In August 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is issuing a $250 Cost-of-Living Boost, a one-time, automatic, and non-taxable payment aimed at easing the financial strain from soaring expenses.
Eligible Canadians can expect this financial relief to arrive between August 15 and August 31, offering much-needed support for daily necessities.
What Is the $250 Cost-of-Living Boost?
The Cost-of-Living Boost is a targeted one-time payment designed to help low- and middle-income individuals manage rising costs.
Delivered automatically, this tax-free relief is meant to address immediate financial pressures without requiring an application process.
Key Features:
- One-time only
- Non-taxable
- Automatic issuance
- Delivered August 15–31, 2025
Who Qualifies for the $250 Benefit?
Eligibility for this one-time relief depends on income, tax filing status, and residency criteria.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Income Threshold | Annual income $65,000 or less (focus on low-middle earners) |
| Tax Filing | Must have filed 2024 tax return by the due date |
| Eligible Groups | Seniors (OAS/GIS), single parents, students, disabled individuals, low-income earners |
| CRA Account Info | Must have correct direct deposit or mailing address |
| Residency | Must be a resident of Canada in 2025 |
You are not eligible if:
- You did not file your 2024 tax return
- Your income exceeds the eligibility cap
- Your CRA profile lacks updated banking or address details
- You have pending tax fraud investigations or disputes
When Will the Payment Arrive?
The $250 boost is scheduled for delivery between August 15 and August 31, 2025.
| Payment Method | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | Typically within 1–2 business days of release |
| Cheque by Mail | Depending on location, 5–10 business days |
No action required—if you’re eligible and your information is current, the boost will be sent automatically.
How to Confirm Your Eligibility and Payment Status
To ensure you receive your Cost-of-Living Boost smoothly:
- Log in to your CRA My Account.
- Check that your 2024 tax return has been processed.
- Verify your direct deposit details.
- Confirm your mailing address is accurate.
If you haven’t received the payment by early September 2025, contact CRA or submit a request through your CRA portal.
Safety Tips: Protect Yourself from Scams
As benefit rollouts often attract scammers, keep these safety measures in mind:
- CRA will never ask for your banking details by phone, text, or email.
- Ignore any messages claiming you must “update your account to release your payment.”
- Always manage your information via the official CRA website.
- Report any suspicious communications to CRA immediately.
Why the $250 Boost Matters
Although $250 may seem modest, this payment can help cover:
- Grocery expenses
- Utility bills
- Transportation or fuel costs
- Emergency needs and small household fixes
It underscores the government’s commitment to delivering immediate, targeted relief to those most affected by the high cost of living.
The $250 Cost-of-Living Boost arriving in August 2025 delivers timely, automatic, and tax-free assistance to eligible Canadians.
By ensuring your tax return is filed and your CRA profile is up to date, you’ll receive this valuable support seamlessly.
Stay alert to scams, and rest assured that this boost is designed to ease your budget during challenging financial times.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the $250 boost?
No—if you filed your 2024 tax return and meet eligibility, the one-time, automatic, tax-free payment will be issued in August 2025.
When will I receive the payment?
Payments are scheduled for August 15–31, 2025. Direct deposit is fastest (1–2 days); cheques arrive within 5–10 business days.
How can I protect myself from scams?
CRA will never request banking details via phone, text, or email. Always use the official CRA site, ignore suspicious messages, and report fraud attempts to CRA.