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 a single payment, but rather from combining multiple existing supports like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), and the new Canada Disability Benefit. If you understand the eligibility criteria and apply wisely, these programs can significantly boost your income.
Table of Contents
Overview
There is no “CRA $3,900 cheque,” but that doesn’t mean the money isn’t real. Depending on your situation—whether you’re a senior, parent, worker, or person with a disability—you could qualify for several benefits that, when added up, total nearly $3,900 each month. The key is knowing what’s available and how to qualify.
| 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 19+ | Quarterly |
| Canada Disability Benefit | Up to $200 | Ages 18–64, low income, DTC-approved | Starting July 2025 |
What Is It
The CRA’s $3,900 monthly payment in 2025 is a blended estimate of what eligible Canadians might receive by stacking benefits. For example, a low-income senior who’s also a caregiver for children may qualify for OAS, GIS, and CCB. Someone else might qualify for CWB and the new disability benefit.
This combined support system is crucial for helping Canadians keep up with inflation, rising rent, and food prices.
CCB
The Canada Child Benefit is for parents or guardians raising children under 18. It’s tax-free and paid monthly.
Who qualifies:
- You’re the child’s primary caregiver
- You live in Canada and file taxes
- You have a child under age 18
How much you get:
- Up to $648.91 per month per child under six
- Up to $547.50 per month per child aged six to seventeen
Example:
A parent with two kids under six could receive nearly $1,300 every month from CCB alone.
OAS
Old Age Security is for Canadians aged 65 and over. You don’t need to have worked or paid into CPP to receive it.
Who qualifies:
- Age 65 or older
- Lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18
- Canadian citizen or legal resident
How much:
- $727.67 per month for ages 65–74
- $800.44 per month for those 75 and older
OAS is adjusted for inflation every quarter.
GIS
If you’re already receiving OAS and have low income, you may qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Who qualifies:
- You must already receive OAS
- Your annual income must be below about $21,624 (2025 estimate for singles)
How much:
- Up to $1,086.88 per month for single seniors
This can be a game-changer for low-income retirees.
CWB
The Canada Workers Benefit supports low-income individuals and families who are employed.
Who qualifies:
- You must be 19 or older
- You must be working and earn a modest income
- You must file your income tax return
How it’s paid:
- Quarterly advance payments or as a refundable credit at tax time
Even if you only work part-time, you might qualify for hundreds of dollars.
Disability
Launching mid-2025, the Canada Disability Benefit helps working-age adults with disabilities.
Who qualifies:
- Age 18–64
- Must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Must meet low-income and residency requirements
How much:
- Up to $200 per month initially
Tip: If you haven’t applied for the DTC yet, do it now—it’s the key to receiving this benefit.
Payment Dates
Most monthly benefits are paid on the 20th. OAS and GIS are paid in the last week. Here’s the 2025 CCB and benefit calendar:
| 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 |
Quarterly programs like CWB may have different schedules, so always check your CRA My Account.
Maximize
Want to make the most of these payments? Follow these tips:
1. File your taxes
Even if you have no income, your tax return unlocks many CRA benefits.
2. Apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
It’s a must-have for the Canada Disability Benefit and other provincial supports.
3. Use the CRA Benefits Finder
This online tool helps you identify all benefits you may be eligible for.
4. Keep your info up to date
If you move, change jobs, get married, or have another child, update the CRA.
FAQs
Is the $3,900 CRA payment a single benefit?
No, it’s a combination of multiple programs like CCB, OAS, and GIS.
Who qualifies for the new Canada Disability Benefit?
Canadians aged 18–64 approved for the Disability Tax Credit.
When will the Disability Benefit start?
It begins in July 2025 with monthly payments.
Do I need to apply separately for each benefit?
Yes, most require separate applications and eligibility checks.
What’s the best way to check my eligibility?
Use the CRA’s Benefits Finder tool online.
