Canada Begins Quarterly Grocery Benefit Payments To Support Low-Income Households

The Canadian government has commenced the first quarterly payments under its newly introduced Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), with eligible recipients receiving the inaugural instalment on July 3, 2026.

The initiative is part of the federal government’s efforts to cushion the impact of rising living costs and provide additional financial support to low- and modest-income households across the country.

The benefit, which replaces the former GST/HST credit, was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on January 26, 2026, to help Canadians manage the increasing cost of groceries and other essential household expenses.

According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), benefit amounts are reviewed annually every July using information contained in a household’s previous year’s tax return. Payments to be made between July 2026 and June 2027 are therefore calculated based on taxpayers’ 2025 returns.

Under the programme, eligible single individuals can receive up to C$679 annually, while married couples or those in common-law relationships may qualify for as much as C$890. Families are also entitled to receive C$234 for each eligible child under the age of 19.

The federal government stated that the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit provides payments that are 25 per cent higher than those available under the former GST/HST credit scheme. The enhanced payment rate is expected to remain in place until 2031.

Authorities also clarified that the new benefit is separate from the GST/HST top-up payment issued in June.

The Canada Revenue Agency further disclosed that payments under the programme will be made every three months, with the next instalment scheduled for October 5, 2026.

The introduction of the benefit comes amid continued concerns over the rising cost of food, housing and other necessities in Canada, with the government positioning the scheme as part of broader measures aimed at supporting vulnerable households and improving affordability.