Canadians to Begin Receiving Enhanced Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Starting Today

From: Department of Finance Canada

News release

June 5, 2026 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Department of Finance Canada

The world’s economic and trade landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, thrusting countries, businesses, and workers into a period of uncertainty. Canada’s new government is responding accordingly, with a focus on what we can control: building a stronger economy at home, protecting Canadian jobs and sectors, and making life more affordable.

Today, the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, highlighted that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has begun issuing a one-time top-up payment under the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, equal to a 50% increase in the annual 2025-26 value of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit.

This measure will deliver $3.1 billion in immediate support to the 12 million Canadians who currently receive the GST Credit, including around 349,000 individuals in Nova Scotia. Starting June 5, anyone who received the GST Credit in January 2026 will automatically get this one-time payment.

In addition, the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will represent a 25% increase over the GST Credit on which it is built. It will provide $8.6 billion in additional support over the 2026-27 to 2030-31 period, including to 500,000 additional individuals and families, with enriched quarterly payments starting in July. Combined with the one-time top-up, this means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, and about $1,400 a year for the next four years; and a single person will receive up to $950 this year, and about $700 a year for the next four years.

Quotes

“Today’s payments are delivering meaningful, targeted relief to Canadians facing higher everyday costs. By building on the GST Credit, the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is providing Canadians with a boost today and a bridge to a better tomorrow, as we continue to advance our plan to build a stronger, more independent, and resilient Canada for all.”

 - The Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)

“Across the country, Canadians are feeling the pressure of rising costs. This remains our government’s top priority—both in long-term economic planning, and in short-term measures. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will provide over 349,000 Nova Scotians with immediate financial relief, starting with a one-time top up payment today.”

- Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax

Quick facts

  • Under the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: 

    • A single senior with $25,000 in net income will receive a one-time top-up of $267 plus a longer-term increase of $136 for the 2026-27 benefit year (total increase of $402). In total, they will receive $950 for the 2026-27 benefit year (including the top-up).
    • A couple with two children with $40,000 in net income will receive a one-time top-up of $533 plus an increase of $272 for the 2026-27 benefit year (total increase of $805). In total, they will receive $1,890 for the 2026-27 benefit year (including the top-up).

  • After the one-time payment is made, eligible families and individuals in Canada will receive regular quarterly payments as of July 2026 to permit timely access to the funds to help families with day-to-day expenses. These amounts are additional to existing benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

  • The top-up payment will appear as a GST/HST credit on the CRA notice of determination and also on the bank statement of eligible recipients if they have signed up to receive direct deposits.  

Associated links

Contacts

Media may contact:

Pierce Collier 
Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Issues Management and Media Relations 
Office of the Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
pierce.collier@fin.gc.ca

Media Relations 
Department of Finance Canada 
mediare@fin.gc.ca 
613-369-4000

General enquiries

Phone: 1-833-712-2292
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: financepublic-financepublique@fin.gc.ca

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2026-06-05