The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially confirmed a $3,900 one-time, tax-free payment to help Canadians cope with rising costs. Here’s when the money will arrive, who qualifies, and how to make sure you get it.
CRA Confirms $3,900 One-Time Payment: Overview
| Program Name | CRA $3,900 One-Time Payment |
|---|---|
| Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Country | Canada |
| Payment Type | Tax-free, one-time lump-sum |
| Amount | $3,900 CAD |
| Payout Period | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Application Requirement | None — automatic for eligible taxpayers |
| Payment Mode | Direct deposit or mailed cheque |
| Official Portal | www.canada.ca |
Why the CRA is Sending a $3,900 Payment?
Canadians continue to face historic cost-of-living pressures. Prices for groceries, housing, fuel, and childcare remain high, stretching household budgets thin.
To provide relief, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed a one-time payment of $3,900, targeting individuals and families with low or moderate incomes, seniors on fixed pensions, and parents receiving federal benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or GST/HST Credit.
“This payment will offer short-term but meaningful help to Canadians facing daily affordability challenges,” a CRA spokesperson told reporters.
Unlike recurring monthly benefits, this payment is a single, tax-free amount — designed to reduce immediate financial pressure during the peak of inflation and holiday spending.
CRA $3,900 One-Time Payment – Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Type | Non-taxable, one-time assistance |
| Purpose | Cost-of-living relief amid inflation |
| Eligible Groups | Seniors, families, low- to middle-income earners |
| Distribution Window | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Estimated Reach | 9–10 million Canadians |
| Income Requirement | Must have filed 2024 tax return |
| CRA Verification | Automatic eligibility check |
Purpose of the $3,900 One-Time Relief
Over the past two years, inflation in Canada has hovered around 3-4%, while the prices of food and rent have risen even faster.
The government introduced this one-time CRA payment to:
- Offset higher costs of essentials like groceries and utilities
- Support retirees and low-income families during economic volatility
- Encourage spending stability through direct household support
It’s part of a broader relief framework complementing ongoing programs such as:
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- GST/HST Credit
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
How Much You’ll Receive?
Every eligible individual will receive $3,900 as a lump-sum payment, regardless of family size or province of residence.
| Recipient Type | Amount (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Adult | $3,900 | Direct deposit to CRA-linked account |
| Married Couple | $7,800 (combined) | Both partners must qualify |
| Senior on OAS/GIS | $3,900 | Automatic payment through CRA |
| Parent on CCB | $3,900 | May also receive CCB in same period |
Tax-Free Benefit — The CRA has confirmed the $3,900 payment will not be taxed and does not count as income for other programs like OAS, GIS, or provincial assistance.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CRA’s $3,900 one-time payment, Canadians must meet these conditions:
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident |
| Tax Filing | Filed 2024 income tax return before November 2025 |
| Income Range | Low to moderate income levels (below national median) |
| Existing Benefits | Recipients of CCB, OAS, GIS, or GST/HST Credit |
| Age Limit | 18 years and older |
| SIN Requirement | Valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) required |
Tip: If you haven’t filed your 2024 taxes, you must do so before November 2025 to be automatically considered.
CRA Payment Schedule & Method
| Distribution Type | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | December 15, 2025 – January 10, 2026 | Fastest method; funds arrive within 3–5 days |
| Mailed Cheque | By January 31, 2026 | May take longer depending on Canada Post |
| Payment Reference | “Canada Fed” or “CRA Deposit” | Will appear on bank statements |
Most eligible taxpayers will receive their payment automatically via the same account used for tax refunds or other benefits.
If you changed banks or moved recently, update your details in your CRA MyAccount to avoid delays.
How to Receive or Track the Payment?
No formal application is required — but to ensure eligibility and timely processing:
- File your 2024 tax return by fall 2025.
- Register for direct deposit through CRA MyAccount.
- Update your address and marital status if they’ve changed.
- Watch for CRA notifications — email or letter confirmations may arrive before payment.
If you’re already receiving benefits like GST/HST Credit, OAS, or CCB, your eligibility will be verified automatically.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received It by January 31, 2026?
If your $3,900 payment hasn’t arrived by the end of January 2026:
- Check your bank — look for “Canada Fed” or “CRA Deposit.”
- Confirm your eligibility through CRA MyAccount.
- Check your mail — paper cheques may take longer.
- Call CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281 for verification.
Avoid unofficial websites or links claiming to “speed up” your payment — CRA never charges fees or asks for personal banking information via text or email.
Why This Payment Matters?
This $3,900 one-time CRA payment is not an ongoing monthly benefit — but it’s expected to ease inflation stress for millions of Canadians struggling with everyday expenses.
The money can be used for:
- Paying rent or mortgage
- Clearing utility and grocery bills
- Managing childcare or healthcare costs
- Building short-term savings
“For families living paycheck to paycheck, $3,900 can mean stability during the toughest months,” says Toronto-based economist Lori Quinn.
Program Comparison Snapshot
| Program | Type | Frequency | Amount | Taxable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRA One-Time Payment | One-time | Once only | $3,900 | No |
| Canada Workers Benefit | Ongoing | Quarterly | Up to $1,428 | Yes |
| GST/HST Credit | Ongoing | Quarterly | $500–$800 avg | No |
| OAS / GIS | Monthly | Monthly | Varies | Partial |
Key Takeaways
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $3,900 per eligible taxpayer |
| Payout Dates | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Eligibility | Filed 2024 taxes, low/moderate income |
| Taxation | 100% tax-free |
| How to Receive | Automatic via CRA direct deposit or mailed cheque |
FAQs on the CRA $3,900 Payment
Do I need to apply for the $3,900 payment?
No. It will be automatically issued if you meet eligibility criteria and have filed your taxes.
When will the payment arrive?
Between December 2025 and January 2026, depending on deposit method.
Is this taxable income?
No. It’s a tax-free benefit that doesn’t affect other credits.
What if I don’t use direct deposit?
You’ll receive a paper cheque by mail — though it may take longer.
Will I still get it if I receive other CRA benefits?
Yes. You can still qualify if you receive OAS, GIS, CCB, or GST/HST Credit.
