Canadian Grocery Rebate and Affordability Payments (2026 Guide)
Updated
Overview of Canadian Affordability Benefits
Canada offers several federal and provincial programs to help with the cost of living. This guide covers all major affordability payments available to Canadians.
Benefit
Payment Frequency
Income-Tested
GST/HST Credit
Quarterly
Yes
Canada Child Benefit
Monthly
Yes
Canada Carbon Rebate
Quarterly
No
OAS/GIS
Monthly
Age + income
Provincial benefits
Varies
Varies
The 2023 Grocery Rebate (Historical)
What It Was
Feature
Details
Type
One-time payment
Date paid
July 5, 2023
Eligibility
Same as GST/HST credit
Application required
No (automatic)
Payment Amounts (2023)
Family Situation
Maximum Amount
Single person
$234
Couple
$467
Per child under 19
$122
Single parent + 1 child
$356
Current Status
The 2023 Grocery Rebate was a one-time emergency measure. As of 2026, there is no ongoing grocery rebate. Instead, Canadians rely on regular affordability programs.
GST/HST Credit (Ongoing)
The GST/HST credit is the primary federal affordability payment, issued quarterly to offset sales tax costs for low and modest-income households.
2025–2026 Payment Amounts
Family Situation
Annual Maximum
Single person
$519
Married/common-law
$680
Per child under 19
$179
Payment Dates (2025–2026)
Payment
Date
July 2025
July 5
October 2025
October 5
January 2026
January 5
April 2026
April 5
Income Thresholds
Family Type
Full Benefit Threshold
Reduced Benefit Phase-Out
Single
~$42,000
Phased out gradually
Couple no children
~$55,000
Phased out gradually
Family with children
Higher thresholds
Phased out gradually
Eligibility
Requirement
Details
Age
19+ (or parent, married, or formerly married)
Residency
Canadian resident
Tax filing
Must file previous year’s return
Income
Below threshold
Canada Carbon Rebate
Formerly the Climate Action Incentive Payment, this rebate offsets carbon pricing costs.
2025–2026 Annual Amounts (by Province)
Province
Single
Couple
Per Child
Alberta
$450
$675
$112.50
Ontario
$280
$420
$70
Manitoba
$300
$450
$75
Saskatchewan
$376
$564
$94
New Brunswick
$190
$285
$47.50
Nova Scotia
$206
$309
$51.50
PEI
$220
$330
$55
Newfoundland
$298
$447
$74.50
BC and Quebec have their own carbon programs.
Rural Supplement
Residents of small and rural communities receive an additional 20% on their carbon rebate.
Payment Dates
Same as GST/HST credit: January, April, July, October.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
2025–2026 Maximum Amounts
Age Group
Maximum Annual Benefit
Under 6
$7,786.92
6–17
$6,570.00
Income Phase-Out
Family Income
Reduction
Under $36,502
Full benefit
$36,502–$79,087
7% of income over threshold
Over $79,087
Additional reduction
Payment Dates
Monthly payments on the 20th of each month.
Provincial Affordability Benefits
Ontario
Benefit
Amount
Eligibility
Ontario Trillium Benefit
Varies
Low income
LIFT Credit
Up to $875
Working low income
Ontario Drug Benefit
Free drugs
65+
British Columbia
Benefit
Amount
Eligibility
BC Climate Action Tax Credit
$504/adult
Income-tested
BC Family Benefit
Up to $2,125/child
Low/moderate income
BC Electricity Affordability Credit
One-time credit
BC Hydro customers
Alberta
Benefit
Amount
Eligibility
Alberta Child and Family Benefit
Up to $3,600
Families with children
Alberta Seniors Benefit
Up to $320/month
Low-income 65+
Quebec
Benefit
Amount
Eligibility
QST Credit
Variable
Low income
Family Allowance
Variable
Families with children
Senior Assistance
Variable
Low-income 65+
Other Provinces
Most provinces offer similar tax credits and benefits. Check your province’s Ministry of Finance website for details.
Who Receives Affordability Payments?
Automatic Eligibility (No Application)
Benefit
How to Receive
GST/HST Credit
File tax return
Carbon Rebate
File tax return
Grocery Rebate (if reintroduced)
File tax return
Application Required
Benefit
How to Apply
Canada Child Benefit
Apply through CRA
OAS/GIS
Apply at 65
Provincial benefits
Varies by program
How to Maximize Your Benefits
File Your Taxes
Tip
Reason
File every year
Required for most benefits
File even with $0 income
Still eligible for credits
Include all family members
Children and spouse
File on time
Avoid payment delays
Update Your Information
Information
Where to Update
Address
CRA My Account
Direct deposit
CRA My Account
Marital status
CRA My Account
Number of children
CRA (apply for CCB)
Claim All Deductions
Deduction
Benefit
RRSP contributions
Lower net income = higher credits
Child care expenses
Lower net income
Moving expenses
If applicable
Combined Annual Affordability Benefits
Example: Single Person in Ontario
Benefit
Annual Amount
GST/HST Credit
$519
Ontario Trillium Benefit
~$300
Carbon Rebate
$280
Total
~$1,099
Example: Family with 2 Children in Alberta
Benefit
Annual Amount
GST/HST Credit
$1,038
Carbon Rebate
$900
Canada Child Benefit
~$12,000
Alberta Child Benefit
~$3,000
Total
~$16,938
Actual amounts vary based on income and circumstances.
Payment Dates Summary (2026)
Federal Payments
Month
Benefit Paid
January 5
GST/HST + Carbon Rebate
April 5
GST/HST + Carbon Rebate
July 5
GST/HST + Carbon Rebate
October 5
GST/HST + Carbon Rebate
20th monthly
Canada Child Benefit
Tax Filing Deadlines
Deadline
Importance
April 30
File return for eligibility
June 15
Self-employed deadline
July payment
First payment of benefit year
Will There Be Another Grocery Rebate?
Factors That Could Trigger Another Payment
Factor
Status
High inflation
Currently moderating
Food price increases
Varied
Election promises
Possible
Economic downturn
Not currently
How It Would Work
If reintroduced, a grocery rebate would likely:
Use the same GST/HST credit infrastructure
Be automatic (no application needed)
Be delivered as a one-time or temporary payment
Target low and modest-income households
Key Takeaways
The 2023 Grocery Rebate was a one-time payment
Regular affordability benefits include GST/HST credit, CCB, and Carbon Rebate
File your taxes to receive benefits automatically
Provincial programs add additional support
Keep your CRA information up to date for uninterrupted payments