The claim that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is issuing a one-time $10,800 payment is inaccurate. What’s really happening is multiple scheduled benefit payments in October 2025. When combined, these can amount to several thousand dollars—leading to confusion and exaggerated claims. This article clarifies which payments are real, who qualifies, how to claim them, and answers common questions.
What $10,800 Payments Are Happening in October 2025?
In October, multiple benefit and pension payments are disbursed. Households that qualify for several programs might receive multiple deposits—but there is no singular “$10,800” payment. Below is a breakdown of the main programs, their disbursement dates, who qualifies, and how to claim.
October 2025 Payment ($10,800)
| Program | Payment Date (Oct 2025) | Typical Eligibility | Claiming / Access Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST/HST Credit | Oct 3 | Low to modest-income individuals/families | Automatic after tax filing |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (if in ON) | Oct 10 | Ontario residents eligible for provincial tax credits | Automatic via tax return |
| Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) | Oct 10 | Low-income workers eligible for Canada Workers Benefit | Automatic advance (50%) |
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Oct 20 | Primary caregivers of eligible children | Apply via federal forms or CRA online portals |
| Canada Pension Plan (CPP) | Oct 29 | Contributors who applied for pension or disability | Must apply via pension services |
| Old Age Security (OAS) | Oct 29 | Canadians aged 65+ meeting residency and income limits | Often auto-enrolled or via application |
$10,800 Payments Could You Receive?
The actual total someone might receive in October depends on which programs they qualify for. Here’s a rough idea of amounts by program:
- GST/HST Credit: This is a tax-free quarterly payment. Those on low income could receive several hundred dollars, depending on family size and income.
- Advanced CWB: You may get up to 50% of your calculated Canada Workers Benefit in advance. The full CWB is income-based.
- CCB: For the 2025 benefit year, maximums are in the range of several thousand dollars per child (with specific amounts determined by age and family income).
- CPP / OAS: CPP maximums for someone at age 65 are high depending on their contributions; OAS has fixed maximums per quarter, which rise slightly over time.
If someone qualifies for all of these concurrently, the combined total across October could approach or exceed several thousand dollars, but it will rarely, if ever, total exactly $10,800 unless extremely specific circumstances.
Eligibility & How to Claim $10,800 Payments
1. File Your 2024 Tax Return
Filing your tax return is essential. Many benefits (GST/HST, ACWB advance) are evaluated off your tax return.
2. Enroll in or Maintain Your CRA Online Account
Ensuring your direct deposit, address, and banking details are current is crucial for receiving payments without delays.
3. Apply for CCB (if new)
If you haven’t received Canada Child Benefit before, you’ll need to apply using federal child benefit forms or via CRA’s online portal. You may need to submit proof of your child’s birth or identity.
4. Apply for CPP or OAS (if not auto-enrolled)
Many people are automatically enrolled in OAS, but if not, or for CPP (disability, pension), you must apply via the federal pension system.
5. Be Wary of Misinformation
Ignore social media posts offering a “new $10,800 CRA payment” or requests to click links. Legitimate payments are listed on official government calendars.
The idea of a single $10,800 CRA payment is a misrepresentation. In reality, several benefit and pension payments are scheduled in October 2025—each with their own eligibility rules and amounts. These include GST/HST, ACWB advance, CCB, and CPP/OAS. If you qualify for several of them, your totalOctober amount could be substantial—but it is not a new or extra payment beyond those ongoing programs.
To ensure you receive everything you’re entitled to, file your 2024 tax return, keep your CRA and pension account information up to date, and rely on verified government communication rather than social media posts.
FAQs
Is the $10,800 CRA payment real or a scam?
It is not a real, single lump-sum payment. It’s a misleading combination of multiple scheduled benefit payments being conflated into one. There is no extra $10,800 deposit outside the usual programs.
Do I need to apply for the GST/HST credit or ACWB advance?
No. These are generally automatic if your tax return shows you qualify. No separate application is needed beyond filing taxes and maintaining your CRA account.
What should I do if my payment hasn’t arrived by the listed date?
First, wait a few business days, as interbank delays may occur. Make sure your direct deposit and contact details are correct in your CRA / pension service account. If still missing, contact CRA or pension services.
