Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB)
This is a tax-free payment four times a year that replaces the GST/HST credit starting July 2026. It works the same way as the GST/HST credit but the payments go up by 25% for five years. It helps with everyday basics, which frees up money for rent. A one-time extra payment also went out starting June 5, 2026, equal to 50% of your total GST/HST credit for July 2025 to June 2026.
What you get
Money paid to you
Who it's for
You qualify the same way as the GST/HST credit: if you have a low or modest income.
This takes you to the official website
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
- Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it
What to say when you call
“Hi, I am looking for housing help. Can you tell me if this program fits my situation, what documents I need, and whether there is anyone who can help me apply?”
Use the official page first, then call 211 if you are not sure where to start.
Can I get this?
You have a good chance if this sounds like you:
- You qualify the same way as the GST/HST credit: if you have a low or modest income
- You are looked at automatically when you file your taxes
- Newcomers may need to apply
What to do next
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The fine print
More details about the money
Same structure and calculation as the GST/HST credit, with quarterly payments increased by 25% for five years starting July 2026. A separate one-time transition top-up was issued starting June 5, 2026, equal to 50% of a recipient's total annual GST/HST credit for July 2025 to June 2026, for those entitled to the January 2026 GST/HST credit payment. Per-person dollar amounts depend on income and change annually.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
Same eligibility as the GST/HST credit: low- and modest-income individuals and families. You are automatically considered when you file your tax return (newcomers may need to apply).
Good to know
Confirmed via the official CRA news release and the GST/HST credit pages read directly in-browser: the CGEB replaces the GST/HST credit in July 2026, keeps the eligibility and structure of the GST/HST credit, increases quarterly payments by 25% for the next five years, and begins July 3, 2026. The one-time top-up (50% of the 2025-26 GST/HST credit, issued starting June 5, 2026, for those entitled to the January 2026 payment) is confirmed on the CRA one-time top-up page. An illustrative '$400 credit yields $200 top-up' example from the draft was removed as it was not on an official page; the 50% rule is the authoritative statement. Per-person amounts depend on income and change annually.
Official sources we checked
- https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-groceries-essentials-benefit.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/gst-hst-credit/how-much/one-time-top-up.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/2026/04/canada-groceries-and-essentials-benefit-one-time-top-up-payment-to-make-groceries-and-other-essentials-more-affordable-is-coming-june-5.html
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