The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced a special $250 support payment for November 2025 to help Canadians manage the ongoing increase in living expenses. With inflation continuing to affect the cost of groceries, utilities, fuel, and rent, this one-time payment is part of the federal government’s affordability initiative aimed at providing short-term financial relief to lower and middle-income households.
The payment will be distributed automatically to eligible citizens without the need for applications, ensuring that the support reaches those who need it most in a timely and efficient manner. For many Canadians, especially those already receiving federal benefits such as the GST/HST Credit or the Canada Workers Benefit, this financial boost is expected to provide meaningful assistance during a challenging economic period.
In this article, we’ll explain who qualifies, the exact payment schedule, how deposits will be made, and how to check your status through your CRA account. We’ll also address common questions about eligibility, deposit timelines, and what to do if your payment does not arrive on time.
What The November 2025 $250 Payment Is
The Canada Revenue Agency is issuing a one time $250 payment in November 2025 designed to offset persistent increases in daily expenses. Food, fuel, utilities, public transport, and household essentials have seen elevated prices. This payment provides short term relief so that eligible Canadians can manage the month without taking on new debt or skipping necessary purchases. The payment is part of a broader affordability effort that uses existing CRA systems. No separate form or application is needed. If your records show you meet the criteria, the deposit is created automatically and routed to the bank account you have on file, or it is issued by cheque if no direct deposit is set up.
Quick Summary
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
Benefit name |
CRA $250 support payment for cost of living relief |
Amount |
$250 per eligible recipient |
Payout window |
15 November to 22 November 2025, bank clearing times may vary |
Who is targeted |
Low and middle income Canadians validated through recent tax filings |
Application required |
No, eligibility is verified automatically |
Deposit method |
Direct deposit to your registered account or mailed cheque |
How to track |
Sign in to CRA My Account, then check Benefits and Credits |
Official site |
Eligibility Criteria At A Glance
Eligibility is determined by the CRA using the most recent tax return data and your current account settings. The key points are below.
- You filed your taxes for the latest assessed year and your income falls within the low to middle income range used for benefits eligibility.
- You meet Canadian residency requirements for federal benefits during the relevant period.
- You are already receiving, or are otherwise eligible for, one or more federal benefits that rely on CRA verified income data. Examples include the GST or HST credit and the Canada Workers Benefit.
- No separate application is required. If your file matches the criteria, the payment is generated automatically.
- If you recently updated your marital status, address, or banking information, ensure that the CRA has processed those changes, since this can affect routing and delivery timing.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, sign in to CRA My Account to review your benefit profile and confirm that your personal information is accurate and up to date.
Payment Dates And How Deposits Work
The CRA will run the $250 payment between 15 November and 22 November 2025. Exact availability depends on your financial institution. Some banks post deposits the same day they are received. Others complete clearing after nightly batch processing. If you are on direct deposit, check your account activity within the window and again the next business day if you do not see a credit immediately.
For taxpayers who have not enrolled in direct deposit, the CRA will issue a cheque to the mailing address on file. Cheques can take longer to arrive due to printing and postal delivery time. If a cheque is not received after a reasonable mailing period, you can request a trace through CRA My Account or by calling the helpline. To reduce future delays, enroll in direct deposit so funds land in your account once the CRA releases the payment.
How To Check Your $250 Payment Status
Tracking your status is straightforward and can be done online at any time.
- Go to CRA My Account and sign in using your usual credentials.
- Open the Benefits and Credits section to see upcoming and recent payments.
- Review the entry labeled for the November 2025 cost of living support. You will see the amount and the intended deposit date.
- Confirm that your direct deposit details are correct. If you recently changed banks, ensure the new account shows as active.
- If you spot an error in your profile, update it immediately. Some updates may take processing time, so address issues as soon as you notice them.
If you cannot access your online account, call the CRA helpline. Have your Social Insurance Number, recent tax return details, and banking information available to verify your identity.
Practical Tips To Avoid Delays Or Misrouting
- Confirm direct deposit details before the payout window. Mistyped digits or closed accounts can cause holds or reissues.
- Keep your mailing address current if you expect a cheque. Returned mail adds extra time.
- Watch for bank notifications. Many institutions send a credit alert when a deposit posts.
- Allow for bank clearing time. If the CRA shows a release date, your bank may still need to complete its own processing.
- Beware of scams. The CRA does not ask you to click links in unsolicited texts to receive funds. Access your account by typing the official website address into your browser.
What If You Do Not See The Deposit
If the payout window has passed and you still do not see the $250:
- Recheck the Benefits and Credits section for the posted date or any notes.
- Verify that your direct deposit information is accurate and active.
- If you are a cheque recipient, confirm your mailing address and consider postal delivery times.
- If there is still no record, contact the CRA. They can initiate a payment trace once a standard waiting period has elapsed.
How This Payment Fits Into Your Budget
Although $250 is a temporary measure, it can meaningfully reduce pressure in a high cost month. Consider applying it to categories with the largest recent increases. Many households place essentials first, then allocate a portion to outstanding bills to avoid late fees or interest. If you are on a tight budget, add the $250 to your monthly plan so your spending and bill payments reflect the extra cash flow. Tracking this deposit alongside other benefits helps you keep an accurate picture of the resources available through the end of November.
Key Details Table
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
Payment amount |
$250 per eligible recipient |
Payment window |
15 November to 22 November 2025 |
Eligibility |
Low to middle income Canadians validated via recent tax return and federal benefit status |
Distribution method |
Direct deposit to registered bank account or mailed cheque |
Application needed |
No, CRA verifies eligibility automatically |
Where to check |
CRA My Account under Benefits and Credits |
Official site |
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the CRA $250 support payment for November 2025
It is a one time cost of living support payment meant to help eligible Canadians manage higher prices for essentials in November 2025.
2) Who qualifies for the $250 payment
Low and middle income individuals and families whose eligibility can be confirmed from recent tax filings and benefit records. Many people who receive the GST or HST credit or the Canada Workers Benefit will qualify. No separate application is required.
3) When will the payment arrive in my account
Deposits are scheduled between 15 November and 22 November 2025. Timing depends on when your bank posts incoming credits. Cheques take longer due to printing and mail delivery.
4) How do I check the status or fix my banking information
Sign in to CRA My Account, open Benefits and Credits, and review the payment line for November 2025. Update banking or address details if needed. You can also call the CRA helpline for assistance.
5) I did not receive the $250. What should I do
First check CRA My Account for the posted date, then confirm your bank or mailing details. If the window has passed and there is still no record, contact the CRA to request a payment trace.
Final Thoughts
The CRA $250 cost of living payment for November 2025 provides targeted support at a time when many households face elevated prices. Since eligibility is determined from existing records, there is no extra paperwork, which reduces delays and ensures faster delivery. To get the most from this support, verify your direct deposit information, keep your CRA profile current, track the payment in CRA My Account, and apply the funds to the most pressing categories in your budget.
Official site for updates and account access: Canada Revenue Agency
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