What to know
- Eligible Canadians will begin receiving a one-time Canada Groceries and Essential Benefits (CGEB) payment on Friday, ranging from $267 to $717 depending on household size and eligibility.
- The payment is part of federal affordability measures announced in January and replaces the GST/HST credit, while keeping similar eligibility rules.
- The one-time top-up equals 50 per cent of a recipient’s annual GST/HST credit for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit period, based on eligibility for the January 2026 credit.
- Some Canadians may not receive the payment due to non-filing of taxes, ineligibility, payment allocation to a partner, or outstanding CRA balances.
Eligible Canadians will begin receiving a one-time Canada Groceries and Essential Benefits (CGEB) payment on Friday, with qualifying recipients set to receive between $267 and $533, depending on their family situation.
The payment is part of a series of affordability measures announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in January.
CGEB replaces GST/HST credit
The CGEB will replace the GST/HST credit. Under the new program, payment amounts will increase, while eligibility requirements and the overall payment structure will remain the same.
The one-time top-up payment will equal 50 per cent of a recipient’s total annual GST/HST credit amount for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit period. To qualify, recipients must have been entitled to the January 2026 GST/HST credit payment.
How much could Canadians receive?
Single individuals or single-parent families could receive a maximum payment of:
- $267 with no children
- $441 with one child
- $533 with two children
- $625 with three children
- $717 with four children
Married individuals or those with a common-law partner could receive a maximum payment of:
- $349 with no children
- $441 with one child
- $533 with two children
- $625 with three children
- $717 with four children
Payments may still appear as GST/HST credit
The federal government says payments will continue to appear as the GST/HST credit while Canadian financial institutions update their systems.
Why didn’t I receive a payment?
For individuals who do not receive a payment, the government says it may be due to one of the following reasons:
- You did not file your 2024 income tax return.
- You were not eligible for the GST/HST credit in January 2026.
- Your spouse or common-law partner received the one-time top-up payment on behalf of the family.
- Your payment was applied to an outstanding balance owed to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
