Millions of Canadians could see an extra payment arrive in their bank accounts beginning June 5 as the federal government rolls out a one-time GST/HST credit top-up designed to provide additional support to lower- and middle-income households.
The payment, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), comes ahead of a major change to Canada’s federal affordability programs. Eligible recipients will receive a one-time amount equal to 50% of their annual GST/HST credit entitlement for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year.
Unlike some government benefits that require a separate application, this payment will be issued automatically to Canadians who qualified for the January 2026 GST/HST credit. As long as a 2024 income tax return has been filed and processed, eligible recipients do not need to take any additional action.
The payment amount will vary based on an individual’s GST/HST credit entitlement. For example, someone who received a total GST/HST credit of $400 during the current benefit period will receive an additional $200 through the one-time top-up.
Eligibility Rules and Income Limits
To receive the payment, individuals must be Canadian residents for tax purposes and generally be at least 19 years old. Eligibility is based on adjusted family net income, marital status and the number of dependent children in the household.
For the 2024 tax year, a single individual without children can qualify with an adjusted net income of up to $56,181. For married or common-law couples, the income threshold begins at $59,481 for households without children and increases based on family size, reaching $74,201 for families with four children.
The federal government estimates that more than 12 million Canadians currently receive the GST/HST credit, making this one of the largest direct support payments scheduled for 2026.
Recipients enrolled in direct deposit should begin receiving funds on June 5. Canadians who are not signed up for direct deposit will receive their payment by cheque through the mail, which could take additional time depending on location and delivery schedules.
Detailed eligibility requirements and payment calculations are available through the official Canada Revenue Agency.
Why the Government Is Issuing the Payment
The one-time top-up forms part of the transition to the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which will replace the GST/HST credit beginning in July 2026. The government says the updated program is intended to provide larger quarterly payments to qualifying households over the next five years.
Starting in July, benefit amounts are scheduled to increase by 25%. Under the proposed structure, a single Canadian who qualified for the maximum GST/HST credit of approximately $540 annually could receive around $700 per year. A family of four that previously qualified for about $1,100 annually could receive up to $1,400.
Canadians seeking a closer look at payment estimates and qualification thresholds can review the latest information on the one-time GST top-up payment of up to $717 for eligible Canadians, including examples based on different household situations.
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The timing of the payment is notable as many households continue to manage rising living expenses. Recent economic data showed Canada entered a technical recession after two consecutive quarters of economic contraction on an annualized basis. Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate rose to 6.9% in April, while inflation increased to 2.8%, reflecting ongoing affordability pressures across the country.
Although the one-time GST top-up is not a permanent increase in benefits, it provides an immediate financial boost before the larger Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit begins next month. For eligible Canadians, the payment will arrive automatically, offering additional support as households navigate a challenging economic environment.
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