Here's when Canadians are getting the new government grocery rebate top-up
Canadians can expect the government’s new grocery rebate top-up to be deposited into their bank accounts soon.
In January, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit would replace the GST/HST credit in July 2026.
On Friday, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) revealed that eligible Canadians will receive a one-time GST/HST credit top-up ahead of its transition into the new grocery rebate on June 5, 2026.
The top-up will be equal to 50 per cent of the GST credit for the 2025 to 2026 benefit year.
“We know that many Canadians are feeling the pinch when buying groceries and necessities,” stated Wayne Long, secretary of state (CRA and financial institutions). “We are offering this one-time payment to help with affordability and relieve some of that pressure for those who need it most.”
Who’s eligible for the grocery rebate top-up, and how much could you get?
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Canadians who have filed their 2024 tax return and were entitled to the GST credit in January 2026 should receive the one-time top-up on June 5. Ottawa says this will provide $3.1 billion in immediate assistance to Canadians who currently receive the GST credit.
The CRA says the payment may still show up as the GST credit in your account.
How much you receive depends on your family type and income.
According to the government, a single senior with $25,000 in net income would receive a one-time top-up of $267, while a couple with two children with $40,000 in net income would receive a one-time top-up of $533.
How the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit works
After eligible Canadians receive the top-up in June, the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will officially kick in at the start of the new benefit year in July.
According to the CRA, the first grocery rebate will be deposited on July 3. It will provide higher payment amounts while maintaining the eligibility and structure of the GST credit.
Quarterly payments of the grocery rebate will increase by 25 per cent for the next five years. The federal government says this boost will deliver $8.6 billion in additional support over the 2026-2027 to 2030-2031 period to 500,000 new individuals and families.
Including the one-time top-up, the CRA says a family of four could receive up to $1,890 in 2026. A single person could get up to $950 this year.
“Since 2020, food prices have risen faster than overall inflation, costing the average household $782,” stated the CRA. “The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will help offset increased grocery bills beyond the inflation rate.”
More details can be found in the CRA’s announcement.