Good news for Canadians: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will issue the next Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) credit on October 3, 2025. This payment reflects the increased benefit rates introduced earlier in July and will provide much-needed financial relief at a time when inflation and living costs remain high.

This tax-free benefit supports low- and middle-income households, permanent residents, international students, and newcomers as they adjust to life in Canada.

 

What Is the GST/HST Credit?

The GST/HST credit is a quarterly, tax-free payment for individuals and families with modest incomes. Unlike employment income, it does not reduce your tax refund or increase taxable income—you keep the full amount.

 

Eligibility and payment size depend on:

 

  • Adjusted family net income (AFNI)
  • Marital status
  • Number of dependent children under 19

 

The October payment is based on 2024 tax returns and follows the enhanced rates announced in July 2025.

 

Who Qualifies for the October 2025 GST Payment?

Residency Requirements

 

You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes in the month before and at the start of October. Eligible groups include:

 

  • Permanent residents (including approval-in-principle applicants)
  • Temporary residents (students and work permit holders)
  • Refugees and protected persons

 

Newcomers: If you arrived in 2025 after filing season, you’ll need to submit CRA newcomer forms to access this benefit.

 

Age Rules

 

  • You must be 19 or older before October begins.
  • If under 19, you may still qualify if you are married, in a common-law partnership, or living with your child.

 

2025–2026 GST/HST Payment Amounts

 

Maximum annual amounts:

 

  • $533 for single individuals
  • $698 for married/common-law couples (no children)
  • $184 per dependent child under 19

 

Examples:

 

  • Single with $25,000 AFNI → $533
  • Couple, no kids, $40,000 AFNI → $698
  • Single parent with one child, $30,000 AFNI → $717
  • Couple with two kids, $50,000 AFNI → $1,066

 

The benefit phases out gradually as income rises.

 

Payment Schedule for 2025–2026

 

The CRA pays GST/HST credits quarterly:

 

  • October 3, 2025
  • January 5, 2026
  • April 3, 2026

 

If a date falls on a holiday or weekend, payment is issued the prior business day. Direct deposit users usually receive funds within 10 business days.

 

How to Apply

 

Most Canadians: No application needed—if you filed your 2024 return, CRA calculates eligibility automatically.

 

  • Newcomers (first year in Canada):
  • Without children → File Form RC151
  • With children → File Form RC66CH and Form RC66SCH

 

Keep marital status and dependents updated in CRA My Account and sign up for direct deposit for faster payments.

 

Other Benefits This Fall

 

Alongside the GST/HST credit, eligible individuals may also receive:

 

  • Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
  • Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
  • Provincial benefits (e.g., Ontario Trillium Benefit)

 

Together, these programs provide vital financial relief for households navigating high costs.

 

✅ Key Takeaways

 

  • Next GST/HST credit arrives October 3, 2025
  • Tax-free, automatic for most who filed 2024 returns
  • Singles: up to $533, Couples: up to $698, Children: $184 each
  • Newcomers must apply manually in their first year
  • Direct deposit ensures fastest payments