Taxes
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit 2026: Payment Dates, Eligibility & Amounts
MoneyMapCanada Editorial Team
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The MoneyMapCanada Editorial Team reviews every article and calculator for factual accuracy, source integrity, and consistency with current Canadian government guidance. Each piece is cross-checked against CRA publications, FCAC consumer guidance, CMHC rules, or CDIC coverage definitions before publication. The team also monitors for rate and rule changes and flags outdated content for revision.
The GST/HST credit became the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit in July 2026. See the 2026 payment dates, who qualifies, how the 25% increase works, and what to do if a payment is missing.
Quick answer
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026. It remains a tax-free quarterly benefit for eligible low- and modest-income individuals and families, and the CRA continues to calculate entitlement automatically from filed tax returns.
For the 2026-27 benefit year, the regular benefit was increased by 25%. That higher level is scheduled to remain in place for five years, from 2026 through 2031. The first CGEB payment was issued July 3, 2026, and the next 2026 payment date is October 5, 2026.
2026 payment dates
The CRA recalculates the benefit every July using the previous year's tax return. The July 2026 payment therefore uses information from the 2025 tax return. Payments continue quarterly, normally in July, October, January and April.
| Date | Payment name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| January 5, 2026 | GST/HST credit | Paid |
| April 2, 2026 | GST/HST credit | Paid |
| June 5, 2026 | One-time GST/HST credit top-up | Paid |
| July 3, 2026 | Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit | Paid |
| October 5, 2026 | Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit | Upcoming |
How much can you get in 2026?
The federal government increased the regular 2026-27 benefit by 25%. During the transition, eligible January 2026 GST/HST credit recipients also received a one-time June 5 top-up equal to 50% of the annual 2025-26 GST/HST credit value.
Government examples show that, including the one-time top-up and the enriched 2026-27 benefit, a single person could receive up to about $950 and a couple with two children could receive up to about $1,890. Your actual entitlement depends on adjusted family net income, marital status, children and other eligibility details.
Who is eligible?
- You must be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes during the required eligibility period around the payment date.
- In the month before a quarterly payment, you generally need to be at least 19, or meet the CRA's spouse/common-law partner or parent conditions if under 19.
- You need to file an income tax return each year, even if you had little or no income, so the CRA can calculate your entitlement.
- If you already received the GST/HST credit and your situation has not changed, the eligibility rules for the renamed CGEB are generally the same.
Do you need to apply?
Most Canadian residents do not submit a separate CGEB application. Filing your tax return is what allows the CRA to determine eligibility and calculate the payment. New residents of Canada may need to provide additional information to the CRA so benefits can be calculated before a first Canadian tax return is available.
If your marital status, number of children, address or direct-deposit information changes, update the CRA promptly because those changes can affect payment amounts or delivery.
What if your payment is missing?
- Check CRA My Account under Benefits and credits to confirm the payment amount and status.
- Verify that your latest tax return has been assessed and your address and direct-deposit information are current.
- Allow normal processing time after the official payment date before treating the payment as missing.
- Use only official CRA channels for payment details. Benefit-related phishing messages are common.
Bottom line
CGEB is not a brand-new application program; it is the renamed and enriched successor to the GST/HST credit. The important 2026 changes are the new name, the 25% increase to regular payments and the June transition top-up. For most people, the practical action is simple: file taxes every year and keep CRA personal information current.
Useful next pages
Sources used
Official references checked for this page
Updated August 12, 2026
Each claim on this page is traceable to one of the government authorities or regulators below. Rates, tax rules, eligibility requirements, and product terms can change — verify current details directly with the linked source before making any financial decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit the same as the GST/HST credit?
It replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026. The CRA says the eligibility, payment calculation and structure remain the same, while the regular benefit amount was increased by 25% for five years.
When is the next CGEB payment in 2026?
The next scheduled 2026 payment after July 3 is October 5, 2026.
Do I have to apply for CGEB every year?
Most residents are automatically considered when they file their annual income tax return. New residents may need to provide additional information to the CRA.
Was there an extra grocery benefit payment in 2026?
Yes. Eligible recipients received a one-time GST/HST credit top-up on June 5, 2026 as part of the transition to CGEB.
Editorial note
This guide is educational and is based on official Government of Canada information available on August 12, 2026. Tax, benefit and payroll rules can change. Verify your personal entitlement or filing position with the CRA or another appropriate official source before acting.
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