The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reviews inflation annually, and this year's bump is 2.7%. That may not sound like much, but every little bit helps when it comes to battling the rising cost of living.
This list focuses on recurring government payments — the kind you receive throughout the year, not lump-sum tax credits (of which there are even more getting a boost).
Here's what's changing for 2025 and how much more you could be getting in those recurring payments starting as early as this month.
GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps low- and modest-income Canadians offset the sales taxes they've paid. It's calculated based on your family's net income and the number of children you have.
For 2025, the maximum payment for single adults is increasing to $533, up from $519 in 2024. Couples can receive up to $698, with an additional $184 per child. For a family of four, that means up to $1,066 annually or $266.50 every three months.
The income thresholds are also rising slightly, with the phase-out threshold now starting at $45,521 — so more people may qualify (or, at least, if you got a cost-of-living raise equal to the inflation rate of 2.7%, your eligibility shouldn't be affected).
These new amounts kick in starting with the new benefit year in July 2025, and your amounts and eligibility will be based on your 2024 tax return.
Canada Child Benefit
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help parents and guardians with the cost of raising kids under 18. It's based on your adjusted family net income (AFNI), the number of children in your household and their ages.
For 2025, the maximum annual CCB amount is increasing to $7,997 for kids under six and $6,748 for children aged 6 to 17. That's a boost of $210 and $178 respectively compared to last year. Payments will reflect the higher amounts starting in July 2025, based on your 2024 tax return.
The AFNI phase-out thresholds are also rising, meaning more families could qualify for the maximum or see smaller reductions.
Child Disability Benefit
If you're caring for a child under 18 with a severe and prolonged disability, the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) offers extra, tax-free financial support. It's paid alongside the Canada Child Benefit and is calculated based on your adjusted family net income and number of eligible children.
For 2025, the maximum annual CDB amount is increasing to $3,411 per child, up from $3,322 last year. The income threshold where payments start to phase out is also rising to $81,222 (from $79,087).
The new amounts will take effect with the July 2025 payment, based on your 2024 tax return.
Canada Workers Benefit
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit designed to support Canadians who are working but earning a low income. It includes a basic amount and a disability supplement, with eligibility based on your income and family situation.
In 2025, you'll actually see a bigger increase in your payments than 2.7%. That's because the yearly CWB increase corresponds with the new tax year rather than the new benefit year, meaning this year's bump will actually reflect last year's inflation increase, which was higher!
For the 2024 tax year in Quebec, single individuals can receive up to $3,705.38 (up from $3,521.87 last year), while couples can get as much as $5,778.52 (up from $5,494.27). If you're eligible for the disability supplement, that amount will rise to $827.72, compared to $787.70 last year.
The income thresholds are also going up, ensuring beneficiaries don't lose out if their income grows with inflation. For example, single individuals with no kids will now phase out completely at $32,356.72, and couples without kids at $50,150.04. These changes take effect with your 2024 tax return and the advanced payment cycle beginning in July 2025.
Old Age Security
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension provides a monthly payment for Canadians aged 65 and older, regardless of employment history. It's reviewed quarterly — in January, April, July and October — to reflect changes in the cost of living. Payments won't decrease even if inflation slows.
For January 2025, the maximum monthly amounts remain at $727.67 for those aged 65 to 74 and $800.44 for those 75 and over. While there's no guarantee of an increase in 2025, quarterly reviews often lead to adjustments, so keep an eye out for those later in the year.
On the bright side, the income threshold for repayment is increasing to $93,454 for 2025, up from $90,997. This means more retirees can keep the full amount of their pension.
Veteran Disability Pension
The Veteran Disability Pension provides lifetime monthly payments to veterans with service-related disabilities. Eligible recipients include veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, some members of the RCMP and certain civilians who served in the Second World War.
For 2025, the maximum monthly payment for veterans with the highest disability rating (Class 1) has increased to $3,444.59, up from $3,357.30 in 2024. The other disability classes and additional monthly amounts for dependents have also risen at the same rate.
These updated amounts are taking effect starting with the January 2025 payment, ensuring benefits keep pace with inflation and better support veterans and their families.
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A bar graph showing the rate of price increases for 16 grocery products between February 2022 and February 2023.