Breaking News: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that a $1,050 relief payment will be distributed to eligible low-income Canadians through direct deposit starting in October 2025. This one-time support comes as part of the federal effort to help households cope with rising living costs, especially in the months leading into winter.
Government officials have described this payment as “targeted support” aimed at individuals and families hardest hit by inflation, housing costs, and food prices.
What Is the $1,050 Relief Payment for Low-Income Canadians ?
The $1,050 relief payment is a temporary financial support issued by the CRA to low- and moderate-income Canadians. While it’s not a permanent program, it builds upon the federal government’s ongoing affordability measures, including the GST/HST credit, Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), and Carbon Rebate.
This relief payment will appear in your bank account as a direct deposit from the CRA, listed under “Government of Canada – Relief Benefit.”
Officials clarified that the program is designed to bridge the affordability gap for Canadians with income under a certain threshold — particularly those earning below $45,000 annually or households under $65,000 combined.
CRA Direct Deposit October 2025 — Key Payment Dates
According to CRA’s projected schedule, most eligible Canadians will receive their $1,050 relief payment between October 15 and October 31, 2025.
Those who are enrolled in direct deposit will see the funds earlier, while mailed cheques could take an extra week to arrive.
| Payment Method | Expected Deposit Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CRA Direct Deposit | Between Oct 15–21, 2025 | Automatically sent if enrolled |
| Mailed Cheque | By Oct 31, 2025 | Delivery time varies by region |
| CRA MyAccount Update | Oct 10, 2025 | Payment confirmation visible online |
Who Qualifies for the $1,050 Relief Payment in 2025?
The CRA eligibility criteria are based on annual income and residency. Canadians who meet the following requirements are expected to qualify:
- Filed a 2024 tax return before September 2025.
- Annual income below:
- $45,000 (individuals)
- $65,000 (families or couples).
- Resident of Canada for tax purposes as of October 1, 2025.
- Received at least one federal benefit in the past year (such as GST/HST, CWB, or OAS).
Those receiving provincial top-ups or social benefits may also see an automatic adjustment added to their CRA account balance.
CRA Payment Details — Breakdown by Household
Here’s an overview of how the $1,050 payment may be distributed based on household income and size:
| Household Type | Approx. Income Threshold | Estimated Payment (Oct 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Individual | Under $45,000 | $525 |
| Couple (No Children) | Under $65,000 | $750 |
| Family with 1–2 Children | Under $75,000 | $1,050 |
| Senior (Single) | Under $40,000 | $600 |
While the exact calculation varies, the CRA uses the same income-tested model applied to other federal credits to determine payment amounts.
CRA Direct Deposit: How to Check Your Payment Status
Canadians can verify their payment status directly via CRA My Account. Here’s how:
- Log in to CRA My Account (through secure login or banking partner).
- Navigate to “Benefits and Credits.”
- Select “Relief Payment – October 2025.”
- Review payment amount and deposit date.
- Confirm your banking details and mailing address are up to date.
For those not registered for direct deposit, CRA recommends setting it up before October 10 to avoid delays.
Why Is This Payment Being Issued Now?
The federal government has faced pressure to act as food inflation, rent, and energy costs continue to rise faster than wages. The $1,050 relief payment is part of a short-term economic buffer designed to prevent low-income families from slipping further behind.
Economic analysts note that this support targets Canadians who are not covered by existing benefit increases in 2025, such as:
- Seniors not receiving OAS top-ups
- Working families not fully qualifying for the CWB
- Individuals earning just above the GST/HST credit cutoff
This payment serves as a “bridge benefit,” offering immediate relief before broader benefit adjustments take effect in 2026.
Will the $1,050 Relief Payment Affect Taxes?
No — the CRA confirmed that this payment is non-taxable. It will not reduce eligibility for other benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, OAS, or GIS.
It also does not need to be repaid, even if your 2025 income increases slightly.
Expert Comment — Mark Carney Weighs In
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney commented on the need for targeted affordability measures:
“Direct cash transfers to lower-income households are among the fastest and most effective ways to maintain purchasing power in times of inflation,” said Carney.
“A $1,050 relief payment gives vulnerable Canadians a direct cushion without overheating the economy.”
How to Prepare Before October 2025
- File your 2024 tax return early.
- Set up direct deposit through CRA My Account.
- Update your address and family status.
- Keep an eye on CRA’s “MyBenefits” portal around mid-October for confirmation.
CRA also warns Canadians not to fall for scam messages promising faster deposits. The agency never asks for credit card or personal banking information by text or email.
Summary Table — CRA $1,050 Relief Payment October 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Payment Name | CRA Relief Payment 2025 |
| Payment Month | October 2025 |
| Amount | Up to $1,050 |
| Eligibility | Low- and middle-income Canadians |
| Deposit Type | Direct deposit or cheque |
| Taxable? | No |
| CRA Status Page Update | October 10, 2025 |
| Deposit Window | October 15–31, 2025 |
Summary
The $1,050 relief payment offers a vital lifeline to low-income Canadians ahead of the winter season. With inflation persisting and household budgets stretched thin, this one-time CRA payment is expected to reach millions of Canadians before the end of October 2025.
To ensure you don’t miss your payment: file your taxes, set up direct deposit, and monitor CRA My Account regularly.
