As Canadians continue to face rising food prices, increasing rents, and higher utility bills, the federal government has announced a new support measure to ease some of the financial burden. This June, qualifying households will receive a $250 GST relief payment in addition to their regular GST/HST credit.

This one-time payment is part of the government’s broader initiative to provide relief to low- and middle-income individuals and families during inflationary times. It is designed to be automatic, non-taxable, and easy to access without the need for applications or paperwork.

Summary Table: Canada’s $250 GST Relief

What Is the $250 GST Relief Payment?

The $250 GST relief payment is a special one-time benefit being issued in June 2025. It is a fixed amount provided to eligible Canadians as a form of economic assistance to help manage daily expenses during a time of rising inflation. It complements the regular GST/HST credit but does not replace it.

Unlike the quarterly GST/HST payments, which are calculated based on family composition and income, the $250 relief is flat-rate, meaning all eligible recipients will receive the same amount regardless of their household size.

Who Is Eligible?

To receive the $250 GST relief payment in June 2025, individuals must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Must be 19 years of age or older by the end of the previous month
• Must have filed a 2024 income tax return
• Must meet income eligibility thresholds set by the CRA
• Must already qualify for the GST/HST credit as of July 2025

This relief payment will be based on tax data from 2024, so individuals and families who filed their returns early and qualified for the July 2025 GST/HST payment will automatically be considered for the bonus.

When Will the $250 Be Paid?

The payment is scheduled to be issued on June 28, 2025. Those enrolled in direct deposit with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will receive the funds in their accounts on or shortly after this date.

If direct deposit is not set up, a cheque will be mailed to the address on file with the CRA. This could take an additional few business days, depending on postal service timelines in your region.

It is advisable to log into your CRA MyAccount in the last week of June to monitor your payment status and ensure your contact details are current.

How Much Will You Receive?

The payment amount is fixed at $250 per eligible recipient, regardless of income bracket, marital status, or number of dependents. This distinguishes it from regular GST/HST payments, which are adjusted based on personal circumstances.

This uniform amount ensures quick processing and equitable distribution to all qualified individuals.

Does This Affect My Regular GST/HST Credit?

No. The $250 GST relief payment is completely separate from the standard quarterly GST/HST credit. It will not reduce, delay, or replace your regular credit amounts.

Eligible individuals can expect their next quarterly GST payment as usual, on July 5, 2025, just days after receiving this one-time bonus. The two payments are managed independently and are intended to provide layered financial support.

Will I Need to Repay This Payment?

No, this payment is non-repayable. It is a one-time tax-free benefit and will not be considered income when calculating taxes or determining eligibility for other federal or provincial benefits. It is intended to help with urgent costs like food, utilities, and transportation.

What If I Don’t Receive It?

If you believe you’re eligible but do not receive your $250 GST relief payment by July 10, 2025, take the following steps:

1. Log in to CRA MyAccount and review your benefits tab.
2. Confirm your 2024 tax return has been processed.
3. Double-check your banking and mailing address are accurate in your CRA profile.
4. If unresolved after 10 business days, contact the CRA’s benefit enquiries line.

Common Reasons for Delay

• Tax return was filed late or contains errors
• Banking or mailing information is outdated
• CRA could not verify your residency status
• Your eligibility changed due to a recent change in income or family status

Why This Relief Matters

With inflation still putting pressure on households, the $250 GST relief is a timely boost. It may not solve larger financial issues, but for many Canadians, this money can cover essential purchases such as:

• Groceries for the week
• Utility or cell phone bills
• Transportation or fuel costs
• Medications or personal care essentials

By issuing this payment in June, the government aims to help Canadians navigate higher-than-usual seasonal expenses leading into summer.

How to Prepare

If you’re expecting this payment, here’s how to make sure you’re ready:

• File your 2024 taxes promptly if you haven’t already
• Ensure your banking information is up to date with CRA
• Check your CRA MyAccount frequently for payment status
• Watch out for scams CRA will never contact you by text or email asking for personal details related to this payment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do I need to apply for the $250 GST payment?

A1: No. The payment is automatic for anyone who qualifies for the regular GST/HST credit.

Q2: Will the payment vary depending on income or number of children?

A2: No. This is a flat-rate payment. Every eligible person will receive $250.

Q3: What happens if I just turned 19 recently?

A3: You must be at least 19 years old by the end of the month before the payment is issued. If you turn 19 in June, you may qualify.

Q4: Can I get both the $250 relief and my regular GST payment in July?

A4: Yes. This relief does not interfere with your July 2025 quarterly GST/HST credit.

Q5: Is this payment taxable income?

A5: No, the $250 GST relief is non-taxable and does not count toward income or benefits thresholds.

Final Thoughts

The $250 GST Relief Payment in June 2025 is a welcomed financial buffer for many Canadians. With a clear eligibility process, automatic deposits, and no tax implications, this measure provides hassle-free assistance during a time of economic strain.

Be sure your tax filing and direct deposit information are up to date to avoid any delays. If eligible, you can expect this payment to arrive just before the summer season, offering timely support when it may be needed most.

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