Canadians struggling with the rising cost of living are set to receive a much-needed financial boost this fall. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that a one-time $698 payment will be distributed to eligible Canadians in November 2025.
This new benefit aims to provide direct relief to low- and middle-income individuals and families who continue to feel the effects of inflation, high food prices, and housing costs. The payment is part of the federal government’s broader affordability initiative designed to cushion households as living expenses remain elevated across the country.
Here’s everything you need to know about the $698 CRA one-time payment, including eligibility, payment dates, and how to make sure you receive it on time.
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What is the $698 CRA One-Time Payment?
The $698 CRA payment is a federal cost-of-living relief measure similar to previous one-time payments such as the Grocery Rebate and GST/HST top-up provided in recent years.
According to government insiders, the new payment will be automatically deposited into the accounts of eligible Canadians who already receive benefits such as the GST/HST Credit, Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), or Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
The goal is to help Canadians offset essential living expenses, including rent, groceries, utilities, and healthcare costs, at a time when household budgets remain under pressure despite easing inflation.
Who Is Eligible for the $698 CRA Payment?
Eligibility for the $698 CRA one-time payment will depend on your income level and tax filing status for the 2024 tax year.
You may qualify if you meet the following criteria:
- You filed your 2024 income tax return with the CRA by the deadline.
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes as of November 2025.
- Your adjusted family net income falls below the qualifying threshold for the GST/HST credit.
- You currently receive or are eligible for any of the following CRA-administered benefits:
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Old Age Security (OAS) with the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
The amount you receive could vary based on your household size, marital status, and income level.
For most individuals, the average payment will be $698, while families with children could receive up to $1,200 depending on their income and benefits eligibility.
When Will the $698 CRA Payment Be Made?
The CRA has confirmed that direct deposits for the $698 one-time payment will begin on November 28, 2025.
If you receive your CRA benefits by cheque, your payment may take up to 10 business days longer, depending on mail delivery times in your region.
To avoid delays, Canadians are strongly encouraged to sign up for direct deposit through their My Service Canada Account or CRA My Account. This ensures the money arrives in your bank account safely and quickly.
Why the Government Introduced the One-Time Payment
The $698 CRA payment is part of a targeted government effort to provide relief to Canadians most affected by high inflation, stagnant wages, and rising living costs.
Despite inflation cooling to around 2.2%, prices for essential goods such as food, rent, and utilities remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
According to a Statistics Canada report, nearly 40% of Canadians say they are struggling to cover monthly expenses. The federal government introduced this one-time payment to help Canadians manage short-term financial strain while broader economic stability returns.
Finance officials have also said that this initiative aligns with the government’s cost-of-living action plan, which includes ongoing supports like:
- OAS and CPP increases for seniors
- Child care subsidies
- Energy rebate programs
- Affordable housing initiatives
How to Check If You’re Getting the Payment
You can easily confirm your eligibility and payment details through your CRA My Account.
Here’s how:
- Log in to CRA My Account.
- Navigate to the “Benefits and Credits” section.
- Check your Payment History for “November 2025 – One-Time Cost-of-Living Relief.”
- If you’re set up for direct deposit, your payment should appear in your bank account on November 28, 2025.
If your payment doesn’t arrive by December 12, 2025, contact the CRA directly for assistance.
Will the $698 Payment Affect Other Benefits?
No. The $698 one-time payment is non-taxable and will not affect eligibility for other federal or provincial benefits such as:
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Housing Benefit
This means you can receive the payment in full without any deductions or clawbacks.
How to Prepare and Ensure You Receive the Payment
To make sure you receive the $698 CRA payment without any issues, follow these steps:
- File your 2024 taxes before the CRA deadline in 2025.
- Enroll in direct deposit through CRA My Account.
- Update your address and banking details to prevent delays.
- Review your benefits eligibility regularly, especially if your income changes.
Staying proactive ensures you don’t miss out on future government benefits or rebates.
What This Means for Canadians
For many Canadians, the $698 CRA one-time payment will provide crucial short-term relief heading into the holiday season.
While it may not solve long-term affordability issues, it offers some breathing room for households facing high costs for essentials.
The government has signaled that more affordability measures could be announced in the 2026 federal budget, depending on economic trends and inflation levels.
Final Thoughts
The $698 CRA one-time payment is welcome news for Canadians feeling the pressure of inflation and rising costs. It underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to helping vulnerable households weather financial challenges as the economy stabilizes.
If you qualify, make sure your CRA information is up to date so you receive the payment on time. Even a small delay could mean waiting weeks for this crucial support.
As cost-of-living challenges persist, this relief measure serves as both a financial cushion and a reminder of the importance of filing taxes and staying connected to federal benefit programs.