Canada Groceries Benefit Sees 25% Boost; August Payments Out This Week
The Canada Revenue Agency is delivering increased benefit payments in August 2026, with the rebranded Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit offering a 25% permanent boost locked through 2031. The shift from the GST/HST credit, effective July 2026, aims to help low- and modest-income families afford essentials.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is issuing August benefit payments this week, marking the second month of a new, more generous benefit year. Starting July 3, 2026, the GST/HST credit was rebranded as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) with a permanent 25% increase to all maximum amounts, locked in through 2031.
What's New in CGEB
- Single adults: up to $679 annually (from ~$542 under the old credit)
- Couples: up to $890 annually
- Per dependent child: up to $230 addition
- Quarterly payment schedule unchanged; next deposit after August is October 5, 2026
Eligible recipients—individuals and families with low and modest incomes—received a one-time top-up in June 2026 to bridge the transition. Your August 20 payment reflects your 2025 tax return and the 2% CRA indexation applied in July. If your household income changed significantly between 2024 and 2025, your payment may be noticeably different from earlier months.
Important for newcomers: If you're new to Canada, the CGEB is often your first CRA benefit. You'll need to file Form RC151 (no children) or Form RC66 (with children) to apply manually in your first year; after that, CRA reassesses you automatically each July.
The rebranded benefit uses the same eligibility rules and calculation method as the old GST/HST credit—only the name and amounts changed. Direct-deposit recipients will receive their money on time despite wildfire-related mail delays in some Western regions. If you're expecting a quarterly payment and don't see it within a few business days of August 20, log into CRA My Account to confirm the amount and investigate any discrepancies with your bank.
Sources
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