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| • The GST/HST credit was replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) in July 2026, while keeping the same basic eligibility and quarterly-payment structure. • The next 2026 CGEB payment date is October 5. July and October payments are based on information from your 2025 tax return. • In most cases there is no separate application: file your tax return every year and the CRA automatically checks eligibility. |
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If you are still searching for the GST/HST credit, the name changed
The federal GST/HST credit is no longer the current name of the quarterly benefit. The CRA says it was replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit in July 2026. The basic structure is familiar: it remains a tax-free quarterly payment for eligible people with low and modest incomes, and related provincial or territorial amounts may be included.
That name change matters when you check your CRA account. Older notices and older search results may still say GST/HST credit, while current payment information appears under the CGEB name.
October 5 is the next 2026 payment date
The CRA lists July 3 and October 5 as the two 2026 quarterly payments issued under the new CGEB name. The January 5 and April 2 payments were still issued as GST/HST credit payments before the change.
The benefit is recalculated every July. The July and October 2026 payments use your 2025 tax-return information. If your income or family situation changed, your new payment can be different from what you received earlier in the year.
How much can you receive?
The CRA’s current “How much you can get” page lists maximum amounts of up to $679 for a single individual, up to $890 if married or living with a common-law partner, and up to $234 for each eligible child under 19. Your actual entitlement depends on adjusted family net income, marital status and eligible children.
Do not treat those maximums as a promise of one October deposit. The CGEB is a quarterly benefit and the amount is calculated for your own situation. The CRA child and family benefits calculator is a better way to estimate what your household may receive.
Most people do not submit a separate CGEB application
For existing Canadian residents, the key action is filing a tax return every year, even in a year with no income to report. The CRA automatically assesses eligibility when the return is processed. New residents may need a separate first-year process, so use the CRA “How to get the benefit” page if you recently became a resident of Canada.
The one-time GST/HST top-up issued on June 5, 2026 was a separate payment. It should not be confused with the regular October CGEB payment. If you expected the June payment but did not receive it, the CRA has a separate page explaining the eligibility and retroactive process.
Where to check if your amount looks wrong
Sign in to your CRA individual account and open Benefits and credits. That is the most reliable place to see your own entitlement, upcoming payment and any notice explaining a change. If a cheque is delayed because of mail disruption, the schedule for direct deposit may be different from physical delivery timing.
Because benefit amounts depend on tax and family information, update marital status, address and direct-deposit details promptly. A blog calculator or social-media chart cannot see the information CRA is using for your household.
| Official Links • Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Start with the CRA’s main CGEB page for eligibility, payment and account information. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-groceries-essentials-benefit.html • How much you can get Review the current CRA maximum amounts and benefit calculator link. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-groceries-essentials-benefit/how-much.html • CGEB payment dates Confirm the official quarterly dates. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-groceries-essentials-benefit/payment-dates.html |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I have to apply for the CGEB?
A. In most cases, no. The CRA says you are automatically considered when you file your tax return. New residents of Canada may need to apply during their first year.
Q. When is the next CGEB payment in 2026?
A. The CRA lists October 5, 2026 as the next quarterly payment date after July 3.
Q. Is the June 5 top-up the same as the October payment?
A. No. The June 5 payment was a one-time GST/HST credit top-up. October 5 is a regular quarterly CGEB payment.
