With food prices at historic highs, Ottawa has confirmed a one-time \$628 Grocery Rebate for qualifying households, aiming to provide immediate relief to Canadians feeling the financial pinch at the checkout counter.
Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this payment will be issued automatically to eligible recipients—no separate application is required. The measure is part of a broader federal effort to combat the effects of inflation on low- and middle-income families.
Why This Rebate Matters Right Now
The grocery rebate comes at a time when grocery bills are consuming an ever-larger share of Canadian household budgets. From bread to fresh produce, staples have seen price increases well above the national inflation rate in recent years.
This targeted payment is designed to directly offset food costs for those who need it most—families, seniors, and individuals with lower incomes—by adding extra funds to their pockets without requiring any complicated forms or applications.
Who Is Eligible for the \$628 Grocery Rebate
Eligibility for the rebate is linked to the GST/HST credit system and determined using information from your tax filings. You may qualify if you meet the following conditions:
- Age: At least 19 years old before the payment date.
- Residency: A Canadian resident at the time the payment is made.
- Tax Filing: Your 2023 income tax return must be filed.
- Past Returns: You must have filed 2021 and 2022 tax returns before April 2025.
Even if you earned no income, you must still file your return to be considered.
How Much You Could Receive
The rebate amount depends on your family size and net income, with maximum payments as follows:
| Household Type | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|
| Individual | Up to \$234 |
| Couple (no children) | Up to \$387 |
| Family with 1 child | Up to \$467 |
| Family with 2 children | Up to \$548 |
| Family with 3+ children | Up to \$628 |
These amounts are estimates and may be adjusted depending on budget allocations and final CRA calculations.
How and When Payments Will Be Issued
The CRA has not yet confirmed the official payment date. However, officials have indicated that payments will be processed in the same way as the GST/HST credit, meaning:
- Direct deposit: If you’ve already set up direct deposit with CRA, the rebate will be deposited directly into your bank account.
- Mailed cheque: If you don’t have direct deposit, a cheque will be sent to your mailing address on file.
Once the date is announced, payments will be issued automatically—no reapplication process is needed.
How to Check Your Rebate Status
If you believe you’re eligible, you can monitor your payment status through the CRA My Account portal. Steps include:
- Go to canada.ca.
- Log in to your CRA My Account.
- Navigate to the “Grocery Rebate Payments” section.
- Click “Check Status” to view updates.
If your payment hasn’t arrived within 10 business days after the official release date, you can call the CRA at 1-888-863-8662 for assistance.
Avoid Delays – Keep Your CRA Information Updated
Small administrative issues can delay your rebate. Make sure to:
- Update your address if you’ve moved.
- Confirm your bank account details if you’re using direct deposit.
- Report any marital status changes to the CRA.
Keeping this information current will ensure you receive the rebate without unnecessary holdups.
The Bigger Picture
This \$628 Grocery Rebate is part of a series of targeted affordability measures by the federal government, complementing existing supports such as the GST/HST credit and Canada Child Benefit.
While it’s a one-time payment, it reflects growing political pressure to address food affordability, which continues to be a major concern for millions of Canadians.
5 Key FAQs
1. Do I need to apply for the \$628 Grocery Rebate?
No. It will be issued automatically if you meet eligibility criteria based on your tax return.
2. How much can I receive?
Up to \$628, depending on your family size and income level.
3. When will the rebate be paid?
The official date has not yet been announced by the CRA.
4. What if I didn’t file my taxes?
You must file your 2021, 2022, and 2023 tax returns to qualify.
5. How do I check my payment status?
Log into CRA My Account, go to “Grocery Rebate Payments,” and select “Check Status.”