First Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Payment Lands, Replacing GST/HST Credit

The Canada Revenue Agency issued the first quarterly payment of the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) on July 3, 2026, marking the start of the 2026-27 benefit year. The payment follows a one-time top-up issued in June and effectively replaces the former GST/HST credit, which the CGEB permanently supersedes.

The benefit was created under Bill C-19, which received Royal Assent on February 12, 2026. It increases the old GST/HST credit amounts by 25%, with that boost locked in for five years, covering 2026 through 2031. For this quarter, a single individual qualifying for the maximum received $169.75, while a couple with two children could receive up to $339.50.

What it means for recipients

Eligibility rules, income testing and the quarterly payment schedule carry over unchanged from the GST/HST credit, so anyone already receiving that credit did not need to reapply for the CGEB. Payments continue to flow automatically based on information from recipients' tax returns.

This is general news information, not individualized financial or tax advice. Recipients with questions about their own eligibility or payment amount should consult the CRA directly or a qualified tax professional.

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