The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced a $250 one-time, tax-free payment for eligible Canadians in April 2025, as part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to support working individuals amid rising living costs. This Working Canadians Rebate will be issued directly to over 18.7 million citizens, offering timely financial relief.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the CRA $250 one-time payment—including eligibility requirements, payment method, important dates, and how to check your status.
What Is the CRA $250 One-Time Payment?
The $250 payment is a non-taxable financial benefit introduced under the Working Canadians Rebate Program 2025. It is separate from traditional tax credits or benefits and is intended to assist taxpayers who actively contributed to the Canadian economy during the 2023 financial year.
Unlike recurring benefits, this payment is a fixed, one-time transfer aimed at easing the burden of everyday expenses such as healthcare, home repairs, childcare, or personal needs.
Who Is Eligible for the CRA $250 Payment in April 2025?
While the program is designed for working individuals, there are specific criteria applicants must meet to receive the $250:
- Must be a Canadian resident on or before April 1, 2025
- Must have had an annual income below $150,000 for the 2023 tax year
- Must have filed their 2023 income tax return by December 31, 2024
- Those receiving Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) are also eligible for this credit
- Only individuals who were alive on April 1, 2025 will receive the payment
Failing to meet any of these conditions may result in ineligibility, even if other benefits were previously received.
How Much Will Eligible Canadians Receive?
The CRA will issue a flat $250 amount per eligible person. This benefit:
- Will be paid only once, with no scheduled follow-up or additional rounds unless extended by the government
- Will not be prorated or reduced for those under the income threshold
- Will not apply to those who exceed the $150,000 annual income limit
The full amount will be deposited without any deductions or taxes.
How Will the CRA $250 One-Time Payment Be Issued?
The CRA will distribute the $250 payments using one of two methods:
Direct Deposit
- If you have a linked bank account on file with CRA (used for 2023 tax payments or refunds), the payment will be automatically deposited there.
- Make sure your banking details are up to date through your CRA My Account dashboard to avoid delays.
Mailed Cheque
- If you don’t have a direct deposit set up, CRA may issue a physical cheque to your registered mailing address.
- Delays in mailed payments may occur depending on your region and postal services.
How to Apply for the CRA $250 One-Time Rebate
You do not need to apply for this benefit separately. The CRA will automatically issue the payment based on your 2023 tax filing.
If you receive any messages or emails asking you to submit personal information or banking details to claim this payment, do not respond—these could be fraudulent attempts to steal your data.
When Will the CRA $250 Payment Be Sent?
As of now, CRA has not announced an exact payment date. However, the agency has confirmed the release will happen in spring 2025.
Since spring has begun, Canadians can expect the payment to arrive in April or May 2025. For the most current updates:
- Visit the official CRA website
- Log into your My CRA Account to check your eligibility and payment status
Final Thoughts on the $250 CRA One-Time Rebate
The CRA $250 one-time payment offers valuable support for working Canadians who filed taxes in 2023 and meet the income requirements. While the amount may seem modest, it provides much-needed relief during a time of rising living costs and inflation.
Make sure your personal and banking information is current with the CRA to receive your payment on time. Also, stay cautious of scams—remember, the CRA does not require an application for this benefit, and will never request sensitive data by text or email.
As the government continues to explore new ways to support taxpayers, staying informed about updates on CRA benefits and programs can help you take full advantage of what’s available.