In 2025, eligible Canadians may receive up to $3,900 per month through a combination of federal benefit programs managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
This amount doesn’t come from one big payment, but from multiple stacked benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), and the new Canada Disability Benefit launching in July 2025.
If you’re a low-income senior, a working parent, or a person with a disability, understanding and combining these programs could significantly increase your monthly income.
What Is the CRA’s $3,900 Monthly Payment in 2025?
There is no single $3,900 cheque, but some Canadians may receive up to that amount monthly if they qualify for several programs.
For example, a low-income senior caring for children could be eligible for OAS, GIS, and CCB. Others might combine CWB and the Canada Disability Benefit. The idea is to stack support programs to create a stronger financial safety net in response to rising living costs, rent, and groceries.
Breakdown of Major CRA Benefits in 2025
Here’s a quick glance at the maximum monthly amounts and eligibility for each benefit:
Benefit Program | Max Monthly Amount | Eligibility | Payment Date |
---|---|---|---|
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Up to $648.91/child | Primary caregiver, tax filed | 20th monthly |
Old Age Security (OAS) | Up to $800.44 | Age 65+, 10 years in Canada | Last week monthly |
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) | Up to $1,086.88 | Low-income OAS recipients | Last week monthly |
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) | Varies | Low-income workers aged 19+ | Quarterly |
Canada Disability Benefit | Up to $200 | Ages 18–64, DTC approved, low income | Starting July 2025 |
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment for parents or guardians of children under 18.
Who qualifies:
- You’re the primary caregiver
- You live in Canada and file taxes
- Your child is under 18 years old
Payment Amount:
- Up to $648.91/month per child under 6
- Up to $547.50/month per child aged 6 to 17
Example:
A parent with two children under six could receive nearly $1,300 monthly from the CCB alone.
Old Age Security (OAS)
The OAS is a government pension for Canadians aged 65 and older, regardless of their work history.
Who qualifies:
- You are 65 or older
- You’ve lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18
- You are a Canadian citizen or legal resident
Payment Amount:
- $727.67/month for ages 65–74
- $800.44/month for those 75 and above
OAS is adjusted quarterly based on inflation.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
GIS is an additional monthly payment for low-income seniors who already receive OAS.
Who qualifies:
- You must be receiving OAS
- Your annual income must be below approx. $21,624 (2025 estimate for singles)
Payment Amount:
- Up to $1,086.88/month for single seniors
This benefit can dramatically help low-income retirees meet basic needs.
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
CWB helps low-income working individuals and families by providing quarterly payments or refundable tax credits.
Who qualifies:
- You are 19 or older
- You have a modest income and are working
- You file a tax return
How it’s paid:
- Quarterly advance payments or as a tax refund
Even part-time workers may qualify for hundreds of dollars annually.
Canada Disability Benefit (Starting July 2025)
The Canada Disability Benefit is a new federal support program launching mid-2025, targeting working-age adults with disabilities.
Who qualifies:
- Ages 18–64
- Must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Must meet low-income and residency requirements
Payment Amount:
- Up to $200/month initially
Tip: Apply for the DTC now, as it’s the gateway to receiving this benefit and others.
2025 CRA Benefit Payment Dates
Monthly payments generally arrive on the 20th of each month, while OAS and GIS are issued during the last week. Here’s the CCB calendar for 2025:
Month | Payment Date |
---|---|
January | January 20 |
February | February 20 |
March | March 20 |
April | April 17 |
May | May 20 |
June | June 20 |
July | July 18 |
August | August 20 |
September | September 19 |
October | October 20 |
November | November 20 |
December | December 12 |
Note: Quarterly programs like CWB follow different schedules. Always check your CRA My Account for updates.
Tips to Maximize Your CRA Benefits in 2025
To take full advantage of these government payments, follow these smart strategies:
1. Always File Your Taxes
Even if you earned no income, your tax return unlocks access to most CRA programs.
2. Apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The DTC is the key to qualifying for the Canada Disability Benefit and many provincial supports.
3. Use the CRA Benefits Finder Tool
This free tool helps you discover all the federal and provincial programs you may be eligible for.
4. Keep Personal Information Updated
If you move, change jobs, get married, or have children, update your CRA profile to ensure continued eligibility.