Key Highlights

  • One of the most familiar payments the Canada Revenue Agency administers has undergone a major overhaul.
  • As of July 2026, the GST/HST Credit is no longer available as a stand-alone payment — it has been replaced by the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
  • The CGEB was built on the former GST/HST credit and comes with a 25% increase in support, so the payment Canadians knew for years is now larger under a new name.
  • The federal government has committed to the enhanced benefit for five years, from 2026 to 2031, representing roughly $8.6 billion in additional support.

One of the most familiar payments the Canada Revenue Agency administers has undergone a major overhaul. As of July 2026, the GST/HST credit is no longer available as a stand-alone payment — it has been replaced by the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. The change means a bigger, renamed benefit for eligible Canadians with low-to-modest incomes, and for most people it happens automatically. Here is what the shake-up means and how to make sure you do not miss out.

Out With the Old, In With the New

The GST/HST credit has been transformed into the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, effective July 2026. The CGEB was built on the former GST/HST credit and comes with a 25% increase in support, so the payment Canadians knew for years is now larger under a new name. The federal government has committed to the enhanced benefit for five years, from 2026 to 2031, representing roughly $8.6 billion in additional support. The CRA states plainly that the GST/HST credit is "no longer available" on its own.

A One-Time Top-Up Marked the Transition

To ease the switch, the CRA paid a one-time GST/HST credit top-up on June 5, 2026, reaching about 12 million eligible Canadians. The Department of Finance gave an example of the combined impact: a couple with two children earning $40,000 in Net Income received a $533 one-time top-up plus a $272 increase for 2026–27, for $805 more in total support.

How Much and When

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is tax-free and paid quarterly. For the base year running July 2026 to June 2027, the maximums are up to $679 for a single individual, up to $890 for a married or common-law couple, and up to $234 for each eligible child under 19. These figures are maximums rather than guaranteed amounts, and the actual payment depends on adjusted family net income, marital status and the number of eligible children. The next quarterly CGEB instalment is scheduled for October 5, 2026.

Keep It Separate From Other CRA Benefits

It is worth remembering that the CGEB is distinct from other CRA payments. It is not the same as the Canada Child Benefit, which is a separate tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18 and is next paid on September 18, 2026. Keeping these benefits straight helps Canadians understand what they are receiving and why.

What You Need to Do

For most people, no action is required. The CRA automatically assesses eligibility for the CGEB from your tax return, so there is no separate application. The essential step is to file your taxes every year — both spouses or common-law partners — so the agency can confirm your eligibility and calculate your amount. Newcomers may need to complete a form such as RC151 (for those without children) to begin receiving the benefit. Setting up direct deposit and keeping your personal details current with the CRA through CRA My Account also ensures payments arrive quickly and are not disrupted by mail delays.

Conclusion

The GST/HST credit is gone in name, but its successor — the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit — is bigger, backed by a 25% increase and a five-year commitment through 2031. A one-time top-up arrived on June 5, 2026, and the next quarterly payment is due October 5, 2026. With amounts tied to income and family circumstances, filing your taxes on time is the surest way to keep the support coming.