GST Relief Payment 2026: What Is Real (June 5 Top-Up) and What Is a Scam
The real payment: CGEB one-time top-up (June 5, 2026)
| Detail | Official information |
|---|---|
| Date paid | June 5, 2026 |
| Who received it | People who filed a 2024 tax return and were entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026 |
| How much | 50% of the GST/HST credit for the 2025–26 benefit year |
| Example, single, $25,000 net income | $267 top-up |
| Example, family of four, $40,000 net income | $533 top-up |
| Total in 2026 including the top-up | Up to $950 for a single person; up to $1,890 for a family of four |
| Application needed? | No. It was automatic. |
After the top-up, regular quarterly CGEB payments resumed on July 3 with a 25% enhancement. The next one is October 5, 2026 (see the full calendar).
Why these rumors keep spreading
Every time the government announces a real benefit, imitation posts appear promising bigger, faster or "extra" money. Typical rumor headlines include "$250 bonus check", "grocery relief deposit" or "GST rebate you must claim before Friday". None of them are needed to receive the real CGEB, which is paid automatically to eligible filers.
Real payment or fake claim? A quick test
| Check | Real | Suspicious |
|---|---|---|
| Where is it announced? | Canada.ca and CRA news pages | Only social media, blogs or texts |
| Do you have to apply? | CGEB: automatic when you file taxes | "Claim now" link or form |
| What do they ask for? | Nothing; deposits go to your account on file | SIN, card number, banking login, a fee |
| How does it reach you? | Direct deposit or cheque | Gift cards, e-transfer requests, crypto |
| Deadline pressure? | No | "Act within 24 hours" |
Scam warning signs
- A text or email with a link saying you have a refund or payment waiting.
- A caller who says they are from the CRA and threatens arrest or asks for immediate payment.
- A request to confirm your bank login or one-time codes.
- Poor spelling, a sender address that is not from canada.ca, or a link that does not lead to canada.ca.
What to do if you think you got a scam
- Do not click links or reply. Do not share personal or banking information.
- Log in to CRA My Account by typing the address yourself and check the message list and your benefit status.
- Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca) and, if you gave information, contact your bank and change your passwords.
How to check your real payments
- Sign in to CRA My Account and open Benefits and credits.
- Review the payment history for the CGEB, GST/HST credit and the top-up.
- If a payment you were eligible for is missing, contact the CRA. Details about eligibility are in our CGEB guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a $250 GST bonus check in Canada?
There is no official $250 bonus announced on Canada.ca. The real 2026 extra payment was the CGEB one-time top-up on June 5, 2026, equal to 50% of the 2025–26 GST/HST credit.
Who got the June 5, 2026 payment?
People who filed their 2024 tax return and were entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026. No application was needed.
How much was the one-time top-up?
It equalled 50% of the 2025–26 credit. The CRA gave examples of $267 for a single person with $25,000 net income and $533 for a family of four with $40,000.
Will the CRA text me a link to claim a payment?
No. Treat any text or email with a link to claim a benefit as a scam and log in to My Account directly instead.
When is the next real CGEB payment?
October 5, 2026.