Canada Approves $500 One-Time Payment: If you’ve heard that Canada approves a $500 one-time payment, you’re probably wondering if you’re eligible or if it’s too late to apply. While this payment made headlines in the past, no new $500 federal payment has been announced as of April 2025. However, understanding previous programs and knowing where to look for active benefits can still put extra money in your pocket.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: past payments, who qualified, what’s available now, and how to avoid scams.
Canada Approves $500 One-Time Payment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $500 one-time federal payment (past initiatives) |
| Eligibility | Low-income renters (via Canada Housing Benefit), Seniors 75+ (via OAS) |
| Current Status | No new $500 program in 2025 |
| Past Program Deadlines | March 31, 2023 (Renters), August 2021 (Seniors) |
| Common Benefits in 2025 | GST/HST Credit, CWB, GIS, CCB, OAS |
| Scam Warning | Watch out for fake $500 payment messages/emails |
| Official Website | Canada.ca – Benefits |
While Canada has approved $500 one-time payments in the past—for seniors and renters—no such benefit is available now in 2025. If you were eligible for these programs, the application periods have ended.
That said, don’t miss out on what you can still claim. Whether it’s the Canada Workers Benefit, Child Benefit, or GST credits, there are thousands of dollars in support available every year. Use official tools like CRA My Account and the Benefits Finder to check your eligibility.
And remember—stay alert to scams. Always verify benefit news through official government websites.
$500 One-Time Canada Housing Benefit Top-Up (2022-2023)
This tax-free payment helped low-income renters cope with housing costs during inflationary periods.
Who Qualified?
- Age: 15+ years on December 1, 2022
- 2021 Adjusted Net Income:
- Individuals: $20,000 or less
- Families: $35,000 or less
- Spent 30%+ of income on rent
- Filed 2021 taxes
Example:
A 29-year-old grocery worker in Edmonton earning $19,000 annually and paying $700/month in rent received $500 to offset rent costs.
$500 Payment for Older Seniors (2021)
To help seniors aged 75+ manage living expenses, the government issued a $500 one-time taxable payment to OAS recipients.
Eligibility:
- Born on or before June 30, 1947
- Eligible for OAS in June 2021
Scenario:
Mrs. Thakur, 79, living on OAS and GIS in Toronto, received the $500 in August 2021 to help with heating costs.
What’s Available in 2025 Instead?
You may not be able to get the $500 anymore, but there are several ongoing federal benefits you should check out.
Active Support Programs
1. GST/HST Credit
- Paid quarterly
- For low- and modest-income Canadians
- Annual benefit: Up to $496 (single) or $650+ (with children)
2. Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Up to $1,518 (individuals) and $2,616 (families)
- For low-income workers
- Includes advance quarterly payments
3. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Tax-free monthly payments
- Up to $7,437/year per child under 6
4. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- For low-income seniors
- Paid monthly in addition to OAS
Beware of $500 Payment Scams
With searches for “$500 Canada payment” spiking, fraudsters are exploiting public confusion.
How to Spot a Fake:
- Unsolicited emails or texts saying “You’ve been selected for a $500 benefit.”
- Links that don’t lead to canada.ca
- Requests for your bank account, SIN, or credit card info
TIP:
Always log in through CRA My Account, not through a link in an email or message.
How to Check What You’re Eligible For
Here’s a quick guide:
Step-by-Step Benefits Check:
- Log into CRA My Account
- Use the Benefits Finder Tool
- Review active benefit programs for your:
- Income
- Family situation
- Age
- Province
Real-World Example
“I missed the $500 rental top-up last year, but thanks to the CRA Benefits Finder, I found out I qualified for the CWB and GST Credit,” says Jared, a 24-year-old part-time worker in Winnipeg.
“Now I receive quarterly payments that help me cover groceries and transit.”
Infographic Suggestion
Visual Timeline of $500 Payments in Canada
- 2021 – Seniors 75+ receive $500
- 2022-23 – Renters receive $500
- 2024-25 – No new $500 programs, but GST/CWB active
Use a simple timeline graphic in your WordPress post for better engagement.
$1,850 OAS Pension Boost in Canada? Here’s the Truth About This Big Payment
Canada’s CPP & OAS Payments: $2,700 Deposits Coming in April – Check Eligibility Criteria!
Canada’s $3,716 Monthly Pension: Are You Eligible for the Maximum Amount?
FAQs About Canada Approves $500 One-Time Payment
Is there a $500 one-time payment in 2025?
No. The last such payments were in 2021 and 2023. No federal $500 benefit is currently active.
Can I still get housing support?
Not from the $500 program, but check if your province offers rental assistance.
What’s the easiest way to find available benefits?
Use the CRA’s Benefits Finder and log into your CRA My Account.
Are there ongoing payments for seniors?
Yes. Seniors may receive OAS, GIS, and GST/HST credits, depending on income.
