Canada’s $500 One-Time Housing Payment 2025 – Who’s Eligible, Payment Timeline, And How To Apply

To combat soaring rental costs and help low-income tenants stay in their homes. The Government of Canada has introduced a one-time housing benefit of $500, managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), to support low-income renters facing rising housing expenses.

This non-taxable payment is intended to give temporary financial help to eligible individuals and families who are struggling to keep up with rent.

With disbursements expected in the coming weeks, here’s a full overview of who is eligible, how to apply, and when the funds might arrive.

What Is the $500 One-Time Payment?

The $500 one-time top-up through the Canada Housing Benefit is part of a broader effort to support low-income renters dealing with housing challenges. First launched in July 2024, the benefit continues into 2025 for those meeting the specified requirements.

Please note that this is not a recurring monthly payment. It’s a one-time, tax-free financial boost intended to help cover rising rental costs temporarily.

Overview of the $500 Housing Benefit

Program Name	Details
Payment Amount	$500 (non-taxable)
Administered By	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Program Name	Canada Housing Benefit – One-Time Top-Up
Application Type	Online, Phone, or Mail
Expected Payout Window	Within 5–10 business days post-approval
Status	Active for 2025

Eligibility Criteria for the $500 One-Time Payment

To be eligible for this benefit, you must satisfy all of the following conditions:

1. Citizenship and Residency
   • Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
   • Must have lived in Canada during the qualifying tax year
2. Income Requirements
   • Individuals: Net income of $20,000 or less
   • Families: Combined net income of $35,000 or less
3. Rent Threshold
   • Rent must be at least 30% of your adjusted net income
   • The property must be your main residence
4. Tax Filing Requirement
   • You must have submitted your 2021 income tax return
5. Proof of Rent
   • You’ll need to provide:
     • A rental lease or landlord’s contact details
     • Rent receipts or proof of payment history

These criteria ensure that the support goes to those who need it most.

Payment Schedule – When Will You Get Paid?

Although there’s no exact payout date, most recipients will receive their payment within a few weeks of being approved. Here’s a general estimate:

Application Type	Estimated Payment Time
Direct Deposit	Within 5–7 business days
Cheque (by mail)	Within 10–12 business days

If you’re eligible and apply promptly, your $500 benefit could be delivered as early as June 2025.

How to Apply for Canada’s $500 One-Time Payment

You can submit your application using any of the following methods:

1. Online (Recommended)
   • Sign in to your CRA My Account
   • Go to the “Canada Housing Benefit One-time top-up” section
   • Complete and submit the application form
2. By Phone
   • Call CRA at 1-800-282-8079
   • A representative will help collect your information and process your request
3. By Mail
   • Fill out a paper application
   • Include documents such as rent proof and your tax filing confirmation
   • Mail everything to the CRA’s official address

Once submitted, keep your confirmation number to track your application either online or through CRA’s helpline.

The $500 Canada Housing Benefit is a vital resource in 2025 for Canadians finding it difficult to keep up with rent. If your income is under the limit and rent takes up a significant portion of your budget, you may be eligible.

Apply today through CRA My Account, by phone, or via mail. The sooner you apply, the sooner you may receive the payment. Don’t miss out on this limited-time opportunity to get the help you need.

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