Great news for Canadian families! The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed a one-time $400 December Family Refund to help with year-end expenses. With the holiday season around the corner and costs piling up, this benefit couldn’t come at a better time. But there’s a catch—you must submit all required info before December 15 to get it.
If you’re a parent or caregiver, don’t wait. Here’s everything you need to know to secure your $400 refund on time.
Eligibility
To qualify for the $400 December Family Refund, you’ll need to meet a few important conditions. The CRA is offering this payment to help families facing rising holiday costs—but only if their information is up to date.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- File your taxes with accurate income details
- List all dependents correctly in your CRA profile
- Update your marital status, if it changed recently
- Complete all family information forms through the CRA portal
One common reason people miss out? Skipping the income verification step. Make sure you’ve submitted your most recent tax return and double-checked your CRA account details.
Deadline
The key date to remember here is December 15, 2025. That’s the final day to submit everything and still be eligible for the December payment.
If your documents or forms are incomplete—or you file late—you won’t be included in the payout cycle. The CRA won’t be offering an extension, so getting it done early is your best bet.
Here’s a quick look:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Submission Deadline | Before December 15, 2025 |
| Refund Amount | $400 per eligible family |
| Delivery Method | Direct deposit or mailed cheque |
| Review Period | Mid-to-late December |
| Key Requirement | Updated tax filings + family info |
Submission
The CRA recommends using its secure online portal for submitting your documents. It’s faster, easier, and less prone to mistakes.
Follow these steps to make sure your info gets in before the deadline:
- Gather your files — Tax return, proof of residency, dependent info
- Log in to your CRA account and go to the family benefits section
- Upload everything at once to avoid multiple requests
- Check your submission status in your account regularly
- Reply quickly if the CRA asks for more documents
These steps help avoid processing delays, especially with thousands of families applying at the same time.
Payment
Once the deadline passes, the CRA starts reviewing applications right away. Payments are typically sent out before the end of December.
If you’re signed up for direct deposit, you’ll likely get your refund faster. Mailed cheques may take a few extra days to arrive, especially during the busy holiday season.
Be sure to monitor:
- Your CRA account for payment status
- Your bank account for direct deposits
- Your mailbox if you’re not using direct deposit
Tips
Want to make sure your $400 refund isn’t delayed or denied? Here are some quick do’s and don’ts:
Do:
- Submit all info by December 15
- Use CRA’s online system for faster results
- Check your CRA account for updates
- Respond to verification requests quickly
Don’t:
- Leave fields blank on your family info forms
- Wait until the last minute to file your documents
- Ignore CRA emails or portal alerts
With just a bit of preparation, you can avoid headaches and make sure your family gets this important financial boost before the holidays.
The CRA’s $400 December Family Refund is a welcome bit of relief for Canadian households this season. But it only goes to those who submit the right details on time. Take action before December 15 to lock in your eligibility and receive your refund without delays.
FAQs
What is the $400 CRA family refund?
It’s a one-time payment to help families with year-end costs.
What’s the deadline to apply?
You must submit all info by December 15, 2025.
Who qualifies for the $400 refund?
Families with updated tax filings and dependent details.
How will I receive the refund?
Via direct deposit or cheque through CRA.
What if I miss the deadline?
You won’t be eligible for the December refund payout.
