The government of Canada is providing further assistance to families and individuals struggling with the increased costs of living with the one-time $250 GST Relief Payment scheduled for September 2025. This special supplement is intended to assist additional lower and middle income households on top of the normal GST/HST credit. It is intended to be used for everyday expense during the holiday shopping season.
Eligibility Criteria
To be granted the $250 GST Relief Payment, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
Must be a citizen, a permanent resident, or possess an active Canadian visa.
Must submit a 2025 income tax return and previous years’ returns to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Must have income under $150,000 for the previous year.
Cannot be fully retired. Must still be working (seniors receiving CPP or QPP benefits are eligible).
All payments are made automatically, so no additional application is necessary for those already in the GST/HST credit program. As long as there is no additional application made, all payments are made automatically. For eligible recipients who face delays, reaching out to CRA support will assist in resolving matters.
Payment Schedule
The $250 relief payment will be issued at the same time as the regular GST/HST credit payments. While the processing order varies by individual, the following is a general outline: Individuals with direct deposit information on file will be paid through direct deposit. Others will receive payment through cheque in the mail.
How to Claim Your Payment
No additional form is needed to apply for the $250 relief supplement. Provided that enrolled candidates for GST/HST credits meet the criteria, payment will be made automatically. To see what’s on file:
Access CRA My Account online portal.
Check “Planned Payments” within the GST/HST credit section.
Contact CRA by phone or through online inquiry in case of any anomalies.
What Does This Mean for Households
As the title suggests, the payment will assist in boosting household budget by a small but remarkable cushion. The payment structure is flat, it benefits individuals as well as families by providing inflation relief and is simple to administer. This payment, in conjunction with existing credits, supports household spending on groceries, utilities and other critical needs.
Canada’s government has decided to give $250 to 18.7 million households. This is an attempt to relieve financial strain and help support economic stability in the future. Make sure to track your tax filings, check your banking information, and confirm that the CRA has your current banking details in hand. If all goes well, you should see the deposit in September 2025.