As the cost of living keeps climbing, even basic items like groceries and utilities are taking a bigger chunk out of our budgets. Thankfully, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is offering some breathing room. A confirmed $179 GST/HST credit is on the way for those who qualify, giving Canadians a little extra cash to cover daily expenses.
Here’s everything you need to know—who gets it, how much you’ll receive, and how to check your status online.
Table of Contents
Credit
The GST/HST credit is a quarterly, tax-free benefit designed to help lower- and moderate-income Canadians offset the sales tax they pay on essentials. Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store or paying for household utilities, this credit is meant to make life a little more affordable.
You don’t need to apply separately for this credit. If you file your tax return and meet the eligibility rules, CRA will automatically calculate and deposit your benefit.
Amount
So how much are we talking about? For a single individual, the maximum base amount is $179 for the July 2025 payment. But this figure isn’t set in stone for everyone.
Your personal situation—like whether you’re married, living common-law, or have kids—affects the final amount you’ll receive.
Here’s a quick look:
| Payment Date | Max Amount (Individual) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| July 4, 2025 | $179 | Varies by marital status & children |
If you’re a parent or part of a couple, your credit could be higher than $179.
Criteria
Want to know if you’re eligible? Here’s what you need to check off:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Be 19 or older, or:
- Have a spouse/common-law partner, or
- Be a parent living with your child
- Have filed your 2024 tax return
- Meet the income threshold for your family size
The amount you receive shrinks as your income increases, so higher-income households might see less—or nothing at all.
Schedule
The CRA sends GST/HST credit payments four times a year. If you’re eligible, here’s when you’ll get paid:
| Quarter | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan–Mar) | January 3, 2025 |
| Q2 (Apr–Jun) | April 4, 2025 |
| Q3 (Jul–Sep) | July 4, 2025 |
| Q4 (Oct–Dec) | October 3, 2025 |
Missed a payment? Wait 10 business days before contacting CRA. Sometimes delays happen, especially around holidays.
Formula
Ever wonder how CRA figures out how much you get? It’s not just guesswork. Here’s what they consider:
- Your family income from your 2024 tax return
- Whether you’re single, married, or living common-law
- How many kids under 19 you have living with you
The more dependents you have and the lower your income, the higher your credit will be. If your circumstances change—like getting married or divorced—it could impact your credit in upcoming quarters.
Access
Checking your payment info is pretty easy. Here’s what to do:
- Log in to your CRA My Account
- Click “Benefits and Credits”
- View your payment details and upcoming schedules
- Confirm your direct deposit info is up to date
Staying on top of this stuff can prevent missed or delayed payments. Plus, if there are changes to your banking info or address, CRA will use what’s listed in your account.
The GST/HST credit is a small but meaningful benefit that puts money back in your pocket—no strings attached. With inflation still weighing heavily on Canadian families, this program gives many people some much-needed help when they need it most.
If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, now’s the time. The sooner your return is processed, the sooner that credit lands in your account.