Our government is taking action to make life more affordable for Canadians. The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is helping more than 12 million Canadians by putting more money back in their pockets:
A 25% increase to the former GST Credit this year and a one-time payment equal to a 50% increase, issued on June 5.
Up to $1,890 this year for a family of four, with approximately $1,400 annually for the next four years.
Up to $950 this year for single individuals, with approximately $700 annually for the next four years.
Today, eligible families and individuals received their Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payment, which reflects a 25% increase in the value of the former GST Credit for five years.
For this payment, eligible Canadians could receive:
Single person: $170
Couple, no children: $223
Couple, two children: $340
With this payment being deposited in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, eligible Canadians will have additional support to help with the cost of groceries and other everyday essentials.
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit has already helped lift 77,000 individuals out of poverty, with the 25% increase in quarterly payments providing an additional $8.6 billion in support for Canadians over the next five years.
Key Messages
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit builds on the existing GST Credit and will provide $11.7 billion in additional support over six years.
On June 5, eligible Canadians received a one-time top-up payment – equal to a 50 per cent increase in the annual 2025-26 value of the GST Credit delivering $3.1 billion in assistance at the onset of summer.
Today, eligible families and individuals are receiving an increase of 25% in what they receive every quarter via the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payment – this means an additional $8.6 billion in support for Canadians over the next five years.
In total, an eligible family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year alone, 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.
This measure builds on other actions our government is taking to help Canadians save money, such as the temporary suspension of the federal fuel tax until the end of January that helps lower gasoline and diesel prices for Canadians.
