The $928 Low-Income Family Payment offers critical financial relief for Canadian families facing economic hardships. Set to roll out in December 2024, this one-time cash payment is designed to help low-income households manage rising living costs and seasonal expenses.
Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the program supports families struggling with essentials like housing, groceries, and utilities during the holiday season.
This guide breaks down eligibility, the application process, and actionable tips to maximize the benefit’s impact.
Overview of the $928 Low-Income Family Payment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $928 (one-time cash payment). |
| Eligibility | Low-income families meeting income and residency thresholds. |
| Application Process | Likely automatic for existing benefit recipients; others apply via CRA. |
| Payment Date | December 2024. |
| Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). |
This program is part of a broader effort to ease the financial burden of rising living costs and ensure families can enjoy the holiday season without undue stress.
Why Is the Program Important?
1. Rising Costs
- Food Prices: Increased by 6.9% year-over-year.
- Rent Costs: Average rise of 7.2% nationally.
For many low-income households, these surging costs make it difficult to cover even basic needs, let alone holiday-related expenses.
2. Immediate Relief
The $928 payment acts as a buffer, helping families offset costs such as:
- Rent and utilities.
- Groceries and essentials.
- Holiday needs like gifts and festive meals.
Who Will Receive the $928 Payment?
Eligibility Criteria
- Income Thresholds:
- Families of four with annual income below $25,000.
- Single parents earning less than $21,000 annually.
- Residency Requirements:
- Must be a Canadian resident or hold valid status (e.g., permanent resident or protected person).
- Existing Benefit Recipients:
- Families already receiving federal supports like:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
- Goods and Services Tax Credit (GSTC).
Example:
- A family of four earning $22,000 in British Columbia and receiving CCB payments would likely qualify automatically.
- Families already receiving federal supports like:
How to Apply
Automatic Enrollment
Many families will receive the payment automatically if they are already registered with federal benefits programs like the CCB or GSTC.
For Others: Application Steps
- Check Eligibility
- Use the CRA’s Eligibility Calculator to confirm qualification.
- Access the CRA Portal
- Log in to your account via the CRA My Account portal. If you don’t have an account, create one at www.canada.ca.
- Locate the Program
- Navigate to the “Benefits” section and search for the $928 Low-Income Family Payment application.
- Submit Required Information
- Upload necessary documents such as:
- Proof of income (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs).
- Residency documentation (e.g., permanent resident card).
- Upload necessary documents such as:
- Track Application Status
- Monitor your application via the CRA portal to ensure timely processing.
Payment Timelines
| Payment Method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | 5–7 business days post-approval. |
| Cheque by Mail | 10–12 business days. |
Tip: Opt for direct deposit for faster access.
Benefits Beyond Financial Support
1. Reduces Financial Stress
- Direct payments alleviate pressure, allowing families to focus on enjoying the holiday season.
2. Supports Local Economies
- Families typically spend payments on local goods and services, benefiting small businesses.
Tips for Families
- Prioritize Essentials
- Allocate the payment toward high-priority expenses like rent, utilities, or groceries.
- Combine With Other Benefits
- Maximize support by combining the $928 payment with programs like:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
- Provincial Supports: Ontario’s Trillium Benefit or other local programs.
- Maximize support by combining the $928 payment with programs like:
- Beware of Scams
- Only apply via official channels like the CRA portal. Avoid unsolicited requests for personal information.
Broader Economic Context
Government Initiatives
The $928 payment is part of ongoing efforts to address affordability challenges. Key investments include:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 2024 Housing Budget | $52.9 billion. |
| New Housing Program Allocations | $15 billion for rentals. |
| Federal Deficit | $39.8 billion in 2024–25. |
The $928 Low-Income Family Payment provides a vital safety net for Canadian families during the holiday season. By targeting low-income households, this program addresses the immediate challenges of rising living costs, ensuring families can celebrate without financial strain.
Eligible families should act quickly to confirm their registration or apply via the CRA portal. With timely support, the program reinforces the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable Canadians during challenging times.
