The Latest: The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit was introduced in January 2026 to replace and enhance the former GST/HST Credit, providing additional support to lower- and modest-income Canadians facing rising costs. Beginning in 2026, the benefit increases quarterly payments and includes a one-time top-up to help households offset the cost of groceries and everyday essentials. Like the previous credit, eligibility is automatically determined when you file your tax return, making it easy for eligible Canadians to receive the support they’re entitled to.
Every time you go to the checkout counter, do you blink twice at how many items have gone up in price? And higher prices mean higher tax. For example, that protein smoothie and poke bowl you bought for lunch likely cost you more than usual (so much for trying to be healthy!). These days, it feels as though Canadians are jumping through hoops just to afford daily living.
You may be able to catch a break with the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit. Funded by the federal government, it’s designed to help individuals and families with low to modest incomes throughout the year.
Read on for the payment schedule, as well as info on eligibility, and how you can apply for the credit.
- The payment dates for 2026 are: January 5, 2026, April 3, 2026, July 3, 2026, and October 5, 2026.
- As long as you file your tax return, you’ll automatically be considered for the benefit.
- If your life circumstances change—you get hitched or have kids—be sure to notify the CRA so they can recalculate your payments.
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When are the GST/HST payment dates?
Mark your calendars! The benefit/credit is given out on a quarterly basis. Here are the dates for 2026:
- January 5, 2026
- April 3, 2026
- July 3, 2026
- October 5, 2026
Who is eligible for Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit)?
The qualifications for the benefit are relatively straightforward. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident and at least 19 years of age, or
- Be a Canadian resident and, if you’re under age 19, meet one of the following requirements:
- have (or had) a spouse/common-law partner
- be a parent and live (or have lived) with your child
If you’re a newcomer to Canada and would like to receive the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit), then you’ll have to fill out some forms, depending on whether or not you have children.
If you’re new to Canada and looking to file your taxes this year, here’s a video that covers some of the tax credits you can take advantage of whether you’re filing with an expert or on your own:
How much CEGB (GST/HST Credit) will you get?
The amount you receive is based on several factors:
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Your adjusted net income (if you’re single), or your family’s adjusted net income (if you have a spouse or common-law partner)
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Your family situation
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The number of children under age 19 (generally aligned with Canada Child Benefit eligibility)
For the 2026–27 benefit year, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit includes enhanced quarterly payments (approximately 25% higher than the former GST/HST Credit) and a one-time top-up.
Here are examples of the maximum annual amounts (including the one-time top-up for 2026–27):
Single (no children):
Single with children:
Married or common-law couple (no children):
Families with children:
As income increases, the benefit is gradually reduced and phases out once income reaches a certain threshold.
For detailed payment amounts and income thresholds, refer to the CRA’s benefit payment charts. You can also estimate your benefit using the CRA’s Child and Family Benefits Calculator.
Like the former GST/HST Credit, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is non-taxable, meaning you don’t report it as income on your tax return.
Knowing what to expect can help you plan ahead — whether that means covering everyday expenses, building your savings, preparing for back-to-school costs, or paying down debt. And to make sure you receive every credit and benefit you’re entitled to, consider filing with TurboTax so your return is reviewed carefully and accurately.
How do you apply for the CGEB (GST/HST credit)?
The last thing anyone wants to do is fill out another application form. Well, good news for you, you don’t have to—hooray! When you file your tax return, you’ll automatically be considered for the credit (which is an incentive to file your taxes on time). The good news is that even when you file a simple tax return for free with TurboTax, you are automatically considered for the credit without any extra forms.
How will you receive the CGEB (GST/HST) payments?
If you’ve set up direct deposit with your online bank, then it should be easy. If you opted for a cheque, it will be mailed out—but it will take longer to process. Your payment should arrive within 10 business days. If you don’t receive a payment, you can contact the CRA.
When will your CGEB (GST/HST Credit) be recalculated?
Every now and then, life circumstances change. When this happens, the CRA will reassess your payment. Here are the scenarios that will impact your payment amount:
- Changes to your (family’s) net income
- Change to your marital status
- Change in the number of children you have
- When one of the recipients passes away
Don’t delay! It’s always a good idea to contact the CRA as soon as these life changes occur, so they can keep accurate records and review and reevaluate your GST/HST payments. You’ll then receive a statement from the CRA indicating the revised annual credit amount.
Now that you have the low-down on how the CGEB, formerly the GST/HST Credit, works, you can use these quarterly payments to pay your monthly bills or treat yourself to a day at the spa!
