The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially confirmed a one-time $840 tax relief payment aimed at supporting Canadians during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. This financial boost is intended to assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families struggling with rising everyday expenses such as food, rent, and utility bills.
The $840 payment will be issued via direct deposit, with no additional application required, making it an accessible and timely relief effort.
Who Will Receive the $840 Tax Relief?
The CRA will use existing tax and benefit information to determine eligibility for this benefit. If you’ve filed your 2024 tax return and meet the necessary income criteria, you could be among the millions receiving this automatic payment.
According to the CRA, recipients will typically be those who already qualify for income-tested federal benefits, such as:
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Other federal income-based supports
Those with up-to-date banking information and a completed 2024 tax return will be assessed automatically, eliminating the need for a separate application process
Why the $840 Relief Payment Is Being Issued
This payment is part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat inflation and rising living costs that have heavily impacted Canadian households in recent months. As housing, groceries, and essential services become more expensive, targeted financial aid like this is increasingly critical.
The goal of this relief is to:
- Provide immediate support to eligible individuals and families
- Ensure efficient delivery through automated processing
- Minimize administrative burden on applicants
- Maintain transparency and security in distribution
This proactive approach not only supports those in need but also enhances trust in the CRA’s benefit system.
How the CRA $840 Relief Payment Will Be Delivered
The CRA will use direct deposit as the primary method for delivering the $840 payment. Individuals who currently receive tax benefits through direct deposit will receive this relief using the same registered account.
To ensure smooth delivery, Canadians are encouraged to:
- Log in to CRA My Account
- Verify or update their banking details
- Ensure their 2024 income tax return has been filed and processed
Using direct deposit speeds up delivery, eliminates postal delays, and reduces the risk of fraud compared to cheque-based methods.
Payment Details at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | $840 (One-time tax relief) |
| Issued By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Eligibility | Based on 2024 tax return and income |
| Application Needed | No (automatic eligibility check) |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit |
| Timing | During the next CRA benefit cycle |
What Canadians Should Do to Prepare
To avoid missing out on this benefit, Canadians should take a few simple steps now:
- File your 2024 income tax return as early as possible
- Access your CRA My Account online
- Update banking information and personal details
- Ensure your CRA account is active and accessible
These actions not only secure this one-time payment but also ensure continued eligibility for other CRA-administered benefits in the future.
No Application? No Problem – Here’s How It Works
Unlike many government programs, this relief benefit does not require any manual application. Instead, the CRA’s automated system will assess your:
- 2024 income tax return
- Eligibility for related benefit programs
- Registered banking details
If you meet the criteria, the $840 will be directly deposited into your account without you needing to lift a finger.
This efficient delivery model is designed to avoid delays and target relief to those who need it most, without red tape or paperwork.
Impact of the $840 Relief on Canadian Families
For many Canadian households, $840 can cover critical short-term expenses, such as:
- Monthly grocery bills
- Utility costs during winter
- Rent support
- Childcare essentials
- Transportation or fuel needs
While not a long-term solution, this payment may serve as an important financial cushion during difficult months for families managing tight budgets.
Government’s Broader Strategy on Cost-of-Living Support
The CRA’s $840 tax relief is not an isolated measure. It’s part of a larger government initiative to strengthen the social safety net for low- and moderate-income Canadians. Other recent federal supports include:
- Enhanced Canada Workers Benefit
- Increased GST/HST quarterly credits
- Ongoing Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments
Together, these benefits reflect the government’s recognition of inflationary pressures and its response to the growing demand for targeted support.
Transparency, Security, and CRA Oversight
The CRA will oversee the payment process directly, using secure data systems to handle eligibility assessment and disbursement. This ensures:
- No third-party involvement
- Minimal risk of fraud or errors
- Accurate targeting of eligible individuals
All steps of the process—from qualification to deposit—will be tracked and verified by CRA systems for maximum reliability.






