Tax Deadline Approaching: 9 Benefits and Credits Canadians Should Claim Now

What this means for you: If you want your benefits to continue—and want to qualify for a new 25% boost to grocery payments—you must file your 2025 tax return by April 30, 2026. The government uses your tax return to calculate your eligibility. If you don't file, your payments stop.

The April 30, 2026, deadline is just days away. While filing taxes feels like a chore, it is the only way to unlock federal benefits that help with the rising cost of living.

This year is especially important. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is rolling out a significant change to how it helps Canadians pay for essentials.

Here is the breakdown of what is changing and what you need to do.

The Big Change: A New Grocery Benefit

Starting in July 2026, the federal government is replacing the current GST/HST credit with a new program called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB).

This new benefit is designed to offer more targeted relief. Here are the specific numbers you need to know:

The Boost: Payments will increase by 25% compared to the old GST/HST credit.
The Duration: This boosted amount is guaranteed for five years.
The Requirement: You must file your 2025 taxes to get this payment.

One-Time Top-Up Payment

Before the new permanent benefit starts in July, there is a one-time payment coming to bridge the gap.

Who gets it: Canadians who received the GST/HST credit in January 2026.
Amount: A one-time top-up payment.
Date: Payments will be issued starting June 5, 2026.

You do not need to apply separately for this. If you filed your taxes and were eligible for the January credit, you will receive this automatically.

Other Credits to Review

While the grocery benefit is the big news, do not forget other credits that can put money back in your pocket. The CRA uses your return to determine eligibility for these, so make sure to check if you qualify:

Canada Child Benefit (CCB): The primary monthly support for families. Filing ensures this amount is recalculated based on your current income.
Canada Caregiver Credit: For those who care for a spouse or dependent with a physical or mental impairment.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC): A vital non-refundable tax credit that reduces income tax you owe.
Home Accessibility Tax Credit: This is particularly useful for seniors or people with disabilities. You can claim up to $20,000 for renovations that improve safety or accessibility (like installing ramps or grab bars).

Who is Affected

Everyone filing taxes: If you owe money, filing late triggers a penalty. If you are owed money, filing late delays your refund.
Low-to-middle income earners: You are the primary target for the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
Families: Your CCB payments are calculated annually based on tax returns.
Seniors and people with disabilities: You may be eligible for specific accessibility credits that require you to file to claim them.

What You Should Do

Gather your documents: Ensure you have all T4 slips and receipts for the 2025 tax year.
File by April 30, 2026: This is the hard deadline to avoid penalties and ensure your benefits continue without interruption.
Check your bank account: Look for the one-time GST/HST top-up around June 5, 2026.
Prepare for July: Update your budget to account for the new, higher Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payments starting in July 2026.
Review eligibility: Spend a few minutes reading the requirements for the Caregiver Credit and Home Accessibility Tax Credit.

Bottom Line

Filing your taxes is the key to unlocking financial relief in Canada. By filing your 2025 return before April 30, 2026, you secure your current benefits and automatically enroll in the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which offers a 25% increase starting in July. Don't leave money on the table—file on time.