The next Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit goes out on Monday

The second Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) payment for the 2026 fiscal year will be distributed starting Monday. This benefit, which replaced the former GST credit in July, aims to assist low and modest-income households in coping with rising living costs. Payments, issued quarterly by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), are tax-free.

To qualify for the CGEB, one must be a Canadian tax resident for the month preceding the payment and at least 19 years old, unless married, in a common-law relationship, or a parent with a child. Eligibility is primarily based on declared income, with lower income thresholds qualifying recipients for payments.

For 2025, single individuals without children earning up to $11,564 may receive up to $445 per payment, while those earning $55,000 or less might receive $250.60 per payment. For those with two children earning $45,000 or less, the payment is $1,358 per payment. For married or common-law couples without children earning $46,432 or less, the amount is $890 per payment. Couples with one child earning $60,000 could receive $445.60 per payment, with an additional $913.60 for three children.

The CRA will notify eligible individuals and families through online accounts or mail. The total cost of the CGEB program to the federal government is estimated at $12.4 billion over six years.