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\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\nThe federal government\u2019s new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will see its first round of quarterly payments go out today.<\/p>\n
The benefit was known previously as the GST\/HST credit, so people who were eligible for that program likely will receive the new benefit.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what you need to know about the program:<\/p>\n
\u2014 The government estimates about 12 million Canadian are eligible.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Before the quarterly payments of the grocery benefit begin, eligible recipients will receive a one-time GST\/HST payment top-up to cover the transition period between the old program and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.<\/p>\n
One-time GST\/HST top-up:<\/p>\n
\u2014 It is based on your 2024 tax return.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The government has set maximum income levels to qualify for the top-up. The maximum 2024 income level for a single person with no children is $56,181, and $74,201 for a single person with four children.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The maximum 2024 income level for the top-up for a married or common law couple with no children is a combined $59,481, while it\u2019s a combined income of $74,201 for a couple with four children.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The maximum payment for a single person with no kids is $267, while the maximum for a single person with four children is $717.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The maximum payment for a married or common-law couple with no kids is $349, while the maximum for couples with four kids is $717.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Eligible Canadians are set to receive their one-time top-up payment on June 5<\/p>\n
Quarterly benefit:<\/p>\n
\u2014 Payments are based on 2025 tax returns.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The first quarterly payment will begin in July, with other payments expected to follow in October, January and April.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The maximum annual benefit a single person can receive for the grocery rebate is $679.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The maximum annual grocery and essentials benefit for a married or common law couple is $890.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The annual grocery benefit for each eligible child under the age of 19 is an additional $234 per year.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tPrime Minister Mark Carney shows his wife Diana Fox Carney an Indian bitter melon at 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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