Introduction
As the new year sets in, most Canadians always look forward to several benefit payments that they would qualify for during that period. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has designed different financial aids programs to suit individuals and family needs in achieving economic stability. Throughout January 2025, different major CRA benefits payments will cater to low-income workers, elders, families having children, as well as a disabled individual in need. Here’s a breakdown of the 8 CRA benefits Canadians can receive in January 2025, and what you need to know about each of them.
1. GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly benefit to help low- and moderate-income Canadians recover a part of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) they’ve paid. Provincial and territorial top-ups may be included.
Eligibility:
- A Canadian resident for income tax purposes.
- Generally, applicants must be 19 years of age or older, though some younger individuals can qualify if:
- They are or were spouses or common law partners.
- They are or were parents living with their child.
Payment Amounts:
The amount that you will be paid depends upon your adjusted family net income as well as how many children reside in your house. Here’s what you should expect for January 2025 payment:
- If single, $129.75,
- If married/common law, then $170, and
- Each child under the age of 19 years pays an additional amount of $44.75
Payment Date:
- January 3, 2025
2. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) offers early access to the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), a tax credit that is refundable for low-income families and individuals. Payments are spread over three installments but disburse up to 50% of the annual benefit amount.
Eligibility:
- At least 19 years of age or resided with a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child.
- Reside in Canada throughout the year.
- There must be less than the provincial/territorial limits of annual net earnings.
Payment Amounts:
Maximum annual benefits are:
- $1,518 for a single person.
- $2,616 for families.
- $784 in additional disability supplement.
January 2025 eligible recipients may qualify for:
- $253 if you’re single.
- $436 with a spouse or common-law partner.
- An extra $130.66 in disability supplement.
Payment Date:
- January 10, 2025
3. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
The Ontario Trillium Benefit assists low- and moderate-income Ontarians in offsetting essential costs, such as energy bills, property taxes, and sales taxes. It combines three credits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC).
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC).
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC).
Eligibility:
- Must have filed a 2023 income tax return.
- Those eligible for annual benefits under $360 received a lump-sum payment in July 2024.
Payment Amounts:
Monthly payments for January 2025 include:
- Up to $104 from OEPTC (ages 18–64) or $118.41 (65+).
- Up to $15 for singles or $23.08 for families from NOEC.
- Up to $30 per family member (OSTC).
Payment Date:
- January 10, 2025
4. Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)
Formerly referred to as the Climate Action Incentive Payment, the Canada Carbon Rebate is a tax-free quarterly benefit designed to offset costs from federal pollution pricing. Supplemental support for rural and small-community residents exists.
Eligibility:
- Must reside in eligible provinces (e.g., Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba).
- Generally, recipients must be 19 years of age or meet alternate conditions, such as being a parent or living with a spouse/common-law partner.
Payment Amounts:
Amounts depend on the province. For example, in Ontario, January pays out:
- $140 for a single person.
- $70 for a spouse/common-law partner or the first eligible child in a single-parent household.
- $35 for every additional child.
Rural area residents get an additional 20%. For example, for a family of four in rural Ontario, this comes to $336 for January.
Payment Date:
- January 15, 2025
5. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment for assisting families with child-raising costs. More benefits, in fact, are provided to families whose children have disabilities.
Eligibility:
- Live with a child under 18 years old and be primarily responsible for their care
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Payment Amounts:
$Maximum payments apply to families with an adjusted net income under $36,502 including:
- $648.91 per child under 6 years old.
- $547.50 per child aged 6–17.
Payment Date:
- January 20, 2025
6. Old Age Security (OAS)
The OAS pension is money paid out to Canadians 65 years or older, regardless of employment status or work history.
Eligibility:
- Has to have been resident in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 (20 years if outside the country).
- Mostly automatic, but registration has to be done manually if no notice of application is received when one becomes 64 years old.
Payment Amounts:
Maximum monthly payments:
- $727.67 for those aged 65–74.
- $800.44 for those aged 75+.
Payment Date:
- January 29, 2025
7. Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
The Canada Pension Plan provides lifetime retirement income to eligible Canadians. It is separate from the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP).
Eligibility:
- Must be at least 60 years old with at least one CPP contribution during employment.
- Credits can be shared in case of a separation or divorce.
Payment Amounts:
- The maximum monthly payment for someone starting benefits at age 65 is $1,364.60.
Payment Date:
- January 29, 2025
8. Veteran Disability Pension
The Veteran Disability Pension is available to veterans who have service-related disabilities. Additional payments are also made for dependents, including spouses and children.
Eligibility:
- Condition must be diagnosed as being related to military service.
- Available to veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP members, and civilians who served in wartime positions.
Payment Amounts:
Maximum monthly payment:
- $3,357.30 for veterans with the highest disability rating.
- Additional amounts: $839.33 (spouse), $436.45 (first child), $318.94 (second child), $251.80 (each additional child).
Payment Date:
- Typically, the last week of the month (TBA).
Conclusion
As we begin the new year, it is crucial to know what benefits you are eligible for. Knowing which CRA benefits are available in January 2025 will ensure that you receive the financial support you need. Whether you are a senior, parent, low-income worker, or someone with a disability, these programs can help ease your financial burden and provide greater stability.
Verify eligibility, payment dates, and the process of application through the CRA website to claim all the financial aid you may be eligible for in 2025.
FAQ’s
Are CRA payments taxable?
Many benefits, such as the GST/HST Credit, CCB, and CCR, are non-taxable. Others, like CPP and OAS, are taxable income.
How do I apply?
Most benefits are calculated automatically when you file your tax return. A few benefits, such as CPP and OAS, require an application.
Can I get several benefits at once?
Yes, you can qualify for and receive a number of CRA benefits, if you meet the eligibility requirements for each benefit.