Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Replaces GST/HST Credit in July 2026
What this means for you: If you currently receive the GST/HST credit, your payments will change starting July 2026. A new benefit called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will take its place. You will also get a one-time top-up payment on June 5, 2026.
Key dates and amounts
The Government of Canada announced this change to help low- and modest-income Canadians with rising costs. Here are the important dates:
- June 5, 2026: One-time GST/HST credit top-up payment issued
- July 2026: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit begins
To receive the June 5 top-up, you must have been entitled to the January 2026 GST/HST credit payment.
The new benefit will provide increased payment amounts for eligible individuals and families. The exact amounts will be confirmed closer to the launch date.
Who is affected
All Canadians who currently receive the GST/HST credit will be automatically moved to the new benefit. This includes:
- Low-income individuals
- Modest-income individuals
- Low- and modest-income families
You do not need to apply separately. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will transition you automatically.
Important: To keep receiving payments, you must file your taxes every year. If you do not file, you may lose eligibility.
What you should do
Follow these steps to stay prepared:
-
File your taxes every year. This is the most important step. Your eligibility depends on your tax return.
-
Check your CRA My Account. Log in to see your payment dates and amounts. You can sign up at canada.ca/my-cra-account.
-
Update your personal information. Make sure the CRA has your correct address, marital status, and banking details.
-
Beware of scams. The CRA warns about false information online. You may see claims about a $680 one-time payment — this is not true. Only trust official Government of Canada websites.
-
Use CRA online tools. If you have questions about other benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, Disability Tax Credit, or provincial benefits, use the CRA's online tools or contact them directly.
What about other benefits?
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is separate from:
- Canada Child Benefit
- Disability Tax Credit
- Provincial or territorial benefits
You may still qualify for these programs. Check your CRA My Account or contact the CRA for details.
Bottom line
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will replace the GST/HST credit in July 2026. You will get a one-time top-up on June 5, 2026, if you received the January 2026 payment. File your taxes every year to stay eligible. Ignore false information online — always check official government sources.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official Government of Canada website: Canada.ca