The GST/HST credit was renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) in July 2026. It is still paid quarterly, and the next payment is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026.
Groceries benefit (GST) payment dates 2026
| Payment date | Paid as | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, January 5, 2026 | GST/HST credit | Paid |
| Thursday, April 2, 2026 | GST/HST credit | Paid |
| Friday, July 3, 2026 | Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit | Paid |
| Monday, October 5, 2026 | Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit | Next payment |
Source: Government of Canada, Benefits payment dates. Dates checked September 25, 2026.
The 2027 schedule has not been published yet. The Government of Canada usually releases next year’s dates late in the year; this page updates automatically when it does.
Payments are issued on the dates listed but can take a few days to arrive; mailed cheques take longer than direct deposit. The Government of Canada asks you to wait 5 to 10 business days before contacting the program about a missing payment.
How much is the Groceries benefit (GST) payment?
| Amount | Value | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Single individual, up to | $679 / year | July 2026–June 2027 |
| Married or common-law couple, up to | $890 / year | July 2026–June 2027 |
| Each eligible child under 19, up to | $234 / year | July 2026–June 2027 |
| Benefit increase from July 2026 | +25% | temporary: in place for 5 years, 2026 to 2031 |
Source: Government of Canada, Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit — how much you can get.
What to know about Groceries benefit (GST) payments
The Canada Revenue Agency says eligibility, the payment calculation and the quarterly structure are the same as they were under the GST/HST credit. If you received the GST/HST credit and your situation hasn't changed, you are likely eligible for the CGEB.
There is no application: file your tax return every year and the CRA works out whether you qualify. The last payment under the old GST/HST credit name was on April 2, 2026.
How the benefit is calculated
Your payments for July 2026 to June 2027 are based on your 2025 tax return: your adjusted family net income, your marital status and the number of children under 19 you have who are eligible for the Canada Child Benefit, this benefit, or both.
Your amount can change during the year if your child turns 19, the number of eligible children in your care changes, or you start or stop sharing custody of a child.
Source: Government of Canada, Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit — how much you can get.
Beware of scams
The CRA says it only sends email notifications if you have given it your email address, and those emails never ask for personal information or ask you to click a link. You can confirm your payment details by signing in to your CRA account under Benefits and credits.
Source: Government of Canada, GST/HST credit — replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next GST/HST credit payment?
The GST/HST credit is now called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. Its next payment is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026.
What happened to the GST/HST credit?
It was renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit in July 2026. The CRA says eligibility and how payments are calculated did not change, and the benefit amount was increased by 25% for five years, from 2026 to 2031.
Do I need to apply for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit?
No. The CRA determines eligibility automatically when you file your income tax return.
How much is the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit in 2026?
For July 2026 to June 2027, you could get up to $679 if you are single, $890 if you are married or have a common-law partner, plus $234 for each eligible child under 19. The amount is based on your 2025 tax return and family net income.
How often is the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit paid?
Quarterly, like the GST/HST credit it replaced: in July, October, January and April.
Other benefit payment dates
- All Canada benefit payment dates
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payment dates
- Old Age Security (OAS) payment dates
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment dates
- Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) payment dates
- Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) payment dates
- Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) payment dates
- Employment Insurance (EI) payment dates