Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly GST/HST credit)

FederalTax creditChecked October 2, 2026

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is a tax-free quarterly payment for people with low and modest incomes. It replaced the GST/HST credit name in July 2026.

How much

For July 2026–June 2027 (based on 2025 returns): up to $679 for a single person, $890 for a couple, plus $234 per child under 19. Amounts shrink as family income rises.

When it's paid

Paid four times a year (quarterly), from July to June, by direct deposit or cheque. Some provincial credits are paid with it.

Who qualifies

You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
You are 19 or older (or have a spouse/partner or live with your child)
Your adjusted family net income is below the cut-off for your family size
You filed your tax return for the previous year

How to apply

File your income tax return each year, even with no income
The CRA checks eligibility automatically
New residents may need to send a form to the CRA with their income from before arriving
Register children through the CCB process so they count

What to have ready

Social Insurance Number
Tax return for the previous year
Direct deposit information

Common mistakes to avoid

Not filing a tax return because income was low
Not updating the CRA on marital status changes
Assuming the old GST/HST credit name means a separate program

Still being confirmed: Exact income cut-offs and quarterly payment dates for 2026–27 were not confirmed in this check. Check the official page for the latest details.

Official sources

Last checked against these pages on October 2, 2026.

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BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.