CRA $680 Canada Payment: If you’ve been scrolling through Facebook, TikTok, or online news lately, you’ve probably come across posts about a CRA $680 Canada Payment in December 2025. Some claim it’s a new government relief check, while others insist it’s a “holiday bonus” for all taxpayers. It sounds appealing—extra money right before the holidays could help with groceries, rent, or gifts. But before you start celebrating, it’s important to know the facts. The truth is: there’s no new $680 payment coming from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in December 2025. What’s circulating online is largely misinformation. Let’s unpack what’s really happening, what payments you can expect this month, and how to confirm your eligibility for official CRA benefits.
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CRA $680 Canada Payment
The viral claims about a CRA $680 Canada Payment in December 2025 are unfounded. The CRA has made no such announcement, and official records show no new one-time benefit this month. Canadians can, however, expect legitimate payments like the Canada Child Benefit, Ontario Trillium Benefit, and pension benefits such as CPP and OAS. Always double-check any news about government money. Staying informed protects your finances and helps keep your community safe from scams. If it sounds too good to be true—it probably is.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Name | “CRA $680 Canada Payment December 2025” |
| Status | False – no CRA confirmation or official program exists |
| Actual CRA Payments in December 2025 | Canada Child Benefit – Dec 12 |
| Average CCB Amount (2025) | Up to $7,437 for children under 6 |
| Eligibility Basis | Tax return + Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) |
| Official Reference | CRA Benefit Calendar |
| Tip | Always verify updates in your CRA My Account before sharing information online. |
The Truth About the CRA $680 Canada Payment
The CRA has officially stated that there is no new $680 payment scheduled for December 2025. Government agencies and reputable news outlets have confirmed that this supposed payment isn’t part of any legitimate benefit program.
According to the Government of Canada’s benefits calendar, CRA payments for December are limited to regular programs such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB), and pension benefits like CPP and OAS.
The confusion likely comes from a legitimate one-time $680 payment issued in September 2025 to certain eligible low-income Canadians as part of an inflation-relief initiative. That program was a single-month event and is not being repeated in December.
Why the CRA $680 Canada Payment Rumor Spread So Quickly?
Money news travels fast—especially when families are dealing with inflation and rising living costs. According to the Bank of Canada, inflation averaged around 2.6% in 2025, with essentials like housing and food increasing faster than wages. When a viral post promises $680 from the government, it taps directly into that financial stress.
Scammers take advantage of this by sharing fake CRA announcements that look convincing. They use the CRA logo, government wording, and even quotes from real press releases to make their scams believable. In many cases, these posts include links that lead to phishing websites where users are asked to “confirm eligibility” by entering their Social Insurance Number (SIN) or banking details.
The CRA never contacts Canadians through social media, text, or email to offer payments. All legitimate information is published directly on Canada.ca and sent through secure CRA My Account messages.
What CRA Payments Are Actually Coming in December 2025?
Even though the $680 payment isn’t real, Canadians can still expect several official CRA benefit payments this month. Here’s what’s confirmed:
1. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — December 12 2025
The CCB provides monthly tax-free payments to eligible families raising children under 18. The benefit is designed to help offset costs like daycare, food, and clothing.
- Payment Date: December 12 2025
- Maximum Annual Amount (2025): $7,437 for each child under 6 | $6,275 for children aged 6–17
- Eligibility: The child must live with you full-time, and you must file annual tax returns.
2. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) — December 10 2025
If you live in Ontario, you might qualify for the OTB, which combines three credits into one monthly payment:
the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit.
- Payment Date: December 10 2025
- Eligibility: Based on your 2024 tax return income and whether you rent or own a home.
- Example: A family of four renting in Hamilton could receive about $1,200 per year, distributed monthly.
3. CPP and OAS — December 22 2025
For retirees and seniors, two major federal programs pay out just before the holidays:
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Monthly retirement income for Canadians who contributed during their working years. Average monthly payment: around $758 in 2025.
- Old Age Security (OAS): Available to most seniors aged 65 and older, with average monthly payments near $707.
How CRA Calculates Benefit Amounts?
The CRA determines how much each household receives using your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI)—the combined income of you and your spouse or partner from the previous year’s tax return.
Here’s the typical process:
- You file your taxes each spring, even if you earned little or no income.
- CRA reviews your AFNI and family size.
- Based on those numbers, CRA automatically calculates the payments you qualify for.
- Benefits are updated every July to reflect inflation and income changes.
For instance, a single parent earning $40,000 per year with one child aged 5 could receive roughly $480 per month in CCB benefits.
Common CRA Scams and How to Avoid Them
Thousands of Canadians report CRA-related scams every year. Knowing the warning signs can save you time, stress, and money.
Warning Signs of a Fake CRA Message:
- Texts or DMs that say, “You’re eligible for a $680 payment—click to claim.”
- Emails with urgent subject lines like “Final Notice from CRA.”
- Websites that ask for credit card info or SINs.
- Messages not from an official “@cra.gc.ca” address.
Remember: CRA never sends e-Transfers, requests prepaid gift cards, or demands payment via cryptocurrency.
If you receive a suspicious message:
- Do not click any links.
- Delete it immediately.
- Report the incident
How to Check CRA $680 Canada Payment Status?
You can verify all benefit payments in minutes through CRA My Account:
- Go to the CRA My Account login page.
- Sign in securely with a CRA login or banking partner.
- Click “Benefits and Credits.”
- Review your upcoming payment dates, amounts, and program eligibility.
- Set up Direct Deposit to receive payments faster and avoid mail delays.
CRA My Account is the safest way to track your money, check notices, and update your contact information.
Economic Context: Why These Rumors Keep Appearing
The spread of fake payment news highlights a larger issue—many Canadians are under financial strain. Data from Statistics Canada shows that about 27% of households reported difficulty covering monthly expenses in 2025. With inflation raising the cost of living, people are increasingly hopeful for government relief.
Social media algorithms amplify that hope. When one post about a supposed CRA bonus gains traction, others copy and repost it, giving it credibility it doesn’t deserve. The result is mass confusion—and potential exposure to scams.
That’s why verifying through official sources is essential. The CRA and the Government of Canada maintain up-to-date information at Canada.ca, and major news outlets cross-check data before publishing.
Making the Most of Legitimate CRA Programs
Even without a $680 bonus, there are still several ways to get genuine financial support from the CRA:
- File Your Taxes Every Year – Even if you earn little, filing ensures CRA has current information to calculate benefits like CCB and GST/HST credits.
- Apply for Additional Credits – Programs like the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) provide hundreds of dollars annually.
- Keep Information Updated – Changes in address, marital status, or number of dependents can affect your payments.
- Use the CRA Estimator Tools – These calculators on Canada.ca estimate how much you might receive.
- Speak to a Tax Professional – Advisors can help uncover credits you may not realize you qualify for.
Protecting Yourself Online
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that fraud prevention starts with awareness. If you receive a message claiming to be from the CRA:
- Verify by logging into My Account independently—never through a link in a message.
- Check the CRA Newsroom for current press releases and payment schedules.
- Use multi-factor authentication on all CRA and banking accounts.
- Educate family members—especially seniors—who may be less familiar with online scams.
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