The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit replaced the GST/HST credit with 25% more, paid tax-free quarterly — estimate your payment and see when the next one lands.
By Scheme Tools Editorial Team · Last updated: 2026-10-10
Estimate your tax-free quarterly payment (July 2026 – June 2027).
Estimated annual benefit$913
Estimated quarterly payment$228
Estimate only. Phase-out starts near $46,432 family income (5¢ per dollar). Payments: Oct 5, 2026 ✓, then Jan 5 & Apr 5, 2027. You must file a tax return each year. Beware of fake "$2,000 direct deposit" posts — official info only at canada.ca.
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) replaced the GST/HST credit on July 3, 2026. It pays tax-free quarterly amounts to low- and modest-income Canadians — 25% more than the old credit, locked in for five years through 2031.
Maximum annual amounts (July 2026 – June 2027): $679 for a single person, $890 for a couple, plus $234 per child under 19.
The second quarterly payment landed October 5, 2026; the next payments are January 5 and April 5, 2027. The benefit phases out from about $46,432 of adjusted family net income (reduced by 5 cents per dollar above).
It is automatic if you filed your tax return — but newcomers must apply via Form RC151. Beware of fake "$2,000 direct deposit" posts circulating online; official information is only on canada.ca.
Note: this is an independent guide, not a government website.
Up to $679/year single, $890 couple, +$234 per child — paid quarterly. Use the estimator above.
When is the next payment?
January 5, 2027 (after the October 5, 2026 payment). Then April 5, 2027.
Do I need to apply?
Not if you filed taxes — it is automatic. Newcomers apply via Form RC151.
What is the income cutoff?
Phase-out starts near $46,432 adjusted family net income.
Is the $2,000 direct deposit real?
No — that is a scam. The real maximums are far lower; check canada.ca only.
Is this a government website?
No. This is an independent guide.
Why did my quarterly payment amount change?
Your benefit is recalculated each July from your latest tax return, so changes in income, marital status, or the number of children under 19 adjust the amount. A smaller cheque usually reflects higher family net income; check your CRA notice of determination for the exact reason.
I had a baby — when does my benefit increase?
Once you register the birth with the CRA for the Canada Child Benefit, your file updates and the Groceries and Essentials Benefit amount adjusts from the next recalculation cycle. Report the change promptly through your CRA My Account so you do not miss the higher quarterly payments.
I got married or separated — how does that affect my benefit?
The CRA treats your benefit on your marital status as of the 19th of the month following the change. Report the change within the month it happened through CRA My Account — your quarterly amounts will be recalculated for the following payment cycle.
What if I did not file a tax return last year?
You must file to be assessed — the CRA cannot calculate your benefit without a return. If you are a newcomer who has not filed, complete Form RC151 instead, which lets the CRA assess you for benefit purposes. File as soon as you can; payments are not issued retroactively beyond limits.
Is the Groceries and Essentials Benefit taxable?
No — the benefit is entirely tax-free and does not count as income on your tax return. It also does not reduce other federal benefits. Report it nowhere on your return; the CRA calculates your eligibility from the return itself.
I never received the old GST/HST credit — will I get this one?
If you are eligible and file your taxes, you should receive it automatically — the same assessment covers the new benefit. If you think you were eligible for past GST/HST credit payments and never got them, contact the CRA to review your file.
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