Canadian GST Top-Up Lands This Week Ahead of Grocery Benefit Launch

Eligible Canadians are getting an extra GST top-up payment on June 5, ahead of the transition to the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which starts in July.

The one-time payment equals 50% of the annual GST credit for the July 2025 to June 2026 period, provided the individual or household was entitled to the January 2026 payment.

For example, if a person's annual GST credit was $400, they will receive an extra $200. The amount varies based on the number of children and net income from the 2024 tax filing.

Singles can get up to $267, couples up to $349. Payments come via direct deposit or mail, and recipients must be 19 or older, Canadian residents, and have filed their 2024 taxes. The CRA says the payment will initially appear as the GST credit until bank systems update.