The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that eligible Canadians will receive a one-time $200 GST/HST credit boost this year, with direct deposits set to arrive on November 27, 2025.
This temporary boost arrives as many households face rising living costs and seeks to provide meaningful relief without requiring a separate application.
What is the $200 GST/HST Credit Boost?
The regular GST/HST credit is a quarterly, tax-free benefit designed to help low- and modest-income Canadians offset the costs associated with goods and services tax.
For 2025, the federal government has approved an additional $200 payment on top of the regular credit, aimed at helping households cope with inflation, higher grocery bills, utility hikes and other expenses.
Importantly, this boost is separate from and does not affect your ongoing quarterly GST/HST credit payments.
Who Qualifies for the Boost?
1. Filed your 2024 tax return
Your 2024 income tax return must be filed so the CRA can determine your eligibility.
If you have not yet filed, doing so should be your first step.
2. Meet income thresholds and household criteria
Eligibility uses the same criteria as the regular GST/HST credit. This includes factors such as:
- Being a single person with modest income
- Married or in a common-law partnership with combined modest incomes
- Being a parent or support person receiving GST/HST credit based on household income and number of children
3. Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes at time of issuance
You must be resident in Canada for tax purposes and already eligible for the GST/HST credit as of the month the payment is issued.
If you currently receive regular GST/HST credit payments, you’ll typically be automatically considered for the $200 boost.
When Will the Payment Arrive?
The CRA has confirmed that direct deposit payments will be made on November 27, 2025.
If you receive payments by cheque, the mailed payment may arrive later, depending on postal service timelines.
No separate application is required—eligible recipients will receive it automatically if other criteria are met.
How Much Will You Receive?
Eligible individuals will receive $200 as a one-time payment in addition to their regular quarterly GST/HST credit.
Note that in families where both partners are eligible, each person may receive the $200, meaning the household could receive more than $200 in total.
Why Has the Government Introduced This Boost?
The rationale for the payment is to provide timely financial support to Canadians facing cost-of-living pressures, including:
- Persistent inflation
- Rising grocery and household costs
- Higher utility and housing expenses
- Increased transportation costs
The objective is clear: offer relief without requiring extra applications or creating administrative burdens.
What to Do to Ensure You Receive the Payment
1. File your 2024 tax return
Filing is the key eligibility requirement. Without a filed return, you will not be eligible for this boost.
2. Update your CRA information
Ensure your personal details with the CRA are current:
- Address
- Marital status
- Direct deposit banking information
3. Monitor “My Account” with CRA
Using the CRA’s My Account portal, you can track upcoming payments, confirm your eligibility status, and ensure everything is in order.
What if Your Payment Does Not Arrive?
If you have not received the $200 boost by December 11, 2025, you should take the following steps:
- Check your CRA My Account to confirm your banking and contact details are accurate.
- Contact the CRA to inquire about processing delays or if your information may be outdated.
Note: Some delays may occur because of processing backlogs or outdated recipient information.
The $200 one-time GST/HST boost coming from the CRA on November 27, 2025 offers important, timely financial relief for many Canadian households amid rising costs.
With no separate application required, the key steps are to ensure your 2024 tax return is filed and your CRA-account information is up-to-date.
For those eligible, this payment adds to the regular GST/HST credit and strengthens support during a challenging economic backdrop.
If you expect the payment and don’t receive it by mid-December, follow up via your CRA My Account or contact the CRA directly.
FAQs
Do I need to apply separately for the $200 GST boost?
No — if you are eligible based on the usual criteria and your details are with the CRA, the payment is automatic.
Will this payment affect my regular GST/HST credit amounts?
No — the one-time $200 boost is in addition to your regular quarterly payments and does not alter future amounts.
What if my direct deposit isn’t set up with the CRA?
If you don’t have direct deposit, you will receive a cheque instead — but expect possible delays. Confirm your banking details and address in your CRA My Account to ensure smooth delivery.