The GST/HST Credit Payment Dates are the dates when direct deposits will be released from the Canada Revenue Agency. It is the money that the CRA sends back into your pockets each quarter. This tax-free benefit helps you cope with the sales taxes you pay on everyday purchases. It includes groceries to household-important items. Knowing deposit dates gives peace of mind to families, students, seniors, and low-income families who are trying to manage tight budgets. This guide covers every Canada Groceries & Essentials Benefits payment date for 2026, eligibility, amount with thresholds, and the major changes.
Understanding the GST/HST Credit? Is it a Tax Refund?
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Its purpose is to help Canadian taxpayers with low and modest incomes offset the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) they pay on goods and services.
Unlike some benefits that require separate applications, the CRA determines eligibility automatically when you file your tax return. If you qualify for the HST/GST Refund, the credit will reflect in your bank account. The credit is separate from other federal benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or Old Age Security (OAS). You can receive all of them simultaneously.
GST/HST Credit Payment Dates 2026
The CRA issues Canada Groceries & Essentials Benefit payments 4 times/year or quarterly on tentative dates. For 2026, the schedule is as follows :
| Payment Period | Payment Date |
| January | January 5, 2026 |
| April | April 2, 2026 |
| July | July 3, 2026 |
| October | October 5, 2026 |
Beginning July 2026, GST HST Credit payments will be issued as the new Canada Groceries and importants Benefit (CGEB)
HST GST Credit Payment Important Update for 2026
The January and April payments were issued under the original GST/HST Credit program using information from your 2024 tax return. But July and October 2026 bring a significant change. The government is renaming and enhancing the program. Starting July 3, 2026, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) replaces the GST/HST Credit entirely. Quarterly credit amounts will be boosted by 25% for 5 years (2026 to 2031). This boost starts in July 2026
There is also a one-time top-up payment arriving on June 5, 2026. This additional payment equals 50 percent of your annual GST/HST Credit or Canada Groceries & Essentials Benefits) amount for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year. If you received the January 2026 payment, you automatically qualify for this top-up.
Who Is Eligible for the GST/HST Credit or CGEB in 2026?
To qualify for the GST/HST Credit or CGEB, you must meet three conditions :
- Canadian resident for income tax purposes
- 19 years of age or older (or under 19 with a spouse, common-law partner, or as a parent living with a child)
- Filed your most recent tax return
There are no exceptions for low income. Even if you earned nothing in the previous year, file a tax return. The CRA needs that information to determine your eligibility.
Special CGEB Eligibility Situations
- Students & Young: If you turned 19 during the year, you may qualify for payments starting the quarter after your birthday.
- New Canada Residents: You can apply for the credit after arriving, but you must file a tax return covering your period of residency.
- Parents receiving child benefits: Having children increases your payment amount but does not change the eligibility rules.
How Much Could You Receive in 2026? Key Factors
4 Key factors are used to determine the quarterly CGEB / Canada groceries & essentials benefits payment :
1. AFNI from your most recent tax return
2. Your marital status
3. Number of eligible children under 19 living with you
4. Annual government adjustments
Maximum Benefit Amounts for 2026
For the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year, maximum annual amounts under the original Canada Groceries & Essentials Benefits are :
| June 2026- June 2027 | |
|---|---|
| Household Type | Maximum Annual Benefit |
| Single Individual | Up to $679 |
| Married or Common-Law Couple | Up to $890 |
| Each Eligible Child Under 19 | Up to $234 per child |
What Changes With GST/HST Credit?
Starting July 3, 2026, quarterly payments increase by 25 percent and will continue at that higher level for 5 years from 2026 to 2031. Including the one-time June top-up, here is what eligible Canadians could receive in total for 2026:
| Household Example | Maximum Benefit |
| Family of 4 with $40,000 net income | Up to $1,890 |
| Single person with $25,000 net income | Up to $950 |
How CRA Calculates Your HST/GST Credit
The CRA uses the information from your tax return from two years prior. For the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year (the first year of the CGEB), the agency looks at your 2025 tax return. Payments are recalculated every July, which means your benefit amount can change from year to year based on income fluctuations.
Filing your taxes on time + before April 30 + is important to get payment in time. Missing a filing deadline means missing payments until the CRA processes your return. Check out our tool at Canada Calculators to calculate your GST/HST Tax Credit in a very easy way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Canada Groceries & Essentials Benefits taxable?
No. The credit is completely tax-free. You do not report it as income on your tax return.
Do I need to apply for the credit every year?
No. Once you file your taxes, the CRA determines eligibility automatically. No separate application is required.
Can students qualify for HST/GST Credit?
Yes. Students who are at least 19 years old, file a tax return, and have low or modest income can receive the credit.
What happens if my income changes?
Payments are recalculated every July. A significant income increase in your 2025 tax return will affect your payments starting July 2026.
Will the Canada Groceries and importants Benefit replace all GST/HST Credit payments in 2026?
Yes. Starting July 3, 2026, the CGEB fully replaces the GST/HST Credit. The January and April 2026 payments were the last under the old name.
Can newcomers to Canada receive the benefit?
Yes. New residents can apply for the credit, but they must file a tax return covering the period they have lived in Canada.
