As millions of Canadians feel the pressure of rising costs, the federal government has introduced changes to boost the Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday a hike of the GST credit as part of a suite of new affordability measures.
Beginning this July, the new “Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit” is set to increase quarterly GST credit payment by 25 per cent for five years and issue a one-time top-up payment equal to a 50 per cent increase of the 2025-26 credit value. The one-time top-up credit will be issued in the spring, no later than June 2026.
Under the new boost to the GST credit, a typical family of four could receive as much as $1,890 this year - up from $1,100 under the current credit. That same family would later see about $1,400 a year over the next four years.
A single person could receive up to about $950 — compared to $540 under the current credit — and about $700 a year for the next four years.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, more than 12 million Canadians are expected to benefit.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is the GST credit?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) aimed at helping Canadians with low and modest incomes by compensating for the GST and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) they pay.
It is calculated based on your household income, marital status and number of children.
If you file your tax return and are eligible, the CRA automatically considers you for the credit.
Who gets the GST credit?
You may qualify for the GST credit if you meet all of the following:
- You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- You are at least 19 years old (or under 19 with a spouse, common-law partner or as a parent)
- You have filed your most recent tax return with the CRA
You can receive the credit even if you had little or no income in the year, as long as your adjusted family net income falls below specific thresholds set by the CRA.
These thresholds vary by family type, size and are indexed over time. To see which groups are not eligible to receive the GST/HST credit, visit the CRA’s website.
How much is the GST credit?
There isn’t a straight figure for everyone - amounts vary depending on income, family situation and number of eligible children.
In 2025-26, under existing rules, maximum annual payments based on the 2024 tax-return data include roughly:
- Up to about $533 for a single individual
- Up to about $698 for a married or common-law couple
- About $184 per eligible child under 19
Amounts begin to phase out as income rises, and if your income exceeds certain limits, you may not receive any credit.
By using the child and family benefits calculator, you can find out how much your GST/HST credit payments may be.
When can I expect the GST credit?
The GST credit is paid four times a year. This year, Canadians can expect the payments on the following days:
- Jan. 5
- April 2
- July 3
- Oct. 5
The GST/HST credit payment period begins in July and ends in June of the following year, according to the CRA.
