Free Money Is Coming — Here’s If You Qualify
The federal government just made one of the largest enhancements to the GST credit in Canadian history. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is rolling out payments right now, and most low- and middle-income Canadians will receive money automatically — no application required.
Here’s exactly what changed, how much you can expect, and what you need to do to make sure you get paid.
What Is the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit?
The Carney government expanded the old GST/HST Credit into a new, bigger program called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. It comes in two parts:
- One-time top-up (Spring 2026) — A 50% boost on top of your regular 2025–26 GST credit, paid as a single lump sum
- Ongoing quarterly increase (July 2026 onwards) — A permanent 25% increase to your regular quarterly GST payments, locked in for 5 years
On top of that, a separate Canada Grocery Rebate of up to $628 is also being issued in February 2026 — some households will receive both.
How Much Will You Actually Get?
| Household Type | 2026 Total | One-Time Top-Up | Annual (Going Forward) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | up to $950 | ~$267 | ~$700/year |
| Married couple, no children | up to $1,100+ | ~$349 | ~$870/year |
| Family of 4 (2 kids) | up to $1,890 | ~$533 | ~$1,400/year |
For families with 1 or 3 children, the exact amount isn’t pre-calculated by the government — but the formula is: base amount ($698 for couples) + $184 per child, then boosted by 50% for the one-time payment and 25% for ongoing quarterly payments.
The Grocery Rebate (up to $628) is a separate additional payment, also automatic.
Do You Qualify?
The benefit is income-tested based on your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI). Payments start to phase out at ~$42,500 family income, and fully phase out at these thresholds:
| Family Type | Income Cutoff (No Benefit Above This) |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $56,181 |
| Married/common-law, no children | $59,481 |
| Family with 1 child | $63,161 |
| Family with 2 children | $66,841 |
| Family with 3 children | $70,521 |
| Family with 4 children | $74,201 |
Other eligibility requirements:
- Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Must be 19 years or older (exceptions if you have a spouse/partner or are a parent)
- Must have filed your most recent tax return
When Are the Payments Coming?
| Payment | Timing | What It Is |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Grocery Rebate | February 2026 | One-time, up to $628 |
| One-time GST top-up | Spring 2026 (by June) | 50% of your annual GST credit |
| Enhanced quarterly payments | Starting July 2026 | 25% more than before, every quarter |
Regular GST credit payment dates are January 3, April 4, July 3, and October 3.
Do You Need to Apply?
No. The CRA uses your filed tax return to automatically determine eligibility and calculate your payment. The money comes by direct deposit (if set up) or cheque.
There’s one important catch: you must have filed your taxes.
- To receive the Spring 2026 one-time top-up: you must have filed your 2024 tax return
- To receive the enhanced quarterly payments starting July 2026: you must file your 2025 tax return (due April 30, 2026)
Even if you earned zero income, file anyway. It takes 20 minutes and unlocks hundreds of dollars in automatic benefits.
What Changed from the Old GST Credit?
| Old GST Credit | New (Carney) Benefit | |
|---|---|---|
| Single, no kids | Up to $540/year | Up to $950 in 2026, ~$700/year ongoing |
| Family of 4 | Up to $1,100/year | Up to $1,890 in 2026, ~$1,400/year ongoing |
| Duration | Ongoing, unadjusted | 25% increase locked in for 5 years |
| Application needed | No | No |
The Bottom Line
If your household income is under $70,000 (roughly), money is coming your way in 2026 — and it’s automatic. The only way you miss it is if you haven’t filed your taxes.
File your 2024 return (if you haven’t yet) and prepare to file your 2025 return by April 30. That’s all it takes.
Questions about your specific situation? Book a consultation with our team — we’ll make sure you’re getting every dollar you’re entitled to.