CRA Confirms $1,350 And $300 Relief Payments For February 2026

In January 2026, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is expected to roll out multiple one-time federal relief payments aimed at providing financial support to eligible Canadians.

These payments are planned to help individuals affected by missed or delayed benefit payments, rising living costs, and gaps in previous federal support programs.

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The relief measures are part of a broader federal strategy to ease financial pressure on seniors, low- and modest-income earners, and self-employed individuals, using existing CRA records to ensure faster and automatic delivery.

Why the CRA Is Issuing One-Time Payments in Early 2026?

Several Canadians were impacted in recent years by processing delays, outdated benefit records, or missed claims. To address these gaps, the federal government plans to issue automatic, one-time payments rather than launching new application-based programs.

Key Objectives of These Payments:

• Help cover essential expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities
• Provide targeted relief to seniors facing higher living costs
• Support Canadians who were previously overlooked
• Reduce delays through automatic CRA processing

$1,350 One-Time CRA Relief Payment (Expected: January 20–25, 2026)

The first $1,350 one-time relief payment is expected to be distributed between January 20 and January 25, 2026. This payment is designed to compensate for delayed centre payments from earlier benefit cycles.

Expected Eligibility:

• Low- to modest-income earners
• Seniors already enrolled in CRA benefit programs
• Individuals meeting CRA income thresholds

Payment Method:

• Direct deposit (fastest option)
• Mailed cheque for those without banking details
• No application required

The funds are intended to help recipients manage day-to-day living costs during a period of continued economic pressure.

Second $1,350 CRA Relief Payment for Missed Grants (January 20–25, 2026)

A second $1,350 one-time payment is also expected to roll out between January 20 and January 25, 2026, targeting Canadians who missed earlier government grants or benefit top-ups.

Target Groups Include:

• Seniors aged 60 and above
• Self-employed individuals
• Canadians with outdated or missed benefit claims

Eligibility will be determined automatically using CRA records, ensuring eligible individuals receive support without submitting new applications.

$300 One-Time Federal Support Payment for Seniors (January 2026)

In addition to the $1,350 payments, the CRA is expected to issue a $300 one-time federal support payment to eligible seniors in January 2026.

Important Details:

• Intended to offset rising living costs
• Automatically issued to seniors registered with CRA programs
• Does not replace Old Age Security (OAS) or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Acts as supplementary financial relief

Summary Table: CRA One-Time Relief Payments (January 2026)

Payment Amount	Expected Timing	Target Group	Application Required	Delivery Method	Purpose
$1,350	Jan 20–25, 2026	Low-income earners, seniors, CRA benefit recipients	No	Direct deposit / Cheque	Address delayed centre payments
$1,350	Jan 20–25, 2026	Seniors 60+, self-employed, missed-grant recipients	No	Direct deposit / Cheque	Support for missed government grants
$300	January 2026	Eligible seniors	No	Automatic via CRA	Relief from rising living costs

Key Takeaways

• All payments are expected to be automatic
• No applications are required
• Direct deposit ensures faster access to funds
• Seniors receive additional targeted support
• Further relief measures may be introduced if economic conditions require it

These planned January 2026 payments highlight the federal government’s ongoing commitment to financial stability and social support for vulnerable Canadians.

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