The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially approved a one-time, tax-free payment of $250 to eligible working individuals across the country. This rebate, called the Working Canadians Rebate, is part of the government’s strategy to counter inflation and ease the burden of rising living costs. The payment will be issued on May 11, 2025, without requiring any additional application process. The CRA will use 2023 tax filings to determine eligibility automatically.
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Name | Working Canadians Rebate |
| Issuing Authority | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Payment Amount | $250 (non-taxable, one-time) |
| Confirmed Payment Date | May 11, 2025 |
| Eligibility Requirement | Based on 2023 tax return and working income |
| Application Needed | No – Automatically issued if eligible |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or cheque by mail |
| Official Source | CRA – Working Canadians Rebate |
What Is the Working Canadians Rebate
The Working Canadians Rebate is a temporary support measure aimed at easing financial pressure on employed individuals and families. This one-time $250 payment is meant to recognize and support the contribution of low- and moderate-income workers amid the continued economic recovery and cost pressures. The initiative is similar in design to past relief measures like the GST/HST credit top-ups but is focused specifically on those with earned income from employment or self-employment.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility is based entirely on the 2023 income tax return and includes the following criteria:
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You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes in 2023.
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You must have reported employment or self-employment income for the 2023 tax year.
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Your total net individual income for 2023 must be $150,000 or less.
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You must have filed your 2023 tax return by the deadline to allow CRA to assess your eligibility.
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You are not required to be receiving other government benefits like the GST/HST credit to qualify.
This rebate is open to both full-time and part-time workers, as well as gig economy and self-employed individuals, provided income requirements are met.
How and When the Payment Will Be Delivered
The CRA will begin issuing payments on May 11, 2025. Those who have signed up for direct deposit through their CRA My Account can expect the funds to arrive in their bank accounts within a few business days. Individuals who have not enrolled in direct deposit will receive a cheque through the mail, which may take longer to arrive depending on postal service timelines.
No application is necessary. CRA will use information from the 2023 tax return to automatically determine eligibility and initiate payment. Individuals do not need to call or contact CRA unless their personal or banking details have changed recently.
Comparison to Other Government Payments
While the $250 Working Canadians Rebate is a standalone initiative, it complements other forms of federal support such as:
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The GST/HST quarterly credit
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Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
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Climate Action Incentive payments
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Enhanced Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments for retirees
Unlike these recurring programs, the Working Canadians Rebate is a one-time measure, specifically timed for Spring 2025, and is not expected to be repeated later in the year.
How to Make Sure You Receive the Payment
To avoid delays and ensure eligibility is processed correctly:
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Make sure your 2023 tax return was filed by the deadline.
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Log in to CRA My Account and verify that your direct deposit details and mailing address are current.
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Watch for email or mail communication from CRA if further verification is needed.
If you did not receive your rebate by late May 2025, CRA recommends waiting at least 10 business days after May 11 before contacting them.
FAQ
What is the $250 CRA rebate for?
It is a one-time financial relief payment for working Canadians to help offset increased living costs in 2025.
Do I need to apply to get this rebate?
No. If you are eligible based on your 2023 tax return, the payment will be issued automatically.
When will the rebate be paid?
Payments are scheduled to be issued on May 11, 2025.
Who qualifies for this payment?
Canadians who filed a 2023 tax return, reported working income, and earned less than $150,000 in net income.
Is this rebate taxable?
No. It is a non-taxable benefit and will not be reported as income on your 2025 tax return.
What should I do if I haven’t received the payment?
Wait until late May 2025, then contact CRA if you have not received a direct deposit or cheque and believe you qualify.
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