$10,800 CRA & Service Canada Payments 2025 – Dates, Full Eligibility and Payment Breakdown

As October 2025 approaches, a flood of online posts and videos claim that Canadians could receive a $10,800 payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Service Canada. While the number sounds exciting, the truth is more practical than sensational.

The $10,800 figure is not a single cheque or one-time windfall. Instead, it represents the combined value of multiple government benefits that some households may receive in the same month — including GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and provincial supports like Ontario’s Trillium Benefit.

These benefits overlap in October, creating one of the most financially active months of the year for millions of Canadians. However, the actual total depends on your income, age, location, and family situation.

Breaking Down the $10,800 Figure

The total of $10,800 is a theoretical maximum combining several federal and provincial benefits. Most people will receive only a portion depending on which programs they qualify for.

Here’s an overview of what’s included:

Program	Administered By	Average/Max Payment (Oct 2025)	Eligibility
GST/HST Credit	CRA	Up to $496 per adult, $261 per child	Low- to middle-income Canadians who filed 2024 taxes
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)	CRA	Up to $7,437 per child under 6, $6,275 per child 6–17 (annual)	Parents or guardians of dependent children
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)	Ontario Government	$100–$150 monthly	Ontario residents with qualifying income and housing costs
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)	CRA	Up to $1,518 (single) or $2,616 (family) (annual)	Working Canadians with modest incomes
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)	Service Canada	Average $758, max ~$1,364 monthly	Retirees or survivors contributing to CPP
Old Age Security (OAS)	Service Canada	Around $713 monthly, plus possible supplements	Seniors 65+ who lived in Canada 10+ years
Veterans Disability Pension	Veterans Affairs	Varies by disability rating	Eligible former CAF or RCMP members

When multiple payments arrive in the same month, totals can exceed several thousand dollars — especially for families combining child and senior benefits.

Key October 2025 Payment Dates

Here’s the official benefit calendar for October 2025, according to CRA and Service Canada:

Program	Payment Date (October 2025)
GST/HST Credit	October 3
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)	October 10
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)	October 10
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)	October 20
CPP and OAS	October 29
Veterans Disability Pension	October 30

Since these payments are separate, families and retirees may receive multiple deposits in the same month — each from different agencies or programs.

Understanding Each Benefit

1. GST/HST Credit

A tax-free quarterly payment designed to help offset sales taxes for modest-income Canadians.

• Eligibility: Must have filed 2024 taxes, be 19+ or have a spouse/child.
• Payout Example: A couple with two kids could receive around $1,514 in October.

2. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)

This monthly payment combines energy, property, and sales tax credits for Ontario residents.

• Eligibility: Renters or homeowners with qualifying income and property expenses.
• Average Payment: $100–$150 per month, depending on housing costs.

3. Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)

A refundable tax credit paid quarterly to low-income workers.

• Eligibility: Working Canadians earning below set income thresholds.
• Typical October Amount: About $300 for singles or more for families.

4. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The largest family benefit in Canada, supporting households with children under 18.

• Eligibility: Must be a parent or legal guardian.
• October Example: Two kids under six could mean a combined payment of $1,200+.

5. Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

Monthly pension payments for retirees, survivors, and disabled contributors.

• Eligibility: Based on work history and contributions.
• Typical Payment: Around $758, with the maximum reaching ~$1,364 in 2025.

6. Old Age Security (OAS)

A monthly pension for Canadians aged 65 or older.

• Eligibility: Must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.
• Average Payment: About $713 per month, with supplements for lower-income seniors.

7. Veterans Disability Pension

Compensation for former CAF or RCMP members with service-related disabilities.

• Eligibility: Approved disability rating through Veterans Affairs Canada.
• Payouts: Range widely depending on severity and service length.

Case Studies: Who Might Reach $10,800

1. Working Parent in Ontario (Two Children)

• GST/HST: $1,514
• CCB: $1,200
• OTB: $120
• ACWB: $300
  Total = $3,134

2. Retired Senior in British Columbia

• CPP: $1,200
• OAS: $713
• GST/HST: $496
  Total = $2,409

3. Veteran Retiree with One Child

• CPP: $1,000
• OAS: $700
• GST/HST: $757
• CCB: $600
• Veterans Pension: $400
  Total = $3,457

While few Canadians will reach the $10,800 ceiling, families combining multiple benefits (e.g., parents with young children and senior dependents) could approach that figure when all deposits are counted.

How to Maximize Your October 2025 Benefits

To ensure you receive all eligible payments:

• File your 2024 income taxes before the April 30, 2025 deadline.
• Register for CRA My Account to track benefits and payment dates.
• Set up direct deposit for faster and safer payments.
• Apply early for CPP or OAS if turning 65 in 2025.
• Update your information with CRA (marriage, address, banking, new child).

Missing deadlines or failing to update details is the most common reason Canadians miss out on payments.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Missing tax filing deadlines – benefits are calculated from your tax return.
• Assuming automatic enrollment – CPP, OAS, and Veterans benefits require applications.
• Ignoring changes in income or marital status – this can cause overpayments or clawbacks.
• Forgetting about benefit clawbacks – high-income seniors may see OAS reductions.

A simple review of your CRA and Service Canada accounts can prevent missed or delayed payments.

Provincial Differences

While federal programs like CPP, OAS, GST/HST, and CCB are available nationwide, provincial benefits vary:

• Ontario: Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
• Alberta: Affordability Payments (temporary programs)
• Quebec: Distinct family allowance through Retraite Québec
• Northern Territories: Enhanced cost-of-living and energy credits

These regional differences mean two households with identical incomes may receive different total amounts depending on where they live.

Staying Safe from Scams

Benefit months often attract scammers posing as CRA or Service Canada. Protect yourself by remembering:

• The CRA never asks for banking details via text or email.
• Legitimate emails end with “.gc.ca”.
• Never click on suspicious links or share personal data.
• If in doubt, call the CRA (1-800-959-8281) or Service Canada (1-800-277-9914) directly.

Always verify before responding to messages that reference benefit payments or refunds.

(5) FAQs

1. Is there a single $10,800 payment in October 2025?
No. The $10,800 figure refers to the combined total from multiple benefits like GST/HST, CCB, OAS, CPP, and others.

2. Who qualifies for these benefits?
Eligibility depends on age, income, residency, and family status. Each program has separate rules.

3. When will these payments arrive?
Most federal benefits — including GST/HST, CCB, CPP, and OAS — are scheduled between October 3 and October 30, 2025.

4. Do I need to apply for every benefit?
No, but some programs like CPP, OAS, and Veterans benefits require applications. CCB and GST/HST credits are automatic once you file your taxes.

5. How can I make sure I don’t miss a payment?
File your taxes on time, enable direct deposit, and keep your information updated on the CRA My Account and Service Canada portals.