Imagine opening your bank statement in the fall of 2025 and seeing a $1,350 deposit from the CRA—no work required, no new application. That scenario is circulating online, promising financial relief amid rising costs. But is it real?
As tax expert Jennifer Mills notes: “Announcements like these generate hope—but also confusion. It’s critical to separate confirmed government policy from online speculation.”
In this article, we’ll dig into the claimed $1,350 one-time payment: what the social chatter says, what the CRA has officially announced (or not), and what you should do now to be ready if it becomes official policy.
CRA $1,350 One-Time Payment
According to multiple non-official sources, the CRA is set to release a one-time non-taxable payment of $1,350 to low- and moderate-income Canadians in September 2025. These articles claim the payment is tied to your 2024 tax filing and certain benefit-recipient status. For example, one write-up states: “The benefit is targeted at those who’ve filed their 2024 return and meet income thresholds, with no application required.”
However, key point: there is no official CRA webpage or press release confirming this exact payment as of now. The agency’s own “One-time payment for older seniors”-page shows past one-time payments (e.g., $500 in 2021) — but nothing matching $1,350 or broader cohorts.
Thus, at present, this $1,350 payment should be considered unconfirmed but possible. That means using it in your planning involves caution and contingency.
CRA $1,350 One-Time Payment 2025: Overview
Here are the claimed features of the one-time $1,350 payment:
| Feature | Claimed Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | $1,350 (single lump-sum) |
| Timing | September 2025 |
| Tax Status | Non-taxable (according to claim) |
| Eligibility | Low-/moderate-income Canadians, filed 2024 taxes |
| Application | Automatic (no separate application) |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or mailed cheque |
| Official Status | Not yet confirmed via CRA |
“Recipients should treat this as a possible benefit, not a guaranteed one,” advises tax planner Mark Delaney.
Because the announcement lacks formal confirmation, you should not plan critical expenditures assuming it will arrive.
Eligibility Rules
If the payment is real, the eligibility criteria circulating are:
- Canadian resident as of claim date (September 2025).
- Filed your 2024 income tax return by a deadline (often claimed as June 30 2025).
- Adjusted family net income under a certain threshold (not publicly defined).
- Possibly receipt of other federal benefits (e.g., GST/HST Credit, CCB) though this is speculative.
- No separate application needed—reportedly automatic based on CRA records.
Since this benefit is not verified, you should ensure you meet all standard compliance rules (e.g., filed tax return, valid Social Insurance Number, direct deposit information up to date). These steps increase your chances of receiving any CRA-administered support.
Benefits of the Program
If real, such a payment could offer meaningful relief:
- For many low-income households, $1,350 could cover several months of groceries or utility bills.
- A lump sum provides flexibility—it could reduce debt, bolster savings, or assist unexpected costs.
- Because it’s reportedly tax-free, it might not trigger additional tax burdens or impact means-tested benefits as severely.
However, keep in mind: without confirmation, relying on the payment is risky.
Payment / Processing Details
Here’s a summary table of how payment is said to work:
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tax return filing | Must file 2024 return, likely by June 30, 2025 |
| Eligibility determination | CRA analyzes records after return is processed |
| Payment window | Claimed for September 2025 (dates vary) |
| Payment methods | Direct deposit preferred; cheque option available |
| No application required | Benefit already “on file” if you meet criteria |
If you want to prepare now: update your CRA My Account direct deposit info, mail change of address if needed, and ensure your 2024 return is filed on time. If you don’t receive the payment when expected, you might check payment schedules, and contact CRA after allowing a reasonable waiting period.
Comparison / Extra Insights
Here’s how this claimed payment stacks up against similar past benefits:
| Benefit | Year | Amount | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-time payment for older seniors | 2021 | $500 | Seniors 75+ who received OAS |
| Claimed CRA $1,350 payment | 2025 | $1,350 | Low/moderate income Canadians (unconfirmed) |
The main difference: the 2021 payment was officially announced. The 2025 $1,350 claim remains speculative.
“History shows the CRA will announce one-time payments publicly in legislation or budget documents,” says Linda McAllister, public policy researcher. That hasn’t happened yet for $1,350.
Recent Updates (as of August 2025)
- There is no official CRA page confirming the $1,350 payment.
- CRA has issued scam warnings about false emails claiming “bonus payments” requiring your banking info.
- Interest in cost‐of‐living supports remains high; government budgets often consider such payments.
Thus, stay alert for official announcements (budget release, CRA press release, federal legislation) to confirm if this benefit becomes real.
Why It Matters?
If the payment goes ahead:
- It would provide immediate relief amid inflation and rising household costs.
- It could boost consumer spending, which has broader economic implications.
- For tax planners, it means timing around income reporting, benefit eligibility, and tax filing becomes more critical.
But because it remains unconfirmed, Mark Delaney’s warning is apt: “Don’t count on it. Instead, prepare as if it’s a bonus—not a guaranteed reimbursement.”
Final Takeaway
The idea of a $1,350 one-time payment from the CRA in 2025 has generated a lot of buzz—and hope. But until the federal government or CRA issues formal confirmation, it remains speculative. That doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Instead:
- File your 2024 tax return on time.
- Keep your banking and direct deposit details up to date.
- Monitor official channels for announcements.
- Plan your finances based on confirmed benefits, treating any extra payment as a possible bonus.
In short: prepare smartly, stay informed, but don’t depend on the $1,350 until it’s official.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the CRA officially confirmed a $1,350 payment in 2025?
No. As of now there is no formal CRA announcement of a one-time payment of $1,350. The claim remains unverified.
Do I need to apply to receive this payment?
According to the claim, no separate application is required—it would be automatic if you’re eligible. But this is not confirmed by CRA.
Is the payment taxable?
The claim says it is non-taxable. Until official confirmation is available, treat that as speculative.
What if I haven’t filed my 2024 tax return yet?
If the payment becomes real, filing your 2024 return promptly (and accurately) will likely be essential for eligibility.
Could this payment impact other benefits?
If it exists, whether it is counted in income‐tested benefits remains unclear. Keep an eye on official rules.
How can I check if I will receive it?
Monitor your CRA My Account for any new benefit notice. Also check the federal budget and CRA announcements for confirmation.
