CGEB vs GST/HST Credit: What Changed in 2026 (Rename, 25% Increase, Top-Up)
What changed
| Item | Before | Now (from July 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | GST/HST credit | Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) |
| Amount | Previous annual amounts | 25% higher for five years (2026 to 2031), indexed to inflation |
| One-time payment | None | Top-up on June 5, 2026 equal to 50% of your 2025-26 annual credit |
| Payment schedule | Quarterly: Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct | Unchanged |
| How to receive it | File your tax return | Unchanged. No separate application |
| Taxable? | No | No |
Maximum amounts, July 2026 to June 2027
Based on your 2025 tax return:
| Family | Maximum per year |
|---|---|
| Single adult (full amount, with the supplement) | $679 |
| Couple | $890 |
| Each child under 19 | $234 more |
| Single parent with one child | $1,124 |
Use the CGEB calculator to estimate your own amount, or see the full income limits and examples.
The June 2026 top-up
On June 5, 2026 the CRA paid a one-time amount equal to 50% of the 2025-26 annual credit. Finance Canada gave these examples: about $267 for a single person and about $533 for a couple with two children. The top-up was not taxable and did not need to be requested.
What stays the same
- The CRA calculates your benefit from your tax return. See how to apply if you are new to Canada.
- Payments are made in January, April, July and October. See the 2027 payment dates.
- Provincial credits that were paid with the GST/HST credit continue to be paid with the CGEB. See provincial credits.
- The GST/HST that businesses charge on sales is not affected by this change. The tax is still GST/HST; only the credit was renamed.
Why people still search for "GST credit"
Many people, news sites and even bank pages still call it the GST/HST credit, and the CRA keeps references to it in some forms. This site uses both names so you can find the answer either way. See the full GST/HST credit (CGEB) guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CGEB the same as the GST/HST credit?
Yes. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is the new name for the GST/HST credit, starting with payments in July 2026. It is still paid quarterly by the CRA, based on your tax return, with no separate application.
Do I need to reapply because of the name change?
No. If you were receiving the GST/HST credit, you keep receiving the benefit under the new name as long as you keep filing your tax return and stay eligible.
What was the June 2026 one-time top-up?
A one-time extra payment on June 5, 2026 equal to 50% of your 2025-26 annual GST/HST credit amount. For example, about $267 for a single person and about $533 for a couple with two children, according to Finance Canada.
How long does the 25% increase last?
The 25% increase applies for five years, from 2026 to 2031, and the amounts are indexed to inflation.
Is the CGEB taxable?
No. The benefit is not taxable income and does not need to be reported on your return.
Does the CGEB affect other benefits?
The CGEB itself is not counted as income, so it does not reduce your other benefits.