{"id":718322,"date":"2026-06-06T05:00:42","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T05:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/718322\/"},"modified":"2026-06-06T05:00:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T05:00:42","slug":"liberals-grocery-benefit-payments-start-for-eligible-canadians-today-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/718322\/","title":{"rendered":"Liberals’ grocery benefit payments start for eligible Canadians today"},"content":{"rendered":"

OTTAWA \u2014 One of the federal Liberals\u2019 flagship affordability measures will start landing in the bank accounts of eligible Canadians today.<\/p>\n

First announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in January, top-up payments for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will start going out today.<\/p>\n

The program previously was called the GST\/HST credit and is usually paid out on a quarterly basis to lower-income households to help them keep pace with the rising cost of living.<\/p>\n

An estimated 12 million Canadians are eligible for the one-time benefit. Payments will vary based on the size of the household, with a single adult with no children getting up to $267 and a couple with two kids receiving a maximum of $533.<\/p>\n

The one-time top-up payment is worth 50 per cent of the annual benefit and regular quarterly payouts will also rise by 25 per cent for the next five years, starting in July.<\/p>\n

Canadians who meet the income threshold based on their 2024 tax returns will receive the benefit automatically by direct deposit or by mail.<\/p>\n

Carney said at a FreshCo grocery store in Brampton, Ont., on Friday that the money will reduce cost-of-living pressures and help families enjoy the summer.<\/p>\n

Finance Minister Fran\u00e7ois-Philippe Champagne said in a video posted on social media Friday that the benefit is a key affordability measure.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve heard from many Canadians that obviously affordability is top of mind,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2026.<\/p>\n

Craig Lord, The Canadian Press<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tPrime Minister Mark Carney tours a FreshCo grocery store in Brampton, Ont., Friday, June 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS\/Chris Young <\/p>\n

\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n

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