Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit one-time top-up payment to make groceries and other essentials more affordable is coming June 5

Today, the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions) announced that eligible Canadians will receive a one-time GST/HST credit top-up on June 5, 2026.

April 17, 2026                      Vaughan, Ontario                                  Canada Revenue Agency

Today, the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions) announced that eligible Canadians will receive a one-time GST/HST credit top-up on June 5, 2026. The payment is part of the transition to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit which will replace the GST/HST credit in July 2026. This top-up will be equal to 50% of the GST/HST credit for the 2025-26 benefit year.

Starting July 3, 2026, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will be offering higher payment amounts while keeping the eligibility and structure of the GST/HST credit. Quarterly payments will increase by 25% for the next five years.

Together, the one time and quarterly payments will offer ongoing financial support to more than 12 million recipients.

Since 2020, food prices have risen faster than overall inflation, costing the average household $782. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will help offset increased grocery bills beyond the inflation rate.

If you (and your spouse if you have one) filed your 2024 tax return and were entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026, you should get the one-time top-up payment on June 5. This payment may still be called the GST/HST credit in your account.

“We know that many Canadians are feeling the pinch when buying groceries and necessities. We are offering this one-time payment to help with affordability and relieve some of that pressure for those who need it most.”