As the cost of living continues to rise across Canada, many households are looking forward to some much-needed financial relief this fall. The final GST/HST Credit payment of 2025 is set to arrive in bank accounts very soon, delivering hundreds of dollars in tax-free support to eligible individuals and families.
If you’re wondering when to expect your payment, how much you’ll receive, or whether you qualify, this guide breaks it all down.
Table of Contents
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It’s designed to offset the amount of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) that low- and modest-income Canadians pay on everyday essentials like groceries, fuel, clothing, and utilities.
This benefit is distributed four times a year — in January, April, July, and October — and is automatically calculated based on your income and household details from your most recent tax return.
Why Does It Vary by Province?
In addition to the federal payment, some provinces offer top-up credits. These can significantly increase your total payment — especially in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, or Alberta where provincial GST/HST rebates are added on automatically.
Who Is Eligible for the October 2025 GST/HST Credit?
Eligibility for the GST/HST Credit depends on three main factors:
- Your income
- Your family size
- Your residency status
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Be at least 19 years old in the month before the payment
- Or, be a parent living with your child or married/common-law at any age
The CRA uses your 2024 tax return to determine payments for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit period.
Income Thresholds and Phase-Out Limits
Once your family income crosses a certain level, your GST/HST Credit starts to shrink. Here’s when your payments begin to phase out:
- $56,181 for a single adult
- $59,481 for couples without children
- $63,161 for families with one child
- $66,841 for two children
- $70,521 for three children
- $74,201 for four children
If your family income is above these thresholds, you may receive a reduced amount or none at all.
How to Apply for the GST/HST Credit
For Most Canadians: No Application Needed
If you’re a resident who files a tax return every year — even if you didn’t earn any income — the CRA will automatically check if you qualify and calculate your payments.
For Newcomers to Canada
If you’re a newcomer, you must manually apply by submitting:
- Form RC151 – GST/HST Credit Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada
- Identification documents for any children
You can submit these documents online through CRA My Account or by mail to your local tax centre.
$808 OAS Payment in October 2025 Eligibility Criteria and Payment Schedule
How Much Is the October 2025 GST/HST Credit?
Your payment amount is based on your household income and family size. Here are the maximum quarterly payments for the 2025-26 benefit year:
- $133.25 for a single adult
- $41.25 extra for a spouse or common-law partner
- $46.00 per child (or $87.25 for the first child if you’re a single parent)
Example: Family of Four
A couple with two children could receive:
- $133.25 + $41.25 + $46.00 + $46.00 = $266.50 per quarter
- That’s $1,066 annually
Provincial Top-Ups
In some provinces, additional payments are added to the GST/HST Credit. These can increase the total October deposit to:
- Up to $708.75 or more for individuals
- Over $1,000 for larger families
Your province’s own income thresholds and calculations determine if you get these extra amounts.
How Is the GST/HST Credit Calculated?
The CRA uses a multi-step formula to calculate your annual GST/HST Credit:
Step 1: Base Amounts
- $349 for you
- $349 for a spouse/common-law partner
- $184 for each child under 19
- For single parents, the first child counts as a spouse, so you get $349 for them
Step 2: Single Supplement
If you’re single and earned more than $11,337, the CRA adds 2% of the amount above that income, up to a maximum of $184.
Step 3: Add Together
All the amounts from steps 1 and 2 are combined to determine your base entitlement.
Step 4: Income Reduction
Once your adjusted family net income exceeds $45,521, your total is reduced by 5% of the income over that threshold.
The remaining total is divided into four equal payments.
Is the GST/HST Credit Taxable?
No, the GST/HST Credit is completely tax-free. You do not need to:
- Report it as income
- Pay tax on it
- Worry about it affecting other government benefits
It’s essentially a refund on taxes you’ve already paid on your everyday purchases.
When Is the October 2025 GST/HST Credit Payment?
The next and final GST/HST Credit payment of 2025 will be deposited on:
Friday, October 3, 2025
You’ll receive the deposit directly into your bank account if you’re signed up for CRA direct deposit. If not, a cheque will be mailed, which can take longer.
Upcoming 2026 Payment Dates (Estimated)
While the CRA hasn’t confirmed all dates for 2026 yet, based on the quarterly schedule, expect payments on:
- Friday, January 2, 2026
- Friday, April 3, 2026
Final Thoughts Get the Most from Your GST/HST Credit
With inflation continuing to affect groceries, rent, and utilities, the GST/HST Credit can provide critical financial support — especially for families and those living on fixed incomes.
To ensure you receive the maximum benefit:
- Always file your tax return on time
- Keep your CRA account up to date
- Report any changes in marital status, number of children, or income
Even if you earned no income last year, filing your taxes can still unlock hundreds of dollars in benefits. Don’t leave money on the table.