The former GST/HST credit now has a different name and a higher benefit amount
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026. The benefit amount also increased by 25% that month, according to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
The CGEB is a tax-free benefit for eligible people with low and modest incomes. It retains the eligibility rules, payment calculation and structure of the former GST/HST credit. However, a recipient’s personal payment did not necessarily rise by exactly 25%, because CRA recalculates entitlement using tax information and changes in family circumstances.
What changed in July 2026?
The GST/HST credit is no longer available under that name. It was replaced by the CGEB in July 2026.
CRA says the benefit amount increased by 25% and that the increase will remain for five years, from 2026 to 2031. The available information does not provide an exact expiry date.
The 25% figure applies to the benefit amount. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every recipient’s actual payment increased by exactly 25%. Individual entitlement may also be affected by income, marital status, eligible children, custody arrangements, reassessments, residency, debts and other changes.
How much will you receive?
The exact amount is individualized. CRA’s supplied information does not provide a maximum annual or quarterly CGEB amount or the complete calculation formula.
You can use your CRA account to see:
- Your personalized benefit amount
- Your next expected payment date
- Your payment history
- Your statement of account
The benefit is recalculated every July using tax information from the previous year. The July and October 2026 CGEB payments were based on adjusted family net income reported on 2025 tax returns. By comparison, the January and April 2026 payments were GST/HST credit payments based on 2024 tax returns.
What are the 2026 income thresholds?
For the July and October 2026 payments, adjusted family net income from the 2025 base year had to be less than the applicable maximum threshold.
| Family situation | 2025 base-year maximum threshold |
|---|---|
| Single individual with no children | Less than $60,012 |
| Married or common-law couple with no children | Less than $64,232 |
| One child | Less than $68,912 |
| Two children | Less than $73,592 |
| Three children | Less than $78,272 |
| Four or more children | Less than $82,952 |
For spouses or common-law partners, both partners’ adjusted net incomes are combined. A person may still qualify if they had no income during the year, but they must file a tax return.
Who may be eligible?
A recipient must meet CRA’s residency, age or family-status, and income requirements.
- You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes in the month before a payment and at the start of the month in which CRA makes the payment.
- You must generally be at least 19 years old.
- If you are under 19, you may satisfy the condition if you have or had a spouse or common-law partner, or are or were a parent and live or lived with your child.
- Your adjusted family net income must be below the applicable threshold.
Children for whom a recipient currently receives the Canada child benefit are automatically considered in the CGEB calculation. Parents with shared custody may be eligible for half of the child-related CGEB amount.
A person is generally not eligible for the child-related amount when the child is legally, physically or financially under the responsibility of a child welfare agency.
When are payments made?
The CGEB is normally paid four times a year during a July-to-June payment period. The two CGEB dates specifically listed for 2026 were:
- July 3, 2026
- October 5, 2026
As of October 16, 2026, both dates have passed. The supplied CRA schedule does not identify a later payment date, so recipients should use their CRA account to find their next expected date.
If a person’s calculated quarterly entitlement is less than $50, CRA pays the entire annual amount as one payment in July instead of making four quarterly payments.
Do you need to apply?
Filing a tax return generally results in automatic consideration for the CGEB and related provincial or territorial programs. Automatic consideration does not guarantee that you are eligible or entitled to a payment.
You should file a tax return every year, even if you have no income to report. If you file after July, you must wait for CRA to assess the return. Any missed amount to which you are entitled is then paid retroactively with the next scheduled payment.
New residents may have additional application or information requirements. A newcomer turning 19 should follow CRA’s separate new-resident application instructions rather than relying only on the general automatic-consideration process.
Do You Need to Do Anything?
To avoid interruptions or incorrect payments:
- File your tax return every year.
- Keep your address, marital status, direct-deposit details and residency information current with CRA.
- Report relevant child and custody changes.
- Check your CRA account for your amount, expected payment date and payment history.
Payments can stop or change because of unfiled returns, income changes, marital or custody changes, residency, outdated information, CRA reviews, overpayments or government debts.
If an expected payment is missing, first check your CRA account and personal information. CRA advises waiting 10 business days after the expected payment date before calling about the missing payment.
Bottom Line
The CGEB has replaced the GST/HST credit and carries a 25% benefit-amount increase beginning in July 2026. Its basic eligibility and payment structure remain the same as the former credit, and payments are tax-free.
Your actual entitlement depends on your tax information and personal circumstances. File a return each year, keep CRA informed of relevant changes, and use your CRA account for your personalized amount and next expected payment date.
Official Government Sources
- CRA: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit overview
- CRA: CGEB payment dates and payment rules
- CRA: Why CGEB payments may stop or change
- Government of Canada: Child and family benefits
- CRA: Who is eligible for the CGEB
This article provides general information based on official Canadian government sources. Government programs, amounts, eligibility rules and deadlines can change. Check the official sources linked above for information specific to your situation.