OTTAWA — The federal government’s new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will see its first round of quarterly payments go out today.

The benefit was known previously as the GST/HST credit, so people who were eligible for that program likely will receive the new benefit.

Here’s what you need to know about the program:

— The government estimates about 12 million Canadian are eligible.

— Before the quarterly payments of the grocery benefit begin, eligible recipients will receive a one-time GST/HST payment top-up to cover the transition period between the old program and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.

One-time GST/HST top-up:

— It is based on your 2024 tax return.

— The government has set maximum income levels to qualify for the top-up. The maximum 2024 income level for a single person with no children is $56,181, and $74,201 for a single person with four children.

— The maximum 2024 income level for the top-up for a married or common law couple with no children is a combined $59,481, while it’s a combined income of $74,201 for a couple with four children.

— The maximum payment for a single person with no kids is $267, while the maximum for a single person with four children is $717.

— The maximum payment for a married or common-law couple with no kids is $349, while the maximum for couples with four kids is $717.

— Eligible Canadians are set to receive their one-time top-up payment on June 5

Quarterly benefit:

— Payments are based on 2025 tax returns.

— The first quarterly payment will begin in July, with other payments expected to follow in October, January and April.

— The maximum annual benefit a single person can receive for the grocery rebate is $679.

— The maximum annual grocery and essentials benefit for a married or common law couple is $890.

— The annual grocery benefit for each eligible child under the age of 19 is an additional $234 per year.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2026.

The Canadian Press Staff