Canada sends one-time GST payment this week before new grocery benefit starts

Eligible Canadians will receive a one-time GST top-up payment this week before the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit begins next month. This payment is 50% of the annual GST credit for the July 2025-June 2026 period. It aims to help with rising costs and will be followed by the new benefit in July. The new benefit replaces the GST/HST credit and will provide quarterly payments 25% higher than the GST credit for five years. Eligibility is based on income and filing a 2024 tax return.