Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB)

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) is a tax-free quarterly payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency that replaced the former GST/HST credit starting in July 2026. The CGEB provides a 25% increase in payment amounts compared to the GST/HST credit, running from 2026 to 2031, to help Canadians with low and modest incomes manage the rising costs of groceries and everyday essentials. Eligibility is determined automatically when you file your income tax return.

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) is one of the key income-support programs administered by CRA for Canadians. Understanding exactly when your CGEB payment will be deposited helps you plan your monthly budget, avoid unnecessary overdraft fees, and ensure bills are paid on time. On this page you will find the complete 2026 payment schedule along with guidance on what to do if a payment is late.

In 2026, there are 2 scheduled payment dates for the CGEB. The Government of Canada publishes these dates in advance so that recipients can plan accordingly. Payments are deposited directly into your bank account if you have enrolled in direct deposit. If you receive payments by cheque, allow additional time for mail delivery. We strongly recommend signing up for direct deposit through your My Service Canada Account or CRA My Account to receive your money on the earliest possible date.

Each scheduled payment date listed on this page represents the date on which the Government of Canada issues the payment. Depending on your financial institution, funds may appear in your account on the same business day or the following business day. If a scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or a statutory holiday, the payment is generally issued on the last business day before the holiday. The dates shown on this page already reflect those adjustments as published by the Government of Canada.

The CGEB payment schedule covers the following components: CGEB base amount, Related provincial/territorial credits. All of these components are issued on the same date, so you do not need to track separate schedules for each.

If you have not received your CGEB payment by 10 business days after the scheduled date, you should contact CRA. If you have not received your CGEB payment after 10 business days, contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 or check your CRA My Account. Before calling, make sure you have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) handy, along with details about your bank account and the specific payment you are inquiring about.

Common reasons for a missed or delayed CGEB payment include: a change in your banking information that was not updated with the government, a change in your eligibility status, an outstanding balance with the CRA, or a processing delay due to high volume. If you recently changed banks, make sure to update your direct deposit information well before the next payment date to avoid any disruption.

The CGEB is related to other Canadian benefit programs including GST/HST Credit. While these programs share some similarities, each has its own eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and schedule. Make sure you are looking at the correct schedule for the specific benefit you receive.