5 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming in January 2025

As Canadians welcome 2025, financial relief arrives with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) rolling out five significant benefit payments. These benefits aim to support families, low-income individuals, and newcomers facing rising living costs. Understanding these payments, their eligibility criteria, and application processes is crucial for maximizing your financial aid.

In this article, we’ll explore the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST Credit, Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB), Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR), and Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) while providing a comprehensive guide to eligibility and payment schedules.

Table of Contents

1. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
2. GST/HST Credit
3. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
4. Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)
5. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
6. Eligibility for Temporary Residents and Newcomers
7. Key CRA Benefit Payment Dates in January 2025
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment designed to assist families in raising children under 18. It’s a financial lifeline for countless households across the nation.

Eligibility

• Canadian residents, including temporary residents, qualify if residency requirements are met.
• Temporary residents must have lived in Canada for 18 months and hold a valid permit in the 19th month.
• Newcomers need to apply once settled.

Payment Details

• Families can receive up to $7,786.92 annually (or $648.91 monthly) per child under 6 years.
• Up to $6,570 annually (or $547.50 monthly) per child aged 6-17.
• Payments decrease as the Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) exceeds $36,502.

How to Apply

• Newcomers can apply online using My Account or by mail to their tax centre.
• Complete and submit Form RC66, the Canada Child Benefits Application.
• Payments begin on January 20, 2025, with subsequent dates on February 19 and March 18.

GST/HST Credit

The GST/HST Credit is a non-taxable quarterly tax-free payment designed to alleviate the cost of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) for low-to moderate-income families.

The credit ensures that these households can balance the impact of GST/HST they pay on everyday goods and services.

Key Highlights

• Payments are issued four times a year.
• The credit is based on the previous year’s income tax return.
• Eligible recipients can receive the payment for themselves, their spouse/common-law partner, and their children under 19.

Eligibility

To qualify for the GST/HST credit, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Canadian Residency: At the beginning of the month when the CRA issues a payment, you must be considered a resident of Canada for income tax purposes.
2. Age Requirement: You must be at least 19 years old in the month of the payment.
3. Special Conditions for Under 19: If you are under 19, you qualify if:
   • You’re married or in a common-law relationship.
   OR
   • You are a parent living with your child.

Payment Details

Your payment amount depends on your income from the 2023 tax year and your family situation.

Here’s the maximum you can receive for the payment period July 2024 to June 2025:

• Individuals: Up to $519 annually.
• Couples: Up to $680 annually, plus $179 per child under 19.

Payment Dates

• Upcoming payments are on April 4, and July 5, 2025.

Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)

The ACWB offers refundable tax credits to low-income individuals and families, encouraging workforce participation and providing financial support to those with modest incomes.

Eligibility

• Residents aged 19+ or living with a spouse or child.
• Income thresholds vary by province and household size.

Payment Details

• Individuals: Up to $1,518 annually.
• Families: Up to $2,616 annually, issued quarterly.

Application Process

• Automatically determined when filing taxes.

Next Payment Dates

• Payments are scheduled for January 10, April 11, and July 12, 2025.

Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)

Formerly known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP), the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) offsets costs associated with federal pollution pricing, making environmentally friendly policies more affordable.

Eligibility

• Residents in provinces with federal pollution pricing (e.g., Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan).
• Additional payments are available for rural or small community residents.

Payment Details

• Alberta families: Up to $1,544 annually.
• Ontario families: Up to $976 annually.

Payment Schedule

• Issued quarterly: January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15, 2025.

Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)

The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) consolidates three credits: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Ontario Sales Tax Credit, and Northern Ontario Energy Credit.

Eligibility

• Ontario residents who filed their 2023 tax return.
• Temporary residents who meet residency requirements can also qualify.

Payment Details

• Payments vary based on income and family size but can reach up to $1,013 annually.
• Beneficiaries can choose monthly payments or a lump sum.

Next Payment Date

• Scheduled for January 10, 2025.

Eligibility for Temporary Residents and Newcomers

Temporary residents (e.g., international students, workers) and newcomers can qualify for CRA benefits by meeting these criteria:

1. Create a CRA My Account for benefit management.
2. Submit Forms such as Form RC66 for the Canada Child Benefit.
3. File Taxes, even with no income, to establish eligibility.
4. Provide Proof of Residency, such as rental agreements or utility bills.

Key CRA Benefit Payment Dates in January 2025

• GST/HST Credit: January 3, 2025
• Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): January 10, 2025
• Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB): January 10, 2025
• Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR): January 15, 2025
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB): January 20, 2025

Conclusion

January 2025 brings much-needed financial relief through these CRA benefits. From assisting families with children to supporting low-income earners and promoting environmentally friendly practices, these payments are essential for many Canadians. By staying informed, filing taxes promptly, and applying where needed, you can unlock the financial support you deserve.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Q1. How do I apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

Ans: You can apply online through your CRA My Account or by mailing Form RC66 to the CRA. Once approved, payments typically begin the month after your application is processed (e.g., January 20, 2025, followed by February 19 and March 18).

Q2. Do I need to file a separate application for the GST/HST Credit?

Ans: No. The GST/HST Credit is automatically determined when you file your Canadian tax return. If you qualify based on your income, you will receive the credit without submitting any additional forms.

Q3. Who qualifies for the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)?

Ans: Low-income individuals aged 19 or older, or those living with a spouse or child, may be eligible. Your province of residence and household size will determine the income threshold. The CRA calculates your eligibility automatically once you file your tax return.

Q4. Can newcomers and temporary residents receive these CRA benefits?

Ans: Yes. Newcomers and temporary residents can qualify if they meet specific residency requirements. Generally, this involves having lived in Canada for 18 months (with a valid permit in the 19th month) for CCB and filing a tax return or submitting the required forms (such as RC66).

Q5. What are the key payment dates for January 2025?

Ans: The CRA has scheduled the following benefit payment dates for January 2025:

• GST/HST Credit: January 3, 2025
• Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) & ACWB: January 10, 2025
• Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR): January 15, 2025
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB): January 20, 2025

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