Federal service · Benefits and money

GST credit (Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit)

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked 13 October 2026

Short answer

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026. It is a tax-free payment made four times a year to people with low and modest incomes. You do not apply: file your tax return every year, even with no income, and the CRA checks if you qualify. For July 2026 to June 2027 a single person can get up to $679.

Who handles it

Canada Revenue Agency

Handles it everywhere in Canada.

Next payment

Every date on the official list has passed. New dates are usually published before the year ends.

The January and April 2026 payments went out under the old name, the GST/HST credit.

Source: canada.cachecked 13 October 2026

Every benefit's payment dates

Official links

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes and at least 19, or under 19 and have (or had) a spouse or partner, or be a parent living with your child.
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Your adjusted family net income must be under a limit that depends on your family. For example, for a single person with no children, 2025 income must be under $60,012.
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Steps

Most people do not apply. File your tax return every year, even with no income, and the CRA checks your eligibility automatically when it assesses your return.
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New residents of Canada may need to apply for their first year. Without children, use the online Form RC151. With children under 19, mail Form RC151 and Form RC66 with proof of birth to your tax centre.
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Costs and amounts

The benefit amount went up by 25% in July 2026, and that increase is set to stay for 5 years, from 2026 to 2031.
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How much you get

For July 2026 to June 2027 (based on your 2025 return): up to $679 for a single person, $890 for a couple, plus $234 for each child under 19.
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Good to know

Only the name changed: eligibility, the payment calculation and the structure are the same as the old GST/HST credit.
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File by April 30 each year so your payments are not interrupted. If you file late, payments may stop until your return is assessed, then missed amounts are paid back.
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CGEB payments are not taxable, and you do not report them on your tax return.
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Questions people ask

How much is the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit for 2026 to 2027?

For July 2026 to June 2027 you could get up to $679 if you are single, $890 if you have a spouse or common-law partner, and $234 for each eligible child under 19. The amount is based on your 2025 tax return.