Who is eligible? The rules are simple. If you filed your most recent tax return and were eligible for the GST/HST credit, you will automatically receive the one‑time top‑up payment. No application is needed. The Canada Revenue Agency uses the information from your tax return to determine eligibility and payment amounts.
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When will you get the money? The one‑time top‑up payment is issued in early June. After that, the regular quarterly payments — now called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit — continue. The first of these higher quarterly payments starts in early July.
How will you receive the payment? If you have already set up direct deposit with the CRA, the money will go straight into your bank account. If not, you will receive a paper cheque in the mail. This is exactly why setting up direct deposit is a good idea. It is faster, and you cannot lose the cheque.
The benefit is designed for everyday essentials: groceries, household supplies, and other basic necessities. There are no strict rules about how you spend it, but the intention is to help with the rising cost of food and household goods.
The enhanced benefit is not just for one year. The government has committed to increasing the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit by a significant percentage for five years, starting in the summer of 2026. That means a single person can expect substantial annual support for several years.
What should you do right now? First, file your taxes on time. The CRA uses your most recent tax return to determine eligibility. If you have not filed your latest return yet, do it as soon as possible. Second, make sure your address is up to date in your CRA account. If the benefit is sent by cheque, you want it to reach you. Third, set up direct deposit if you have not already. It is the fastest, safest way to receive government payments.
Mark early June on your calendar. That is when the one‑time payment arrives. The extra money could help cover a week of groceries or other essentials.
A final important note: this benefit is automatic. You do not need to apply. You do not need to pay anyone to help you get it. If anyone asks for money to process your application, it is a scam. The government will never ask for payment to deliver a benefit you are entitled to.
