Canada Sends Out $928 in April: If you’re a Canadian resident and have heard about the $928 payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scheduled for April 2025, you might be wondering what it is, who qualifies, and how you can make sure you don’t miss out. This government initiative is part of an ongoing effort to help Canadians weather the effects of inflation and the rising cost of living, especially among low- and modest-income households.
From the grocery store to your monthly utility bills, it’s no secret that the cost of everyday necessities has increased significantly in recent years. To help ease the pressure on household finances, the CRA is issuing a one-time, non-taxable $928 payment to eligible residents. And the good news? You may already qualify without having to fill out a separate application. Read on for everything you need to know about this payment, who it’s for, how it works, and how to make sure you get it.
Canada Sends Out $928 in April
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $928 one-time relief benefit |
| Distribution Date | April 2025 (may vary depending on tax return processing) |
| Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be a resident of Canada, filed 2024 tax return, and meet income requirements |
| Income Threshold | Less than $38,000 for individuals, less than $50,000 for families |
| Taxable? | No — this is a tax-free benefit |
| Application Required? | No — CRA assesses automatically via your tax return |
| Official CRA Page | canada.ca/cra |
The CRA $928 payment in April 2025 offers a timely financial boost for Canadians feeling the impact of rising costs. If you earn less than $38,000 (individuals) or $50,000 (families), this one-time relief payment could help cover essential expenses — without needing to fill out any additional forms or applications.
The only action required? File your 2024 tax return on time and ensure your CRA account information is accurate. With minimal effort, you can access a meaningful benefit designed to ease financial pressure and help Canadians move forward with a bit more breathing room.
What Is the $928 CRA April 2025 Payment?
The CRA $928 payment is a special one-time relief measure introduced by the federal government in response to ongoing economic challenges affecting Canadian families. Unlike recurring benefit programs like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or the GST/HST credit, this benefit is issued only once and aims to support those who are feeling the squeeze of increased living costs.
The payment will be issued by the CRA using information already submitted through your 2024 income tax return. This means that as long as you’ve filed your taxes and your income meets the threshold, you do not need to apply separately.
Why Is the CRA Issuing This One-Time Payment?
Rising inflation has made it increasingly difficult for Canadian households to afford basic living expenses. According to Statistics Canada, inflation remained elevated in early 2025, with annual price increases of around 3.4%. Key contributors included rent, transportation, groceries, and fuel — all of which directly impact working-class and lower-income households.
The federal government recognized the need for targeted financial relief and responded with this CRA-administered $928 payment. It follows in the footsteps of earlier initiatives like the Canada Workers Benefit supplement and enhanced GST credit, but is intended to provide a broader and more immediate lifeline to households navigating financial strain.
Who Exactly Qualifies for the $928 CRA Payment?
To be eligible for this payment, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes in 2024
- File your 2024 tax return on or before the CRA’s filing deadline
- Meet the net income limits:
- Single individuals: Less than $38,000
- Families or couples: Combined income under $50,000
The CRA will determine eligibility automatically based on your submitted return. If you qualify, you’ll receive the payment either via direct deposit or mail, depending on your account setup.
Additionally, recipients of existing CRA programs such as:
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Old Age Security (OAS) with GIS
- GST/HST Credit
…are likely to fall within the qualifying income range, making them ideal candidates for this support.
How and When Will the CRA Distribute the Payment?
The CRA has confirmed that the one-time $928 payment will be distributed starting in April 2025, with processing times dependent on when your 2024 tax return is filed and assessed.
Payment Methods:
- Direct Deposit: Fastest option, typically within a few days of assessment
- Mailed Cheque: If you haven’t enrolled in direct deposit, you’ll receive a physical cheque
You can monitor your payment status by logging into your CRA My Account or using the CRA mobile app. Ensure your banking and personal details are updated in your profile to avoid delays.
Make Sure You Receive the CRA $928 Payment
Although no application is required, taking the following steps can help ensure you don’t miss out on this benefit:
1. File Your Taxes Early
The CRA uses your 2024 tax return to determine eligibility, so be sure to file on time. Consider using:
- NETFILE-certified software (some are free)
- A certified tax professional
- Community volunteer tax clinics for simple returns
2. Check Your CRA Account Details
Verify that:
- Your mailing address is correct
- Your bank account is up to date
- You’re enrolled in direct deposit for faster payment
3. Monitor Communications from the CRA
The CRA will send confirmation notices and updates through your My Account portal. Be sure to check regularly after you file your taxes.
What Happens If You Don’t Get the Payment?
If you’ve filed your taxes and meet the income requirements but don’t receive your payment by mid-May 2025, you should:
- Wait 10 business days past April 30
- Log into your CRA My Account to check your return status and payment summary
- Call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 for support
In many cases, delays may be due to incorrect or missing account details, unprocessed returns, or postal delays (for cheque recipients).
Will Receiving This Payment Affect My Other Benefits?
No. This one-time $928 CRA payment is completely tax-free and does not count as income for the purposes of calculating other federal or provincial benefits. Receiving this payment will not reduce your eligibility for programs such as:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- GST/HST Credit
- Provincial social assistance programs
Rhodes Scholarship 2025: Info Sessions This April – Check Application Process!
Additional Tips to Stay CRA-Ready
- Set up CRA direct deposit: Visit your bank or use your CRA account
- Use the CRA mobile app to receive alerts and updates
- Bookmark the CRA benefits portal: canada.ca/en/revenue-agency
- Sign up for email notifications for faster updates on benefits
Staying organized and connected helps ensure you receive all entitlements without delays.
FAQs On Canada Sends Out $928 in April
Is the $928 CRA payment taxable?
No. It’s a tax-free payment and does not need to be declared as income on your 2025 return.
Do I need to apply for the payment?
No. Eligibility is automatically determined when you file your 2024 tax return.
What if I’m self-employed?
You can still qualify as long as your net income falls below the stated thresholds.
Can students or part-time workers qualify?
Yes, provided they filed a 2024 return and meet the income criteria.
What if I live with roommates but file separately?
Only your individual income is considered unless you’re in a common-law or marital relationship.
Will this affect my provincial benefits?
No. This is a federal benefit and does not count against provincial income-tested supports.
