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Canadian families and individuals eligible for the GST/HST credit will see a one-time top up payment in their bank accounts this week.
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The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) said those entitled to the rebranded Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) will be given an additional payment of 50% of their previous GST/HST credit on Friday.
And starting July 3, the renamed quarterly payments will increase by 25% for five years until 2031 and will be referred to as Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit on bank statements.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the additional money in January to make groceries and other essentials more affordable to address difficult economic conditions many Canadians are facing in the country due to global challenges and trade uncertainty.
“It is estimated that 12.6 million individuals and families would benefit from the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, representing a material support to Canadians that need it the most, while the government’s plan to build the strongest economy in the G7 takes effect,” the Department of Finance said .
Who is eligible?
Canadians who are 19 years and older are not required to apply for the new benefit as the CRA will determine eligibility automatically after an individual’s 2025 tax return has been filed.
New residents in the country may need to apply using Form RC151.
The eligibility criteria for the previous GST/HST credit will apply to the new benefit.
“If you filed your 2024 tax return and were entitled to receive the GST/HST credit in January 2026, you will receive the one-time GST/HST credit top-up payment,” the CRA says .
Individuals should also file their 2025 tax return to ensure they are eligible for the increased CGEB payments beginning in July.
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How much money will be deposited?
It depends on your financial and family situation.
If an individual received a GST/HST credit of $500, the top-up payment this week will be $250.
The government says individuals or single parent families could get a maximum payment of up to $267 with no children, $441 with one child, $533 with two children, $625 with three children, and $717 with four children.
For residents who are married or in a common-law relationship, each couple would receive a top-up payment of $349 for those with no children.
“If you have shared custody of a child, each parent will get half of the amount they would have received if they had full custody of the child,” the CRA states.
Who is not eligible?
Individuals who did not file a 2024 tax return may not receive the top-up from the government.
In addition, those who were not eligible or entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026 will not get the extra cash.
The government also said no benefits will be given if a spouse or common-law partner received the one-time top-up on behalf of the family.
If a resident owes money to the CRA but is eligible for the new benefit, the payment will instead be applied to the outstanding balance.