Canada Grocery Rebate Payments Start This Week: What You Need to Know
Key impact: If you are a low- or modest-income Canadian, you could receive a one-time payment of up to $467 for a family of four starting this week. This money is meant to help with rising food costs.
The first Canada Grocery Rebate payment arrives starting July 5, 2023. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is sending this money automatically to eligible people. You do not need to apply.
How much will you get?
The payment amounts depend on your family situation and your 2021 adjusted family net income.
- Single person without children: up to $234
- Senior (single or couple): up to $225
- Family of four (couple with two children): up to $467
These are maximum amounts. Your actual payment may be less if your income is higher.
Who is affected?
You are eligible if you:
- Already receive the GST/HST credit
- Filed your 2021 tax return
- Have a 2021 adjusted family net income below certain thresholds
Important: This payment is based on your 2021 income. Even if your income has changed since then, you still qualify based on your 2021 return.
You do not need to apply. The CRA will automatically send the payment to anyone who qualifies.
When will you get it?
Payments start July 5, 2023. The CRA will send them by:
- Direct deposit (if you have set this up)
- Cheque by mail (if you have not set up direct deposit)
If you have direct deposit, check your bank account starting July 5. If you receive a cheque, allow extra time for mail delivery.
What you should do
- Check your CRA My Account – Log in to confirm your eligibility and see your payment amount.
- Update your direct deposit information – If you have not set up direct deposit, do so in CRA My Account. This is faster and safer than a cheque.
- File your 2021 taxes if you haven't – This is required to receive the payment. File as soon as possible.
- Plan how to use the money – This is a one-time benefit. Use it for essential groceries or to pay down debt.
- Contact the CRA if you don't receive it by mid-July – Call the CRA benefits line if your payment has not arrived.
Important reminder
This is a one-time payment. It is not a recurring benefit. It is a temporary measure to help with inflation and rising food costs.
Bottom line
The Canada Grocery Rebate is a one-time payment of up to $467 for a family of four, arriving starting July 5. If you already receive the GST/HST credit and filed your 2021 taxes, you are automatically eligible. Check your CRA My Account, update your direct deposit, and plan to use this money for essential groceries or debt. This is not a recurring benefit, so use it wisely.