CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit 2025 — Who Qualifies And When Payments Begin In Canada

The CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit 2025 is a federal initiative aimed at supporting low-income Canadians as they face rising housing costs. With many households spending a large portion of their income on rent, this one-time, tax-free payment offers much-needed relief.

The benefit will be managed through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is scheduled to roll out starting in July 2025. Understanding who qualifies and how to apply is key to ensuring you don’t miss out on this support.

What Is the CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit?

The CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit provides a one-time payment to eligible Canadians to help with rent and shelter expenses. It is designed to ease the financial pressure on low-income renters and address the broader issue of housing affordability across Canada.

The payment is non-taxable and does not impact your eligibility for other federal income-tested benefits such as the GST/HST credit or the Canada Child Benefit.

Payments will begin rolling out in late July 2025, with applications opening earlier in the month.

Who Qualifies for the CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit?

To qualify for the CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit, applicants must meet several criteria:

Residency: Must be a Canadian resident aged 15 or older as of December 31, 2024.
Income Limits:
- Individuals: Total income for 2024 must be below $38,000.
- Families: Total income for 2024 must be below $60,000.
Rent Requirement: Rent paid in 2024 must be at least 30% of your adjusted family net income.
Tax Filing: You must have filed your 2024 tax return before applying.
Proof of Rent: You must provide proof of rent payments, such as a lease agreement or rent receipts.

Even if you are receiving a provincial housing subsidy, you may still qualify, provided that the portion of rent you pay yourself meets the 30% threshold.

When Will Payments Start?

Applications for the CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit will open on July 15, 2025. Payments will begin rolling out on July 25, 2025.

Once your application is approved:

Direct deposit payments will arrive within 5 to 10 business days.
Mailed checks may take a bit longer to arrive.

CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit 2025

Category	Details
Program	CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit 2025
Eligibility Income Limit	$38,000 (individuals) / $60,000 (families)
Rent Requirement	Minimum 30% of income spent on rent in 2024
Application Start Date	July 15, 2025
Payment Distribution Begins	July 25, 2025
Payment Method	Direct deposit or mailed cheque
Taxable?	No
Affects Other Benefits?	No

Application Process

You will be able to apply for the CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit through several methods:

CRA My Account Portal: Apply online by logging into your CRA account.
Telephone: Call the CRA to apply over the phone.
Web Form: Complete and submit the online application form on the official CRA website.

Before applying, make sure your direct deposit information and mailing address are current in your CRA profile.

Tips for a Successful Application

To ensure you receive your payment smoothly:

File your 2024 income tax return as early as possible if you haven’t done so.
Verify your direct deposit details in your CRA account to avoid delays.
Gather your rent documents — including bank statements, rent receipts, or a signed lease — in advance.
Report all household members’ incomes accurately on your 2024 tax return.

Submitting a complete and accurate application will help avoid processing delays and ensure you receive your payment quickly.

Why This Housing Support Matters

The CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit 2025 is launching at a critical time for many Canadians. Across the country, rental prices are climbing, particularly in major cities where monthly rent often exceeds $2,000 for a one-bedroom unit.

This benefit provides much-needed support to:

Low-income renters struggling to keep up with rising housing costs.
Families facing increased financial pressure in competitive housing markets.
Canadians seeking to avoid falling behind on rent during a time of economic uncertainty.

By making the benefit non-taxable and ensuring it won’t affect other income-tested benefits, the government aims to deliver meaningful, immediate relief to those who need it most.

The CRA $1,500 Housing Benefit 2025 is a key federal measure aimed at helping low-income Canadians cope with the country’s ongoing housing affordability crisis.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, be ready to apply starting July 15, 2025 — and take proactive steps now to ensure your tax return and rent documents are in order.

This one-time, tax-free payment offers an important financial boost, helping you cover essential housing costs and providing relief as rents continue to climb nationwide. Take action early to secure your CRA $1,500 housing benefit and keep your finances on track this year.

FAQs

Can I apply if I already receive a provincial housing subsidy?

Yes. You can apply as long as the portion of rent you pay yourself is at least 30% of your adjusted family net income.

Is the $1,500 housing benefit taxable?

No. This payment is non-taxable and does not affect eligibility for other federal income-tested benefits.

What if I do not receive my payment on time?

If you haven’t received your payment within 10 business days of your approval, contact the CRA for assistance.