What is Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB)?
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) is the renamed GST/HST credit, a tax-free quarterly payment for low- and modest-income Canadians. The new name takes effect July 3, 2026, with a 25% increase to quarterly payments for five years and a one-time top-up of 50% paid on June 5, 2026.
Do I Qualify?
- You must be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes
- You must file your income tax and benefit return so CRA can assess eligibility
- You must be at least 19 years old, or have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner, or be (or have been) a parent living with your child
- Your payment amount depends on family income, marital status, and eligible children
How Much Can I Get?
For 2026, eligible recipients receive a one-time June 5 top-up equal to 50% of their 2025-26 GST/HST credit, followed by regular quarterly CGEB payments starting July 3 with the legislated 25% increase. Calculation logic in BenefitCheck continues to use the existing GST/HST credit program key until the post-transition rules are updated.
How to Apply
No separate application is required for most tax residents. File your annual income tax and benefit return and keep your CRA address, direct deposit, marital status, and dependant information up to date. Newcomers may need the same newcomer forms previously used for the GST/HST credit.
Visit Official Application PageFrequently Asked Questions
Is CGEB a new program key in BenefitCheck?
No. CGEB is handled as a display and content transition for Phase 1. Existing calculations, saved reports, and program references continue to use the stable 'gst' program key.
When does the GST/HST credit become CGEB?
The renamed Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit takes effect with the July 3, 2026 quarterly payment.
Who gets the June 5, 2026 top-up?
CRA says the top-up applies if you were entitled to the January 2026 GST/HST credit and filed your 2024 tax return. The payment is equal to 50% of your 2025-26 GST/HST credit.
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