12 million Canadians should expect this bonus payment starting today, ahead of new benefit launch

Eligible Canadians will receive a one-time GST/HST credit top up payment.

OTTAWA — One of the federal Liberals’ flagship affordability measures will land in the bank accounts of eligible Canadians starting today.

First announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in January, top-up payments for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will start going out today.

• Canada is replacing the GST/HST credit with a new benefit. What does that mean for you?

The program previously was called the GST/HST credit and is usually paid out on a quarterly basis to lower-income households to help them keep pace with the rising cost of living.

An estimated 12 million Canadians are eligible for the one-time benefit and amounts vary based on the size of the household, with a single adult with no children getting up to $267 and a couple with two kids receiving a maximum of $533.

The one-time top-up payment is worth 50 per cent of the annual benefit and regular quarterly payouts will also rise by 25 per cent for the next five years, starting in July.

Canadians who meet the income threshold based on their 2024 tax returns will receive the benefit automatically by direct deposit or by mail.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2026.

Craig Lord, The Canadian Press