If your budget’s been stretched thin by rising grocery bills, rent, or childcare costs, you’re not alone—and help might be on the way.
Starting July 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is rolling out increased benefit payments for millions of Canadians. These updates are part of a broader response to the continued impact of inflation, and they aim to put a little extra breathing room back into household finances.
Why Are CRA Benefits Increasing in 2025?
Canada’s cost of living has climbed steadily in recent years, and even with inflation slowing slightly, essentials like food, rent, and energy remain significantly more expensive than before the pandemic.
To counter these pressures, the federal government has adjusted five key CRA benefit programs by 2.7% for the 2025–2026 benefit year. These increases are designed to keep government aid in line with inflation, making sure it still delivers real value where it’s needed most.
What Benefits Are Affected by the 2025 CRA Increase?
Here’s a quick overview of the benefit programs receiving boosts starting in July 2025:
| Benefit Name | Increase Type | Who It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| GST/HST Credit | +2.7% | Low-income individuals and families |
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | +2.7% | Families with children under 18 |
| Advanced Canada Workers Benefit | +2.7% | Low-income workers |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | +2.7% | Ontario residents with housing/energy costs |
| Canada Disability Benefit (NEW) | Up to $200/mo | Low-income Canadians with disabilities |
Each program has its own eligibility rules and payment amounts. Let’s break them down.
1. GST/HST Credit – Support for Low-Income Households
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly payment for low-income Canadians to help offset the goods and services tax paid on daily expenses.
Who’s Eligible?
- Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Aged 19+ (or under 19 with a child/spouse)
- 2023 family net income below ~$45,521 (for singles)
New Payment Rates for 2025–26:
| Recipient Type | Annual Amount | Quarterly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single adult | $533 | $133.25 |
| Couples | $698 | $174.50 |
| Each child under 19 | $184 | $46 |
2. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – Helping Families Raise Kids
The CCB is a monthly payment for families with children under 18. The 2025–2026 update includes a 2.7% increase to better match rising childcare and school-related costs.
Who’s Eligible?
- Must live with and be the primary caregiver of a child under 18
- Must be a Canadian resident
- Both parents must file 2024 income tax returns
New Maximum Payments:
| Child’s Age | Annual Amount | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $7,997 | $666.41 |
| 6–17 years | $6,748 | $562.33 |
3. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) – Support for Low-Income Workers
The ACWB is a refundable tax credit paid in advance to encourage workforce participation and support low-income earners.
Eligibility Highlights:
- Age 19+ or younger with dependents
- Working income over $3,000 but below province-specific limits
- Must reside in Canada and file taxes
2025–26 Payment Amounts:
| Recipient Type | Maximum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Single individual | $1,572 |
| Family (with spouse/children) | $2,705 |
4. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) – Relief for Housing & Energy Costs
The OTB combines three tax credits into a monthly payment to help Ontario residents cover sales tax, property tax, and energy bills.
Key Eligibility Points:
- Must have filed a 2023 Ontario tax return
- Must meet income and residency criteria
- Must have paid rent, property tax, or utility costs
Updated Maximums (Post 2.7% Increase):
| Credit Type | Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) | $360 |
| Energy & Property Tax Credit | $1,248–$1,421 |
| Northern Ontario Energy Credit | $180–$277 |
5. Canada Disability Benefit (NEW) – Launching July 2025
This brand-new benefit is designed to provide additional income for low-income Canadians with disabilities, aged 18 to 64. It begins in July 2025 and will be managed through Service Canada.
Who Can Apply?
- Must qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Must file a 2024 tax return
- Must meet income criteria (yet to be finalized)
Payment Estimate:
| Benefit Type | Monthly Amount | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Disability Benefit | Up to $200 | $2,400 |
When Will You Get Paid? – CRA July 2025 Calendar
Here’s when you can expect each benefit to hit your account if you qualify:
| Benefit Name | Payment Date | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| GST/HST Credit | July 4, 2025 | Quarterly |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit | July 10, 2025 | Monthly |
| Advanced Canada Workers Benefit | July 11, 2025 | Tri-Annual |
| Canada Child Benefit | July 18, 2025 | Monthly |
| Canada Disability Benefit | July 2025 (TBD) | Monthly |
What You Should Do Now
Even though most of these payments are automatic, a few smart steps can ensure you get the right amount at the right time:
Checklist to Maximize Your Benefits:
- File your 2024 income tax return by April 30, 2025, even if you had no income
- Keep your address, marital status, and banking details up to date in CRA My Account
- Sign up for direct deposit to avoid mail delays
- Use CRA’s benefit calculator to estimate your updated payments
- Monitor CRA My Account to track payment status
Final Thought
These CRA benefit increases aren’t just numbers—they’re a reflection of real-world costs. While they won’t erase the pressures of inflation, they can make a meaningful difference for families trying to stay afloat.
Helpful Resource:
CRA Official Website – Government of Canada