With food prices in Canada still climbing, the federal government has confirmed that millions of low- and modest-income households will receive extra support this fall through the Canada Grocery Rebate. The one-time, tax-free payment will arrive on September 20, 2025, aiming to help families and individuals manage the rising cost of groceries, baby supplies, and other household essentials.
The rebate—delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)—is tied directly to the GST/HST credit, meaning most eligible people will receive it automatically without having to apply.
What Is the Canada Grocery Rebate?
The Canada Grocery Rebate was first introduced in 2023 as part of Ottawa’s broader affordability plan. It provides direct, tax-free financial support to Canadians struggling with higher grocery bills.
While originally conceived as a temporary measure, the program has returned periodically when inflation pressures have spiked. In 2025, food prices are up approximately 9% compared to last year, prompting another round of payments to offset the strain on household budgets.
The rebate is linked to the GST/HST credit, so if you receive that credit, you will automatically qualify for the grocery rebate—no extra paperwork required.
Why the Rebate Matters in 2025
Grocery costs have consistently outpaced wage growth in recent years, leaving many families cutting back on essentials. According to recent data, the average Canadian household spends more than \$300 extra per month on food compared to pre-pandemic levels.
This rebate is designed to act as immediate relief—a lump-sum payment you can use for basic needs such as:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat and dairy products
- Baby formula and diapers
- Cleaning and hygiene products
While it won’t solve the broader affordability crisis, it can provide a crucial financial cushion, especially for households living paycheque to paycheque.
Who Can Get the September 2025 Grocery Rebate?
To receive the payment in September 2025, you must meet several key eligibility rules:
1. Residency Status
- You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes on September 1, 2025.
- Non-residents or individuals exempt from Canadian tax are not eligible.
2. Age Requirement
- You must be at least 19 years old before the payment month.
- If under 19, you can still qualify if you have a spouse, common-law partner, or child you live with.
3. Income Limits (Based on 2024 family net income)
- Singles: Less than about \$49,166.
- Families: Less than about \$65,000 for a family of four (two adults and two children). Larger families may have higher thresholds.
4. Tax Filing
- You must have filed your 2024 tax return, even if you earned no income.
- Payments decrease as income rises and are eliminated above the maximum income limits.
Canada Grocery Rebate – September 2025 Payment Date
The Canada Revenue Agency will issue the rebate on September 20, 2025, in line with the regular GST/HST credit schedule.
Payment details:
- Direct Deposit: Sent to the same account you use for other CRA benefits.
- Cheque: May take up to 10 business days to arrive.
- CRA My Account: Lets you check payment amount and status.
To avoid delays, ensure your banking and address information is updated with the CRA before the payment date.
Estimated Payment Amounts for 2025
The amount you receive depends on your household size and 2024 income. Here are the estimated maximums:
| Household Type | Income Limit | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single (No Children) | Up to \$49,000 | \$234 |
| Couple (No Children) | Up to \$58,000 | \$306 |
| Couple with 1 Child | Up to \$58,000 | \$387 |
| Couple with 2+ Children | Up to \$60,000 | \$456–\$612 |
| Senior Living Alone (GIS) | GIS Recipients | \$225 |
Note: Actual amounts may be lower if your income is close to the maximum threshold.
How the Grocery Rebate Works with the GST/HST Credit
The rebate is not a separate application process—it is automatically added to your GST/HST credit if you qualify.
This design makes it easier for eligible households to receive help without extra paperwork. If you’re eligible for the September GST/HST credit, you’ll see the grocery rebate as an additional deposit or cheque on the same date.
Steps to Make Sure You Receive Your Rebate
- File Your Taxes on Time – Even if you have zero income, filing ensures CRA has your updated financial information.
- Update Contact Information – Make sure your mailing address and direct deposit details are current in CRA My Account.
- Check Your CRA Account – Log in before September to confirm eligibility and view the expected amount.
- Watch for the Deposit – On September 20, 2025, check your bank account or mailbox.
The Bigger Picture – Grocery Prices and Policy Response
The Canada Grocery Rebate is one of several measures the government has implemented to ease cost-of-living pressures. While it’s welcome relief, many policy experts argue that long-term solutions—like increasing competition in the grocery sector and improving supply chain stability—are needed to tackle persistent food inflation.
For now, however, this payment will serve as a targeted boost to those most affected by high prices, particularly low- and modest-income households.
Final Takeaway
If you received the GST/HST credit in 2025 and meet the income limits, you don’t need to do anything to get the grocery rebate—just make sure your tax return is filed and your CRA information is accurate.
On September 20, 2025, thousands of households will see the extra funds land in their bank accounts, offering timely relief during one of the most expensive grocery years in recent memory.
FAQs
Q1: When is the grocery rebate payment date in 2025?
A: The payment will be issued on September 20, 2025.
Q2: Do I need to apply for the grocery rebate?
A: No. If you qualify for the GST/HST credit, you will receive the rebate automatically.
Q3: What’s the maximum amount I could receive?
A: Households with two or more children could get up to \$612, depending on income.
Q4: What if I didn’t file my taxes?
A: You must file your 2024 tax return to qualify. Late filing could mean missing the payment.
Q5: How can I check my payment status?
A: Log into CRA My Account to view your amount and confirm payment details.