CRA Approves $2,400 Direct Deposit for Canadian Seniors in December 2025 — Eligibility, Payment Schedule, and Key Updates

Canadian seniors will receive an important financial boost in December 2025 as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) prepares to deliver a one-time, non-taxable $2,400 direct deposit. This payment is designed to help seniors cope with increasing living costs, including rising food prices, higher housing expenses, and growing healthcare demands.

This benefit is part of a larger effort to strengthen financial support for seniors living on fixed or modest incomes, especially during the winter season when essential costs often spike.

Understanding the CRA $2,400 Senior Relief Payment

The $2,400 payment is a special, one-time inflation-relief benefit, meaning it is not a recurring monthly program. The CRA will automatically distribute the payment to eligible seniors who already receive:

• Old Age Security (OAS)

• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

• Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D)

The goal is to quickly reach older Canadians most affected by record-high living costs.
Because the payment is non-taxable, it will not reduce future OAS or GIS payments, nor will it need to be declared as income for tax purposes — making it especially valuable for low-income seniors.

Who Qualifies for the $2,400 Payment in December 2025

To receive the CRA’s $2,400 direct deposit, seniors must meet specific eligibility conditions.

Eligibility Requirements

You may qualify if you are:

• 65 or older and currently receiving Old Age Security (OAS)

• Already receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

• Approved for Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D)

• A low-income senior who filed a 2024 income tax return and meets CRA income thresholds

It’s important to note that not every retiree qualifies automatically.
The CRA uses your 2024 tax return to verify your income and determine eligibility. Seniors who believe they should qualify but are not enrolled should update their information through CRA My Account as early as possible.

CRA Payment Schedule for the $2,400 Relief Benefit

The CRA is expected to issue the payment over a structured period to avoid delays and ensure secure delivery.

Estimated Deposit Timeline

Most seniors will receive the payment between:

• Late October 2025

• Late November 2025

Final payments may continue into early December due to processing times or cheque deliveries.

Related Federal Benefits Schedule

Seniors registered for direct deposit will receive their payment automatically in their bank account.
Those who receive payments by cheque may experience additional mailing delays, especially during the holiday season.

How to Receive the CRA $2,400 Payment

Direct Deposit (Recommended)

If you are already enrolled in direct deposit for OAS or GIS, no additional action is required — the payment will be deposited into the same bank account.

If your banking information changed in 2025, you must update it immediately through:

• CRA My Account, or

• Your financial institution

Mailed Cheques

Seniors who are not set up for direct deposit will receive a cheque at their mailing address.
To avoid delays, ensure your address is up to date with the CRA.

What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Payment

If your $2,400 payment has not arrived by mid-December 2025, follow this checklist:

• Review CRA My Account for payment notices or eligibility messages

• Confirm your 2024 tax return was filed and successfully processed

• Verify your banking information is correct

• Ensure your mailing address is accurate

• Contact the CRA directly for support or payment reissuance

• Watch for scams — the CRA will never request sensitive information by text or email

Taking these steps helps resolve common issues such as bank errors, verification delays, or outdated account information.

Why the Federal Government Introduced This One-Time Payment

Inflation and rising living costs have hit seniors particularly hard. Many older Canadians rely on fixed incomes that have not kept pace with increases in:

• Food prices

• Rent and housing costs

• Prescription medications

• Utility bills

• Transportation expenses

The $2,400 relief payment aims to:

• Support the most financially vulnerable seniors

• Offset winter-related expenses

• Provide rapid assistance during a period of economic strain

• Strengthen income security for older Canadians

• Reduce immediate budget pressure for those living on OAS, GIS, or disability benefits

The program ensures funds reach seniors efficiently through the CRA’s existing benefits framework.

Key Advantages of the $2,400 Senior Relief Payment

Why This Benefit Matters

• Non-taxable: Does not reduce future OAS, GIS, or other benefits

• Flexible use: Can be applied to groceries, rent, medication, heating, or any essential need

• Targeted support: Focuses on low-income and fixed-income seniors

• Secure delivery: CRA’s systems reduce the risk of fraud and delays

• Immediate relief: Offers financial help when winter expenses peak

Smart Ways for Seniors to Prepare

To make sure you receive the full benefit without delays, consider the following:

• Update or register for direct deposit before fall 2025

• Confirm your 2024 tax return has been filed

• Regularly check CRA My Account for updates or messages

• Watch for official CRA announcements

• Contact the CRA early if your payment does not arrive on time

These steps help ensure a smooth payment experience.

CRA $2,400 Senior Payment Overview