In recent months, many Canadians have come across viral posts and forwarded messages claiming that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be issuing a \$3,900 monthly payment in 2025. The rumour has caused both excitement and confusion, especially among families already struggling with the rising cost of living.
But is it true? The short answer is no. There is no federal program under CRA that offers a flat \$3,900 monthly cheque. Instead, Canada’s income-support system consists of a series of targeted benefits—each with its own eligibility criteria, amounts, and payment schedules.
When combined, these benefits can provide meaningful support, particularly for families with children or individuals living with disabilities. However, the total amount falls far below the \$3,900 monthly figure circulating online.
This article breaks down the facts, explains key CRA-administered programs, and provides a clear guide on eligibility, payment dates, and application processes for 2025
Debunking the \$3,900 Payment Myth
It is important to set the record straight. Neither CRA nor the federal government has issued an announcement promising \$3,900 per month to Canadians.
The origin of the rumour appears to come from misinterpretation of multiple programs. By combining maximum child benefits, worker credits, disability supplements, and tax credits, some individuals estimated inflated figures—but those do not represent a single program or guaranteed monthly income.
Instead, CRA manages several key benefits:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- GST/HST Credit
- Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
- Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)
Each is designed for different groups—parents, low-income workers, and persons with disabilities. No program alone comes close to \$3,900 monthly.
Key CRA and Federal Benefits in 2025
Let’s look at each benefit in detail, including amounts and timelines for 2025.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The Canada Child Benefit is one of the most significant income-support programs for families.
- Annual Maximums (July 2025–June 2026 benefit year):
- Up to \$7,997 per child aged 0–5.
- Up to \$6,748 per child aged 6–17.
- Monthly Value: Roughly \$562 to \$667 per child depending on age.
- Eligibility: Based on family net income, number of children, and their ages. Lower-income families receive the highest amounts.
- Payment Schedule: Usually issued on the 20th of each month. If that date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment arrives the next business day.
This program alone provides hundreds of dollars monthly to millions of families across Canada.
GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST Credit offsets sales tax burdens for low- and middle-income households.
- Maximum Annual Amounts:
- \$520 for a single individual.
- \$589 for a couple.
- \$231 per child under 19.
- Distribution: Paid quarterly (January, April, July, October).
- Eligibility: Based on family net income declared on tax returns.
On average, a family with one child could see about \$190 per month when annualized, though technically received every three months.
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit for low-income workers. The advanced portion (ACWB) gives families early access to part of the credit before filing taxes.
- Maximum (2024 base year for 2025 payments):
- Up to \$1,590 for single individuals.
- Higher amounts for families, depending on income.
- Advance Payments: Up to 50% of the benefit is distributed in advance on three dates: January, July, and October 2025.
- Remaining Balance: Paid after filing 2025 taxes in spring 2026.
When prorated monthly, this benefit works out to roughly \$130 per month for eligible low-income workers.
Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)
The Canada Disability Benefit, launched in mid-2025, provides additional support to eligible Canadians with disabilities.
- Maximum Amount: Approximately \$2,400 annually, or \$200 per month.
- Eligibility: Applicants must qualify under disability criteria and meet income thresholds.
- Payment Schedule: Paid monthly through Service Canada, not CRA.
This program represents an important step in addressing poverty among Canadians with disabilities.
Payment Dates for Major CRA Benefits in 2025
Here’s a consolidated look at payment dates for 2025:
Program | Frequency | 2025 Payment Dates (est.) |
---|---|---|
Canada Child Benefit | Monthly (20th) | Jan–Dec 2025 (each month) |
GST/HST Credit | Quarterly | Jan 5, Apr 5, Jul 5, Oct 5 |
ACWB Advance | 3 times yearly | Jan 10, Jul 11, Oct 10 |
Canada Disability Benefit | Monthly | Fixed monthly dates Jul 2025–Jun 2026 |
Eligibility – Who Qualifies?
Eligibility varies widely across programs:
- CCB: Families with children under 18; amount depends on adjusted family net income.
- GST/HST Credit: Single individuals or families with income under certain thresholds; higher amounts for dependents.
- ACWB: Low-income workers aged 19+; eligibility based on earned income and tax return details.
- CDB: Canadians with disabilities who meet income and medical criteria.
Filing your 2024 income tax return on time in spring 2025 is the most critical step, since CRA uses tax records to calculate benefits automatically.
Application Process – How to Apply
- CCB: Apply through CRA My Account or at birth registration; renewed annually based on taxes.
- GST/HST Credit: No separate application; calculated automatically once taxes are filed.
- ACWB: Advance portion triggered automatically if you check the eligibility box on your return.
- CDB: Application must be submitted through Service Canada, along with medical documentation.
Can You Really Get \$3,900 Per Month?
Let’s run a scenario. Suppose a family of two adults, one child under 5, with one parent working in a low-income job and another parent living with a disability.
- CCB (child under 5): \$667/month
- GST/HST Credit (annualized): ~\$190/month
- ACWB (prorated): ~\$130/month
- CDB: \$200/month
Total: \$1,187/month
Even under favorable conditions, this is far from the \$3,900 monthly rumour. At most, families may reach \$1,200 per month in combined CRA-related support.
Why Accuracy Matters
Misinformation around benefits can cause real harm. Families may make financial decisions expecting payments that don’t exist. By clearly understanding what programs are available, Canadians can better plan their budgets and avoid disappointment.
The real story is not a mythical \$3,900 cheque—it’s that CRA programs, though smaller individually, collectively provide important targeted relief. These benefits help families with children, low-income workers, and Canadians with disabilities make ends meet.
5 FAQs
Q1: Is there really a \$3,900 monthly CRA payment in 2025?
No. That number is based on misinformation. No CRA program offers \$3,900 monthly.
Q2: What benefits does CRA actually provide in 2025?
Key programs include the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST Credit, Advanced Canada Workers Benefit, and the Canada Disability Benefit.
Q3: How much can families realistically receive?
Depending on eligibility, families may receive up to about \$1,200 monthly when combining multiple benefits.
Q4: How do I apply for these benefits?
Most are calculated automatically through your annual tax return. Only the Disability Benefit requires a separate application through Service Canada.
Q5: When will payments be made in 2025?
CCB arrives monthly on the 20th, GST/HST quarterly on the 5th of select months, ACWB advances three times per year, and CDB is paid monthly.