From July 2025, Canadians will see a hike in their GST/HST credit. This change comes at a time when everyday expenses like food, gas, and housing continue to climb. With a 2.7% increase in the payment, this updated tax-free benefit is meant to ease the pressure for individuals and families who earn low to modest incomes.
Whether you’re living on your own, raising a family, or new to Canada, this boost can make a real difference in your budget. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) bases these payments on your 2024 tax return, and depending on your income and family size, you could receive a few hundred extra dollars a year.
This guide walks you through how the 2025 GST credit works, who qualifies, how much you could receive, and what steps to take to make sure you don’t miss out. With the first increased payment coming in July, now’s a good time to double-check your tax filings and CRA info.
What is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free payment sent out every three months by the CRA. It’s designed to help low and modest-income Canadians cover the sales taxes they pay on things like groceries, clothes, and other essentials. You don’t have to pay it back, and it doesn’t count as taxable income.
The amount you get depends on your family’s income and size. Every year, the CRA recalculates your payment based on your tax return. This includes:
- Individuals managing higher living costs
- Families supporting children
- Newcomers to Canada, including students, refugees, and work permit holders
If you’re eligible, the payment lands in your bank account or mailbox four times a year.
What’s Changing in 2025?
To help offset the effects of inflation, the CRA is increasing the GST/HST credit by 2.7% starting July 2025. While it’s a bit less than last year’s 4.7% jump, this year’s increase still puts more money in the hands of millions across the country.
Updated Payment Amounts (Annual)
Here’s what the new maximum annual payments will look like based on your 2024 tax return:
| Category | 2025 Amount | 2024 Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single individual | $349 | $340 |
| Per child | $184 | $179 |
| Couple (combined total) | $698 | (combined) |
| Single supplement (low-income) | $184 | $179 |
Examples:
- A family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) could get up to $1,066 per year, or $266.50 each quarter
- A single parent with one child might receive up to $533 per year, or $133.25 each quarter
Income Thresholds for 2025
Your eligibility and how much you get depend on your adjusted family net income (AFNI). These thresholds are also going up slightly this year.
| Threshold Type | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Start of credit (single supplement) | $11,337 | $11,039 |
| Phase-out starts (credit decreases) | $45,521 | $44,324 |
If your income is above the phase-out line, your credit will gradually shrink. And if you’re above the maximum threshold, you likely won’t qualify at all.
Who Qualifies These GST Payments?
Most people living in Canada for tax purposes can qualify if they meet certain conditions:
General Eligibility
- Be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes
- Be at least 19 years old, or if under 19, you must:
- Be (or have been) married or in a common-law relationship
- Be a parent living with your child
Newcomers to Canada
New permanent residents, international students, refugees, and those with work permits can apply in their first year here. But you’ll need to send in a few extra forms to get started.
Who Isn’t Eligible?
You won’t receive the GST credit if:
- Your income is too high (above the phase-out limit)
- You weren’t a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- You didn’t file your 2024 tax return
GST Payment Dates (2025–2026)
Payments come every three months, usually on the 5th day of the month (or the Friday before if it falls on a weekend). Here are the next dates to watch:
- July 4, 2025 – First increased payment
- October 3, 2025
- January 5, 2026
- April 3, 2026
If you don’t get your payment within 10 business days of these dates, call the CRA at 1-800-387-1193.
How to Apply for the GST/HST Credit
If You’ve Filed Taxes in Canada
Most Canadians are automatically enrolled after filing their 2024 tax return—even if they had no income. That’s it, no extra steps needed.
If You’re New to Canada
You’ll need to fill out specific forms depending on whether or not you have children.
- No Children: Fill out Form RC151 and send it to your local tax center.
- With Children: Complete Form RC66 and RC66SCH, then apply through your CRA My Account or mail them in.
Quick Tips to Stay on Track
- Make sure your 2024 taxes are filed on time. Late filing can delay or reduce your GST credit.
- Keep your marital status, number of kids, and banking info up to date with CRA.
- Set up direct deposit for faster, safer payments.
Didn’t Get Your GST Payment?
If you’re sure you qualify but the money didn’t show up:
- Log into your CRA My Account to check your eligibility and payment status
- Double-check your 2024 tax return was submitted
- Confirm your bank account or address is correct
- If all else fails, call 1-800-387-1193
The GST/HST credit increase for 2025 might not solve every financial problem, but it’s a meaningful step that can help stretch your budget—especially when every dollar counts. Whether you’ve lived in Canada all your life or just arrived, make sure you’re in the loop and ready for your first boosted payment in July.
