As holiday spending and year-end expenses approach, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed another round of financial support for eligible Canadians.
The December 2025 payment of the GST/HST Credit — offering up to $533 — arrives just in time to help households cope with rising living costs.
In this guide, we explain clearly who qualifies, how much you may receive, when the payment will arrive, and what you need to check to make sure it lands smoothly in your account.
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free, quarterly benefit meant to help low- and modest-income individuals and families offset the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) they pay throughout the year.
It targets households including:
- Single individuals with limited income
- Couples or common-law partners with modest earnings
- Families with children under 19
- Seniors and individuals on fixed or lower incomes
Normally, payments come quarterly (January, April, July, October). However, the December 2025 payment — which may include additional adjustments — is being issued as a special top-up.
Why December 2025 Rebate Is Special — Up to $533
The December 2025 GST/HST Credit payment can reach up to $533 for eligible individuals. This elevated amount reflects several factors: adjustments for inflation, updated income data from 2024 tax returns, and any additional household or provincial credits applicable.
Because of these revisions, this “bonus” payment could be higher than standard quarterly installments — offering welcome support as many Canadians face increased costs for groceries, housing, and other essentials.
When Will You Receive the Payment?
For December 2025, CRA has earmarked December 5, 2025 as the official payment date for the GST/HST Credit.
Payments are delivered either by:
- Direct deposit — the fastest and most reliable method
- Mailed cheque — which may take 5–10 business days longer depending on your location.
If you don’t receive your payment by December 12, 2025, it’s recommended to wait the full 10 business days before contacting CRA.
How Much Could You Get?
The actual amount of your December 2025 payment depends on your household composition and income. General benchmarks:
| Household Type | Typical Annual Entitlement* |
|---|---|
| Single individual | Up to $533 |
| Married / Common-law couple | Up to ≈ $698 annually (divided quarterly) |
| Each child under 19 | Additional ≈ $184/year per eligible child |
* December payment is part of the total annual GST/HST Credit cycle (2025–2026).
For example, a family with two children may receive the base adult benefit plus extra child credits — meaning the December installment could be significantly higher than a standard quarterly payout.
Who Qualifies for the December 2025 Credit?
To be eligible for the December payment you must:
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes at the time of payment.
- Be at least 19 years old, or if under 19, have a spouse/common-law partner or be a parent living with a child.
- Have filed your 2024 income tax return, even if you had no income — this is essential for the CRA to calculate eligibility.
- Meet the income threshold and family size criteria set by CRA. Lower income and more dependents usually increase the amount you receive.
Why Some People See Higher December Payments Than Before
The December 2025 payout may stand out as larger due to:
- Updated income data from recent tax filings — if your 2024 income decreased, your benefit could increase.
- Provincial top-ups or additional credits that stack onto the federal GST/HST benefit for certain households.
- Annual indexation for inflation, which adjusts payment amounts to account for rising costs.
How to Ensure Your Rebate Arrives on Time
To avoid delays or missing your payment:
- Make sure your 2024 tax return is filed — even if you earned little or no income.
- Enable and confirm direct deposit in your CRA account for faster delivery.
- Update your marital status, number of children, and mailing address — inaccurate info can delay payment or reduce eligibility.
- Check CRA’s “My Account” portal for any alerts or notices.
The December 2025 GST/HST Credit payment is more than just another quarterly benefit — with up to $533 available, and potentially more for households with children or lower incomes, it offers important financial relief heading into the holiday season.
By filing your taxes on time, keeping personal information updated, and opting for direct deposit, you can make sure the funds arrive smoothly. If done right, this rebate could help ease the burden of rising living costs, especially for low- and modest-income families and individuals.
FAQs
Do I need to apply separately to get the GST/HST Credit?
No. If you file your annual tax return and meet the eligibility criteria, CRA automatically calculates and issues the credit — no separate application is required.
When will the December 2025 GST/HST payment be deposited?
The scheduled date is December 5, 2025. Most eligible recipients with direct deposit should see funds on this day, while mailed cheques may arrive within 5–10 business days.
Can families receive more than $533 in December?
Yes. The $533 figure refers to the maximum base amount for a single individual. Couples, and families with dependents under 19, may receive additional credits — sometimes making their December payment significantly higher.