In 2023, the Canadian government rolled out a special Grocery Rebate to help eligible Canadians with their expenses. This was a one-off payment that matched twice the amount of the GST/HST credit you got in January 2023. The payment was made on July 5, 2023, right along with the quarterly GST/HST credit for July. 

Who Got the Rebate 

If you were supposed to get the GST/HST credit in January 2023, you were also in line for the Grocery Rebate. To be eligible, you had to have filed your 2021 taxes, even if you didn’t earn any money that year. 

It’s important to note that you could have been eligible for the Grocery Rebate without being eligible for the July 2023 GST/HST credit, or the other way around. The Grocery Rebate was based on your 2021 tax filing, while the July GST/HST credit was based on your 2022 filing. You can check your Notice of (Re)determination for the nitty-gritty details. 

Who Was Eligible 

To qualify, both you and your spouse or common-law partner (if you have one) needed to meet the eligibility criteria based on the 2021 tax year. 

How Much Was the Rebate 

The amount you received was double what you got for your January 2023 GST/HST credit, depending on your family situation back then and your adjusted family net income from 2021. 

Here’s what you could have received: 

If You Were Single: 

• $234 if you had no kids 
• $387 with one kid 
• $467 with two kids 
• $548 with three kids 
• $628 with four kids 

If You Had a Spouse or Common-Law Partner: 

• $306 if you had no kids 
• $387 with one kid 
• $467 with two kids 
• $548 with three kids 
• $628 with four kids 

Figuring Out Your Rebate  

Even if you got your GST/HST credit in one big payment in July 2022, you were still eligible for the Grocery Rebate. 

Remember, any tax refunds or payments you’re due could go towards any money you owe. You can see where you stand with your benefits by logging into your CRA My Account. If paying off debts puts you in a tough spot financially, get in touch with the CRA. For benefits-related debt, call 1-888-863-8662, and for tax debt, call 1-888-863-8657. More info can be found at Canada.ca/balance-owing. 

When Was the Rebate Paid 

The Grocery Rebate went out on July 5, 2023. Make sure to check your Notice of Redetermination for the specifics on how much you were supposed to get and any updates to your payments. If you’re signed up for My Account on the CRA website, you can find your notice by hitting the “Mail” link.