The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed a boost to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit for 2024 — a move that promises meaningful financial relief to millions of Canadians. Especially amid rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures, the enhancement of the GST Credit could mean more breathing room for lower- and middle-income households dealing with everyday expenses from groceries to housing.
This increase forms part of the federal government’s wider affordability measures and is designed to shield the most vulnerable from economic volatility. For eligible Canadians, the new GST Credit rates deliver more money directly into their pockets, tax-free, every quarter. But who’s eligible, how much will they receive, and when can they expect to see payments? We break it down comprehensively below.
GST Credit 2024 Overview
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Name | GST/HST Credit |
| Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Payment Frequency | Quarterly (July, October, January, April) |
| Next Payment Date | October 5, 2024 |
| Max Single Adult Benefit | $519 annually |
| Max Benefit for Married/Common-law Couple | $680 annually |
| Per Child Additional Amount | $179 per eligible child |
What changed this year
In a notable policy shift, the federal government increased the GST Credit as part of a larger affordability package. The **maximum annual amount** for single individuals rose to **$519**, up from $496 in previous years. Couples are now eligible for **up to $680 annually**, with an additional **$179 per child under 19** who lives with you throughout the year.
This updated amount applies to the benefit year beginning in July 2024 and running through June 2025. The amounts are indexed to inflation, but this year’s upward adjustment is larger than usual due to sustained cost-of-living increases across Canada.
“This enhancement is about restoring some purchasing power to lower-income individuals and families, especially as prices remain high for basic goods.”
— Jane Morgan, Senior Policy Advisor
Who qualifies and why it matters
The GST Credit is a **tax-free quarterly payment** intended to help *lower- and modest-income Canadians* offset the total impact of GST/HST on their everyday purchases. Eligibility is primarily based on your net income reported on your prior year’s tax return.
To qualify for the July 2024 to June 2025 payments, your 2023 tax return must be filed and assessed. The CRA automatically determines eligibility each year. You may qualify if you meet all the following:
- You are 19 years or older
- You reside in Canada
- Your income is below a set threshold (which varies year to year)
- You are a parent of a child under 19, or are married/common-law with shared income
Even students and newcomers to Canada may qualify, provided they submit proper documentation and meet residency requirements.
How to apply step-by-step
Good news: there’s usually no separate application. If you’re eligible, the CRA calculates your entitlement automatically after you file your tax return. However, those new to Canada or parents of newborns may need to **complete Form RC66** or update their marital and dependent status using CRA’s MyAccount system.
- File your previous year’s tax return, even if you had no income.
- Update your personal details (marital status, children, bank details).
- Monitor your CRA MyAccount or call CRA for eligibility confirmation.
Ensure your direct deposit information is up-to-date to avoid delays on payment days.
When to expect your payments
The GST Credit is distributed **every three months**, typically on the **5th day of July, October, January, and April**. If the 5th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment may be issued on the last business day prior to the 5th.
The specific upcoming payment schedule is as follows:
- October 5, 2024
- January 5, 2025
- April 5, 2025
Who benefits the most
The GST Credit isn’t universal — it’s targeted to those who need it the most. Here’s a look at who gains and who doesn’t from the 2024 changes:
| Winners | Why |
|---|---|
| Low-income individuals and families | Receive highest eligible benefit amounts to offset sales taxes |
| Single parents with children | Qualify for higher combined payments from individual and child benefits |
| Seniors on fixed income | May see increased quarterly support due to low reportable income |
| Losers | Why |
| Higher income earners | Phase-out thresholds exclude those with moderate to high earnings |
| People who haven’t filed taxes | Miss out on the credit entirely despite potential eligibility |
What to do if you didn’t receive your payment
If you’re eligible but didn’t receive your GST Credit on the expected date, there are a few steps to follow before contacting CRA:
- Wait 10 business days after the payment date
- Confirm your tax return was filed and assessed successfully
- Check that your CRA direct deposit information is accurate
- Review any CRA correspondence or notices on MyAccount
“People often delay filing because they think they won’t get anything, but even a zero-income return can unlock eligibility for credits like GST.”
— Daniel Lee, Tax Consultant
Interaction with other federal benefits
The GST Credit is distinct from other federal support programs like the **Canada Child Benefit (CCB)** or **Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP)**. However, all these benefits depend on you filing your taxes on time. The CRA seamlessly integrates eligibility checks for multiple programs based on income and dependent data from returns.
That means filing once can open access to several forms of government support. For families with children and low incomes, the combined effect can stretch to thousands of dollars annually.
Adjustments for income changes
Because GST Credit amounts are based on prior-year income, people experiencing job loss or significant income reduction in the current year may still receive reduced or no benefits. The CRA does not recalculate GST payments mid-year for rising needs or falling income.
In exceptional cases, you can request a reassessment or submit a **Form T1 Adjustment Request**, though approval is not guaranteed and may take weeks. Pre-emptive filing for future years is often the best way to ensure proper eligibility review.
Short FAQs about the GST Credit
Is the GST Credit taxable?
No, the GST Credit is a **tax-free payment** and does not need to be reported as income on your tax return.
Do I need to apply for the GST Credit every year?
No application is required if you file taxes on time. Eligibility is **automatically reassessed** every year.
How do I add a child to my GST Credit file?
Update your dependent information on **CRA’s MyAccount** or by submitting Form RC66.
Are students eligible for GST Credit?
Yes, if they meet general residency and income conditions and file their return, they may qualify.
Can I get back payments if I missed previous GST Credits?
Yes, you may **retroactively claim** missed payments for up to 3 years by filing returns for those years.
Do newcomers to Canada qualify?
Yes, but you must first establish eligibility by submitting immigration documents and Form RC151 or similar proof to CRA.
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