Canadians receiving federal income supports can expect several federal benefit payments in July, led by the first payment of the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.

The federal government has replaced the former GST/HST credit with the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, increasing payments by 25 per cent for the next five years beginning in July 2026.

The tax-free benefit is aimed at helping lower- and modest-income Canadians offset the rising cost of groceries and other everyday necessities. Eligibility is determined through annual income tax returns, and recipients do not need to apply separately if they qualify.

The first payment was scheduled for Friday, July 3, with the second payment to follow on Oct. 5.

Earlier this year, eligible recipients also received a one-time top-up payment worth 50 per cent of the 2025-26 GST/HST credit value as part of the transition to the enhanced benefit.

Support for workers, families and seniors

The next federal payment in July is the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit on July 10. The tax-free benefit provides advance payments to eligible low-income workers who qualify for the Canada Workers Benefit, helping supplement employment income throughout the year instead of waiting until tax time.

Related Stories:

The Canada Disability Benefit will be paid on July 16. The new federal program provides monthly financial assistance to eligible working-age Canadians with disabilities to help reduce poverty and improve financial security.

Families eligible for the Canada Child Benefit will receive their monthly payment on July 20. The tax-free benefit helps families with the cost of raising children under 18, with payment amounts based on household income and the number and ages of children.

End-of-month payments

Recipients of the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security can expect payments on July 29.

The Canada Pension Plan provides a monthly retirement pension to eligible Canadians who have contributed during their working years. The same payment date also applies to CPP disability, survivor and children’s benefits.

Old Age Security provides a monthly pension to eligible seniors aged 65 and older. Payments issued on the same date also include the Guaranteed Income Supplement for low-income seniors, along with the Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor for eligible Canadians between the ages of 60 and 64.

Veterans receiving a Veteran Disability Pension will receive their monthly payment on July 30. The tax-free pension provides financial compensation to eligible veterans and others whose disabilities are related to their military service.

Manitoba Employment and Income Assistance

In Manitoba, Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) benefits for August 2026 will be issued at the end of July, in line with the province’s advance payment schedule.

For the August 2026 benefit month, direct deposits are scheduled for July 29, 2026, with mailed cheques following on July 30, 2026.

EIA provides financial assistance to Manitobans who are unable to fully support themselves or their families, including those receiving support through Rent Assist to help with housing costs. The program also includes basic allowances for food, clothing, personal and household needs, and may cover prescription drugs, basic dental and optical care, and other health-related supports not provided through other programs.

For individuals who are able to work, EIA includes supports aimed at helping recipients prepare for, find, and maintain employment. Eligibility is based on financial need, household size, income, and assets, with assessments determining whether basic monthly needs and shelter costs exceed available resources.