The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: What Replaced the GST Credit and How Much You Get

If you used to get the GST/HST credit, you've probably noticed a new name on your deposits. Since July 2026, it's the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). It works the same way as the old credit, but the payments are bigger.

The short version

The CGEB replaced the GST/HST credit starting with the July 2026 payment (CRA guide RC4210).
Regular payments are 25% higher for five years, starting in July 2026.
Eligible recipients also got a one-time top-up in June 2026, equal to 50% of their 2025 to 2026 GST/HST credit.
It's still tax-free and paid quarterly: July, October, January, and April.
There's no separate application. You just need to file your tax return every year.
It became law when Bill C-19, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Act, received Royal Assent in early 2026.

Payment dates for the 2026 to 2027 benefit year

From the federal benefit payment dates calendar:

October 5, 2026
January 5, 2027
April 5, 2027

The first CGEB payment went out on July 3, 2026. Payments from July 2026 to June 2027 are based on your 2025 tax return.

How much you can get

Your amount depends on your adjusted family net income, your marital status, and the number of children under 19 you have. Lower and modest incomes get the most, and the benefit phases out as income rises.

The CRA's child and family benefits calculator can estimate your amount, and guide RC4210 explains exactly how it's calculated.

Who's eligible

Generally, you must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes, and you must be at least 19 years old, or have (or have had) a spouse or common-law partner, or be a parent who lives with your child. The CRA's guide RC4210 has the full rules.

How to make sure you get it

File your tax return every year, even if you had little or no income. No return, no benefit.
Keep your marital status and address up to date with the CRA.
Set up direct deposit in CRA My Account so payments arrive faster.
Newcomers: send Form RC151, the CGEB application for individuals who become residents of Canada, for the year you arrived. If you have children, you can apply for the Canada Child Benefit at the same time.

How it fits with other benefits

The CGEB is paid on top of other benefits like the Canada Child Benefit and the Ontario Trillium Benefit. In Ontario, the Ontario Sales Tax Credit is part of the Trillium Benefit, which is separate from the CGEB.

Sources

Haven't filed for a few years? You could be missing payments you're entitled to. Contact us and we'll help you catch up.