The world's economic and trade landscape is changing rapidly, creating uncertainty and driving up across-the-board prices on food and essential household goods. The Government of Canada is relentlessly focused on making life more affordable for Canadians and reducing the cost of groceries and daily essentials.
That is why in January 2026, in our first announcement of the year, the federal government launched the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) to support more than 12 million Canadians most affected by the rising cost of food, and essentials. The CGEB builds on the existing Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit and will provide $11.7 billion in additional support over six years.
On June 5, eligible Canadians received a one-time top-up payment-equal to a 50 per cent increase in the annual 2025-26 value of the GST Credit. This delivered $3.1 billion in assistance to individuals and families who currently receive the GST Credit.
Today, in addition to the June 5 one-time top-up payment, eligible families and individuals are receiving an increase in the value of the former GST Credit of 25 per cent for five years via their CGEB payment.
This increase will deliver $8.6 billion in additional support over five years, including to 500,000 new individuals and families.
Put together, this means that an eligible family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year alone, and about $1,400 a year for the next four years; and a single person will receive up to $950 this year, and about $700 a year for the next four years.
The CGEB is paid quarterly in July, October, January and April and is in addition to other benefits to help Canadians get ahead, such as the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
