Big Benefit Changes: CRA Payments Rise in July 2025
Starting July 2025, Canadians will receive a welcome boost in their bank accounts. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is rolling out increases across five key benefit programs to help ease rising costs and provide meaningful support to families, low-income workers, seniors, and even newcomers.
Let’s walk through what’s changing, how much you might get, and who qualifies.
1. GST/HST Credit: More Cash Back for Daily Costs
If you’re dealing with grocery bills or fuel costs, the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit can offer some relief. This tax-free quarterly payment offsets the sales tax you pay.
July 2025 Increase: A 2.7% rise takes the maximum annual payment to:
- $533 for singles
- $698 for couples
- $184 per child under 19
Eligibility: Canadian residents over 19, or younger if supporting a child or partner. File your 2024 taxes by April 30, 2025. Newcomers and temporary residents qualify after 18 months in Canada.
Next Payment Dates:
- July 4, 2025
- October 3, 2025
- January 5, 2026
- April 3, 2026
2. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB): Steady Support for Low-Income Workers
The ACWB helps low-income workers by paying up to 50% of their annual benefit in advance across three instalments.
New Payment Amounts (up 2.7%):
- Singles: Up to $1,428 (or $2,165 with disability support)
- Families: Up to $2,461 (or $3,198 with disability support)
Eligibility: Must earn income from work and file taxes. Residents and newcomers can qualify after 18 months in Canada.
Next Payment Dates:
- July 11, 2025
- October 10, 2025
- January 9, 2026
3. Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Bigger Support for Parents
The CCB provides monthly tax-free payments to help with the cost of raising children.
July 2025 Increase (2.7%):
- Up to $7,997 per child under 6
- Up to $6,748 per child aged 6–17
- Plus $3,265 per child eligible for the disability benefit
Eligibility: Caregivers must be residents and file their taxes. Temporary residents qualify after 18 months; newcomers can apply upon arrival.
Monthly Payment Dates:
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
- January 20, 2026
4. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): Monthly Relief for Ontario Residents
The OTB combines three tax credits into one monthly payment to help cover energy, sales, and property taxes.
2025 Increase (2.7%):
- OSTC: Up to $371
- OEPTC: Up to $1,282 (non-seniors) or $1,459 (seniors)
- NOEC: Up to $185 (single) or $284 (families)
Eligibility: Must live in Ontario and file a 2024 tax return with Form ON-BEN.
Monthly Payment Dates:
- July 10, 2025
- August 8, 2025
- September 10, 2025
- October 10, 2025
- November 10, 2025
- December 10, 2025
- January 9, 2026
5. CPP & OAS: Strengthened Safety Net for Seniors
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) offer steady monthly income to retirees. In July, both will see inflation adjustments.
July 2025 Payment Bump (2.7%):
- CPP max monthly: Up to $1,433
- OAS (65–74): Up to $727.67
- OAS (75+): Up to $800.44
- GIS for low-income seniors: Up to $1,057.01 (singles)
Eligibility:
- CPP: Contributed during work years, age 60+
- OAS: Canadian residents age 65+, with at least 10 years of residency
Payment Dates:
- July 29, 2025
- August 27, 2025
- September 26, 2025
- October 29, 2025
- November 26, 2025
- December 22, 2025
- January 28, 2026
How to Access These Benefits
To receive these CRA payments:
- File your 2024 tax return on time
- Update your CRA My Account details
- Enroll in direct deposit for faster payments
Newcomers and temporary residents should gather proof of residency, income, and their Social Insurance Number (SIN) to qualify faster.
Whether you’re raising children in Ontario, working hard in Alberta, or retiring in Nova Scotia, these CRA benefits are designed to make life more affordable.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more timely updates that matter.
