Canada’s $680 CRA One-Time Payment — Check Eligibility, Dates and Direct Deposit Details

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)** has announced a new one-time payment of $680 to help Canadians manage rising living costs in 2025.
This payment is part of the federal government’s broader effort to provide direct financial relief to low- and middle-income households struggling with day-to-day expenses like food, rent, and utilities.

Unlike ongoing CRA benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST Credit, or Old Age Security (OAS), this new payment stands alone as a special one-time initiative — designed to deliver immediate support without the need for a separate application.

What Is the $680 CRA One-Time Payment?

The $680 CRA One-Time Payment is a tax-free financial assistance program that provides one lump sum to eligible Canadians.
It will be distributed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) through direct deposit or mailed cheques starting in September 2025.

This payment aims to reduce the financial strain caused by high inflation, energy costs, and increased prices for groceries and housing.
It acts as a short-term boost for those who meet the eligibility criteria based on their 2024 tax return and residency status

Key Details at a Glance (CRA $680 Payment Overview)

Department	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Program Name	CRA One-Time Payment
Country	Canada
Payment Amount	$680
Payment Type	Tax-free financial assistance
Payment Date	September 2025
Delivery Method	Direct deposit or mailed cheque
Eligibility Basis	2024 tax return and Canadian residency
Category	Federal cost-of-living support
Official Website	www.canada.ca

Why the $680 CRA Payment Was Introduced (Purpose of the Program)

Rising living costs have left many Canadian families struggling to stretch their incomes.
With inflation affecting food, rent, transportation, and energy prices, even middle-income households have felt growing pressure on their monthly budgets.

The federal government introduced the $680 one-time payment to offer temporary relief to those hit hardest.
By targeting Canadians with low to moderate incomes, the CRA ensures the funds go to those most affected by rising essentials and stagnant wages.

This initiative complements other ongoing support programs, such as:

• The GST/HST Credit
• The Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
• Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

Together, these benefits form a multi-layered safety net aimed at stabilizing household finances across Canada

How the $680 CRA Payment Works (Distribution Method)

Eligible Canadians do not need to apply for this one-time payment.
The CRA will automatically assess eligibility based on your 2024 income tax return and deposit the funds directly into your registered bank account.

There are two possible methods of payment:

1. Direct Deposit – The fastest and safest way to receive your funds. Payments will appear in your account on the official release date in September 2025.
2. Mailed Cheque – For Canadians who have not registered for direct deposit, cheques will be mailed to the address on file. Delivery may take longer.

The CRA has urged Canadians to update their banking information through their CRA MyAccount portal to avoid delays.

Who Qualifies for the $680 CRA One-Time Payment

The government has outlined clear eligibility rules to determine who will receive the $680 payment:

• You must be a Canadian resident as defined by the Income Tax Act.
• You must have filed your 2024 tax return before the CRA deadline.
• Your household income must fall within the low-to-moderate income range set by the CRA.
• The payment primarily targets individuals and families struggling with everyday costs of living.
• You do not need to apply — the CRA automatically identifies eligible recipients.

Because the payment is tax-free, it will not affect your other benefits or taxable income when filing your 2025 tax return.

Why You Don’t Need to Apply (Automatic CRA Processing)

One of the most convenient features of this program is that no manual application is required.
The CRA uses the information from your most recent tax return to automatically determine eligibility.

This means that as long as your 2024 return is filed and your information is up to date, you will receive the payment directly — without needing to fill out any forms or make special claims.

If you’ve recently changed your banking details or address, you should log into your CRA MyAccount or contact CRA to ensure your details are correct before the September rollout.

Payment Schedule and Delivery Timelines

The $680 one-time payment will be distributed in September 2025.

Canadians receiving direct deposit can expect the funds to arrive on or near the official issue date, while those receiving mailed cheques may experience a short delay depending on postal timelines.

The CRA has not specified an exact date but has confirmed that all eligible payments will be completed within the month of September.

How the CRA One-Time Payment Differs from Other Benefits

This $680 benefit is independent of other CRA-managed programs such as:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• GST/HST Credit
• Old Age Security (OAS)
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

It does not replace or reduce any of these ongoing supports. Instead, it acts as an additional boost during a time of high economic strain.

Unlike regular benefits, this payment will be issued only once and is not recurring. However, the government may consider extending similar initiatives if inflation remains high.

Why the $680 CRA Payment Matters (Helping Canadian Households)

The $680 CRA payment is more than just a financial gesture — it’s a timely measure aimed at stabilizing families’ finances amid uncertain economic conditions.

With food prices, rent, and energy bills continuing to rise, many households are relying on government assistance to stay afloat.

This one-time boost can:

• Help cover groceries and household essentials
• Offset rising utility bills
• Provide support for low-income seniors and single parents
• Act as a buffer for unexpected expenses

Economists note that such payments, though modest, can provide a psychological and financial cushion, improving household resilience against inflationary shocks.

Tax Treatment: Is the $680 Payment Taxable?

The CRA has confirmed that the $680 payment is fully tax-free.
This means:

• It will not be included in your taxable income.
• It will not affect other benefits like CCB, OAS, or GIS.
• It does not need to be declared on your tax return.

This makes it one of the most straightforward forms of support available, providing full value to recipients without the burden of additional taxes.

How to Prepare Before the Payment

To ensure you receive your $680 payment smoothly, the CRA recommends the following steps:

1. File your 2024 tax return before the deadline.
2. Register or update your direct deposit through CRA MyAccount.
3. Verify your mailing address if you’re receiving payment by cheque.
4. Avoid scams — the CRA never sends unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal information.
5. Check your eligibility through your CRA account after September if the payment does not arrive automatically.

Broader Impact on Canada’s Financial Relief Programs

The $680 payment reflects a broader government strategy to provide targeted, one-time financial relief during inflationary periods.
Such measures are often timed to coincide with rising costs or seasonal expenses, ensuring Canadians have additional funds when they’re needed most.

It also complements other cost-of-living measures introduced by both the federal and provincial governments, demonstrating a coordinated effort to protect financially vulnerable citizens

$680 CRA Payment Highlights

• Payment Date: September 2025
• Amount: $680 (tax-free)
• Applies To: Low- and middle-income Canadians
• Application Needed: No
• Automatic Deposit: Yes (based on 2024 tax return)
• Other Benefits Affected: Non

Why Canadians Should Stay Informed

Staying informed about CRA programs can ensure you don’t miss out on valuable benefits.
With new initiatives frequently introduced in response to economic conditions, regularly checking the CRA website and your MyAccount portal can help you track eligibility and payment status.

Financial experts advise Canadians to also review their broader benefit entitlements — combining multiple programs can significantly enhance financial stability through challenging periods.

By ensuring your tax return and banking details are up to date, you can receive this one-time support seamlessly and make the most of the relief available.

(5) Five FAQs

Q1. What is the $680 CRA one-time payment?
It’s a tax-free payment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency in September 2025 to help low- and middle-income Canadians manage rising living costs.

Q2. Who is eligible for the $680 payment?
Canadians who filed their 2024 tax return, meet CRA’s low-to-moderate income threshold, and are residents of Canada qualify automatically.

Q3. Do I need to apply for the $680 payment?
No application is needed. CRA will automatically determine eligibility and issue the payment via direct deposit or cheque.

Q4. When will I receive the payment?
Payments begin in September 2025. Those with direct deposit will receive funds first, while mailed cheques may take slightly longer.

Q5. Will the $680 CRA payment affect my other benefits?
No. The payment is non-taxable and will not impact benefits such as the GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, or Old Age Security.