What is the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB)?
The CGEB is replacing the GST/HST credit starting in July 2026, aiming to provide enhanced payments to help Canadians keep up with rising costs for groceries and essentials. (budget.canada.ca)
Key changes coming your way
| Change | What’s New | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| New one-time top-up payment | Issued June 5, 2026 to eligible individuals, tied to prior GST/HST credit eligibility. (budget.canada.ca) | It bridges the gap before CGEB begins; filing tax returns for 2025 is essential to receive it. |
| Quarterly benefit payments | Beginning July 3, 2026, payment schedule shifts from lump-sum to quarterly. (budget.canada.ca) | Helps budget regularly throughout the year. |
| Increasing benefit amounts | Payments will increase by 25% annually over next five years. (budget.canada.ca) | Offset inflation and cost pressures, especially food inflation. |
Real-world examples
- A family of four may receive up to $1,890 in 2026, including the June top-up. (canada.ca)
- Single individuals may receive up to $950 for the year. (canada.ca)
What you should do now
- File your 2025 tax return before deadlines, even if income is low or documentation is minimal. Benefit/credit eligibility is assessed based on your return. (canada.ca)
- Keep your personal information up to date—address changes, marital status, dependents—all impact benefit amounts. (canada.ca)
- Check your CRA account to confirm you receive the top-up and follow the schedule starting July. (budget.canada.ca)
Impacts for certain groups
- Those who don’t file on time may receive delayed payments until CRA processes their returns. (canada.ca)
- Low-income households will benefit most from increased and more frequent payments. |
Bottom line: The CGEB represents a structural shift in how support is delivered, favoring frequency and responsiveness over one-off payments. Filing your return promptly and keeping your eligibility information current will be key for getting full benefit.