The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is set to introduce three significant benefits in 2025 aimed at providing financial relief to Canadians.
These benefits are designed to support families, seniors, and individuals with low to moderate income, helping them manage living costs and plan for the future.
This guide covers everything you need to know about these upcoming programs, including eligibility, payment amounts, and how to apply.
Overview of the 2025 CRA Benefits
The CRA has announced three new benefits for 2025:
- Enhanced Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Payment
- Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) Increase
- CPP/OAS Payment Boost for Seniors
Each benefit targets a specific group of Canadians and comes with updated eligibility requirements to ensure support reaches those who need it most.
1. Enhanced Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Payment
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18. In 2025, the CRA has announced an increase in the maximum payment to support the rising cost of living.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must reside in Canada.
- You must be the primary caregiver of a child under 18.
- Your income must fall below the CRA’s set thresholds for receiving full or partial benefits.
Payment Details for 2025
| Family Type | Maximum Annual Payment 2024 | Maximum Annual Payment 2025 | Monthly Payment 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | $7,437 | $7,650 | $637.50 |
| 2 children | $12,640 | $13,000 | $1,083.33 |
| 3 children | $16,950 | $17,400 | $1,450 |
| Each additional child | $5,000 | $5,200 | $433.33 |
The increase in payments ensures families have extra funds for essentials such as food, education, and healthcare.
How to Apply
- Applications can be made online through the CRA My Account portal.
- Paper forms are also accepted, but online submissions are faster.
- Payments are automatically calculated based on your income tax return, so filing annually is essential.
2. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) Increase
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) combines three credits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
This benefit helps lower-income residents manage property taxes and energy bills. In 2025, the CRA will administer an increase in OTB to reflect rising costs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an Ontario resident.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must have filed an income tax return in the previous year.
- Income thresholds apply for full or partial payments.
Payment Details for 2025
| Benefit Type | Maximum 2024 Payment | Maximum 2025 Payment | Monthly Payment 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and Property Tax Credit | $1,400 | $1,500 | $125 |
| Northern Ontario Energy Credit | $70 | $75 | $6.25 |
| Ontario Sales Tax Credit | $450 | $475 | $39.58 |
| Total Maximum OTB | $1,920 | $2,050 | $170.83 |
How to Apply
- Ensure your CRA income tax return is filed to qualify automatically.
- CRA reviews your eligibility annually and adjusts payments accordingly.
- You can track your payment via CRA My Account or by contacting CRA directly.
3. CPP/OAS Payment Boost for Seniors
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) payments are critical for senior Canadians. The CRA has announced an annual boost for 2025 to provide extra support to seniors living on fixed incomes.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 65 years or older for OAS.
- Must have contributed to CPP during your working years.
- Must reside in Canada.
Payment Details for 2025
| Benefit Type | 2024 Payment | 2025 Boosted Payment | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPP Maximum Pension | $15,200/year | $15,650/year | Monthly |
| OAS Maximum Pension | $8,400/year | $8,727/year | Monthly |
| GIS Maximum for Low Income Seniors | $11,000/year | $12,700/year | Monthly |
This increase ensures that seniors have access to additional funds to cover medications, healthcare, and everyday expenses.
How to Apply
- CPP: Application can be submitted through Service Canada, either online or in person.
- OAS: Seniors are automatically enrolled, but if you are turning 65, you must apply online or via paper forms.
- GIS: Automatically calculated based on income; no separate application is required for existing OAS recipients.
Combined Benefits Overview
To help you visualize all three benefits together, here’s a comprehensive table:
| Benefit | Target Group | Maximum Payment 2025 | Payment Frequency | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Families with children under 18 | $7,650 (1 child) | Monthly | CRA My Account / Paper Form |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | Low-income Ontario residents | $2,050 | Monthly | CRA My Account / Tax Return |
| CPP / OAS / GIS | Seniors aged 65+ | $15,650 CPP / $8,727 OAS / $12,700 GIS | Monthly | Service Canada / Automatic |
Tips for Maximizing Your CRA Benefits
- File Taxes Promptly: Your eligibility for these benefits relies heavily on your latest income tax return. File early to avoid delays.
- Keep Your Information Updated: Ensure your address, marital status, and dependent information are accurate with CRA.
- Use CRA My Account: This portal allows you to track payments, update information, and apply for benefits easily.
- Combine Benefits Strategically: Families can combine CCB with OTB to maximize their monthly financial support.
The 2025 CRA benefits are set to provide crucial financial relief for Canadians across different demographics. The Canada Child Benefit will help families with children, the Ontario Trillium Benefit supports low-income residents with energy and property costs, and the CPP/OAS boost ensures seniors can live comfortably. By understanding eligibility requirements and ensuring accurate tax filings, Canadians can maximize these benefits and gain additional financial stability in 2025.
These programs reflect the CRA’s commitment to supporting citizens, especially during times of rising living costs, and ensure that families and seniors receive the assistance they need without unnecessary hurdles.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the 2025 Canada Child Benefit increase?
Families residing in Canada with children under 18 who file their tax returns and fall under CRA’s income thresholds are eligible.
Do I need to apply separately for the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
No, the OTB is automatically calculated based on your Ontario income tax return, but ensure you file taxes annually.
How will the CPP/OAS boost affect my payments?
Eligible seniors will receive an automatic increase based on the new 2025 rates. GIS is calculated based on income, so filing taxes accurately ensures maximum benefits.