Free Money from the Government — Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Is Now Live!

Good news for families in Scarborough and across Canada! As of July 3, 2026, the federal government has launched a brand new benefit called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). If you were receiving the old GST/HST credit, this replaces it — and the best part is you will now receive 25% more money, with no extra steps needed.

This benefit was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on January 26, 2026, and is backed by $11.7 billion in federal support over six years. Over 12 million Canadians are expected to benefit, including many newcomer families right here in Scarborough.

What Exactly Is This Benefit?

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is the new name for the GST/HST credit. The eligibility rules, payment schedule, and how the amount is calculated remain exactly the same as before — but the payment amount has been permanently increased by 25% for five years, from 2026 through 2031.

Despite the name, this is not a grocery voucher. You receive tax-free cash that you can spend on anything — groceries, rent, utilities, transportation, prescriptions, or any other living expense. No receipts required.

How Much Will You Receive?

Your payment depends on your income, marital status, and the number of children under 19 in your care. For the benefit period July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum annual amounts are:

1. Single person: up to $679
2. Married or common-law couple: up to $890
3. Each child under 19: an additional $234

So a family of four — two adults and two children — could receive over $1,350 per year, paid in four quarterly instalments every July, October, January, and April.

If your total quarterly payment works out to less than $50, the CRA will send the full year's amount as one lump sum in July instead of splitting it into four smaller payments.

Do You Need to Apply?

No — for most people, there is nothing to do. The CRA automatically determines your eligibility and calculates your payment using your filed tax return. The money will arrive in your bank account or by cheque on the scheduled dates.

However, there is one important exception:

New residents of Canada who do not yet have a Canadian tax filing history must submit Form RC151 (GST/HST Credit Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada) to enter the system. You can download this form at canada.ca or pick it up at a local Service Canada office.

Work permit and study permit holders can also qualify, as long as you are considered a Canadian resident for tax purposes. If you have never registered for the GST/HST credit before, you will also need to complete Form RC151 to start receiving payments.

The Most Important Thing You Can Do: File Your Taxes

The single most common reason eligible Canadians miss this payment is not filing their tax return. The CRA cannot assess your eligibility without it. This is true even if you had zero income last year — you still need to file.

Your payments from July 2026 to June 2027 are calculated based on your 2025 tax return. If you have not filed yet, do it as soon as possible. If you file late, you may receive retroactive payments for the quarters you missed, but it is always better to file on time.

Free tax filing help is available through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). Call 211 Ontario to find a free tax clinic near you in Scarborough.

⚠️ Important Scam Warning

The Government of Canada has officially warned that posts circulating online claiming a new $2,000 direct deposit payment is being issued are completely false. No such payment exists.

If you see this being shared on WhatsApp groups or Facebook, please do not forward it — and let your friends and family know it is a scam. Always verify benefit information directly at canada.ca before acting on anything you read online.

What To Do Right Now — Quick Checklist

✅ File your 2025 tax return if you have not already done so ✅ Set up direct deposit with CRA for faster payments — do this at canada.ca/my-cra-account ✅ New to Canada? Complete Form RC151 and submit it to the CRA ✅ On a work or study permit? Check if you are registered for GST/HST credit — if not, submit Form RC151 ✅ Warn your community about the fake $2,000 payment posts going around

Useful Contacts

1. CRA Benefits Line: 1-800-387-1193
2. Service Canada Scarborough: Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Drive
3. 211 Ontario: Dial 2-1-1 for free help finding local tax clinics and settlement services
4. Official benefit page: canada.ca/groceries-essentials-benefit

Found this helpful? Share it with your family and friends — one piece of information can make a big difference to someone who needs it.