One-Time June Payment Arrives Ahead of Enhanced Benefit Launch in July
CANADA – More than 12 million Canadians will receive extra financial relief this week as the federal government begins issuing one-time top-up payments under the newly announced Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that eligible Canadians will receive the one-time payment on June 5, 2026, as part of the transition from the GST/HST Credit to the newly enhanced Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
The special payment will provide recipients with an amount equal to 50 per cent of their annual GST/HST Credit entitlement for the 2025-26 benefit year, offering immediate assistance to households facing rising grocery and everyday living costs.
The June payment serves as a bridge before the official launch of the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit on July 3, 2026.
Announced earlier this year by Prime Minister Mark Carney, the new benefit represents one of the largest affordability measures introduced by the federal government in recent years. The program will increase support payments by 25 per cent over the next five years while maintaining the same eligibility criteria currently used for the GST/HST Credit.
“Many Canadians are feeling the pressures right now of everyday expenses,” Prime Minister Carney said when introducing the initiative. “Canadians need a boost today and a bridge to tomorrow.”
The federal government estimates the enhanced program will provide approximately $11.7 billion in additional support over six years and expand eligibility to roughly 500,000 additional Canadians and families.
Starting in July, quarterly benefit payments will continue to be distributed on the same schedule as the existing GST/HST Credit, with payments arriving in January, April, July and October.
Under the enhanced program, financial support for Canadian families will increase substantially. A family of four currently receiving approximately $1,100 annually through the GST/HST Credit could receive up to $1,890 during the first year of the new program and approximately $1,400 annually in each of the following four years.
Single Canadians currently receiving approximately $540 per year may see their annual support increase to as much as $950 during the first year and approximately $700 annually thereafter.
Eligibility requirements remain unchanged. To qualify, individuals must generally be at least 19 years old, be residents of Canada for tax purposes, and meet income thresholds established by the CRA. Younger individuals may also qualify if they are married, living common-law, or are parents residing with their child.
Tax experts are reminding Canadians that filing their tax returns remains essential to receiving the benefit.
According to tax professionals, benefit amounts are calculated based on information contained in an individual’s previous year’s tax return. Canadians who fail to file their returns on time risk delays or interruptions in receiving payments.
The GST/HST Credit has long served as a tax-free quarterly payment designed to help low- and modest-income Canadians offset the impact of federal and provincial sales taxes paid on everyday purchases.
The newly expanded Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit aims to further support families facing higher costs for groceries, housing, transportation and other household necessities.
The June 5 top-up payment will be deposited directly into bank accounts for those registered for direct deposit with the CRA, while others will receive payments by cheque.
Canadians seeking information about their eligibility or expected payment amounts are encouraged to review their CRA My Account portal or visit the Canada Revenue Agency website.
The enhanced benefit represents a significant affordability initiative designed to provide immediate and long-term support to millions of Canadians as households continue to navigate rising living costs across the country.