Grocery Rebate
The new one-time Grocery Rebate will deliver targeted inflation relief for 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families who need it most. The goal of the Grocery Rebate is to help offset higher prices when shopping for food, without worsening inflation.
Below are the answers to frequently asked questions about the upcoming Grocery Rebate:
How much will I receive in the Grocery Rebate?
If you currently receive the GST rebate, you will also automatically receive the Grocery Rebate. The rebate will be distributed through the GST/HST tax credit from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
The maximum amount (rounded to the nearest dollar) under the Grocery Rebate would be:
$153 per adult
$81 per child
$81 for the single supplement
For example, the Grocery Rebate will provide recipients with up to:
an extra $467 for eligible couples with two children;
up to an extra $234 for single Canadians without children;
and an extra $225 for seniors on average.
Like the GST Rebate, the Grocery Rebate is reduced as income rises. It's phased out entirely once income reaches $50,000 or more for a single person with no children, $55,000 or more for a couple without children and $65,000 or more for a couple with four children. Click here to calculate the phase-out amount for your household.
I only received the Grocery Rebate, but not the GST Rebate. How is this possible?
The Canada Revenue Agency has said some Canadians may be eligible for the July GST rebate but not for the grocery rebate, and vice versa.
That's because the grocery rebate is calculated using 2021 income tax returns, while the GST rebate is based on 2022 tax returns.
When will the Grocery Rebate arrive?
The rebate is tentatively scheduled to be issued July 5, 2023, along with the next regular quarterly GST/HST credit payment.
Here’s how you can check the status of your payment in My Account or the MyBenefits CRA app: ow.ly/3u2V50P3ui4
Do I need to apply to receive the Grocery Rebate?
No, recipients will not need to apply for the Grocery Rebate, which will be delivered along with the July GST Credit payment. If you currently receive the GST rebate, you will also automatically receive the Grocery Rebate, provided you have filed your 2021 tax return, even if you have no income to report.
Do I need to spend the Grocery Rebate on groceries?
No, like the GST Rebate, the Grocery Rebate can be applied to more than just food bills.
I received a text about the Grocery Rebate, asking me to click a link. Is it legit?
No — beware of Grocery Rebate scams! Like other government programs, scammers are using the federal grocery rebate to defraud Canadians. Texts and emails claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The texts and emails either send a link for users to click to get their money or they offer a form to fill out. These are scams.
As stated earlier, the rebate comes as part of your GST/HST payment. It is linked to your tax filing. The CRA does not send out texts or emails with links or forms to fill out.
Is the Grocery Rebate taxable?
No, the Grocery Rebate is a non-taxable amount.
Where can I get more information on the current GST/HST credit rules and calculation?
The current maximum GST/HST credit amounts for January 2023 are $77 per adult, $40 per child, and $40 for the additional single supplement (note amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar).
For more information on the GST/HST credit go to GST/HST credit - Overview - Canada.ca.
