What is the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit?
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) is the federal government’s rebranded and enhanced version of the former GST/HST credit. The benefit was renamed in July 2026, but the underlying eligibility rules and calculation method remain the same as the original program. The CRA automatically determines eligibility when you file your annual tax return; if you were receiving the GST/HST credit and your circumstances have not changed, you will likely continue to receive the CGEB under the same criteria.
Why is the payment bigger this year?
Along with the name change, the government increased the benefit amount by 25 percent. This boost is set to remain in place for five years, through 2031. Officials say the increase responds to ongoing affordability pressures on groceries and household essentials, and it extends the benefit to roughly 500,000 additional individuals and families who were not previously eligible, on top of the more than 12 million Canadians already receiving it.
How much CGEB money can I get?
For the benefit year that runs from July 2026 through June 2027—based on your 2025 tax return—the CRA has set the following maximum annual amounts:
• $679 for a single individual
• $890 for those with a spouse or common‑law partner
• $234 for each child under 19 years of age
Single recipients without children may also qualify for an extra $234 on top of the base amount if their income is below $11,564; this additional amount is gradually reduced as income rises. For all recipients, the benefit begins to phase out once adjusted family net income exceeds $46,432, meaning higher earners receive a smaller payment or none at all. Each quarterly payment is roughly one‑quarter of the annual entitlement, so the October 5 deposit should match the July 3 payment unless your situation has changed.
Do you need to apply for CGEB?
No separate application is required for most Canadians. When you file your income tax return, the CRA automatically considers you for the CGEB. Newcomers who have not yet filed a tax return must apply directly with the CRA. If you were already receiving the GST/HST credit and your personal or financial circumstances have not changed, the agency advises that you are likely eligible for the CGEB under the same rules.
Affordability‑focused provincial programs
Several provincial and territorial credits are paid on the same day as the federal CGEB for eligible residents. For example, Quebec residents receive the Solidarity Tax Credit from Revenu Québec on October 5, 2026, which is issued alongside the CGEB payment. These combined payments aim to further support households facing cost‑of‑living challenges.
