The Government of Canada, through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), has announced a special one-time financial support payment of $250 to help eligible working Canadians deal with the rising cost of living. With inflation continuing to strain household budgets, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to provide quick and direct relief to low- and middle-income individuals and families.
The CRA $250 Working Canadians Rebate is completely tax-free and will be delivered automatically to those who meet the eligibility criteria. No application is required, and the payment is expected to begin disbursement in early spring 2025.
What Is the CRA $250 One-Time Payment?
The CRA $250 payment is a one-time benefit aimed at supporting Canadians who actively worked or were self-employed during 2023. It is designed to provide financial breathing room for workers who have been affected by rising expenses such as food, transportation, rent, and energy.
Unlike recurring government programs, this rebate is not ongoing and will only be issued once in 2025. For many households, this additional support can help bridge the gap between paychecks and ease the burden of essential living costs.
Who Qualifies for the $250 CRA Payment in 2025?
To receive the CRA one-time payment, individuals must satisfy specific eligibility conditions:
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Be a Canadian resident as of March 31, 2025
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Have a net income of $150,000 or less for the 2023 tax year
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File their 2023 tax return by March 31, 2025
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Have contributed to at least one of the following during 2023:
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Employment Insurance (EI)
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Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP)
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Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
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Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)
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Be alive and residing in Canada on April 1, 2025
Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in ineligibility for the payment. This support program is expected to benefit over 18.7 million Canadians across the country.
How Will the $250 Payment Be Delivered?
The CRA will issue the payment through:
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Direct deposit to individuals who have registered their banking details with CRA
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Paper cheques mailed to those who haven’t updated their bank information
If you’ve previously received other government benefits via direct deposit, this $250 rebate will be sent the same way. To ensure timely delivery, it is essential to verify your CRA account and make sure all personal and banking information is accurate.
READ ALSO: Canada Child Benefit (CCB) April 2025: Payment Dates & New Increases
When Will the Payment Arrive?
The $250 CRA one-time payment is scheduled to be released in early spring 2025, most likely during March or early April. However, several factors could affect the delivery timing:
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Date of tax return processing
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Whether you chose direct deposit or cheque
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Your province or territory of residence
You can track your payment status through your CRA My Account.
How to Check the Status of Your Payment
To monitor your payment and confirm eligibility, follow these steps:
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Log in to your CRA My Account at cra.gc.ca
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Navigate to the Benefits and Credits section
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Look for any updates under the “$250 one-time payment” section
Alternatively, check your bank account transaction history for direct deposit. If you prefer assistance, you can call the CRA’s toll-free helpline.
Why This Payment Matters
This $250 payment provides much-needed short-term financial relief to workers managing high living expenses. The purpose goes beyond just cash—it aims to:
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Offer immediate assistance to families and individuals with low or moderate incomes
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Encourage timely tax filing and active workforce engagement
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Support local economies by increasing consumer spending in essential sectors
For many, it serves as a recognition of their contributions to the economy during a time of persistent financial pressure.
FAQs
Who will get the $250 CRA payment?
All Canadians who meet the eligibility criteria—such as filing a 2023 tax return, earning under $150,000, and having contributed to EI, CPP, or QPIP—will receive the payment automatically.
Do I need to apply for this payment?
No. The CRA will issue the $250 payment automatically to eligible individuals. No separate application is required.
When exactly will the payment be made?
The payment is expected to be disbursed between March and April 2025. The exact timing depends on when your tax return is processed and how you’ve chosen to receive payments.
What should I do if I haven’t received my payment?
Log in to your CRA My Account to verify your status. If you’re eligible and still haven’t received the payment, contact CRA support to check for any delays or issues.
Is the $250 payment taxable?
No, the $250 Working Canadians Rebate is a tax-free payment and will not be counted as taxable income for 2025.
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