CRA Confirms $628 Grocery Rebate Boost, Check Full Eligibility and Payment Dates

Canada’s rising cost of living continues to place financial stress on households nationwide, with food inflation being one of the most significant concerns. Families, seniors, and single Canadians alike are finding it increasingly difficult to manage basic grocery bills. In response, the federal government has confirmed a new round of the Canada Grocery Rebate, set to be distributed in September 2025.

This one-time rebate—administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)—is designed to help low- and middle-income households offset the impact of food price hikes. Eligible Canadians could receive up to \$628, depending on their family size and income

What Is the September 2025 Grocery Rebate?

The Canada Grocery Rebate is a targeted financial relief measure aimed at households hardest hit by inflation. It is not a recurring monthly benefit but rather a one-time payment that supplements existing government credits and support programs.

The rebate is directly linked to the GST/HST credit system, which already provides quarterly payments to low- and modest-income Canadians. Those who qualify for the GST/HST credit will automatically be included in the grocery rebate program, with no additional application required.

How Much Can Canadians Expect to Receive?

The rebate amount varies depending on family size, income, and household status. For September 2025, the payment ranges from \$234 to \$628:

• Single Canadians: Up to \$234
• Couples with no children: Up to \$306
• Families with one child: Up to \$467
• Families with two children: Up to \$628 (maximum amount)
• Seniors living alone: May qualify for higher support due to lower fixed incomes

These amounts reflect the government’s focus on providing greater assistance to families with children and seniors, groups most affected by rising living costs

When Will the Grocery Rebate Be Paid?

The CRA has confirmed the payment date for September 2025:

• Direct Deposit: September 13, 2025 – funds will be deposited directly into eligible recipients’ bank accounts.
• Mailed Cheques: May take up to 10 business days to arrive, depending on location.

Seniors and families relying on these payments are strongly encouraged to set up direct deposit with the CRA to avoid postal delays and ensure faster access to funds.

Eligibility Requirements for the Grocery Rebate

To qualify for the September 2025 grocery rebate, Canadians must meet specific eligibility criteria:

1. Residency Requirement – Must be a permanent resident of Canada living in the country at the time of payment.
2. Income Thresholds –

• Single individuals: Must earn less than \$49,166 annually.
• Families with four members: Can qualify with a household income up to \$64,946 annually.

1. GST/HST Credit Eligibility – Those already receiving GST/HST credits are automatically included in the grocery rebate program.
2. Tax Filing Requirement – Applicants must have filed their 2025 tax return to be considered eligible.

Importantly, there is no separate application process. The CRA uses tax return information to determine eligibility and payment amounts.

Why the Grocery Rebate Matters in 2025

Food insecurity has been rising across Canada, particularly among seniors, single-parent households, and low-income families. With the average cost of groceries increasing by 7–9% year-over-year, even modest financial support can make a meaningful difference.

The rebate offers:

• Immediate Relief – Helps households afford basic grocery needs.
• Targeted Support – Prioritizes families with children and seniors on fixed incomes.
• Automatic Access – No need for complicated applications, as CRA uses existing tax data.

For many Canadians, this rebate represents the difference between struggling and maintaining stability in an inflation-heavy economy.

How to Receive the Grocery Rebate

There is no separate application process for the September 2025 rebate. Eligible Canadians will receive the payment automatically if they:

• Filed their 2025 income tax return on time.
• Are registered for direct deposit with the CRA (recommended for faster payment).
• Have updated household information on their CRA My Account (e.g., marital status, number of dependents).

For those receiving cheques, ensuring the CRA has the correct mailing address is crucial.

Practical Tips to Ensure You Receive the Full Benefit

• Update Personal Information: Log into your CRA My Account to make sure marital status, dependent children, and bank account details are correct.
• File Taxes Early: Even if your income is low, filing ensures eligibility for the rebate.
• Set Up Direct Deposit: Faster, safer, and more reliable than waiting for a mailed cheque.
• Keep Records: Save CRA notices and correspondence for verification if needed.

Broader Impact of the Rebate

The grocery rebate is part of the federal government’s broader cost-of-living relief strategy. Alongside this program, the government has increased Old Age Security (OAS) for seniors over 75, adjusted GIS thresholds, and continues to support households through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).

Together, these measures aim to cushion Canadians against ongoing inflation pressures, though many advocacy groups argue that one-time rebates are not enough to address long-term affordability challenges.

For Canadians struggling to balance budgets, filing taxes, updating CRA information, and enrolling in direct deposit remain the key steps to accessing these benefits without delay.

5 FAQs

Q1: How much is the September 2025 grocery rebate in Canada?
Eligible Canadians can receive between \$234 and \$628, depending on family size and income level.

Q2: Do I need to apply for the grocery rebate?
No. If you already receive GST/HST credits, you will be automatically included.

Q3: When will the grocery rebate be paid in September 2025?
Payments via direct deposit will be made on September 13, 2025, while mailed cheques may take up to 10 business days.

Q4: What is the income limit for eligibility?
Single individuals must earn less than \$49,166, while a family of four can qualify with income up to \$64,946.

Q5: Is the rebate taxable?
No. The grocery rebate is non-taxable, meaning it won’t reduce other benefits or increase taxable income.