Canada to Issue $250 Support Payment – When You’ll Get It and How to Apply

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is giving a one-time $250 payment to help Canadians manage high living costs in 2025. This tax-free payment is meant to support low and middle-income individuals and families who are struggling with rising prices.

Canada One-Time $250 Payment

The $250 payment is a one-time support from the government. It’s made to help people who are finding it hard to cover basic needs like food, childcare, and utilities.

It is tax-free, so you don’t have to pay taxes on it. You also don’t need to return the money in the future.

Key Features

• Purpose: To help cover everyday costs like food and bills.
• Who Gets It: Workers and self-employed people who were active in 2023.
• Payment Type: Money will come through direct deposit or cheque.
• Government Help: Part of CRA’s support to reduce financial stress.

Payment Date

The CRA plans to send this payment in February 2025. The expected date is February 20, 2025. If this day falls on a holiday or weekend, the payment will arrive on the next business day.

How the Payment Will Be Sent

You can get the $250 payment in two ways:

Method	Description
Direct Deposit	The money goes straight into your bank account if you’ve shared your info.
Cheque	If you don’t have direct deposit, a cheque will be mailed to your address.

How to Check Payment Status

You can check the status of your payment in different ways:

• CRA My Account: Log in and check the payment details.
• Phone Call: Call the CRA toll-free number for updates.
• Bank and Mail: Keep an eye on your bank or mailbox.

How to Apply for the $250 One-Time Payment

For People Already Getting CRA Benefits

You don’t need to apply if you already receive benefits through the CRA. The $250 will be added automatically to your registered account.

For New Applicants

If you’re new, follow these steps:

1. Check If You’re Eligible
   Make sure you meet the income and residency rules.
2. File Your 2023 Tax Return
   Send your tax return before December 31, 2025.
3. Sign Up for Direct Deposit
   Update your bank details on CRA’s website.
4. Wait for the Payment
   CRA will process payments by February 20, 2025.
5. Track Your Payment
   Use CRA’s website or call for updates.

Eligibility for the $250 Payment

You must meet all of these conditions to get the payment:

Criteria	Requirement
Residency	Must live in Canada on April 1, 2025
Living Status	Must be alive on April 1, 2025
Income Limit	Net income must be less than $150,000 in 2023
Tax Return	Must file a 2023 tax return by December 31, 2025
Work Contribution	Must have paid into CPP, QPP, or Quebec Parental Plan in 2023

If you do not meet these conditions, you will not receive the payment.

How Much Will You Get?

If you qualify, you will get $250 one time.

This money is:

• Tax-Free – You don’t have to pay tax on it.
• Non-Repayable – You won’t need to return it.
• Fast Help – It is made to help quickly with rising costs.

Conclusion

The CRA’s one-time $250 payment will arrive around February 20, 2025. It’s made to support Canadians who are feeling the pressure of rising costs.

If you already get CRA benefits, you don’t need to apply. If not, you’ll need to file your 2023 tax return and make sure your direct deposit info is up to date. This simple process can bring you a bit of extra help during a tough time.

FAQs