As grocery prices continue to surge, the Government of Canada has introduced a one-time tax-free Grocery Relief payment to assist families and individuals facing rising food costs.
This initiative will provide up to $1,000 in financial support in July 2025, offering targeted aid to low- and middle-income households.
Understanding the Grocery Relief Payment
The Grocery Relief Rebate is being distributed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a supplemental benefit tied to the July 2025 GST/HST credit. There is no need to apply—eligible recipients will automatically receive it based on their 2023 tax return.
This temporary benefit is tailored to ease inflation-related grocery expenses and is calculated using household size and income. Those already eligible for the GST/HST credit will be considered for this payment.
Eligibility Criteria for the Grocery Relief
To qualify for the Grocery Rebate in July 2025, individuals must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Be 19 years of age or older by July 2025
- Must have filed a 2023 income tax return
- Must be eligible for the GST/HST credit, based on 2023 income thresholds
Estimated Income Thresholds
- Single individuals: Around $45,000
- Families: Up to $65,000
Note: Specific thresholds may vary depending on your filing status and number of dependents.
How Much Will You Receive?
The rebate amount is determined by the size of the household. Here’s a breakdown:
| Household Type | Rebate Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Single individual | $234 |
| Couple with no children | $306 |
| Couple with 1 child | $387 |
| Couple with 2 children | $467 |
| Couple with 3 children | $548 |
| Couple with 4 or more children | $628 |
Larger families receive higher amounts to reflect greater grocery expenses.
Payment Schedule and Method
Payments are expected to be disbursed between July 5 and July 29, 2025, depending on when your 2023 tax return was processed.
- Direct deposit will be used for those with CRA-registered banking info
- Others will receive a cheque by mail
Due to system upgrades and high volume, most payments will likely be processed between July 10 and July 29. If you don’t receive your rebate by then, log into your CRA My Account or contact CRA support.
How the Grocery Relief Differs from the GST/HST Credit
Although both payments are issued at the same time, their purposes vary:
- The GST/HST credit is a quarterly benefit provided year-round to offset sales tax.
- The Grocery Relief is a one-time payment created to address food price inflation in 2025.
Steps to Ensure You Receive the Payment
To make sure you don’t miss out on your rebate, follow these steps:
- File your 2023 tax return on time
- Confirm eligibility for the GST/HST credit
- Update your CRA My Account with current banking and mailing details
- Ensure your household composition and dependent details are up to date
- Watch out for CRA scams—they will never ask for banking information by email or text
The $1,000 Grocery Relief Payment is a vital initiative for Canadians grappling with inflation, specifically skyrocketing grocery bills. By supporting eligible families and individuals, this rebate will provide timely financial relief.
Filing your taxes accurately and keeping your CRA information up to date is essential to ensure a smooth payment process. With no additional application required, eligible Canadians can look forward to this one-time boost in July 2025.
FAQs
1. Do I need to apply for the Grocery Relief Rebate?
No. If you qualify for the GST/HST credit and have filed your 2023 taxes, the rebate is issued automatically.
2. Can I receive both the GST/HST credit and the Grocery Relief payment?
Yes. The Grocery Relief is an additional one-time bonus and does not replace your regular GST/HST credit payments.
3. What if I don’t receive my rebate by July 29, 2025?
You should log into your CRA My Account to verify the status or contact the CRA directly for assistance.