CGEB vs GST/HST Credit: What Changes?
On July 1, 2026, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) replaces the GST/HST credit. Same automatic enrolment, similar eligibility — but bigger cheques and a one-time transition top-up. Here's exactly what changes.
The 60-second version
- Bigger amounts. Up to ~46% more for a single adult.
- Quarterly payments. Same cadence (Jul, Oct, Jan, Apr).
- One-time top-up. July 5, 2026 payment includes 50% of your annual amount.
- No application. File your 2025 taxes and the CRA does the rest.
- Last GST/HST credit: April 4, 2026.
Side-by-side: amounts
| Family situation | GST/HST credit (max/yr) | CGEB (max/yr) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single adult | $340 | $496 | +$156 |
| Couple (no kids) | $520 | $650 | +$130 |
| Single parent, 1 child | $520 | $650 | +$130 |
| Couple, 2 children | $700 | $910 | +$210 |
| Each additional child | +$179 | +$130 | −$49 |
Side-by-side: rules
| Feature | GST/HST credit | CGEB |
|---|---|---|
| Cadence | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Taxable? | No | No |
| Application | No (file taxes) | No (file taxes) |
| Phase-out start | $45,521 | $45,521 |
| Phase-out rate | 5% | 5% |
| Effective from | 1991 | July 1, 2026 |
Payment dates: old vs new
The April 4, 2026 GST/HST credit payment is the last under the old system. CGEB then takes over with quarterly payments starting July 5, 2026. There is no gap — the July payment includes a transition top-up worth 50% of your annual CGEB.
- April 4, 2026 — Final GST/HST credit payment
- July 5, 2026 — First CGEB payment (with transition top-up)
- October 5, 2026 — 2nd CGEB payment
- January 5, 2027 — 3rd CGEB payment
- April 3, 2027 — 4th CGEB payment
See the full schedule at the CGEB payment dates page.
What you need to do
Nothing — assuming you file your 2025 tax return by April 30, 2026.
If you don't normally file (zero income, student, etc.), file anyway. The CRA cannot enrol you in the CGEB without a 2025 return. Use a free certified software like Wealthsimple Tax or TurboTax Free.
Newcomers to Canada
Just landed? You can register for the CGEB before you file a full Canadian tax return using form RC151. You'll receive a partial-year amount based on your residency start date. Our newcomer benefits checklist walks through every form.
Calculate your exact CGEB
Use the CGEB calculator to see your annual amount, quarterly payment, and the size of the July transition top-up. Or check eligibility in 30 seconds with the eligibility checker.
Bottom line
For most lower-income Canadians and families, the CGEB is a meaningful raise from the GST/HST credit — especially the one-time July top-up. The catch is the same as before: you only get it if you file your taxes. April 30, 2026 is the deadline that matters.
Related CGEB resources
The full Canada Groceries Benefit toolkit — calculators, eligibility checks, and explainers. For the complete index, visit the CGEB Hub.
- CGEB HubEverything on the new groceries benefit — start here
- CGEB CalculatorEstimate your quarterly payment
- Eligibility Checker60-second eligibility quiz
- Payment Dates2026 quarterly schedule
- CGEB Deep DivePillar guide to the program
- For NewcomersEligibility for PRs, work & study permits
- For SeniorsHow CGEB stacks with OAS and GIS
- Late Payment HelpWhat to do if your CGEB is late
- Scam AlertsHow to spot CGEB phishing texts
Editorial disclaimer
This article is published by LoonieLabs for general information only. It is not financial, tax, legal, accounting, or immigration advice and must not be relied on as such. Rules, dollar figures, interest rates, and program eligibility change — always verify with the Canada Revenue Agency, IRCC, or a qualified professional before acting. Spotted an error? See our corrections policy. Last reviewed: April 18, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written and reviewed by Shrey Patel — Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Winnipeg, MB · Figures cross-checked against official tax & benefits sources · Last reviewed April 18, 2026 · LinkedIn
Founder of LoonieLabs · based in Winnipeg, MB · writes and reviews every page on the site I oversee every figure on this page personally — verified against primary sources (CRA, IRCC, Statistics Canada, the Bank of Canada, or the originating provincial ministry). LoonieLabs has no affiliate relationships with any bank, credit card, or immigration consultant featured on this site. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
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