With the cost of living climbing across the country, many Canadians are feeling financially stretched. Rent, groceries, and utility bills have all gone up, making it harder for households to stay ahead. To help, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is rolling out a one-time $928 benefit in 2025. It’s designed to offer support to low- and modest-income Canadians who need a bit of extra help.
In this article, we’ll walk you through who qualifies, how it works, and what you need to do to make sure you get it.
Overview
The $928 CRA payment is part of the government’s strategy to reduce the pressure of rising living expenses. Unlike some benefits that require an application, this one is automatic—if you file your taxes, you’re automatically considered.
Here’s a quick overview:
Details | Information |
---|---|
Payment Amount | $928 |
Eligibility | Based on income, family size, and 2024 tax return |
Application | No application; automatic through tax filing |
Purpose | Support for low- and modest-income households |
Administered by | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
Let’s take a closer look at who can expect to receive this money.
Eligibility
There are five key things the CRA checks before issuing the $928 payment:
Income
Income is the biggest factor. The CRA uses your 2024 tax return to determine if your income falls within the qualifying range. Generally, a single person earning under $25,000 is more likely to qualify than someone making over $50,000.
Family
Larger families have higher allowable income thresholds due to greater living costs. For example, a family of four earning under $60,000 may still qualify, while a single person at that income level likely won’t.
Taxes
Filing your 2024 tax return is essential. No return, no payment. Even if you don’t owe taxes, you must file to be eligible for the benefit.
Residency
You must be a resident of Canada. Permanent residents, citizens, and protected persons typically qualify, but temporary residents usually don’t.
Accuracy
Make sure your information—like your income, marital status, and dependents—is accurate on your tax return. Errors can delay or disqualify your benefit.
Process
Here’s what you need to do to get the CRA $928 payment:
File Your Taxes On Time
You have until June 30, 2025, to file your 2024 tax return. Filing earlier is even better—more time for the CRA to review and process.
Check Your Details
Review your return for errors. If your family situation changed in 2024, make sure your CRA file reflects that. Inaccurate details can cause delays.
Set Up Direct Deposit
If you want the payment quickly, set up direct deposit through your CRA account. Otherwise, expect a paper cheque which can take longer to arrive.
Watch for CRA Notices
Log into your CRA “My Account” or check your mail. The CRA will notify you if you’re eligible and let you know when you’ll receive the payment.
Keep Records
Hold onto your tax documents. If there’s any issue or if you need to clarify eligibility, it’ll be easier to handle if you have everything documented.
Alternatives
Didn’t qualify for the $928 payment? Don’t worry—there are other CRA programs you might be eligible for:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Monthly tax-free payments to families with children.
- GST/HST Credit: Quarterly payments to help with sales tax costs.
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB): A refundable tax credit for low-income workers.
- Provincial Benefits: Some provinces offer extra support, like Ontario’s Trillium Benefit for rent and energy costs.
There are still plenty of ways to get financial help if this one doesn’t apply to you.
The CRA’s $928 payment is a welcome relief for many Canadians in 2025. If you qualify, it’s a simple, automatic process—but it all depends on your 2024 tax return. File on time, make sure your info is accurate, and you’ll be in a good position to receive this benefit. And if you don’t meet the criteria, don’t forget to check out other available programs.
FAQs
Who gets the $928 CRA payment?
Canadians with low or modest income based on 2024 taxes.
Do I need to apply for the $928 payment?
No, it’s automatic if you file your 2024 taxes.
When will the $928 be paid out?
Payments are expected in mid-to-late 2025.
Can I get the $928 if I didn’t work in 2024?
Yes, if you file taxes and meet other eligibility rules.
Is the $928 CRA payment taxable?
No, the payment is non-taxable support income.