Minister Alty Highlights that Canadians Will Begin Receiving Enhanced Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Starting Today

Press Release

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

June 5, 2026

The world’s economic and trade landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, thrusting countries, businesses, and workers into a period of uncertainty. Canada’s new government is responding accordingly, with a focus on what we can control: building a stronger economy at home, protecting Canadian jobs and sectors, and making life more affordable.

Today, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, highlighted that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has begun issuing a one-time top-up payment under the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, equal to a 50% increase in the annual 2025-26 value of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit.

This measure will deliver $3.1 billion in immediate support to the 12 million Canadians who currently receive the GST Credit, including around 460,000 individuals in Manitoba. Starting June 5, anyone who received the GST Credit in January 2026 will automatically get this one-time payment.

In addition, the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will represent a 25% increase over the GST Credit on which it is built. It will provide $8.6 billion in additional support over the 2026-27 to 2030-31 period, including to 500,000 additional individuals and families, with enriched quarterly payments starting in July. Combined with the one-time top-up, this means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, and about $1,400 a year for the next four years; and a single person will receive up to $950 this year, and about $700 a year for the next four years.

Quotes

“Today’s payments are delivering meaningful, targeted relief to Canadians facing higher everyday costs. By building on the GST Credit, the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is providing Canadians with a boost today and a bridge to a better tomorrow, as we continue to advance our plan to build a stronger, more independent, and resilient Canada for all.”

The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Quick facts

• Under the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit:
  • A single senior with $25,000 in net income will receive a one-time top-up of $267 plus a longer-term increase of $136 for the 2026-27 benefit year (total increase of $402). In total, they will receive $950 for the 2026-27 benefit year (including the top-up).
  • A couple with two children with $40,000 in net income will receive a one-time top-up of $533 plus an increase of $272 for the 2026-27 benefit year (total increase of $805). In total, they will receive $1,890 for the 2026-27 benefit year (including the top-up).
• After the one-time payment is made, eligible families and individuals in Canada will receive regular quarterly payments as of July 2026 to permit timely access to the funds to help families with day-to-day expenses. These amounts are additional to existing benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
• The top-up payment will appear as a GST/HST credit on the CRA notice of determination and also on the bank statement of eligible recipients if they have signed up to receive direct deposits.

Associated links

• Legislation Passes to Deliver New Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit – Canada.ca
• Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to make groceries and other essentials more affordable for Canadians | Prime Minister of Canada
• Backgrounder: The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
• Reducing costs and helping you get ahead – Canada.ca

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Alec Wilson
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
alec.wilson@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca

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