GST Holiday and $250 Cash Bonus in July, Check Your Eligibility and Payment Dates

With costs of living still climbing and inflation weighing heavily on household budgets, the Canadian government has introduced a $250 GST Relief Payment to give low- and middle-income earners some breathing room. This one-time, tax-free payment is set to arrive in spring 2025, and is part of a broader economic support package designed to help Canadians through a tough season of rising prices.

Here’s a complete breakdown of who qualifies, when to expect your payment, and what steps you need to take to ensure it reaches your bank account on time.

What Is the $250 GST Relief Payment?

[One-time government support separate from quarterly GST/HST credits]

This $250 payment is a one-time bonus, completely separate from your regular quarterly GST/HST credit. It’s designed to help with everyday expenses during the high-cost months surrounding the winter and early spring.

Announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, this initiative is tied to a temporary GST/HST holiday from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, during which many essential items like groceries, children’s clothes, and holiday items will be tax-free. The one-time $250 payment, also dubbed the “Working Canadians Rebate,” is meant to further ease the pressure for eligible Canadians.

There are no forms to fill out—if you meet the eligibility, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will automatically send your money via direct deposit or cheque.

When Will You Receive the $250 Payment?

[Spring 2025 rollout expected]

The CRA is expected to begin distributing the $250 GST Relief Payment on or around March 3, 2025. However, some reports suggest payments could roll out as late as April.

If you’re registered for direct deposit, the funds should appear in your bank account within a couple of business days under a label such as “Canada GST Relief.” If you’re relying on a paper cheque, it may take longer—especially if there are any delays with Canada Post.

To avoid payment issues, it’s crucial to check and update your banking information and mailing address on your CRA My Account. If you haven’t received your payment by mid-April, contact the CRA via their online portal or toll-free support line.

Who Is Eligible for the GST Relief Payment?

[Income and tax criteria to qualify for the $250 benefit]

Not everyone qualifies, but many Canadians will. Here’s a clear breakdown of eligibility requirements:

• Residency: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have a valid Canadian visa.
• Income: Your 2023 individual net income must be $150,000 or less.
• Tax Filing: You must have filed your 2023 tax return by December 31, 2024. Even if you had no income, filing is required.
• Employment Status: You need to have worked in 2023 and claimed contributions toward CPP/QPP, Employment Insurance (EI), or Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP). Some retirees on CPP/QPP may qualify depending on their past work activity.
• Alive Status: You must be alive as of April 1, 2025.

Families receive only one payment per household—not per person. So if you’re part of a couple or family unit, only one $250 payment will be issued.

If you’re already receiving the GST/HST credit, there’s a strong chance you’ll receive this rebate as well—no extra application needed.

How the $250 Payment Process Works

[Automatic CRA disbursement with no application required]

The best part about this rebate is its simplicity. The CRA does all the work. If you’ve filed your 2023 taxes and meet the criteria, you’ll automatically receive the payment—no application, no forms, no waiting lines.

This $250 is part of a larger inflation relief effort. Combined with the GST/HST holiday, Canadian households could see additional savings of $100–$260 on tax-free items like groceries, toys, or dining out. While it’s not a recurring benefit, the one-time relief can go a long way toward easing holiday debt or early spring bills.

And since the rebate is tax-free, you won’t need to report it when you file your 2025 return.

Tips to Ensure You Receive the Payment Smoothly

[How to avoid delays or missed payments]

Here’s how to stay on track and make sure you don’t miss out:

• File Your 2023 Taxes Early: Even if you didn’t earn anything, tax filing is mandatory to be eligible.
• Update CRA My Account: Log in and verify your bank account details and address to avoid delays.
• Set Up Direct Deposit: This is the fastest and most secure method to receive payments.
• Watch for Scams: CRA will never contact you via text or email asking for personal info. If you get suspicious messages, confirm your status directly through CRA’s official site.
• Track Your Payment: Use the “Benefits and Credits” section in CRA My Account to see your status and estimated delivery date.

Why This $250 GST Relief Payment Matters

[Economic impact for individuals and families]

While $250 may seem modest, it’s a meaningful cushion for millions of Canadians facing increased costs for groceries, energy, and daily essentials. Whether it helps cover a heating bill, buys fresh produce, or allows a small family treat, this rebate offers direct relief at a time when it’s needed most.

With 18.7 million Canadians expected to benefit, the payment is part of a wider government push to stimulate the economy and support citizens struggling with persistent inflation. It complements other initiatives like the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credits, reinforcing Ottawa’s broader social safety net.