CRA says 12 million Canadians are owed a bonus payment this spring — do you qualify?

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit builds and expands on the federal GST/HST credit, with a one-time 50% top-up this spring and a 25% increase to quarterly payments for five years starting July 2026. No separate application is required — the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses your tax return.

Who qualifies — and how much could you receive?

Eligibility for the top-up is tied directly to one condition: You must have received the January 2026 GST/HST credit payment. If you were eligible and entitled to receive that January payment, you are automatically in the group that will receive the top-up — no additional application or registration is required.

The government has provided two illustrative examples of what eligible Canadians can expect. A single senior with $25,000 in net income will receive a one-time top-up of $267. A couple with two children with $40,000 in net income will receive a one-time top-up of $533. Although, actual amounts vary by income and family size (2).

While a few hundred extra a month may not seem much, it can add up. For instance, a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, and about $1,400 a year for the next four years; a single person will receive up to $950 this year, and about $700 a year for the next four years.

Why you must file today to be eligible

While your 2024 tax return triggers the spring top-up eligibility, the 2025 tax return governs the July 2026 and ongoing payments. Recipients must file their 2025 tax return to receive the increased Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payments as of July 2026.

This matters for Canadians who don't think they need to file — particularly those with little or no employment income. The GST/HST credit is fully refundable, meaning you don't need to have paid tax to receive it. If you don't file, the CRA has no way to assess your eligibility, and the payments stop.

When will the money arrive?

The one-time top-up will be paid as early as possible this spring and no later than June 2026. If you have direct deposit set up through CRA My Account, the funds will arrive automatically. If not, a cheque will be mailed to the address on file — another reason to confirm your CRA details are current.

The fastest path to payment: File electronically today using NETFILE-certified software, set up or confirm direct deposit through CRA My Account, and make sure your address and marital status are current with the CRA.

Don't assume this payment will find you on its own. The CRA only pays what it can assess — and that starts with a filed return.

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Government of Canada — Department of Finance (1, 2)