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What changed in July 2026
From the July 2026 payment, the GST/HST credit is paid as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). It works the same way, paid quarterly by the CRA based on your tax return, with no new application, but amounts were increased by 25% for five years. Before the switch, eligible recipients also received a one-time top-up in June 2026.
Who gets it
Low- and modest-income Canadians aged 19 or older (or younger if they have a spouse or child), based on adjusted family net income from the previous year's tax return. Many provinces pay related credits at the same time, such as the BC climate action tax credit portion and the Saskatchewan low-income tax credit.
Payment schedule
Payments go out in January, April, July and October, usually around the 5th. If your annual amount is small, the CRA may pay it all at once in July instead of quarterly.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next GST payment?
The next quarterly payment after October 5, 2026 is expected in early January 2027. We'll add the exact date once it's confirmed.
Do I need to apply for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit?
No. If you were getting the GST/HST credit, you get the CGEB automatically, as long as you keep filing your tax return.
Is the GST credit taxable?
No. It's tax-free.
Sources
- Government of Canada, Benefits payment dates
- Canada Revenue Agency, Payment dates for CRA administered benefits and credits