Canadians in eight eligible provinces are preparing for the last Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) payment, set for April 22, 2025. This tax-free quarterly payment, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), has been helping households alleviate the burden of the federal carbon tax.
With Prime Minister Mark Carney ending the consumer carbon tax on April 1, 2025, this marks the final CCR payment. If you’re wondering about your eligibility, payment amounts, or how to claim this benefit, keep reading for a comprehensive guide to the last installment.
What is the Canada Carbon Rebate?
The Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR), previously known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP), is a tax-free financial aid provided to Canadian households.
The purpose of the rebate is to help offset the increased costs due to the federal carbon pricing system, which impacts energy-related expenses such as fuel, heating, and utilities.
The program is part of Canada’s strategy to combat climate change. It’s accessible to a wide variety of Canadians, regardless of income, with a 20% rural supplement for residents of small and rural communities (except Prince Edward Island, where the rural supplement is included in base amounts).
This rebate is designed to ease the financial strain that higher energy prices can place on households, especially those in rural areas.
Eligibility for the Final Canada Carbon Rebate Payment
To qualify for the April 2025 payment, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Residency in an Eligible Province
The rebate is available to residents of eight provinces where the federal carbon pricing system applies:
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.)
- Saskatchewan
Note: Residents of British Columbia, Quebec, or the territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut) are not eligible, as these regions operate their own carbon pricing systems.
2. File Your 2024 Income Tax Return
To be eligible for the April 22, 2025 payment, you must file your 2024 income tax return by April 2, 2025. This is essential for the CRA to verify your eligibility and calculate your payment amount. Late filers will receive the payment after their return is processed.
3. Age Requirement
You must be at least 19 years old to qualify for the CCR. Exceptions exist for individuals who are:
- Married or in a common-law relationship.
- Parents living with their child.
4. Additional Payments for Children
If you have eligible children under 19 years old, you may qualify for extra CCR payments. To receive these, your child must be:
- Registered for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or the GST/HST credit.
5. No Income Requirement
The CCR is not income-based, so everyone who meets the residency, age, and filing criteria will receive the same base payment, along with any applicable rural supplement or child payments.
Payment Amounts for the Final CCR
The Canada Carbon Rebate varies based on the province, household size, and rural supplement eligibility. The table below outlines the updated payment amounts for the final payment in April 2025.
| Province | First Adult | Second Adult | Each Child (Under 19) | Family of Four | Rural Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $149 | $74.50 | $37.25 | $298 | +20% |
| Prince Edward Island | $110 | $55 | $27.50 | $220 | Included in base |
| Nova Scotia | $110 | $55 | $27.50 | $220 | +20% |
| New Brunswick | $165 | $82.50 | $41.25 | $330 | +20% |
| Ontario | $151 | $75.50 | $37.75 | $302 | +20% |
| Manitoba | $150 | $75 | $37.50 | $300 | +20% |
| Saskatchewan | $206 | $103 | $51.50 | $412 | +20% |
| Alberta | $228 | $114 | $57 | $456 | +20% |
Note: For residents of Prince Edward Island, the rural supplement is already included in the base amounts, as all residents are considered rural.
Example Scenarios:
- Single individual in Alberta: $228 (base) + $45.60 (rural supplement) = $273.60.
- Family of four in Ontario: $151 + $75.50 + $37.75 x 2 (children) = $362.40 (including rural supplement).
- Retiree in Saskatchewan: $206 (base) + $41.20 (rural supplement) = $247.20.
When is the Final Canada Carbon Rebate Payment?
The last Canada Carbon Rebate payment will be issued on April 22, 2025. With the federal carbon tax ending on April 1, 2025, this will be the final quarterly payment, marking the end of the CCR program.
If you don’t see the payment by April 22, 2025, here’s what to do:
- Confirm your tax filing: Ensure your 2024 return was filed before April 2, 2025.
- Verify banking details: Double-check that the CRA has your correct bank information.
- Contact the CRA: If needed, call 1-800-959-8281 or check your status through the CRA’s My Account portal.
Why the Final CCR Payment Matters
The Canada Carbon Rebate has provided significant relief to Canadian households, helping cover rising costs due to the carbon tax. The final April 2025 payment represents the last chance for eligible Canadians to receive this financial aid.
For many, this rebate is crucial for:
- Paying utility bills: Cover heating, electricity, and fuel costs.
- Stretching grocery budgets: Easing the impact of inflation.
- Building savings: Helping to establish an emergency fund.
- Upgrading energy efficiency: Investing in energy-saving solutions.
With the end of the carbon tax, there are concerns about how future energy costs will be managed. Although the tax ends, it’s possible that other climate programs or taxes may take its place.
The Canada Carbon Rebate has been a vital source of support for Canadian households, helping offset the federal carbon tax. The April 22, 2025 payment is the final opportunity for eligible Canadians to benefit from this program.
Make sure to file your taxes by the deadline, check your eligibility, and ensure your banking details are updated to receive the payment on time. Stay informed, and act quickly to secure this last financial boost.
FAQs
What If I Miss the April 2, 2025, Tax Filing Deadline?
If you file your taxes after the deadline, your payment will be delayed until your return is processed.
Can I Get the Rebate If I Have No Income?
Yes! The CCR is not income-based, so you can still qualify as long as you meet the residency, age, and tax-filing requirements.
How Do I Know If I Qualify for the Rural Supplement?
The CRA determines eligibility for the rural supplement based on your postal code. For P.E.I., the supplement is already included in the base amount.