Canadians struggling with higher prices for groceries, fuel, and rent will receive some relief this fall as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) prepares to issue an extra $700 GST/HST Credit payment in October 2025. This one-time boost is part of the federal government’s ongoing effort to help low- and moderate-income households manage the rising cost of living.
The payment, automatically distributed to eligible Canadians through direct deposit or mailed cheque, supplements the regular quarterly GST/HST credit issued by the CRA. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, payment dates, and how much you could receive in October 2025.
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What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Credit is a tax-free quarterly benefit that helps offset the cost of sales tax for individuals and families with modest incomes. It is typically paid out in January, April, July, and October each year.
The amount you receive depends on:
- Your net family income,
- The number of children under 19 in your household, and
- Your marital status.
For 2025, the CRA introduced an additional one-time top-up payment of up to $700 per family to help Canadians cope with ongoing inflation and rising household expenses.
Why the Extra $700 Payment Is Being Issued
The federal government confirmed this extra GST/HST Credit in response to continued inflationary pressure affecting essential goods and services. With grocery prices up nearly 20% since 2022 and housing costs hitting record highs, this extra payment aims to provide targeted financial support to those who need it most.
Finance Canada has emphasized that the payment will mirror the structure of the original GST/HST credit, meaning no application is required — eligible individuals will automatically receive the money through the CRA.
Eligibility Criteria for the Extra $700 GST/HST Credit
To qualify for the October 2025 extra payment, you must meet the same eligibility rules as the regular GST/HST credit. That means:
- You must be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes in October 2025.
- You must be at least 19 years old, or have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner, or be (or have been) a parent living with your child.
- Your 2024 tax return must be filed and assessed by the CRA, as your benefit amount is calculated based on your 2024 income.
If your income is below the CRA threshold, you’ll receive the full benefit. The payment automatically includes any eligible children registered under the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) program.
Payment Amounts for October 2025
The CRA has not yet released the final indexed figures, but the extra GST/HST Credit payment is expected to provide:
- Single individuals: Up to $234
- Couples: Up to $467
- Families with children: Up to $700
This one-time top-up will arrive in addition to your regular October GST/HST credit, effectively doubling what eligible recipients receive this quarter.
Payment Date: When to Expect Your $700
The CRA will issue the extra payment on the same date as the regular October GST/HST credit — October 4, 2025.
Payments will be made via:
- Direct deposit (most Canadians will receive funds in their bank account within 1–2 business days), or
- Paper cheque, which can take up to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
If you’ve signed up for direct deposit with the CRA, you’ll see “Canada GST/HST Credit” on your statement.
How to Check Your Eligibility and Payment Status
You can check your eligibility, payment status, and upcoming credit amounts by:
- Logging into your CRA My Account,
- Navigating to “Benefits and Credits”, then selecting “GST/HST Credit”, or
- Calling the CRA’s Automated Benefits Line at 1-800-387-1193.
Make sure your direct deposit information and mailing address are up to date to avoid delays.
Tax Filing Reminder
To qualify for any GST/HST credit payments (including the extra $700), it’s essential that you file your 2024 income tax return — even if you earned no income last year. The CRA automatically determines eligibility based on your tax return details.
Other CRA Payments Coming This Fall
In addition to the extra GST/HST Credit, Canadians may also receive other federal benefits in October 2025, including:
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) advance payments,
- Canada Carbon Rebate (formerly Climate Action Incentive),
- Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments, and
- Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) for qualifying residents.
These combined supports are part of a broader federal initiative to provide cost-of-living relief to low- and middle-income Canadians.
The extra $700 GST/HST Credit payment in October 2025 will deliver much-needed relief for millions of Canadians facing higher costs for everyday essentials. If you’ve filed your 2024 taxes and already receive GST/HST credits, you’ll automatically benefit from this top-up — no further action is needed.
With living costs continuing to rise, this payment represents a vital cushion to help Canadians make ends meet this fall.