Millions of Canadians are set to receive a one-time bonus payment of up to $717 from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) this Friday, June 5, 2026. The payment, part of the newly introduced Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, replaces the former GST credit and aims to help low- and modest-income households cover essential costs.
Who Is Eligible?
The federal government confirmed that approximately 12 million Canadians qualify for the top-up. Anyone who received or was eligible for the January 2026 GST/HST credit will automatically get the payment. Those with direct deposit set up with the CRA will see the funds in their bank accounts, while others will receive a cheque by mail.
Payment Amounts
The one-time bonus equals 50% of the annual GST credit amount for the July 2025 to June 2026 period. Eligible individuals can expect:
- Single individuals with no children: up to $267
- Married or common-law couples without children: up to $349
- Families with one child: up to $441
- Families with two children: up to $533
- Families with three children: up to $625
- Families with four children: up to $717
Parents with shared custody will receive half the amount they would get for full custody.
Legislative Background
The payment is authorized under Bill C-19, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Act, which allocates $3.1 billion for immediate assistance. The bill also permanently increases the benefit by 25% starting July 2026, providing an estimated $8.6 billion in additional support over five years to 500,000 more individuals and families.
Important Notes
Eligibility for this week's top-up is based on 2024 tax returns. Future quarterly payments—scheduled for July 3 and October 5, 2026—will be calculated using 2025 tax returns. The government emphasizes that this benefit is designed to help Canadians afford everyday essentials amid rising costs.
