Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: how the new CGEB works
The CGEB replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026. It provides tax-free quarterly payments to people with low and modest incomes and is usually assessed automatically from tax returns.
Key facts before you decide
- The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026.
- Regular payment amounts increased by 25% for five years from 2026.
- For July 2026–June 2027, maximum annual amounts include C$679 for a single person and C$890 for a couple, plus C$234 per eligible child.
- Most people do not apply: they file a tax return and the CRA assesses eligibility automatically.
Rules, amounts and dates can change. Confirm your situation through the official links before submitting documents.
What changed in July 2026
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) is the new name for the former GST/HST credit. The eligibility structure and automatic tax-return assessment continue, but the regular benefit amount increased by 25% beginning with the July 2026 payment period.
The benefit is designed to help individuals and families with low and modest incomes manage everyday costs. It is paid quarterly and is not taxable. Related provincial or territorial benefits may be included in the same payment.
Maximum amounts for the 2026–27 period
For the payment period from July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum annual CGEB is C$679 for a single individual and C$890 for someone who is married or has a common-law partner. An additional maximum of C$234 applies for each eligible child under 19.
These are maximums, not guaranteed flat payments. The CRA uses adjusted family net income, marital status and eligible children to calculate the amount. Provincial or territorial components can change the total deposit shown in a bank account.
Who may be eligible
Eligibility generally requires Canadian residence for income-tax purposes at the relevant time. A person must normally be at least 19 in the month before a quarterly payment, although younger people may qualify if they have a spouse or common-law partner or are a parent who lives with a child.
A person may qualify even with no income, but a tax return is still needed. Certain periods outside Canada, incarceration or diplomatic status can affect entitlement. The CRA also reviews a spouse’s or partner’s information.
Why there is usually no application
For most residents, filing an annual tax return is the application. The CRA automatically checks eligibility and calculates payments after assessing the return. Both partners should file, even when one has no income, because missing information can interrupt payments.
The April 30 filing deadline helps avoid a break in quarterly payments. Late filers may receive missed eligible amounts after assessment, but should not expect the next payment until the CRA has processed the return.
Special process for new residents
New residents who have not yet filed their first Canadian tax return may need to apply for the first year. A person without children can use Form RC151, including the online option where available. A new resident with children may need Form RC151 and Form RC66, plus proof of birth and status documents.
Only one CGEB application per household is generally required. Documents in a language other than English or French may need an acceptable translation.
Payment dates and recalculation
The regular 2026 payment dates include July 3 and October 5 for the new CGEB period, following the January and April payments issued under the former GST/HST credit name. The payment year runs from July through June and is recalculated every July using the previous tax year.
A changed income, marital status or number of children can alter later payments. The CRA may also recover overpayments. Keep copies of notices and report changes promptly through CRA channels.
If a payment stops or changes
Payments can stop because a tax return is missing, residency changed, the CRA needs information, a child is no longer eligible or family income rose. CRA My Account shows notices and payment details. The first step is to read the notice rather than submit an unnecessary new application.
If the calculation appears wrong, contact the CRA or use the formal review process. Bank account changes and direct-deposit errors should be reported quickly, but no legitimate agent will ask for a fee to release the benefit.
Practical checks before relying on an amount
- Confirm both partners filed 2025 tax returns.
- Check marital status and address in CRA records.
- Verify that eligible children are listed correctly.
- Review the July Notice of Determination.
- Use official payment dates rather than social-media calendars.
Grantalia is not connected to the CRA and cannot view benefit accounts.
This guide was checked against the responsible agency’s pages. Use these links to verify the process and any later updates.
Read the official CGEB overviewCheck 2026–27 payment amounts
See how to get the benefit
Review payment dates