The CRA GST Credit October 2025 Payment Date has officially been announced, marking the final quarterly installment for millions of low- and moderate-income Canadians this year. Scheduled for October 4, 2025, this tax-free benefit comes at a critical time as many households continue to face challenges tied to inflation and rising living costs.
Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit is intended to reduce the burden of federal sales taxes. This article explains who qualifies, how much you can expect, and how to ensure your payment arrives on time.
What Is the CRA GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is a non-taxable quarterly benefit paid to eligible Canadians to help offset the cost of goods and services that include federal sales taxes. Designed for those with low or modest incomes, it serves as a direct support measure in Canada’s social benefit system.
The October 2025 GST payment is the fourth and final installment of the benefit year that began in July 2025 and runs through June 2026. Recipients are not required to apply separately; eligibility is determined automatically based on their 2024 tax return.
GST/HST Credit Payment Schedule – 2025
The CRA issues this benefit every three months. Here’s the full payment calendar for 2025:
Quarter | Payment Month | Status |
---|---|---|
Q1 | January 2025 | Completed |
Q2 | April 2025 | Completed |
Q3 | July 2025 | Completed |
Q4 | October 4, 2025 | Upcoming |
The next and final payment of 2025 will be issued on October 4, either by direct deposit or mailed cheque, depending on your CRA account preferences.
GST/HST Credit Amounts – October 2025
Your payment amount is based on your 2024 net family income, as well as your marital status and the number of dependent children under 19.
For the 2025–2026 benefit year, the maximum annual amounts are as follows:
- $496 for a single adult
- $650 for a married or common-law couple
- $171 for each child under 19
These totals are divided into four equal quarterly payments, so for the October 2025 installment, individuals may receive up to $124, and families of four may receive up to $248.
These figures are updated annually to reflect cost-of-living adjustments and are part of Canada’s effort to ensure targeted relief during times of economic uncertainty.
CRA GST/HST Credit Eligibility – Who Qualifies?
To receive the October 2025 GST/HST credit, individuals must meet the following conditions:
- Be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes
- Be 19 years or older, or
- Have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner, or
- Be (or have been) a parent living with your child
- Have filed a 2024 income tax return
The CRA will evaluate your net family income, including that of your spouse or partner, along with your number of dependents and province of residence. If your household income exceeds the program’s upper limits, the benefit may be reduced or phased out.
Do You Need to Apply for the GST/HST Credit?
No application is required for the GST credit. Once you file your 2024 tax return, the CRA uses your income data to calculate your eligibility and payment amount.
Payments are issued using one of the following methods:
- Direct Deposit – Fastest and most secure
- Mailed Cheque – May take longer to arrive
To avoid delays or missed payments, Canadians should log in to CRA MyAccount and verify that their banking and mailing information are accurate before the October 2025 distribution.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Payment
If your GST credit doesn’t arrive by mid-October, take the following steps:
- Check CRA MyAccount for payment status and eligibility confirmation
- Ensure that your direct deposit details or mailing address are correct
- Contact the CRA support line to report a missing or delayed payment
In some cases, especially with paper cheques, payments may take several extra business days to arrive.
How the GST/HST Credit Supports Canadians
As inflation impacts grocery prices, rent, fuel, and other essentials, the GST/HST credit plays a significant role in household budget support for:
- Students
- Senior citizens
- Single parents
- Low-wage workers
- Families with children
Because the credit is tax-free, it does not reduce or impact other government benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or Old Age Security (OAS).
Important Reminders Before October 4
To ensure you don’t miss the upcoming GST payment, follow these quick steps:
- File your 2024 taxes if you haven’t already
- Log in to CRA MyAccount to check your banking info
- Review your dependents and marital status for accuracy
- Set up direct deposit to receive funds faster
Failure to file taxes or update your details could result in ineligibility or delayed deposits.
Looking Ahead: What Comes After October?
The October 2025 credit wraps up this year’s quarterly benefit cycle. The next GST/HST credit installment is expected in January 2026, starting the new benefit year based on the upcoming 2025 tax filings.
Stay tuned for updated thresholds and indexed payment increases, which the federal government typically announces in late fall or early winter.