Millions of Canadians woke up to a little extra relief in their bank accounts today as the federal government began disbursing the first round of quarterly payments under its newly rebranded affordability program.
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit previously known to most Canadians as the GST/HST credit kicked off its quarterly payment cycle on Sunday, putting money directly into the hands of lower-income households across the country. The rollout marks a significant step in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push to ease the financial strain that rising food and living costs have placed on working families.
This isn’t the first cheque recipients have seen. Back in early June, eligible households received a one-time lump sum worth half of the benefit’s total annual value a head-start payment designed to offer immediate breathing room ahead of the regular disbursement schedule.
What makes this cycle different, however, is the size of the payments. The government has applied a 25 percent increase to the benefit, a boost that will remain in place for the next five years. For families already stretching their budgets thin, that bump could translate to a meaningful difference at the checkout counter.
Exactly how much someone receives depends on their household situation. A single person will see a smaller amount, while married couples and families with children stand to collect anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to over a thousand dollars annually. The payments are income-tested, meaning they’re targeted at those who need them most.
Carney first floated the idea back in January, framing it as a direct response to mounting economic uncertainty including global trade pressures and the stubborn persistence of elevated prices on everyday essentials. The benefit’s rebrand from the GST/HST credit to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit reflects a deliberate effort to signal what the money is meant for: putting food on the table and covering basic needs.
For eligible Canadians, no application is required payments are issued automatically based on filed tax returns. Those who haven’t yet filed their 2025 taxes are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to avoid missing out on scheduled disbursements.
The next quarterly payment is expected later this fall.
