Vaughan, Ontario – April 17, 2026 – The Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions), announced today that eligible Canadians will receive a one-time GST/HST credit top-up on June 5, 2026 , as part of the transition to the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
The one-time payment will be equal to 50% of the GST/HST credit for the 2025-26 benefit year. Starting July 3, 2026 , the GST/HST credit will be renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, and quarterly payments will increase by 25% for the next five years.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| One-time top-up date | June 5, 2026 |
| Top-up amount | 50% of 2025-26 GST/HST credit |
| New benefit start date | July 3, 2026 |
| Quarterly increase | 25% for five years |
| Eligibility basis | 2024 tax return (for top-up) |
| Number of recipients | Over 12 million |
A family of four could receive up to $1,890 in total benefits in 2026 (including the one-time top-up and the enhanced quarterly payments). A single person could receive up to $950.
On This Page
- Why This Benefit: Addressing Rising Grocery Costs
- One-Time Top-Up Payment: What You Need to Know
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: Starting July 3, 2026
- Who Is Eligible for the Top-Up?
- Examples of Payments
- Additional Affordability Measure: Fuel Excise Tax Suspension
- Official Quotes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Official Sources
Why This Benefit: Addressing Rising Grocery Costs
Since 2020, food prices have risen faster than overall inflation, costing the average household an extra $782 per year. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is designed to help offset these increased grocery bills beyond the inflation rate.
The government is transitioning the existing GST/HST credit into a new, more generous benefit focused specifically on groceries and everyday essentials. The one-time top-up on June 5, 2026, serves as a bridge between the old GST/HST credit and the new benefit.
Secretary Long: "We know that many Canadians are feeling the pinch when buying groceries and necessities. We are offering this one-time payment to help with affordability and relieve some of that pressure for those who need it most."
One-Time Top-Up Payment: What You Need to Know
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When will I receive it? | June 5, 2026 |
| How much is it? | 50% of your GST/HST credit for the 2025-26 benefit year |
| Do I need to apply? | No – automatic if you filed your 2024 tax return and were entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026 |
| What will it be called on my account? | It may still appear as the "GST/HST credit" |
| Will I get the top-up if I normally receive the GST/HST credit? | Yes, provided you filed your 2024 tax return |
The one-time payment is based on information from your 2024 tax return. If you (and your spouse, if applicable) filed that return and were entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026, you should receive the payment automatically.
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: Starting July 3, 2026
Effective July 3, 2026 , the GST/HST credit will be renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. The new benefit will:
- Keep the same eligibility criteria and structure as the GST/HST credit
- Offer higher payment amounts – quarterly payments will increase by 25% for the next five years
- Be based on information from your 2025 tax return (for the July 2026 onward payments)
What This Means for Recipients
| Benefit Component | Timing | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| One-time top-up | June 5, 2026 | 50% of 2025-26 GST/HST credit |
| Regular quarterly payments (old rate) | July 2025 – April 2026 | Standard GST/HST credit |
| New enhanced quarterly payments | Starting July 3, 2026 | 25% higher than old rate |
Over 12 million recipients will benefit from these combined measures.
Who Is Eligible for the Top-Up?
To receive the one-time top-up on June 5, 2026, you must meet the following conditions:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tax filing | You (and your spouse, if applicable) filed your 2024 tax return |
| GST/HST credit eligibility | You were entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026 |
If you meet these criteria, the payment will be issued automatically – no application is required.
Important: The top-up is based on the 2024 tax return. If you have not filed your 2024 return, you should do so as soon as possible. The CRA may issue the payment later once the return is processed, but the June 5 date applies to those who have already filed.
Examples of Payments
The CRA provided two clear examples to help Canadians understand what they might receive.
Example 1: Family of Four with $40,000 Net Income
| Payment Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| One-time top-up (June 5, 2026) | $533 |
| Increase for 2026-27 benefit year (enhanced quarterly payments) | $272 |
| Total increase in 2026 | $805 |
This family would also continue to receive their base GST/HST credit amount. The total benefit (including base + top-up + increase) could reach up to $1,890 for the year, depending on their specific circumstances.
Example 2: Single Person with $25,000 Net Income
| Payment Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| One-time top-up (June 5, 2026) | $267 |
| Increase for 2026-27 benefit year (enhanced quarterly payments) | $136 |
| Total increase in 2026 | $402 |
A single person could receive up to $950 in total benefits in 2026, including the top-up and enhanced quarterly payments.
Additional Affordability Measure: Fuel Excise Tax Suspension
This week, the Prime Minister also announced a temporary measure to help with the cost of fuel:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective date | April 20, 2026 |
| End date | September 7, 2026 |
| Measure | Federal fuel excise tax rates reduced to zero cents per litre |
| Fuel types covered | Gasoline, unleaded aviation gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel |
| Savings to consumers | Approximately 10 cents per litre on gasoline |
This temporary suspension applies to fuel delivered by a manufacturer or producer to a purchaser, sold by a licensed wholesaler, or imported into Canada on or after April 19, 2026. It will remain in effect until September 7, 2026.
Expected impact: Lower gas prices, providing much-needed relief to Canadian families, farmers, and businesses.
Official Quotes
"We know that many Canadians are feeling the pinch when buying groceries and necessities. We are offering this one-time payment to help with affordability and relieve some of that pressure for those who need it most."
— The Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
"This temporary suspension will save Canadians 10 cents per litre on gasoline. This will be lower gas prices, giving much needed relief to Canadian families."
— Prime Minister's Office (as referenced in the news release)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for the one-time top-up?
No. If you filed your 2024 tax return and were entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026, you will receive the payment automatically.
When will I receive the payment?
The one-time top-up will be issued on June 5, 2026. You do not need to take any action.
How much will I get?
The top-up is equal to 50% of your GST/HST credit for the 2025-26 benefit year. The exact amount depends on your net income, marital status, and number of children.
What is the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit?
It is the new name for the GST/HST credit starting July 3, 2026. The benefit will have the same eligibility rules but quarterly payments will be 25% higher for the next five years.
Will I receive both the top-up and the enhanced quarterly payments?
Yes. Eligible recipients will receive:
- The one-time top-up on June 5, 2026
- The enhanced quarterly payments starting July 3, 2026
I haven't filed my 2024 tax return yet. Can I still get the top-up?
Yes, but you should file as soon as possible. The CRA may issue the payment after your return is processed, though it may not arrive on June 5. File promptly to avoid delays.
Is the fuel excise tax suspension applied automatically at the pump?
Yes. The suspension is applied at the wholesale and import level, and savings should be passed on to consumers. You should see lower prices at the pump starting April 20, 2026.
How long will the fuel tax suspension last?
From April 20, 2026 to September 7, 2026 .
The Government of Canada is delivering two major affordability measures in 2026: a one-time grocery benefit top-up on June 5 and a temporary fuel tax suspension starting April 20.
Key dates to remember:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 20, 2026 | Fuel excise tax drops to $0/L (until Sept 7) |
| June 5, 2026 | One-time GST/HST credit top-up (50% of 2025-26 benefit) |
| July 3, 2026 | Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit begins (25% higher quarterly payments) |
For most Canadians:
- ✅ File your 2024 tax return if you haven't already
- ✅ No application needed – payments are automatic
- ✅ A family of four could receive up to $1,890 in total benefits in 2026
- ✅ Fuel prices should drop about 10 cents per litre starting April 20
These measures are designed to provide immediate relief to Canadians struggling with the rising cost of living, particularly for groceries and fuel. The enhanced grocery benefit will continue for five years, offering longer-term support.