Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: What You Need to Know
Starting June 5, 2025, over 12 million eligible Canadians will receive a one-time top-up payment. This is part of the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which replaces the GST/HST credit.
Here is what this means for you and your family.
Key Impact: More Money in Your Pocket
The benefit has two parts:
- One-time top-up on June 5, 2025: You will receive 50% of your 2025-26 GST/HST credit amount as a single payment.
- Higher quarterly payments starting July 3, 2025: Your regular payments will increase by 25% for the next five years.
This means ongoing relief for low- and modest-income households struggling with the cost of groceries and essentials.
Specific Numbers and Dates
- June 5, 2025: One-time top-up deposited automatically
- July 3, 2025: First increased quarterly payment
- Top-up amount: 50% of your 2025-26 GST/HST credit
- Quarterly increase: 25% more than your current payment
- Duration: Five years
Example amounts (approximate):
- Single adult, no children, earning under $50,000: $200–$300 top-up
- Family of four: $400–$600 top-up
Who Is Affected
You are eligible if you:
- Are a Canadian resident aged 19 or older (or under 19 with a spouse, common-law partner, or child)
- Have a low or modest income
- Have filed your 2024 taxes
The payment is automatic. No separate application is needed. The amount depends on your family net income and number of children.
What You Should Do
- File your 2024 taxes by the deadline. This is the most important step.
- Check your bank account on June 5, 2025 for the deposit.
- If you don't receive it, contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) at 1-800-387-1193.
- Note the July 3, 2025 date – your regular quarterly payments will be higher starting then.
- Remember: This benefit is tax-free and does not affect other federal benefits.
Bottom Line
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit provides immediate and ongoing help for low- and modest-income Canadians. The one-time top-up arrives June 5, and higher quarterly payments start July 3. File your taxes to ensure you receive this automatic payment. No application is needed.
For more details, visit the CRA website or call 1-800-387-1193.