OTTAWA — The federal government has begun issuing one-time payments under its new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, providing immediate financial relief to millions of low- and modest-income Canadians.
The Canada Revenue Agency started issuing the payments Thursday. Eligible recipients will receive a one-time top-up equal to 50 per cent of the annual value of the 2025-26 Goods and Services Tax credit.
The federal government says the measure will provide $3.1 billion in support to approximately 12 million Canadians who currently receive the GST credit.
Anyone who received a GST credit payment in January 2026 will automatically receive the one-time benefit without needing to apply.
The payment marks the first phase of the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which replaces and expands upon the GST credit.
Beginning in July, eligible Canadians will start receiving enhanced quarterly payments under the new program.
The federal government says the benefit will provide an additional $8.6 billion in support between 2026-27 and 2030-31 and expand eligibility to approximately 500,000 more individuals and families.
According to the Department of Finance, a family of four could receive up to $1,890 during the 2026-27 benefit year, including the one-time top-up payment. A single person could receive up to $950 during the same period.
After the initial payment, the benefit will continue through quarterly payments beginning in July.
Finance Canada says the enhanced benefit is intended to help Canadians manage rising costs for groceries and other household necessities while broader economic uncertainty continues.
The government says the quarterly payments will be provided in addition to existing federal programs, including the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Disability Benefit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Examples provided by the government show a single senior with a net income of $25,000 would receive a one-time top-up of $267 and an additional $136 through enhanced benefit payments during the 2026-27 benefit year.
A couple with two children and a net income of $40,000 would receive a one-time top-up of $533 and an additional $272 through the enhanced benefit, for a total increase of $805.
The one-time payment will appear as a GST/HST credit on Canada Revenue Agency notices and on bank statements for recipients enrolled in direct deposit.
The benefit was introduced as part of the federal government’s affordability measures aimed at helping Canadians cope with rising living costs.
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