March 2025 CRA Benefit Payments – CPP, OAS, CWB, CCR And GST/HST

In March 2025, numerous Canadians will receive essential government benefits administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Understanding the payment dates, eligibility criteria, and benefit amounts for programs such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), Canada Carbon Rebate (formerly CAIP), and the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit is crucial for effective financial planning.​

1. Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

Payment Date

March 27, 2025​

Benefit Amount

The CPP provides monthly payments to contributors and their families to partially replace income upon retirement, disability, or death.

The amount varies based on individual contributions during their working years. As of 2024, the average monthly amount for new retirement beneficiaries was $779.32, with a maximum of $1,306.57. These figures are subject to annual adjustments.​

Eligibility

Individuals aged 60 and above who have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP during their working years are eligible.

The standard age to start receiving the retirement pension is 65, but it can be taken as early as 60 with a reduction or as late as 70 with an increase.​

2. Old Age Security (OAS)

Payment Date

March 27, 2025​

Benefit Amount

OAS is a monthly payment available to seniors aged 65 and older. As of January to March 2025, the maximum monthly payment is up to $727.67 for individuals aged 65 to 74 and up to $800.44 for those aged 75 and over.

Notably, in March 2025, there is an additional one-time top-up payment of $650 to assist seniors with increased living costs.​

Eligibility

To qualify, individuals must be 65 or older, be a Canadian citizen or legal resident, and have resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18.

The benefit amount may be reduced based on individual net income exceeding certain thresholds.​

3. Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)

Payment Date

No CWB advance payment is scheduled for March 2025. The next payment is on July 11, 2025.​

Benefit Amount

The CWB is a refundable tax credit intended to supplement the earnings of low-income workers.

For the payment period from July 2024 to June 2025, the maximum basic amount is $1,518 for singles and $2,616 for families. These amounts are subject to annual adjustments.​

Eligibility

Eligible recipients are low-income individuals and families who have earned income from employment or business. They must be residents of Canada for income tax purposes and meet specific income thresholds.​

4. Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)

Payment Date

March 15, 2025​

Benefit Amount

The CCR is a tax-free amount designed to help individuals and families offset the cost of federal pollution pricing.

The amount varies by province and family composition. For example, for the payment period from July 2024 to June 2025, a single adult received $154 in Ontario, $243 in Manitoba, $386 in Saskatchewan, and $444 in Alberta. These amounts are subject to annual adjustments.

Eligibility

Residents of provinces where the federal carbon pollution pricing system applies (Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta) are eligible. Individuals must file a tax return to receive the payment.​

5. GST/HST Credit

Payment Date

No GST/HST credit payment is scheduled for March 2025. The next payment is on April 4, 2025.​

Benefit Amount

The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset all or part of the GST or HST they pay.

For the payment period from July 2024 to June 2025, eligible individuals could receive up to $519 if single, $680 if married or in a common-law partnership, plus $179 for each child under 19. These amounts are subject to annual adjustments.​

Eligibility

Canadian residents for income tax purposes who are 19 years of age or older, have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner, or are (or were) a parent and live (or lived) with their child. Eligibility is determined based on the previous year’s income tax and benefit return.​

March 2025 Benefit Payments

Benefit Program	Payment Date	Maximum Monthly Amount	Eligibility Criteria
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)	March 27, 2025	Varies based on contributions; up to $1,306.57 (2024 figures)	Individuals aged 60+ with valid CPP contributions
Old Age Security (OAS)	March 27, 2025	Up to $727.67 (ages 65-74); up to $800.44 (ages 75+); plus $650 one-time top-up in March 2025	Canadian citizens or legal residents aged 65+ with at least 10 years of residency since age 18
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)	No payment in March 2025; next on July 11, 2025	Up to $1,518 (singles); up to $2,616 (families) annually	Low-income workers with earned income; must meet specific income thresholds
Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)	March 15, 2025	Varies by province; e.g., $154 (Ontario), $243 (Manitoba), $386 (Saskatchewan), $444 (Alberta) for single adults (2024 figures)	Residents of provinces with federal carbon pricing; must file a tax return

The March 2025 CRA payments, including CPP, OAS, Canada Workers Benefit, Canada Carbon Rebate, and GST/HST Credit, play a critical role in providing financial stability to Canadians.

Staying informed about payment dates, eligibility, and updates can help recipients maximize their benefits and avoid financial disruptions.

FAQs

1. Will the CRA automatically deposit benefits, or do recipients need to apply each time?

For most benefits like CPP, OAS, and the GST/HST credit, payments are deposited automatically. However, new applicants or those experiencing life changes may need to update their information.

2. How can someone verify their eligibility for CRA benefits?

Eligibility can be checked through My CRA Account or by reviewing individual benefit criteria listed on the official CRA website.

3. What happens if a CRA payment is missed or delayed?

If a payment is not received on time, recipients should check their direct deposit details and tax filing status. Contacting the CRA directly can help resolve payment issues.