The April 2026 GST/HST credit payment includes a one-time 50% top-up announced in the Federal Budget 2026. This is the final GST/HST credit payment before the benefit is replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) in July. For most households, the top-up means an extra $40–$110 deposited on April 4 with no application required.

Why the Government Added a Top-Up

The top-up was framed as a transitional measure between the existing GST/HST credit and the new CGEB. Two policy goals motivated it. First, it gives lower- and middle-income households a final boost to help bridge the gap from April to July, when CGEB payments begin. Second, it provides extra purchasing power during a period when grocery and essentials prices remain elevated — Statistics Canada's most recent CPI data shows food inflation still running above the headline rate.

Because it's a one-time top-up bundled into a regular quarterly payment, there's no separate cheque, no separate deposit, and no application. The 1.5x amount simply replaces the standard April quarterly payment.

How Much Is the Top-Up?

Amounts shown are maximum quarterly figures for individuals with income under $40,000. If your income exceeds the phase-out threshold, both your regular payment and the top-up are reduced proportionally.

Payment Date

The top-up is included in the regular April 4, 2026 GST/HST credit payment. No separate application is needed — if you normally receive the credit, you'll automatically get the enhanced amount. Direct deposit recipients see it in their account that morning; cheque recipients should expect mail delivery within 5–7 business days.

Worked Example: Single Person Earning $32,000

A single individual in Toronto with $32,000 of net income normally receives the maximum quarterly GST/HST credit of $85 (annualized to $340). With the 50% top-up, their April 4 payment becomes $127.50 — an extra $42.50 compared to a normal quarter. Across a year, this single payment lifts their total annual GST/HST credit benefit from $340 to about $382.50.

Worked Example: Couple With Two Children, $60,000 Income

A couple in Halifax with two children and a combined adjusted family net income of $60,000 sits in the partial phase-out range. Their normal April quarterly payment is roughly $90 (after phase-out reduction). With the 50% top-up, that becomes $135. Modest, but it covers a couple of grocery runs.

Three Things to Watch

1. Check your CRA My Account on April 4. If your direct deposit shows the regular amount instead of 1.5×, the top-up may not have been applied. Call the CRA benefits line (1-800-387-1193) if there's a discrepancy.

2. The top-up is tax-free. Like the regular GST/HST credit, the bonus payment doesn't count as income on your 2026 tax return, doesn't affect other benefits, and doesn't need to be reported anywhere.

3. File your 2025 return regardless. The April top-up is calculated from your 2024 return. But your CGEB payments starting July 2026 are calculated from your 2025 return. Filing late means delayed CGEB.

What Comes Next: The CGEB

Starting July 2026, the GST/HST credit is permanently replaced by the CGEB. The new benefit provides larger quarterly amounts:

• Singles: up to $496/year (vs $340 under GST/HST credit)
• Couples with 2 children: up to $910/year
• Per-child amount: ~$130 (vs $86 under the old credit)
• Wider phase-out thresholds, so more households qualify

The transition is automatic — if you received the GST/HST credit, you'll be enrolled in CGEB based on your 2025 tax return. No application is needed. For full details on amounts, eligibility, and how the calculation differs, see our CGEB deep dive.

What to Do Now

1. Confirm your direct deposit and address are current in CRA My Account.
2. If you haven't filed your 2025 return yet, do it before the April 30 deadline.
3. Check your eligibility using our GST/HST Credit calculator or Benefits Finder.
4. Review our CRA payment dates calendar so you know when other benefit deposits are coming.

Source: Department of Finance Canada — Federal Budget 2026 (canada.ca/en/department-finance) and Canada Revenue Agency benefit administration.