It’s finally time for those GST credit payments to roll into some people’s bank accounts. And this time, you might be getting more than you’re used to.
If you’re wondering if you’re eligible, how much you can get, and when it’ll be coming, we cover everything you need to know about the goods and services tax credit.
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Goods and Services Tax
Every quarter, eligible Canadians are entitled to the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax, although it’s since been rebranded as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. These are tax-free payments that “help… individuals and families with low and modest incomes.” Specifically, it is meant to help offset the GST or HST that they pay.
Canadians are automatically considered for the credit payment when they file their taxes. There’s no need to apply for anything– as long as you did your taxes, you’re already categorized as either eligible or non-eligible.
Eligibility
Here are the requirements for the credit. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) notes that these traits will make you “generally eligible” for the credit. You are:
- “At least 19 years old
- A resident of Canada for tax purposes during:
- The month before the CRA makes a payment, and
- At the beginning of the month the CRA makes a payment”
How Much Can I Get?
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit credit payment amount is based on your adjusted net income, marital status, and the number of children (under 19 years old) that you’ve registered for the Canada child benefit and Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
“For the 2024 base year (payment period from July 2025 to June 2026, you could get up to:
- $533 if you are a single individual
- $698 if you are married or have a common-law partner
- $184 for each child under the age of 19”
Starting July 2026, the benefit will be increasing by 25% for five years. Along with your benefit payment, you could also get a one-time top-up payment equal to 50% of the 2025-26 value. This “will be issued to eligible and entitled recipients of the January 2026 payment of the GST/HST credit no later than June 2026.”
The next Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will be issued on April 2, 2026.
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