$1350 CRA Payment: There’s a buzz across Canada — from social media threads to kitchen table conversations — about a $1350 CRA payment that some folks say is coming in 2026. Add a spouse or partner into the mix, and that number jumps to $2700 or more. But is this really a new government cheque you can expect in your mailbox or bank account soon? Or is it just one of those internet rumors that keeps growing with every share and repost? In this detailed guide, we break it down in plain language, backed by facts and official sources — whether you’re a young adult just starting out or a retiree managing a fixed income.
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$1350 CRA Payment
There’s no official $1350 CRA check coming your way — at least not as a brand-new one-time relief payment. But that doesn’t mean you won’t receive $1350 (or even more) through existing CRA programs. Most low- and moderate-income Canadians receive significant support annually from a mix of GST/HST, CCB, CWB, OAS, and other benefits. If you’re a parent, worker, senior, or have a disability, you might already qualify for thousands in tax-free support. All you need to do is file your taxes and keep your CRA account info up to date. Ignore the hype — but don’t ignore the benefits you may be entitled to.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Rumored Payment | One-time $1350 CRA payment (individuals); ~$2700 for couples |
| CRA Official Status | No new standalone $1350 payment officially listed |
| Likely Source | Total of multiple CRA benefits like GST/HST, CCB, CWB |
| Who May Qualify | Low-income earners, families, seniors, persons with disabilities |
| Common Benefits | GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, Canada Workers Benefit |
| How to Receive | File taxes, meet income thresholds, be a Canadian resident |
| Scam Risk | Beware fake emails/texts claiming new CRA checks |
| Official Source | CRA Benefits Page |
What’s Really Behind the $1350 CRA Payment Talk?
Despite what you may read online, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has not announced a brand-new one-time $1350 payment for 2026. There’s no press release. Nothing listed on the CRA official benefits page. Zero confirmation.
Instead, this amount seems to come from confusion over stacked payments from different government benefits — like the GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and Canada Workers Benefit (CWB).
Combined, they can easily total more than $1350 per year — and even over $2700 per couple. If several of those are paid in the same month, it can feel like a big, one-time “bonus” even though it’s made up of several programs.
Past One-Time CRA Top-Ups: Fueling the Confusion
The federal government has sent out one-time payments in the past — and that’s part of the confusion.
Examples of real past top-ups:
- $500 one-time GST boost (2022)
- $300–$500 COVID-19 support payments (2020)
- $500 top-up for seniors on OAS (2021)
Because of these, many Canadians think another one could drop at any time. But unless it’s officially announced by CRA or the Government of Canada, it’s not real yet.
Who May Actually Receive Over $1350 CRA Payment From CRA?
Now that we’ve cleared up the confusion, let’s talk about the folks who really qualify for large payments — whether it’s spread throughout the year or lumped close together.
1. Low- and Moderate-Income Canadians
Most CRA benefits are income-tested. That means:
- If you earn less than $50,000/year (single) or $70,000/year (family), you may qualify for several supports.
- The lower your income, the more you get.
Programs like the Canada Workers Benefit and GST/HST credit are designed to help these income brackets.
2. Families With Children
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is one of the most generous programs in the world. It’s a tax-free monthly payment sent to eligible families raising kids under 18.
Example: A family with 2 children under 6 can receive up to $14,874/year in CCB alone.
The CCB is automatically adjusted based on your income. You don’t need to reapply, but you must file your taxes every year to stay eligible.
3. Seniors and Retirees
If you’re over 65, you may receive:
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- GST/HST credit
- Additional provincial benefits
Seniors with lower incomes may qualify for over $1,000/month in combined supports.
4. Individuals with Disabilities
Canadians with a recognized disability may also be eligible for:
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- GST/HST credit
- Canada Workers Benefit – Disability Supplement
- Additional provincial supports
How CRA Payments Work: Not All at Once
CRA doesn’t usually send a single lump sum labeled “$1350.” Instead, you may receive:
- Monthly (CCB, GIS)
- Quarterly (GST/HST)
- Annually (some CWB top-ups)
But if multiple payments happen around the same time (e.g., January), it can look like one big cheque — and that’s where the confusion starts.
Real-Life Scenarios to Help You Understand
Let’s break this down with two examples — just like your neighbor might explain it over coffee:
Example 1: Alicia, Single Parent With One Child
- Income: $32,000
- Receives:
- GST/HST credit: ~$992
- CCB: ~$6,000/year
- CWB: ~$1,200
Annual Total: $8,192
She receives around $1,350 in January due to GST + CCB together. This may look like a one-time bonus, but it’s just scheduled benefits.
Example 2: Michael & Grace, Retired Couple
- Combined income: $40,000/year
- Receive:
- OAS: ~$12,000/year
- GIS: ~$8,500/year
- GST/HST: ~$992
Annual CRA support: ~$21,500
Payments arrive monthly or quarterly — but in January, they may get over $2,700 combined, especially if GST/HST and GIS align.
How to Check If You Qualify for $1350 CRA Payment?
Here’s what to do if you want to find out what you’re eligible for — or whether you’ve missed anything:
Step 1: File Your Taxes
Even if you have no income or don’t owe tax, file your return. CRA uses your tax data to assess eligibility for all major benefits.
Step 2: Create or Log In to CRA My Account
Check your personal benefit details, payment dates, and notices from CRA.
Step 3: Use CRA’s Benefit Calculator
Don’t guess. Use the government’s official tool to get personalized estimates.
Avoid CRA Payment Scams: Red Flags to Watch For
Scammers love impersonating the CRA. Here’s how to stay safe:
CRA Will NEVER:
- Send e-transfers
- Ask for banking info by email/text
- Ask you to click suspicious links to claim benefits
CRA Will:
- Send letters or official emails through “My Account”
- Deposit benefits via direct deposit or mail a cheque
- Post all real benefit updates at canada.ca
If in doubt, call CRA directly: 1-800-387-1193
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