Millions of Canadians will begin receiving a one-time affordability payment today as the federal government rolls out the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, one of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s key cost-of-living measures.
The benefit replaces the former GST/HST credit program and is designed to provide additional financial support to lower-income households facing higher living costs.
An estimated 12 million Canadians are eligible for the one-time top-up payment, with the amount depending on household size. A single adult with no children can receive up to $267, while a couple with two children may receive as much as $533.
The payment is equivalent to 50 per cent of the annual benefit amount and will be issued automatically to eligible recipients through direct deposit or mailed cheque based on their 2024 tax return information.
In addition to the one-time payment, regular quarterly benefit payments will increase by 25 per cent beginning in July and will remain at that higher level for the next five years.
The federal government says the enhanced benefit is intended to help Canadians better manage rising costs for groceries, household essentials and other everyday expenses.
