What’s changing with GST/HST credit
- The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) will replace the GST/HST credit starting July 3, 2026. (canada.ca)
- Before the full transition, there’s a one-time top-up payment being issued June 5, 2026, for anyone who received the January 2026 GST/HST credit. The top-up equals 50% of your total GST/HST credit amount for the period July 2025–June 2026. (canada.ca)
Who qualifies and when
- Eligibility is based on 2024 adjusted family net income and filing your 2024 tax return.
- If you got the GST/HST credit in January 2026, you’ll automatically receive the top-up on June 5. No separate form needed. (canada.ca)
- CGEB payments will go out quarterly starting July 3. Payment amounts are higher, but eligibility and structure remain similar to the previous credit. (canada.ca)
What to do to ensure you receive payments
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File your tax return on time.
- Even if you had minimal income, filing ensures eligibility. Late returns delay both top-ups and quarterly benefits. (canada.ca)
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Confirm current address and information with the CRA.
- Marital status, dependents, address changes can affect benefit amounts. (canada.ca)
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Register for direct deposit, if not already.
- Speeds up receipt of benefit payments and refunds.
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Watch for notices of determination in your CRA account.
- This shows exactly what you’re entitled to for July 2026–June 2027. (canada.ca)
Example scenarios
| Family Type | 2024 Net Income | What They Might Get | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single person, $25,000 | Moderate income | June top-up approx $267 + quarterly benefit starting July | Must have received Jan 2026 GST/HST credit. (canada.ca) |
| Family of four, $40,000 | Higher but modest income | Top-up ~ $533 + increased ongoing payments | Relies on filing 2024 return. (canada.ca) |
Impact and implications
- Financial relief for over 12 million Canadians, especially low- and moderate-income households, to offset food and essentials costs. (canada.ca)
- Changes to filing behavior: those who haven’t filed recent returns risk losing eligibility for payments.
- Benefits roll out is tied to other affordability policies, e.g. fuel excise suspension. (canada.ca)
Things to watch out for
- The top-up looks like GST/HST credit on statements though transition is underway. (canada.ca)
- Missed filings from past years can delay or reduce amount you receive.
- Provincial or territorial components may differ—for some benefits, coordination matters.
Summing up
The CGEB and June 2026 top-up offer a one-off and ongoing boost to low- and modest-income Canadians. Act now by ensuring your 2024 return is filed and your records are current. These changes aren’t just waves—they’re structural shifts in how benefit programs support affordability.