Last Updated On 28 September 2025, 7:50 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
Big news for Canadians: the next Goods and Services Tax-GST payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), reflecting the recent increase, will be deposited early on October 3, 2025.
This tax-free benefit is a crucial financial boost for low- and middle-income households, permanent residents, international students, and newcomers adjusting to life in Canada.
With higher payments rolling out in 2025, this upcoming deposit could put extra cash in your pocket just when living costs remain high.
With inflation and high living costs still weighing heavily on Canadian families, this enhanced GST/HST credit comes at a critical time, offering a financial lifeline to households across the country.
In this guide, we break down who qualifies, how much you can expect, payment tables, CRA rules for newcomers, and the full 2025–2026 GST payment dates.
Table of Contents
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment distributed by the CRA to individuals and families with low to moderate incomes.
Unlike taxable income, this credit does not reduce your annual refund or increase your taxable income—meaning you keep every dollar.
Eligibility and payment amounts are based on:
- Adjusted family net income (AFNI)
- Marital status
- Number of dependent children under 19
The increase that began earlier in July 2025 continues, and the upcoming October 3 GST payment reflects the CRA’s recalculations based on 2024 tax returns.
Who Is Eligible for the October 2025 GST Payment?
Eligibility is straightforward but depends on residency, age, and income level.
Residency Rules
You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes both the month before and at the beginning of the month the payment is issued.
This includes:
- Permanent residents (including those with approval-in-principle from IRCC)
- Temporary residents (international students and work permit holders)
- Refugees and protected persons
Newcomers to Canada may need to submit additional forms in their first year if they land after the tax filing season, which we explain later in this article.
Age Requirements
- You must be 19 years or older before the payment month begins.
- If you’re under 19, you can still qualify if you:
- Are married or in a common-law relationship
- Are a parent who currently lives with your child
Income Thresholds (2024 Base Year for 2025–2026 Payments)
| Family Status | Full Credit Up To (AFNI) | Phase-Out Begins |
|---|---|---|
| Single (no children) | $27,000 | $53,000 |
| Single parent (1 child) | $36,000 | $62,000 |
| Married/common-law (no children) | $42,000 | $68,000 |
| Married/common-law (1 child) | $48,000 | $74,000 |
The CRA automatically calculates eligibility using your 2024 tax return.
How Much Is the Increased GST Payment for 2025–2026?
The CRA increased GST/HST credit amounts beginning in July 2025. The same enhanced rates apply to the October 3 payment.
Maximum Annual Amounts:
- $533 for a single individual
- $698 for married or common-law couples (no children)
- $184 per dependent child under 19
Example Scenarios:
- Single individual with $25,000 AFNI → Full $533 credit.
- Married couple without children and $40,000 AFNI → Full $698 credit.
- Single parent with one child and $30,000 AFNI → $533 + $184 = $717 total.
- Couple with two children and $50,000 AFNI → $698 + $368 = $1,066.
The credit is reduced gradually for families above the income thresholds until it phases out entirely.
Detailed GST/HST Payment Tables
GST Payment for Single Individuals and Single Parents
| Adjusted Family Net Income | No Children | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $11,337 | $349 | $882 | $1,066 | $1,250 | $1,434 |
| $20,000 | $522 | $882 | $1,066 | $1,250 | $1,434 |
| $25,000 | $533 | $882 | $1,066 | $1,250 | $1,434 |
| $30,000 | $533 | $882 | $1,066 | $1,250 | $1,434 |
| $50,000 | $309 | $658 | $842 | $1,026 | $1,210 |
| $65,000 | $0 | $0 | $92 | $276 | $460 |
GST Payment for Married or Common-Law Couples
| Adjusted Family Net Income | No Children | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $45,521 | $698 | $882 | $1,066 | $1,250 | $1,434 |
| $46,000 | $674 | $858 | $1,042 | $1,226 | $1,410 |
| $50,000 | $474 | $658 | $842 | $1,026 | $1,210 |
| $55,000 | $224 | $408 | $592 | $776 | $960 |
| $60,000 | $0 | $158 | $342 | $526 | $710 |
| $70,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $26 | $210 |
These tables illustrate how the benefit decreases as family income increases.
GST Payment Dates 2025–2026
The CRA pays GST/HST credits quarterly. The official GST payment dates for 2025–2026 cycle are:
- October 3, 2025
- January 5, 2026
- April 3, 2026
If the payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the CRA issues it on the preceding business day. Payments usually arrive within 10 business days.
How to Apply for the GST/HST Credit
For Canadian Residents
If you filed your 2024 tax return, you don’t need to apply.
The CRA automatically assesses eligibility and deposits payments directly to your bank account (if you’re enrolled in direct deposit).
To ensure smooth processing:
- Keep your marital status and dependent information updated in your CRA My Account.
- Enroll in direct deposit for faster payments.
For Newcomers to Canada
If you’re a newcomer and landed in Canada after the tax filing season, you must apply in your first year.
- Without children: Fill Form RC151 (GST/HST Credit and Canada Carbon Rebate Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada).
- With children: File Form RC66CH (Canada Child Benefits Application) and Form RC66SCH (Status in Canada and Income Information).
Submitting accurate details via My CRA account about your income and residency ensures you start receiving benefits without delays.
Other CRA Benefits in October 2025
The October GST/HST credit isn’t the only support available. Eligible Canadians may also receive:
- Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Provincial benefits like the Ontario Trillium Benefit
These payments, combined with the GST/HST credit, provide essential financial relief to households struggling with inflation and rising costs.
Key Takeaways
- The next GST payment will be issued on October 3, 2025.
- Payments remain tax-free and automatic for most residents who filed a 2024 tax return.
- Newcomers must apply manually in their first year using CRA forms.
- Maximum annual credit amounts are $533 for singles, $698 for couples, and $184 per child under 19.
- Staying up-to-date with CRA requirements and enrolling in direct deposit ensures timely payments.
The October 3, 2025 GST payment is the second in the 2025–2026 cycle, continuing with increased amounts announced earlier in the year.
For millions of Canadians, this payment is a vital cushion against inflation and rising costs.
By understanding eligibility rules, income thresholds, and application steps—especially if you are a newcomer—you can ensure you don’t miss out on this essential federal benefit.
Always file your tax return on time, keep your CRA information updated, and use direct deposit for faster payments.
For official updates, visit the CRA website or call 1-800-387-1193.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my next GST payment?
The next payment is scheduled for October 3, 2025. You should receive it within 10 business days.
Do I need to apply every year?
No. Most residents are enrolled automatically after filing their tax return. Newcomers must apply once in their first year if they land after the tax filing season.
Can international students receive the GST/HST credit?
Yes, if they are residents for tax purposes in Canada. They must apply using the correct CRA forms.
How much will I receive in October 2025?
It depends on your 2024 adjusted family net income, marital status, and number of children. Maximum amounts are $533 (singles), $698 (couples), and $184 per child.
What if I don’t receive my GST payment?
Contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 if your payment does not arrive within 10 business days of October 3, 2025.
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