08/05/2026
The GST/HST credit has a new name, and most Canadians will see more money starting in July.
If you've been getting the GST/HST credit, you're now getting the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) instead. Same program, same eligibility rules, same calculation, just a new name and a bigger cheque.
Here's what changed:
A 25% increase is secured for five years, from 2026 to 2031.
A one-time top-up, worth 50% of your 2025–26 credit, was issued on June 5. The first boosted quarterly payment was sent on July 3.
It remains tax-free and will continue to be automatic when you file your return, with no separate application required.
For the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit period, based on your 2025 tax return, you could get up to:
$679 if you're a single individual
$890 if you're married or common-law
$234 for each eligible child under 19
The catch: these amounts are based on your 2025 tax return. If you haven't filed yet, or if your income situation changed, you could be missing out on payments you're entitled to.
⚠️ Also watch out for the "$2,000 federal bonus" going around on social media. The CRA has confirmed that one's fake.
Not sure where you stand or whether you're getting everything you qualify for? That's exactly what we help clients figure out. Send us a message, and we'll take a look.
