More than 12 million Canadians are expected to receive a one-time Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) payment on June 5 as the federal government rolls out additional cost-of-living support through its newly introduced Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
The payment represents one of the largest direct affordability measures announced this year and is aimed at helping low- and modest-income households manage rising expenses. With grocery prices, housing costs and everyday necessities continuing to pressure family budgets, the federal government says the top-up will provide immediate financial relief to eligible Canadians.
The one-time payment is being delivered under Bill C-19, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Act. According to the Department of Finance, the measure will distribute approximately $3.1 billion in support nationwide. The benefit effectively serves as a bridge between the existing GST/HST Credit system and the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit that will officially replace it beginning in July 2026.
Unlike many government assistance programs, Canadians do not need to submit a separate application to receive the payment. Eligibility is automatically determined through CRA records. Individuals who received, or qualified for, the January 2026 GST/HST Credit are expected to receive the one-time top-up payment. Those enrolled in CRA direct deposit should see the funds arrive directly in their bank accounts, while others will receive a cheque by mail.
How much money could eligible Canadians receive?
The amount varies depending on family size and household circumstances. The payment equals 50% of the annual GST/HST Credit value for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit period.
- Single individuals with no children may receive up to $267.
- Married or common-law couples may receive up to $349.
- Families with one child may receive up to $441.
- Families with two children may receive up to $533.
- Families with three children may receive up to $625.
- Families with four children may receive up to $717.
Parents with shared custody arrangements will generally receive half of the amount they would have received if they had full custody of the child.
For many households, the payment arrives at a time when food inflation remains a concern despite easing from previous highs. Targeted support can help vulnerable Canadians manage essential expenses, particularly families with children and individuals living on fixed incomes.
What happens after the June 5 payment?
The one-time top-up is only part of a broader expansion of federal support. Beginning in July 2026, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will officially replace the GST/HST Credit. The federal government has also announced that the benefit will increase by 25% for five years.
Officials estimate the enhancement will provide an additional $8.6 billion in support between the 2026-27 and 2030-31 fiscal years while extending assistance to roughly 500,000 additional Canadians and families.
Eligibility for the June 5 payment is based on 2024 income tax returns. However, future quarterly payments under the expanded benefit system will be calculated using information from 2025 tax returns. This makes filing taxes on time particularly important for Canadians who want to maintain eligibility for federal benefits.
The next scheduled payment dates under the program are July 3 and October 5, 2026. Canadians who want to verify their payment status can do so through CRA My Account or by reviewing their latest benefit notice.
The introduction of the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit reflects Ottawa’s ongoing effort to address affordability challenges through targeted tax-free payments. While the one-time June payment will not solve broader cost-of-living pressures, it is expected to provide meaningful short-term support to millions of households across the country.
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Canadians seeking additional details about upcoming deposits and eligibility changes can review the Canada Grocery Benefit eligibility guide, which explains how the transition from the GST/HST Credit to the new benefit system may affect future payments.
Source: Department of Finance Canada.
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