Here's the quick answer: the GST/HST credit is changing in 2026. Starting July 3, 2026 the program is renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and quarterly payments rise. A one-time top-up was issued on June 5, 2026 to bridge the shift. Check out the summary below, then use the step-by-step guide to see if you qualify, claim your payments, update your info, and dodge common errors.

Quick-reference summary

- Program name: GST/HST credit is being replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit on July 3, 2026.

- One-time top-up: Paid June 5, 2026. It equalled 50% of the recipient's 2025–26 GST/HST credit amount.

- Ongoing increase: Quarterly payments will increase by 25% each quarter for the next five years (starting July 2026 allocation).

- Example amounts in 2026 (federal estimates): up to $1,890 for a family of four; up to $950 for a single person — these totals include the June top-up and the higher quarterly payments.

- No new application required if tax returns are filed. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will use filed tax returns to determine entitlement. Official CRA pages: https://www.canada.ca and the CRA benefits pages (see links in the Steps section).

Prerequisites — who qualifies and what you need

The eligibility rules haven't changed from the GST/HST credit. To qualify you generally must:

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  • Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
  • Be at least 19 years old, or have (or be) a spouse or common-law partner, or be a parent who lives with your child.
  • File your annual income tax and benefit return — the CRA uses your return to determine entitlement and payment amounts.

Documents and info to have ready:

  • Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and personal details.
  • Most recent income tax return (for 2024 to get the June 2026 top-up eligibility; and 2025 for ongoing payments in 2026–27).
  • Bank details for direct deposit (optional but faster).

Step-by-step: How to check whether the GST credit is going up for you

Use these steps to check if you qualify, see how much you'll get, and ensure your payments arrive.

  1. Check whether you were eligible in January 2026. The June 5, 2026 one-time top-up was paid to people who filed a 2024 tax return and were entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026. If you received the January payment, you should have received the top-up on June 5.
  2. Sign into CRA My Account. Go to the CRA individual portal (search "CRA My Account" at canada.ca or go to https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/cra-login-services.html). My Account shows benefit entitlements, payment history, and upcoming payments. It’s the fastest way to confirm amounts and dates.
  3. Check payment history and next payment date. In My Account, open the "Payments and transfers" or "Benefits" section. You’ll see the June 5 top-up listed like other GST/HST credit deposits. The renamed benefit (Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit) shows the July 3, 2026 change and higher quarterly amounts .
  4. Update your address and marital status if needed. If your marital status or address changed since you filed the tax return used to calculate entitlement, update the CRA as soon as possible — that affects who gets payments and how much. Use My Account or file a change of information through the CRA forms at canada.ca.
  5. Sign up for direct deposit. Direct deposit speeds delivery and avoids mailed cheques. Register through My Account or send direct-deposit details using Form RC366 (Direct deposit enrolment for individuals) available at canada.ca.
  6. If you didn’t file a tax return: file it. If you forgot to file a 2024 return you may have missed the June top-up. File immediately (or file any outstanding returns) so the CRA can assess your entitlement for future quarters. The CRA processes returns and updates benefit entitlements after a return is assessed.
  7. Contact CRA if you think a payment is missing. Use the secure My Account message centre first. If you need to call, find the right phone number on canada.ca (look for "Contact the CRA" to reach benefit enquiries). Have your SIN and recent tax documents handy.

How amounts are calculated — what changed for 2026

The way payments are calculated is the same—based on family size and income—but the total amounts went up thanks to the top-up and planned quarterly increases.

Key 2026 figures to remember:

  • June 5, 2026 one-time top-up: equal to 50% of your 2025–26 GST/HST credit amount.
  • Quarterly payment increase: 25% higher payments starting with the July 3, 2026 quarter, with the higher rate remaining and planned to increase gradually over five years (as announced).
  • Federal illustrative maxima in 2026: up to $1,890 for a family of four, and up to $950 for a single person — these figures combine the one-time top-up and the ongoing quarterly increases.

Costs, fees, and tax treatment

There’s no fee to receive the GST/HST credit or the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. You don’t need to apply separately if you file your tax return. The benefit is non-taxable — it’s not included in income for income tax purposes.

Alternatives and comparisons

If you’re low-income, you might also be eligible for other federal and provincial benefits. Compare these common supports:

  • Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — for families with children under 18. That’s separate and has different eligibility rules and payment dates.
  • GST/HST (now Canada Groceries and Essentials) vs provincial supports — provinces also run programs like provincial tax credits or cost-of-living supplements; check your province’s finance or revenue site for details.
  • Employment Insurance (EI) and social assistance — for those out of work, these programs operate separately from the GST credit.

Tips to ensure you get the higher payments

  • File your return every year — even if you have little or no income. That’s the single most common reason people miss benefits.
  • Use CRA My Account and enable direct deposit. Electronic delivery is faster and more reliable than cheques by mail.
  • Keep your marital and residency status up to date. A change in spouse/common-law partner or a move can change payment amounts and who receives them.
  • Check your Notice of Assessment after filing — it lists benefit entitlements and confirms whether the CRA received your return.
  • If a trusted person helps you, set up a representative through the CRA (authorizing a representative like a family member, accountant, or community worker helps manage benefits when needed).

Common mistakes to avoid

Look, here are repeated errors people make — and how to dodge them.

  • Assuming the top-up or new payments are automatic without a filed tax return. File returns on time for 2024 and each year after that.
  • Failing to update your marital status. If your relationship status changed and you didn’t report it, you may have received the wrong amount.
  • Ignoring direct deposit setup. Waiting for a cheque can delay access and increase the risk of lost payments by mail.
  • Confusing provincial programs with the federal benefit. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is federal. Provincial supplements are separate and have their own application or enrolment rules.
  • Not checking CRA notices. The CRA sends notices when it changes benefit entitlements; read them and act if something looks off.

If you disagree with an assessment or payment

If the CRA’s determination about your benefit is wrong — for example, they missed a dependent or misread your income — you can request an adjustment of your tax return (use the "Change my return" service in My Account) or contact the CRA to ask for a review. Keep records and correspondence handy. If needed, seek help from a tax clinic or community organization that assists with benefits and tax returns.

Related Articles

The short answer to "is the GST credit going up" is yes — you got a one-time top-up on June 5, 2026 and the quarterly payments increase starting July 3, 2026 under the renamed Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. No separate application was required for the top-up; the CRA used filed tax returns to determine who was eligible. To make sure you benefit from the increases: file your tax return yearly, keep your CRA account info current, sign up for direct deposit, and check My Account for payment details.

This article was created with AI assistance.