The GST/HST Credit is one of Canada’s most essential tax-free benefits designed to help low- and moderate-income individuals and families offset the cost of paying the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this quarterly payment ensures that eligible Canadians receive additional financial support to help with day-to-day living expenses.
As living costs continue to rise across the country, many Canadians are asking the same question: “Will there be an extra GST payment in 2025?” Here’s everything we know so far, including eligibility rules, payment dates, and what could change in the coming year.
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Is an Extra GST/HST Credit Payment Coming in 2025?
As of October 2025, there has been no official confirmation from the Government of Canada or the CRA regarding an extra one-time GST/HST payment for 2025.
However, discussions have been ongoing within Parliament and public policy circles about additional cost-of-living relief for low-income Canadians. This follows previous one-time top-up payments in 2022 and 2023, where the government issued a “Grocery Rebate”—an extra GST payment—to help Canadians manage inflation-driven expenses.
Given the persistence of inflation and continued affordability challenges, experts believe a supplemental GST/HST Credit payment could be announced later in 2025, particularly if new economic relief measures are introduced in the federal fall update or spring 2026 budget.
How the GST/HST Credit Works
The GST/HST Credit is a non-taxable quarterly payment based on your net family income and family size, determined by your latest tax return. The CRA automatically assesses your eligibility when you file your taxes.
The 2025–26 benefit year runs from July 2025 to June 2026, with payments typically issued in:
- July 2025
- October 2025
- January 2026
- April 2026
If a one-time extra payment is approved, it would likely be delivered outside of these regular dates—as seen in past top-ups.
Current GST/HST Credit Payment Amounts (2025–26)
According to the CRA, the maximum annual GST/HST Credit amounts for the 2025–26 benefit year are approximately:
- $533 for single individuals
- $698 for married or common-law couples
- $184 for each child under 19
Payments are made directly to your bank account through CRA direct deposit or by mailed cheque if you are not enrolled electronically.
Eligibility Criteria for GST/HST Credit
To qualify for the GST/HST Credit in 2025, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes at the beginning of the month the CRA makes the payment.
- Be 19 years of age or older, or have (or previously had) a spouse/common-law partner, or be a parent who lives (or lived) with your child.
- File an annual tax return, even if you have no income to report.
- Meet the income threshold, as the credit gradually reduces once your net family income exceeds a certain amount.
Even individuals earning modest incomes may receive partial credit, depending on their circumstances.
Possible Scenarios for an Extra GST Payment in 2025
While there is no confirmed one-time payment yet, several scenarios could trigger an extra GST/HST Credit in 2025:
- Federal Cost-of-Living Relief Package: If inflation remains high into winter 2025, the government may introduce another temporary relief payment, similar to 2023’s grocery rebate.
- Fall Economic Statement (November 2025): The federal government often uses this fiscal update to announce new benefits or top-ups ahead of the winter season.
- Election-Year Measures: With the next federal election expected in the near term, additional affordability measures could be used to provide direct support to Canadians.
If announced, the extra GST payment would likely mirror previous rebate structures, where the government doubled a quarterly payment for one cycle.
How to Check Your Eligibility or Payment Status
You can verify your GST/HST Credit eligibility and upcoming payment dates by logging in to your CRA My Account. Once inside, navigate to:
- “Benefits and Credits” > “Overview”
- Select “GST/HST Credit” to see upcoming payments and past deposits.
You can also check your direct deposit registration, ensuring your payment arrives on time and securely.
Recent CRA Payment Trends and Adjustments
In 2025, many CRA-administered benefits — including OAS, CPP, and the Canada Child Benefit — saw inflation-based increases. The GST/HST Credit has also been adjusted annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
While a permanent boost to the GST Credit amount is unlikely without a federal budget amendment, a temporary top-up remains a strong possibility if inflation pressures continue into 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The CRA has not confirmed an extra GST/HST payment for 2025 yet.
- The regular quarterly payments continue in July, October, January, and April.
- Eligibility depends on income, marital status, and family size.
- If the government introduces a new cost-of-living measure, it may take the form of a one-time GST top-up or “Grocery Rebate 2.0” in late 2025.
As many Canadians continue to face rising food and housing costs, an extra GST/HST Credit payment in 2025 would provide much-needed relief. While no official announcement has been made, the federal government has a track record of introducing temporary payments to offset inflation.
Canadians should keep an eye on the CRA’s official website and the federal fall fiscal update for any announcements regarding new payments or changes to benefit schedules.