The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially confirmed an extra GST/HST credit scheduled for October 2025, designed to provide financial relief to low- and middle-income households.
This one-time top-up is in addition to the regular quarterly credit, aiming to support Canadians struggling with rising grocery costs, high housing expenses, and persistent inflation.
This guide outlines eligibility rules, payment dates, estimated amounts, and how families can prepare to receive this benefit.
Understanding the GST/HST Credit
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is a federal tax-free benefit aimed at reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) burden for modest-income Canadians. It is:
- Tax-Free: Not considered part of taxable income.
- Quarterly: Usually paid in January, April, July, and October.
- Automatic: Based on the previous year’s tax return—no application is needed.
For October 2025, the CRA has introduced an extra top-up payment to help counter the rising cost of living.
Payment Dates for October 2025
The CRA has confirmed the timeline for the extra GST/HST credit:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Payment Release | Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| Final Processing | By October 22, 2025 |
Payments will be sent through direct deposit or by cheque and should appear in beneficiaries’ accounts shortly after.
Eligibility Criteria for the Extra GST/HST Credit
Eligibility for this payment is automatic, but the following conditions must be met:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes in 2025.
- Have filed a 2024 tax return.
- Income thresholds:
- Singles – up to $52,000
- Couples – up to $58,000 combined
- Families with children – higher thresholds based on the number of dependents
- Seniors receiving OAS, GIS, or CCB may also qualify automatically.
How Much Will Eligible Canadians Get?
The extra October 2025 GST/HST credit is a one-time payment separate from the regular quarterly credit. Estimated amounts are:
| Household Type | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Adults | About $250 |
| Couples | About $500 |
| Families with Children | Up to $700 based on dependents |
Actual amounts will vary based on family size and 2024 net income.
How Payments Will Be Delivered
The CRA ensures simple and secure delivery:
- Direct Deposit: Arrives within 1–2 business days.
- Cheque by Mail: May take longer, especially in rural areas.
- CRA My Account: Track payment status and history online.
Why the Government Is Issuing an Extra Payment
The extra top-up in October 2025 aims to:
- Offset Inflation: Help with rising grocery and utility prices.
- Tackle Housing Costs: Support families facing high rent and mortgage payments.
- Cover Seasonal Expenses: Provide relief before winter heating costs increase.
- Deliver Targeted Support: Directly aid the most vulnerable households.
Key Benefits for Canadians
The extra GST/HST credit offers several crucial advantages:
- Relief for Households: Helps cover food, fuel, and utility bills.
- Support for Seniors: Assists pensioners struggling with fixed incomes.
- Help for Families: Eases the burden of childcare and school-related expenses.
- Boost to Local Economy: Encourages consumer spending in local communities.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite its benefits, some issues remain:
- One-Time Measure: Canadians are asking for recurring increases instead of temporary relief.
- Eligibility Gaps: Some middle-income households still do not qualify.
- Delivery Delays: Mail delivery delays could affect rural recipients.
- Inflation Debate: Critics say payments should be paired with price control policies.
How to Prepare for the Extra Payment
To ensure you receive the benefit smoothly:
- File 2024 Tax Return: Confirm your eligibility.
- Update Bank Information: Enroll in CRA direct deposit.
- Monitor CRA My Account: Track upcoming GST/HST payments.
- Watch for Scams: CRA never requests banking details via SMS or email.
- Plan the Funds: Use the credit wisely for rent, groceries, and utilities.
The Canada Extra GST/HST Credit October 2025 offers crucial financial relief to help households manage inflation and rising living costs. Scheduled between October 17 and 22, 2025, this payment provides direct tax-free support to low- and middle-income Canadians.
Although this is a one-time top-up, it plays an important role in strengthening Canada’s social safety net, complementing other programs like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Cost of Living Payments.
FAQs
No, the payment is automatic for eligible individuals who have filed their 2024 tax return.
You can log in to your CRA My Account and check the GST/HST credit section for updates and payment schedules.
No, the payment is tax-free and will not reduce or affect any other federal or provincial benefits you receive.