In July 2026, Canada replaced the GST/HST credit with the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit — and the new benefit pays 25% more. Most newcomers have no idea this money exists. Here is everything you need to know to claim it.
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) is a tax-free quarterly payment from the federal government to help Canadians with low and modest incomes. It replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026 and pays 25% more than its predecessor. It is not charity — it is a benefit you are entitled to as a Canadian resident, funded by taxes already collected from everyone.
For 2026, a single individual with no children and modest income can receive approximately $650 per year. Families with children receive more. The lower your income, the higher the benefit. Payments arrive quarterly — in October, January, April, and July.
File your tax return. That is it. You do not fill out a separate form. You do not call anyone. The CRA automatically calculates your entitlement when you file, even if you had zero income that year. Every year you do not file is a year you decline this money.
Yes. If you became a Canadian resident during the year and file a return, you may be eligible for a prorated amount in your first benefit year. You can also apply early using Form RC151 before filing your first return — this lets you start receiving payments sooner without waiting until tax season.
If you arrived before July 2026 and received the GST/HST credit, the transition was automatic. The CRA switched existing recipients to the new benefit without any action required. The amount simply increased by approximately 25% starting with the July 2026 payment.
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