Canada Confirms $628 Grocery Rebate, Check Payment Dates, Eligibility and Exact Amounts

As grocery prices in Canada continue to climb, the federal government is preparing to deliver a much-needed financial boost to low- and moderate-income households. The Canada Grocery Rebate for 2025 has been confirmed, with the next payment scheduled for September 19, 2025.

This tax-free, one-time rebate—issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)—is designed to offset the impact of rising food costs. For many families, seniors, and individuals on fixed incomes, the September payout will be a crucial form of relief, especially with grocery inflation hovering near 9% year-over-year in early 2025.

What the Canada Grocery Rebate Means for Canadians

Launched in 2023 as part of Canada’s Affordability Plan, the Grocery Rebate supplements the existing GST/HST credit. The program is aimed at households most affected by inflation-driven food costs, returning cash directly to their pockets without the need for a separate application.

In 2025, this program continues to serve as a targeted measure against cost-of-living pressures, arriving at a time when Canadians are paying more than ever for basic staples like fresh produce, dairy, meat, and packaged goods.

Key September 2025 Payment Date

The CRA has confirmed that the third-quarter Grocery Rebate will be paid on:

September 19, 2025** – Funds will be deposited directly into eligible recipients’ bank accounts or sent by cheque. This payment date coincides with the quarterly GST/HST credit schedule.

Those who file their taxes late or have incomplete CRA information may still receive the rebate once their 2024 tax return is processed—typically within 10 business days of assessment.

Other 2025 GST/HST payment dates, which may also be used for late Grocery Rebate disbursements, include:

• January 3, 2025
• April 4, 2025
• July 4, 2025
• October 3, 2025

Eligibility Requirements for the 2025 Grocery Rebate

The CRA uses your 2024 income tax return to determine eligibility. To receive the September 2025 Grocery Rebate, you must meet five main conditions:

1. Residency

You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes at the start of the payment month (e.g., September 1, 2025). Non-residents and individuals exempt from Canadian tax laws (such as diplomats) are not eligible.

2. Age

You must be at least 19 years old in the month before payment (August 2025).
Those under 19 can still qualify if they have a spouse, common-law partner, or a dependent child living with them.

3. Income Thresholds

Your adjusted family net income for 2024 must fall within CRA’s GST/HST credit limits:

• Individuals – Less than \$49,166
• Couples with two children – Less than \$65,000 (higher thresholds apply for larger families)

Payments phase out gradually for incomes near the limit, and no rebate is issued once the upper income threshold is exceeded.

4. Tax Filing

Your 2024 tax return must be filed by April 30, 2025. Even if you have no income, filing is mandatory to receive the rebate.

5. GST/HST Credit Eligibility

You must be eligible for the July 2025 GST/HST credit based on your 2024 return. The Grocery Rebate acts as a top-up, often doubling the GST/HST credit amount received in January 2025.

Ineligibility Conditions

You are not eligible if:

• You are incarcerated for 90 days or more during the payment period.
• You are a non-resident of Canada for tax purposes.
• You are an officer or servant of another country (e.g., a diplomat) exempt from Canadian taxes.

Payment Amounts for September 2025

While actual amounts will depend on your income and family size, CRA estimates—adjusted for inflation—are as follows:

Family Status	Max Rebate Amount
Single, no children	\$234
Single parent with 1 child	\$387
Single parent with 2 children	\$467
Married/common-law, no children	\$306
Married/common-law with 1 child	\$387
Married/common-law with 2 children	\$467
Married/common-law with 4 children	\$628

Rural Supplement: Residents of qualifying rural or remote communities may receive 10% extra, if indicated on their 2024 tax return.

How to Make Sure You Receive the September 2025 Payment

Since the rebate is automatic, the key steps are about ensuring your eligibility and avoiding delays:

1. File Your 2024 Tax Return
   Submit by April 30, 2025. Early filing (by March 31) can help ensure smooth processing.
2. Set Up Direct Deposit
   Update banking details via CRA My Account for faster payment (5–10 business days vs. 7–14 days for cheques).
3. Verify GST/HST Eligibility
   Check CRA My Account or call 1-800-959-8281 to confirm.
4. Keep Information Updated
   Changes to marital status, address, or dependents should be updated promptly.
5. Beware of Scams
   CRA will never send rebate payment links via email or text.

Why This Rebate Matters in 2025

With Statistics Canada reporting that the average Canadian household now spends \$16,297 annually on groceries—up from \$14,977 in 2023—the Grocery Rebate plays a critical role in easing cost pressures.

For families with children, the payment can offset costs of essentials like baby formula and school lunches. For seniors on fixed incomes, it helps stretch limited pensions. And for rural residents, the supplement acknowledges higher transportation and food costs in remote areas.

Maximizing the Impact of Your Rebate

To get the most benefit:

• Prioritize essential expenses such as groceries, rent, utilities, or debt repayment.
• Leverage other benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, which also pays in September.
• Explore provincial supports such as Ontario Trillium Benefit or BC Family Benefit for additional relief.
• Save a portion for emergency needs, especially with continued economic uncertainty.

Challenges Canadians Face – and Solutions

Missed Payment:

• Cause: Late tax filing or unprocessed return.
• Fix: File immediately; expect payment within 10 business days after CRA assessment.

Wrong Amount Received:

• Cause: Outdated household or income details.
• Fix: Review your Notice of Determination and contact CRA for corrections.

No Direct Deposit:

• Cause: Banking info not on file.
• Fix: Enroll online or by phone for faster, safer payments.

5 Key FAQs

1. When is the next Grocery Rebate payment?
The next payment is scheduled for September 19, 2025, alongside the quarterly GST/HST credit.

2. Do I need to apply for the Grocery Rebate?
No. It is automatically issued to eligible Canadians who have filed their 2024 tax return.

3. How much can I get from the rebate?
Amounts vary based on income and family size, with a maximum of \$628 for a family of four in 2025.

4. What if I file my taxes late?
You’ll receive your rebate within 10 business days of CRA processing your return.

5. Is the Grocery Rebate taxable?
No. The payment is tax-free and does not need to be repaid.