Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payments issued to eligible households

Eligible low- and modest-income households in Canada began receiving the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) on October 5, 2026. This tax-free quarterly payment, which replaced the former GST/HST credit in July 2026, is intended to help residents manage the rising costs of everyday essentials, including food.

To qualify for the benefit, individuals must be residents of Canada for income-tax purposes at both the end of the month preceding the payment and the start of the payment month. Recipients must generally be at least 19 years old, though exceptions exist for those with spouses, common-law partners, or children. Eligibility and payment amounts are primarily determined using information from the previous year's tax returns.

Eligible Canadians can receive up to $222 during the quarterly distribution months of July, October, January, and April, with additional amounts available for those with children. Payments may be delayed or withheld if an individual no longer meets residency, age, or income threshold requirements.