do not need to be enrolled in these programs to qualify. People receiving these benefits simply have a higher chance of meeting the income requirements because these programs already target lower income households.
Exact Payment Breakdown: Who Gets What Amount?
The total amount of $900 is expected to be distributed as a single one-time deposit. Projected payout structure may look like $900 for couples or families and $450 to $600 for single individuals depending on income level. However the CRA has indicated that many households will receive the full $900 payment if they fall within the eligible income range.
Expected Timeline: When Will the $900 Arrive?
The CRA has stated that the payment will arrive in December 2025 through direct deposit as the main delivery option. When to Expect Your Deposit The money should arrive between December 18 and December 27 in 2025 based on how quickly the system processes payments. Canadians who have signed up for direct deposit will get the boost without needing to do anything. People who get their benefits through mailed cheques should prepare for longer wait times before the money arrives.
Payment Methods: Direct Deposit or Cheque?
Direct Deposit This is the fastest and most secure way to get your payment. If you already use direct deposit for GST, CCB OAS or tax refunds, the $900 boost will arrive in your account automatically through the same method. Cheque by Mail This option applies only to people who have not set up direct deposit with CRA. If you receive a cheque in the mail, expect it to take an extra 5 to 10 business days for delivery.
Government’s Reason Behind Issuing This $900 Support
The federal government created this payment to help people deal with rising costs of important items. The money helps cover increased food expenses and provides assistance before winter heating bills arrive. It supports families & seniors who have fixed incomes and helps households maintain their buying power. This payment serves as support at the end of the year before new affordability programs begin in early 2026.
Steps to Ensure You Receive Your $900 CRA Payment
File Your 2024 Taxes Many Canadians lose out on benefits simply because they don’t file their taxes. When you file your taxes it ensures the CRA has your most recent income information on record. Update CRA Direct Deposit Information Setting up direct deposit guarantees you’ll receive the $900 boost much faster than waiting for a cheque in the mail. Keep Personal Information Updated Make sure your address and marital status are current in the CRA system. You should also verify that the number of dependents listed on your account is accurate.
Will This $900 Impact Your Existing CRA Benefits?
The $900 Cost-of-Living Boost does not affect your other government benefits. You will still receive your full GST/HST Credit along with the Canada Child Benefit and Old Age Security payments. Your Guaranteed Income Supplement and disability benefits remain unchanged. Any provincial credits you qualify for will continue as normal. This payment works as an extra benefit that arrives separately from your regular government support. The Canada Revenue Agency plans to distribute the $900 Cost-of-Living Boost in December 2025 to help Canadians manage their household expenses. Many families struggle with expensive groceries and higher rent payments while utility bills continue to climb. The government designed this program to reach millions of lower-income households across the country. The payment system works automatically so eligible recipients do not need to submit applications or fill out additional forms. The timing of this financial support matters because winter brings extra costs for heating & seasonal expenses. Families can use this money however they need to cover their most pressing bills. The CRA will send payments directly to bank accounts for people who have set up direct deposit. Those who keep their tax returns current and update their banking information with the CRA will get their payments without problems or delays.
