With grocery prices still straining household budgets across Canada, many citizens are hopeful for new relief measures. Recently, rumors of a $628 grocery rebate scheduled for August 2025 have gone viral online. But is this payment real? Or is it recycled misinformation from previous programs?
This article breaks down the facts, explains how to avoid scams, and outlines real financial support programs available to Canadians in 2025.
Where Did the $628 Rebate Rumor Start?
The $628 grocery rebate was part of a one-time government support initiative announced in July 2023 to help Canadians offset high food prices.
It was distributed automatically to recipients of the GST/HST credit, with the amount varying based on household income and family size. Some larger families did receive up to $628, which has now become a focal point in misleading social media claims.
However, no such payment has been announced for August 2025.
What Has the CRA Confirmed for 2025?
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has not issued any updates regarding a grocery rebate in 2025. No announcements have been made on official platforms like canada.ca or the CRA My Account portal.
In fact, government officials and financial experts have clarified that there is no scheduled grocery rebate for August 2025.
If a future benefit were to be approved, it would be officially communicated through government websites and credible news outlets, not viral posts.
Why the Rumor is Spreading So Fast
The resurgence of this claim can be attributed to:
- Reposting of old news articles with new dates
- Clickbait headlines to generate online traffic
- Real financial hardship prompting hope for relief
- Scammers exploiting false claims to harvest personal data
These factors create confusion and increase the risk of fraud among Canadians looking for help.
Confirmed: No Grocery Rebate in August 2025
To clarify, there is no new $628 grocery rebate scheduled for August 2025. The 2023 rebate was a one-time support measure and is not being repeated.
Actual Government Programs You Can Rely On in 2025
Although the grocery rebate rumor is false, several real financial assistance programs are still active for Canadians in 2025:
| Program | Purpose | Next Payment |
|---|---|---|
| GST/HST Credit | Tax-free quarterly payment for low/moderate income families | October 2025 |
| Canada Child Benefit | Monthly payment to help with raising children under 18 | Paid monthly |
| Climate Action Incentive | Quarterly payment to offset carbon pricing | October 2025 |
| Canada Workers Benefit | Supplement for low-income workers, partial advance payment | Based on tax filing |
| Provincial Supports | Includes housing, utility, and food assistance | Varies by province |
How to Spot Grocery Rebate Scams
Protect yourself by staying alert to the following red flags:
- Unknown links in texts or emails asking you to “claim” benefits
- Requests for personal or banking info outside the CRA portal
- Promises of payments requiring an application via message or email
- No official news on government portals or verified news platforms
Always log in to CRA My Account or visit canada.ca to verify the authenticity of any claim.
If You Need Financial Help Now
Even though there’s no grocery rebate, you can still take important steps:
- File your taxes on time to trigger automatic eligibility for benefits
- Check your CRA portal for GST/HST, CAI, CCB, and CWB status
- Create a budget to prioritize essentials like groceries, rent, and transportation
- Contact local food banks or support centers for short-term help
Stay Informed for Future Support
If the federal government introduces a new support measure in the future, it will:
- Be officially announced through press releases
- Include clear eligibility criteria and payment dates
- Be listed on canada.ca and CRA portals
- Not require manual applications via message or email
Until such an announcement is made, any claims about an August 2025 grocery rebate should be considered false.
The widely shared news about a Canada $628 grocery rebate in August 2025 is not true. It stems from a one-time 2023 rebate and is now being exploited by misinformation and scams.
However, several legitimate CRA benefits are still available in 2025 to support eligible Canadians. Always rely on official platforms and steer clear of viral falsehoods.
FAQs
Is there a $628 grocery rebate coming in August 2025?
No. There is no new $628 grocery rebate scheduled. The only such payment occurred in July 2023.
How can I check if I’m eligible for CRA benefits?
You can check your eligibility by logging into your CRA My Account or visiting the official government website.
What should I do if I see false claims about government rebates online?
Avoid clicking suspicious links, never share personal information, and report the claim to the CRA or through official channels.