Canadian households have been feeling the pinch as grocery prices continue to climb, making everyday essentials harder to afford. In response, the federal government has introduced the \$628 Canada Grocery Rebate—a one-time payment aimed at helping low- and middle-income families offset some of their food costs.
The rebate, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), is designed to put money back into the pockets of eligible Canadians without requiring any application process. For those already struggling to keep up with inflation, this relief measure couldn’t come at a better time.
In this detailed guide, we break down exactly who qualifies, how much you could receive, when to expect your payment, and how to check its status.
Why the Grocery Rebate Matters in 2025
Over the past few years, Canadian families have seen a sharp rise in the cost of basic groceries. According to Statistics Canada, food prices have grown at a faster rate than overall inflation, with staples like bread, fresh produce, and dairy products leading the surge.
For low- and middle-income households, this means weekly grocery bills are eating up a larger share of income. The \$628 Canada Grocery Rebate is intended to provide targeted financial relief, helping these households afford essential items without cutting back on nutrition or other necessities.
Program Overview
The Grocery Rebate is not a recurring payment but a one-time benefit linked directly to the GST/HST credit program. This means if you are eligible for the GST/HST credit based on your tax filings, you will automatically be considered for the rebate.
Key Program Details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Canada \$628 Grocery Rebate |
| Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Purpose | Help low- and middle-income Canadians cope with high grocery costs |
| Eligibility | Based on income, age, residency, and tax filing history |
| Maximum Amount | Up to \$628 (depending on family size) |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or cheque |
| Based On | 2023 tax return + previous filings |
| Payment Date | To be announced by CRA |
Who Is Eligible for the \$628 Grocery Rebate?
Not every Canadian will qualify for the rebate. The CRA has set specific eligibility requirements to ensure the payment targets those who need it most.
To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 19 years old before the payment date.
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes at the time the payment is issued.
- Have filed your 2023 income tax return.
- Have filed your 2021 and 2022 income tax returns before April 2025.
- Meet the income thresholds tied to the GST/HST credit program.
Important: Even if you had no income during these years, you must still file your taxes to be considered for the rebate.
How Much Could You Receive?
The rebate amount depends on both your family size and your adjusted net income. Here’s the maximum payout structure:
| Household Type | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|
| Individual | \$234 |
| Couple (no children) | \$387 |
| Family with 1 child | \$467 |
| Family with 2 children | \$548 |
| Family with 3+ children | \$628 |
These are maximum estimates—the actual amount you receive could be lower if your household income is near the upper eligibility limit.
When Will the Grocery Rebate Be Paid?
As of now, the CRA has not confirmed the official payment date for the \$628 Grocery Rebate. However, the payment is expected to be issued in the same cycle as the GST/HST credit.
Payment Methods:
- Direct Deposit: If you have direct deposit set up with the CRA, the rebate will be sent straight to your bank account.
- Cheque: If you do not use direct deposit, a cheque will be mailed to your registered address.
Because postal delivery times can vary, families receiving cheques may need to wait a few days longer than those using direct deposit.
How to Check the Status of Your Payment
Once the payment date is announced, you’ll be able to track your rebate through the CRA’s secure online services.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit the CRA website at canada.ca.
- Sign in to your CRA My Account.
- Go to the “Grocery Rebate Payments” section.
- Click “Check Status” for real-time updates.
If your payment has not arrived 10 business days after the official release date, contact the CRA at 1-888-863-8662.
Why the Rebate Is Linked to the GST/HST Credit
By tying the rebate to the existing GST/HST credit system, the government avoids creating a new application process. This ensures faster delivery and reduces the risk of errors or fraud.
If you are already receiving GST/HST credits, you can expect the rebate to follow the same payment method and schedule.
Tips to Ensure You Receive the Rebate Without Delay
- File your taxes early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your 2023 return.
- Keep your personal info updated: If you’ve changed your address, bank account, or marital status, update your CRA My Account immediately.
- Check your eligibility: Review your GST/HST credit status to ensure you’re on track.
- Set up direct deposit: It’s the fastest, safest way to receive your payment.
Broader Impact of the Grocery Rebate
While the \$628 Grocery Rebate is a temporary measure, it reflects a growing trend in Canada’s social policy: targeted, one-time payments to address specific cost-of-living challenges.
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Economic experts point out that while rebates help in the short term, long-term solutions—such as food price stabilization, affordable housing initiatives, and improved wage growth—are needed to address the root causes of financial strain.
For now, the rebate will provide thousands of households with breathing room as they manage escalating grocery bills.
Final Word
The \$628 Canada Grocery Rebate is a straightforward, automatic benefit designed to help those most affected by rising food prices. If you meet the eligibility criteria and keep your tax and personal information up to date, the payment should land in your account without any extra steps.
In an era where every dollar counts, this rebate represents a timely and necessary form of support for millions of Canadians