As inflation continues to strain household budgets, the Canadian government is stepping in with an early boost to the GST/HST Credit.
Starting April 2025, eligible Canadians will receive up to $2,200 in total GST Credit support for the year — a combination of quarterly payments and an inflation-based top-up.
However, there’s a twist: while the full amount is available, eligibility and payment amounts vary based on your family size and income.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about this financial relief — including payment dates, qualification rules, and how much you could receive.
What Is the GST Credit?
The Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Credit is a tax-free quarterly payment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help low and modest-income families offset the tax they pay on everyday goods and services.
For 2025, the credit has been adjusted to better reflect current inflation levels, and total benefits for qualifying families may now reach $2,200 annually.
2025 GST Credit Payment Schedule
The CRA distributes the GST Credit in quarterly instalments, with the first top-up applied to the July 2025 payment to reflect a 2.7% inflation adjustment.
| Payment Date | Details |
|---|---|
| April 4, 2025 | Final payment based on 2024 rates |
| July 4, 2025 | First payment with 2.7% inflation increase |
| October 3, 2025 | Standard quarterly payment |
| January 5, 2026 | First GST payment of 2026 |
If you don’t receive your payment within 10 business days, you should contact CRA to check for issues like incorrect bank details or tax filing status.
GST Credit Amounts in 2025
The actual amount you receive is based on income and household composition. Below is a breakdown of the maximum annual credit amounts:
| Recipient Type | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|
| Single adult | $496 |
| Married couple | $650 |
| Per child (under 19) | $71 |
| Potential Family Total | Up to $2,200 annually |
A family with two parents and three children, for example, could receive a substantial GST Credit payment across 2025, helping to cover rising costs in housing, utilities, and groceries.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 GST Credit
To qualify for the GST Credit in 2025, you must meet these conditions:
- Residency: Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Age: Must be 19 years or older, OR have a child, OR have a spouse/common-law partner
- Tax Filing: Must have filed a 2023 income tax return
- Valid SIN: Must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Eligibility is automatically reviewed each year when you file your taxes, and payments are based on your family net income.
What Affects Your GST Credit Amount?
Several factors influence how much you’ll receive in your GST Credit:
- Family Net Income: The lower your income, the higher your credit
- Number of Children: Each child adds $71 to your total benefit
- Marital Status: Couples receive a higher base credit than single adults
- Tax Filing: Missing your 2023 tax return can disqualify you from receiving payments
How Payments Are Delivered
GST Credit payments are made directly to your bank account or mailed as cheques. Ensure your CRA My Account has your current:
- Banking information
- Mailing address
- Personal details
If your circumstances change — such as marital status or number of dependents — update your CRA account immediately to avoid delays or errors.
The $2,200 GST Credit for 2025 offers meaningful relief for Canadians struggling with high inflation and cost of living pressures.
Arriving earlier than expected, this payment will support millions of households with no need to apply separately — just file your 2023 tax return, ensure your details are current, and monitor your CRA account.
This financial lifeline can go a long way in easing everyday expenses, especially for families with children or fixed incomes.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the GST Credit separately?
No, filing your income tax return automatically enrolls you for the GST Credit if you’re eligible.
How can I check my GST Credit status?
Log in to your CRA My Account to view payment dates, amounts, and account details.
Can I receive the GST Credit if I’m on other government support?
Yes, receiving other benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or CPP doesn’t disqualify you.