Canadian families who are struggling with increasing cost of living will get financial assistance via the Goods and Services Tax or Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credits that will be available in October 2025. This credit is available to all households in Canada. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is planning to release the tax-free benefit in a quarterly installment on the 3rd of October, 2025, bringing vital assistance for low- and moderate-income households across the nation. The credit, which could be as high as $496 for singles who are eligible annually, will help offset the tax on consumption Canadians pay on daily necessities such as utilities, groceries and even housing.
The program calculates the payments automatically in accordance with the information from tax returns for 2024 and ensures that households with a qualifying income receive the same quarterly support without the need for separate applications. With the rate of inflation continuing to affect budgets of households, this October payment is a vital aid for many Canadian families who are preparing for the costs for the year’s end and the forthcoming winter season.
$496 GST/HST Credit for October 2025 Overview
| Program Detail | Information |
| Payment Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Administering Agency | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Payment Frequency | Quarterly (January, April, July, October) |
| Eligibility Basis | 2024 tax return for income |
| Application Required | No, it’s automatically determined |
| Maximum Annual Single | $533 (2025-2026 payment period) |
| Maximum Annual Couple | $698 (2025-2026 payment period) |
| Per Child Amount | $184 a year (under 19 years old) |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or cheque |
| Tax Status | Non-taxable benefit |
$496 GST/HST Credit for October Payment Amounts and Eligibility
Maximum Credit Amounts
The GST/HST credit offers significant financial assistance in the case of eligible Canadian families throughout the payment period 2025-2026. Individuals who are single can get up to $533 per year for married couples, while couples with common law partners can qualify for as much as $698 per year. Families with children who are less than 19 are entitled to an additional $184 per year for each child who is eligible substantially increasing the amount of benefits received.
The amount for the year is divided into four equal quarterly installments which means that eligible recipients receive around $133 per quarter for individuals, $174.50 for couples, and $46 for each child every quarter. A couple comprising two parents and two children may receive an annual sum of up to $1,066 that is equivalent to around $266 for each quarterly installment by the end of October 2025.
Income Thresholds and Phase-Out
The GST/HST credit is based on income so families with higher incomes are gradually denied eligibility as their adjusted net income rises. For the base year 2024 the single parents are not eligible until their income exceeds $56,181. Single parents with a child may make up to $63,161 prior to losing the credit completely.
Parents of married couples with children are subject to the income threshold of $59,481. This limit grows with each additional child. The credit is phased out slowly instead of abruptly cutting off so that families do not suffer unexpected loss of benefit because of modest income increases.
Eligibility Requirements for $496 GST/HST Credit for October 2025
Age and Residency Criteria
To be eligible to receive the tax credit GST/HST, candidates must qualify as Canadian residents in tax-related terms both at the close of the month prior to payment, and at the beginning of the month in which they pay. The recipient must be 19 years of age by the time the CRA is able to make the payment, but people younger than 19 may be eligible in the case of an unmarried partner, a common-law partner, or parents who live together with children.
The requirement to be a resident of Canada considers aspects like having a residence in Canada and having an adult spouse or common law partner who lives in Canada or having dependents living outside the United States. Individuals who live outside of Canada can still be eligible in the event that they have sufficient residence connections.
GST/HST Credit Documentation and Application Process
The GST/HST credit is automatically available for the majority of Canadians that do not require a separate application other than the filing of an annual tax report. Even those with no income have to submit a tax return for 2024 to remain eligible for the tax credit. This simplified process will ensure that households with a qualifying income receive the same assistance without having to go through complicated applications.
Newcomers to Canada have to complete the form RC151 (GST/HST Credit as well as Canada Carbon Rebate Applications for Individuals who are Upon the Verification from Canada) to establish their initial eligibility. Primary applicants and their spouses must have current Social Insurance Numbers to receive the tax.
GST/HST Credit Payment Schedule and Distribution
October 2025 Payment Timeline
The GST/HST credit for October 2025 payment is scheduled to be distributed on the 3rd of October 2025, thereby continuing the CRA’s regular calendar of quarterly payments. Direct deposit recipients generally receive funds within days from the date of payment however, those who are receiving paper cheques might have more time to process.
The CRA makes installments on 5th days of each payment months. However, if the date falls on a weekend and federal holiday days, they will be processed the final day of business before the 5th. This makes sure that the recipients receive their benefits on a regular basis and budget their finances accordingly.
Annual Payment Structure
The GST/HST credit is based on a payment period that runs from July to June that calculates credits by reference to the tax return for the previous year’s data. For the current period of payment that runs from July 2025 through June 2026, the payments are calculated based on tax return information. The four dates for annual payments are July 5 Oct. 5, 5 January as well as April 5 however, certain dates could differ slightly.
The credit of $496 GST/HST is an essential component of Canada’s social security net, which provides an annual tax-free benefit to millions of modest and low-income families across the nation. As the 3rd of October 2025 deadline looming the deadline for eligible beneficiaries, they can count on the security of financial aid calculated by their tax returns for 2024. By keeping current data with CRA and submitting annually tax return, Canadian family members can maintain receiving this vital benefit which can help pay for the costs of living in an ever cost-intensive economic environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do I have to make an application separately to get tax credits for GST/HST?
There is no separate application needed for tax credits for GST/HST. It is the CRA will automatically decide if you are eligible based on the information that you provide in your 2024 income tax return. Even if there was no income in 2024, you should still submit a tax return in order in order to remain eligible in this program. Newcomers to Canada need to fill out the form RC151 to determine their eligibility.
Q2. What will my family get in the month of October 2025?
The amount you receive depends on the composition of your family and the net income for your family as of 2024. Individuals who are single can get as much as $533 annually (approximately $133 each quarter) and couples can be eligible in the amount of $698 per year (approximately $174.50 each quarter). Families are also eligible for an additional $184 per year ($46 annually) to each kid less than 19, which is a total of $184 annually. Couples with two children could get as much as $1,066 per year, which is roughly $266 by the month of October in 2025.
Q3. What is the consequence if my family’s circumstances change during the course of the year?
You should notify your CRA immediately of any significant changes such as separation, marriage divorce, the birth of children or any changes in the custody arrangements. These changes may alter your credit balance in the event that you fail to report these changes could result in overpayments which must be repaid in the future. You can make changes to your account information on My Account or by calling 1-800-387-1193, or by filling out the proper forms.
