The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is rolling out a one-time $250 rebate in spring 2025 to help Canadians cope with rising costs like groceries, rent, and utilities. This tax-free payment, called the Working Canadians Rebate, aims to support low- and middle-income workers and seniors. With inflation making life tougher, this rebate is a small but welcome boost for millions. Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, when the money arrives, and how to ensure you get it.
Who Can Get the $250 Rebate?
To qualify for the rebate, you must have worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000 in net income. You also need to have filed your 2023 tax return by December 31, 2024, and claimed credits for Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), Employment Insurance (EI), or Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) premiums. You must be a Canadian resident on March 31, 2025, and not be deceased or incarcerated for 90 days or more before April 1, 2025. About 18.7 million Canadians, including 965,000 seniors, are expected to benefit.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Income Limit | Up to $150,000 net income in 2023 |
| Tax Filing | 2023 tax return filed by December 31, 2024 |
| Residency | Canadian resident as of March 31, 2025 |
| Other | Not deceased or incarcerated before April 1 |
When Will the Payment Arrive?
The CRA plans to send out the $250 rebate in April 2025, though the exact date may vary based on your tax filing status. If you have direct deposit set up with the CRA, expect the money in your bank account faster, likely labeled as “Federal Benefit Payment.” Without direct deposit, a cheque will be mailed to your address on file, which might take a few extra days. To avoid delays, update your banking and address details on the CRA My Account portal before spring.
How to Claim the Rebate
No application is needed—the CRA will automatically send the payment to eligible Canadians based on their 2023 tax return. To ensure you get the rebate, file your 2023 taxes on time and keep your CRA My Account updated with your current bank details and address. If you miss the December 31, 2024, tax filing deadline, you won’t qualify. Check your payment status on the CRA My Account portal, and if you don’t see the money by mid-April, contact the CRA to confirm your eligibility.
Why This Rebate Matters
The $250 rebate is a one-time, tax-free payment to ease financial stress for workers and seniors. It can help cover essentials like food, gas, or bills, especially for those feeling the pinch of inflation. While it’s not a long-term fix, it’s a direct way to put money back in your pocket. For couples, each eligible person can receive $250, but families with children don’t get extra payments per child. This rebate complements other CRA benefits, like the GST/HST credit, without affecting them.
Tips to Stay Ready
To make sure you get the rebate smoothly, double-check your CRA My Account for accurate details. Set up direct deposit for faster delivery and monitor your account for updates. Be cautious of scams—only trust official CRA sources like canada.ca for information. If you’re eligible, this $250 can be a handy boost for spring 2025, helping you manage daily costs or save for something special.