Grocery benefit payments hitting bank accounts Friday for eligible Canadians
The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit replaces the GST/HST credit, with quarterly payments increasing 25% annually through 2031.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Eligible Canadians should expect the first Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payment to land in bank accounts on Friday, July 3.
The tax-free quarterly payments replace the GST/HST credit and are designed to help households with low and modest incomes manage rising grocery costs. The Canada Revenue Agency determines eligibility and payment amounts based on your tax return — you do not need to apply separately.
To qualify, you must have filed your latest tax return, be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, meet family net income thresholds, and be at least 19 years old. (Those under 19 qualify if they have or had a spouse or common-law partner, or are or were a parent living with their child.)
Payment amounts are recalculated every July based on prior-year tax returns. From July 2026 to June 2027, eligible individuals can receive up to $679; married couples or common-law partners up to $890; and $234 per eligible child under 19.
Payments increase by 25% annually from 2026 to 2031. The next quarterly payment arrives October 5.
