With the cost of groceries reaching record highs, the Canada $628 Grocery Rebate has become a welcome relief for low- and middle-income households.
This rebate is designed to help Canadians manage rising food prices and is automatically issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to eligible recipients.
Here’s everything you need to know to determine your eligibility, know the rebate amount, and track your payment status.
Table of Contents
Overview
The $628 Grocery Rebate is a one-time payment meant to offset high grocery bills caused by inflation. It is tied to the GST/HST credit and is processed based on your previous tax filings. If you’re eligible, you don’t need to apply — the CRA will issue your payment automatically.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Canada $628 Grocery Rebate |
| Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Purpose | Relief for high grocery costs |
| Eligibility | Low- and middle-income households |
| Max Rebate Amount | Up to $628 (based on family size) |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or cheque |
| Eligibility Based On | 2023 tax return + previous filings |
| Payment Date | To be announced by CRA |
Eligibility
To receive the rebate, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be at least 19 years old before the payment date
- Be a Canadian resident at the time of the payment
- File your 2023 tax return
- Also have filed your 2021 and 2022 tax returns before April 2025
Even if you had no income, you must still file your return to qualify.
Rebate
The rebate amount is based on your family size and income. Here’s what you could receive:
| Household Type | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|
| Individual | Up to $234 |
| Couple (no children) | Up to $387 |
| Family with 1 child | Up to $467 |
| Family with 2 children | Up to $548 |
| Family with 3+ children | Up to $628 |
These amounts are estimates and could change depending on federal budget decisions and funding availability.
Payment
As of now, the official payment date hasn’t been released by the CRA. However, eligible recipients will get the rebate in the same way they receive their GST/HST credit:
- Through direct deposit (if you’ve set it up with CRA)
- By cheque mailed to your registered address
No reapplication is needed if you are already receiving GST/HST credits. Once announced, CRA will release the payment automatically.
Status
To check the status of your rebate payment:
- Go to the official CRA website (canada.ca)
- Log into your CRA My Account
- Navigate to the “Grocery Rebate Payments” section
- Click “Check Status” to view updates
If your payment hasn’t arrived after 10 business days from the release date, contact the CRA at 1-888-863-8662.
Tip
Ensure all your personal and tax information is up to date with the CRA to avoid delays. Even small changes like a new address or marital status can impact your eligibility or payment delivery.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the grocery rebate?
No, it’s issued automatically based on your tax return.
How much is the maximum rebate?
Up to $628 depending on your family size.
When will the rebate be paid?
CRA has not announced the official payment date yet.
What if I didn’t file taxes?
You must file your 2021, 2022, and 2023 tax returns to qualify.
How do I check my rebate status?
Log into your CRA account and click ‘Check Status’.
