The Canada Revenue Agency is getting ready to send a one-time payment of $680 to eligible Canadians in February 2026. This is part of their ongoing efforts to help families who are struggling with rising costs and inflation. Seniors, students, low-income families, and others who get federal benefits on a regular basis are all talking about this payment.
Even though a lot of people are interested, many still have questions about who can get it, how it will be sent, whether they need to claim it, and how it works with other benefits. This article goes over all of those details in a clear and thorough way so that you know what to expect as the payment date gets closer.
What the CRA’s $680 One-Time Payment Is
In February 2026, the Canada Revenue Agency will give out a one-time payment of $680. It is meant to give extra money on top of the regular monthly benefit payments. This payment will only be made once, not like a recurring credit or long-term program.
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Federal officials say that the payment will not be taxed, so people who get it do not have to report it as income on their tax return. It will be sent either by direct deposit to the bank account information that CRA already has on file, or by a check in the mail for people who don’t have direct deposit information.
This amount is meant to help ease some of the financial strain caused by inflation on household budgets across the country, especially for those who are most financially vulnerable.
When the payment will be made
The one-time payment of $680 is set to arrive in February 2026. The exact dates of deposits may be a little different depending on whether a beneficiary gets their benefits by cheque or direct deposit.
Direct deposits are usually processed at the beginning of the month, but checks may take longer to mail and deliver. The CRA will use the recipients’ current banking and mailing information, so it’s important that they have the most up-to-date contact information on file.
As the payment date gets closer, CRA participants can check their mail or their secure online CRA account for notices to confirm the date and method.
Who Can Get the $680 Payment
There are a number of things that determine eligibility. Recipients don’t have to apply separately; the CRA will automatically check their eligibility based on their most recent tax returns and benefit enrolments.
Recipients with income tests
One group of people who can get these benefits is those who qualify for income-tested benefits, which means their income is below certain levels. These benefits are:
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for older people
- People who get the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Some people who get low-income tax credits in certain provinces or territories
CRA usually checks these recipients’ tax returns once a year to see how much they owe. They will automatically be included in the $680 payment rollout if their income is in the right range.
People over 65 and on a pension
Seniors who get monthly benefits like Old Age Security (OAS) will also be looked at. Not all seniors will automatically get the one-time payment, but those whose income is below a certain level, as shown by their tax returns, will.
Age alone does not guarantee eligibility, which is important to remember. Income levels and benefit participation are still the most important things.
People with disabilities and their carers
People who get disability benefits like the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) or provincial disability income supplements may also be eligible if their income meets the requirements. Carers who help eligible dependents may indirectly benefit if their financial situation meets the requirements.
Families and other people with low incomes
Families and people who get credits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or other targeted help may be able to get it, but it depends on the income limits that the CRA uses to figure out who is eligible.
If the recipient’s information is already on file with CRA, they don’t need to fill out another application to get the payment.
How to Find Out If You Are Eligible
CRA will decide who is eligible based on information from the most recent tax returns filed before the cut-off date. This information will include income, age, residency status, and participation in benefits. People who didn’t file taxes for the most recent year may not be able to get this payment until they file their taxes and have them processed.
Tax information from the 2025 return is likely to be used to determine eligibility for most benefit recipients. This shows how important it is to file your taxes early and correctly.
CRA has made it clear that the one-time payment cannot be requested or claimed after the fact. When the assessment takes place, people who are eligible must already meet the requirements.
How the Payment Will Be Made
There are two ways to deliver, depending on what CRA has on file:
Direct Deposit
Most Canadians who already get benefits through direct deposit will automatically get the $680 payment in their bank account. This is the safest and quickest way to get payments from the federal government.
Compared to mailed checks, it also greatly lowers the chances of delay or loss.
Checks in the Mail
If you haven’t given CRA your direct deposit information, a cheque will be mailed to the address they have on file. Checks usually take longer to get to the people who need them, and they may take even longer if the addresses are out of date.
If someone has moved recently, the CRA says they should update their address as soon as possible through official channels.
Who Will Not Get the Money
Not every Canadian will be able to get the $680 payment. Some groups that usually don’t meet the requirements are:
- People whose income is above the qualifying limit
- People who don’t live in Canada or who are not residents on the payment date
- People who haven’t filed their taxes in a while
- People whose benefits have run out or whose CRA accounts are no longer active
It’s important to know that not everyone is eligible and that eligibility is based on set income and benefit standards.
How This Payment Affects Other Benefits
The $680 payment is not the same as monthly benefits like Old Age Security, the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST credit, or provincial tax credits. It doesn’t take the place of or cut those payments.
It also isn’t taxable income, which means that in most cases it won’t change how much you owe in taxes or how much you can get back in benefits.
However, people should know that tax returns are still a big part of determining who is eligible for benefits because eligibility depends on income information.
Things You Should Do Before February 2026
If you think you might be able to get this one-time payment, here are some things you can do before the expected deposit in February 2026:
Pay Your Taxes on Time
CRA will look at the income information on completed tax returns to see if you qualify. To make sure your information is processed on time, file early.
Change the information for your direct deposit
If you haven’t done so yet, give CRA your banking information. This makes sure that the payment gets there faster.
Check your mailing address
If you don’t use direct deposit, make sure your address is up to date so that checks sent in the mail don’t get lost or delayed.
Look at your CRA account online
When you log into your secure CRA account, you can see notices about benefits, upcoming payments, and eligibility information. This can help avoid surprises.
Questions That People Often Ask
Is the payment of $680 certain?
Yes, at this point. CRA has said that people who qualify will get this one-time payment in February 2026. Official channels have shared the exact list of criteria and thresholds that must be met.
Do I have to apply?
No. You don’t need to fill out a separate application. Based on existing records, CRA will decide who is eligible.
Will I have to pay taxes on this payment?
No. The $680 payment is not taxable income.
What if I don’t get it?
If you think you qualify but don’t get the payment, the first thing you should do is make sure your tax returns and direct deposit information are correct. Then get in touch with CRA support to get more information.
Why This Is Important
The one-time payment of $680 is meant to help people who are having trouble paying for basic needs like food, energy, and housing because prices are going up.
Even though it isn’t a permanent program, it helps people who already get federal benefits make extra money. This payment can help seniors, low-income families, and people with disabilities get by in between their regular benefit cycles.
Looking Ahead
As the payment date of February 2026 gets closer, CRA will make more official announcements about the exact timing of deposits, eligibility thresholds, and processing updates.
People who think they might be eligible should stay up to date, file their taxes early, double-check their direct deposit information, and keep an eye on their CRA accounts so they can get their payment right away.
