Canada’s One-Time $680 CRA Payment Arriving November 24: What You Need to Know

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is set to distribute a one-time payment of $680 on November 24 to eligible Canadians, aiming to provide relief amid rising living costs. This article outlines key details about the payment, eligibility rules, timing, and how to prepare.

Why the Payment Has Been Introduced

With inflation pushing up costs for essentials such as groceries, utilities and housing, the government has opted for targeted relief rather than a broad tax cut.

The $680 payment is designed to give low- and moderate-income households a timely financial boost while existing benefit streams continue.

It complements, rather than replaces, other programs such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the GST/HST Credit.

Payment Details at a Glance

• Amount: $680 (one-time only)
• Scheduled date: November 24 (via direct deposit or mailed cheque)
• Tax status: Fully tax-free and will not affect eligibility for other federal benefits
• Delivery method: Direct deposit is prioritised; cheques will follow for those not enrolled
• Application: No separate form required — eligibility determined automatically based on CRA records

Who Qualifies for the Payment?

To be eligible for this one-time $680 payment, recipients must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Have filed the 2024 income tax return (so that CRA has current income information)
• Belong to a low- or moderate-income household — typically those already receiving benefits like CCB or GST/HST Credit
• Ensure banking and mailing details are up-to-date with CRA
• Note: High-income earners who fall outside established thresholds may not qualify

When and How Will the Payment Be Delivered?

Eligible recipients should see the payment land in their account on or shortly after November 24 if they have direct deposit enabled. For those receiving cheques, postal delivery may mean a delay of 5-10 business days.

If your account or address information is outdated, this may cause delays — updating your details now via CRA My Account is strongly advised.

What Steps Should You Take Right Now?

1. Log into CRA My Account and confirm your banking information or sign up for direct deposit.
2. Make sure the CRA has your correct mailing address.
3. Verify that your 2024 tax return has been filed and processed.
4. Review your eligibility for related benefits (CCB, GST/HST Credit, etc.) to ensure you’re within the thresholds.
5. Avoid falling for scams: CRA will never ask you to pay a fee or provide banking details via email or text to receive a payment.

Why This Matters for Canadians

While $680 may not fully offset every cost pressure, for many households — especially those on fixed incomes or relying on benefits — this one-time payment can relieve some of the immediate burden of rising expenses.

By automating the payment and making it tax-free, the government streamlines delivery and ensures recipients receive the full amount without affecting other entitlements.

It reinforces the broader social safety net and underlines the importance of keeping tax filings and personal information up to date.

The upcoming one-time $680 payment from the CRA offers a meaningful boost to eligible Canadians gearing up for higher costs this season.

By filing your 2024 tax return, checking direct deposit status and ensuring your personal details are current, you position yourself to receive this relief smoothly.

Stay vigilant for scams, and consider this payment as a helpful addition — not a substitute for longer-term income planning.

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