One-Time Grocery Rebate Coming July 5
Eligible Canadians are set receive a one-time grocery rebate on Wednesday, July 5th.
This payment was initially announced as part of the 2023 federal budget, and the government has confirmed that it will be distributed to eligible citizens through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), either by direct deposit or cheque.
The unveiling of the rebate in May aligns with the passing of Bill C-46, also known as the Cost of Living Act, which enables the implementation of the rebate. In addition to the grocery rebate, this legislation includes a $2 billion top-up to the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) aimed at reducing backlogs and wait times, as stated in a May announcement.
Although the rebate was introduced to compensate for the rising cost of groceries due to inflation, recipients are not limited in how they can spend the funds. On average, eligible couples with two children can expect to receive up to $467, while single Canadians without children may receive $234, and seniors can anticipate $225.
Applying for the rebate is unnecessary for those who are entitled to the GST/HST credit for January 2023 and have filed a tax return for 2021, even if they had no income to report for that year. These individuals and families can expect to receive the grocery rebate automatically alongside their next quarterly GST/HST credit payment, which will be double the amount they received in January 2023.
The CRA emphasized that the amount received will be based on the family’s situation in January 2023 and their 2021 adjusted family net income, as stated in a news release. However, it is important to note that while individuals may be eligible for the Grocery Rebate, they may not qualify for the July GST/HST credit, or vice versa. The agency clarified that the Grocery Rebate is calculated based on the 2021 tax return, whereas the next quarterly GST/HST credit payment in July 2023 is determined by the 2022 tax return.
The rebate will be issued automatically to those whose household income is $38,000 or less, and individuals who make $32,000 or less.
According to the agency, if you are single, you could receive a maximum payment of up to:
$234 (no children)
$387 (with 1 child)
$467 (with 2 children)
$548 (with 3 children)
$628 (with 4 children)
If you are married or have a common-law partner, you could receive up to:
$306 (no children)
$387 (with 1 child)
$467 (with 2 children)
$548 (with 3 children)
$628 (with 4 children)
Also noted that if you received your GST/HST credit payment as a lump sum in July 2022, you will still receive a grocery rebate.