The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is now the payment name Canadians should look for after the Canada Revenue Agency replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026.
The CRA’s updated individual benefits page identifies the former GST/HST credit as no longer available and directs low- and modest-income Canadians to the CGEB rules, eligibility information and payment guidance instead.
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What changed with the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is a tax-free quarterly payment intended to help eligible individuals and families with the cost of groceries and other everyday essentials.
The benefit replaces the GST/HST credit, which previously helped offset sales taxes paid by people with low or modest incomes.
The CRA says related provincial and territorial credits may also be included with CGEB payments, meaning recipients may see the new benefit name used for amounts that were previously associated with the GST/HST credit.
The final quarterly payment under the former GST/HST credit was issued on April 2, 2026, while the CGEB took effect for the payment period beginning in July 2026.
How much the CGEB can pay
For the payment period running from July 2026 to June 2027, the CRA says eligible recipients could receive up to $679 if they are single, up to $890 if they are married or have a common-law partner, and up to $234 for each eligible child under 19.
The actual amount depends on household circumstances, including marital status, the number of eligible children and adjusted family net income for the 2025 base year.
| Household situation | Maximum annual CGEB amount for 2026-27 |
|---|---|
| Single recipient | $679 |
| Married or common-law recipient | $890 |
| Each eligible child under 19 | $234 |
The government also issued a one-time top-up on June 5, 2026, before the renamed benefit began.
The CRA says that payment was available to people who were entitled to receive the GST/HST credit in January 2026.
When CGEB payments are issued
The CRA pays the CGEB in four instalments during the July-to-June benefit period.
- July
- October
- January
- April
The regular payment date is the fifth day of those months, although the CRA says a payment is issued on the last business day before the fifth when that date falls on a weekend or federal statutory holiday.
Recipients can check their personalized payment amounts and dates through the CRA’s My Account service.
If a payment does not arrive as expected, the CRA advises recipients to wait 10 working days before calling the agency.
What Canadians need to do to receive the benefit
Most people do not need to submit a separate application for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
The CRA automatically assesses eligibility when an individual files a tax return, including for people who had no income to report.
For the July 2026-to-June 2027 payment period, recipients generally need to file their 2025 tax return so the CRA can calculate the benefit using their income and family information.
Filing by April 30 helps prevent an interruption in quarterly payments, although the CRA says missed amounts may be paid retroactively after a late return is assessed.
People who have a spouse or common-law partner should make sure both individuals provide accurate marital-status, Social Insurance Number and income information on their tax returns.
Only one person in a couple normally receives the household payment, but the amount is calculated using information about both partners.
Rules for newcomers and families with children
New residents who have not yet filed their first Canadian tax return may need to apply for the CGEB for the first year they are residents for income-tax purposes.
The CRA says a newcomer without children can use the online RC151 process, while a newcomer with children may need to submit RC151 and, where applicable, the Canada Child Benefit application form RC66.
Applicants may also need to provide proof of birth for children included in an application.
Children under 19 may qualify for an amount when they live with the applicant and meet the CRA’s family and dependency conditions.
A child who is already registered for the Canada Child Benefit is automatically registered for the CGEB, according to the CRA.
Why the CRA update matters
The change is more than a new label on the CRA website because the former GST/HST credit name may no longer appear in payment records, notices or benefit searches.
People checking their eligibility, reviewing a missing payment or comparing household benefits should now search for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit or CGEB in their CRA account.
The CRA says people who previously received the GST/HST credit and whose circumstances have not changed are likely to remain eligible because the eligibility criteria are the same.
Recipients should still report changes such as a new address, a change in marital status, a change in custody arrangements or a significant change in family circumstances because those details can affect benefit calculations.
For the most accurate amount, Canadians should rely on their CRA notice and account information rather than a general maximum because the payment is calculated from personal tax and family data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit?
The CGEB is a tax-free quarterly payment for eligible low- and modest-income individuals and families. It replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026.
How much can a person receive from the CGEB?
For July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum is $679 for a single recipient, $890 for a couple and $234 for each eligible child under 19.
Do I need to apply for the CGEB?
Most people do not need to apply. The CRA automatically checks eligibility when a tax return is assessed, but some newcomers may need to submit an RC151 application.
When are CGEB payments issued?
Payments are generally issued in July, October, January and April, with the regular payment date set for the fifth day of those months.
What tax return is used to calculate the 2026-27 CGEB?
The CRA uses information from the 2025 tax return, including adjusted family net income, marital status and the number of eligible children.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, payment amounts, eligibility rules and the replacement of the GST/HST credit were checked against current Canada Revenue Agency information.
Disclaimer: Benefit amounts vary by household circumstances, and readers should confirm their personalized entitlement through CRA My Account or their official notice.