Rising grocery prices have placed increasing pressure on Canadian households, particularly low- and middle-income families. To help ease this financial strain, the Government of Canada will issue a \$628 Grocery Rebate in August 2025. This one-time, tax-free payment is designed to provide immediate relief and will be delivered through the GST/HST credit system.
What is the \$628 Grocery Rebate?
The \$628 Grocery Rebate is a targeted benefit aimed at helping Canadians cope with the high cost of food. While the maximum payment is \$628, the exact amount depends on family size and adjusted net income.
Payment breakdown for 2025:
| Household Type | Maximum Payment |
|---|---|
| Single individual | \$234 |
| Couple (no children) | \$306 |
| Family with 2 children | \$387 |
| Family with 3 children | \$467 |
| Family with 4 children | \$628 |
Amounts are calculated based on 2023 adjusted family net income and are automatically determined through the GST/HST credit system.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the August 2025 Grocery Rebate, applicants must:
- Be a resident of Canada.
- Be 19 years or older (those under 19 can qualify if they have a spouse or dependent child).
- Have filed a 2023 tax return by April 30, 2024, even with zero income.
- Have received the GST/HST credit in 2023.
- Meet income requirements (approx. under \$45,000 for singles and under \$60,000 for families).
Note: Seniors, people with disabilities, and new immigrants can also qualify if they meet the above conditions.
Payment Date for the \$628 Grocery Rebate
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will issue payments on August 19, 2025, in line with the GST/HST credit schedule.
- Direct deposit recipients: Payment will arrive on or near August 19.
- Cheque payments: May take up to one week longer.
- Delays may occur if tax returns are still being processed.
How to Claim the Grocery Rebate
One of the biggest advantages of this program is that no separate application is needed.
Steps to ensure you receive the rebate:
- File your 2023 tax return by April 30, 2024.
- Keep your direct deposit details updated through the CRA’s My Account portal.
- Watch for an eligibility notice from CRA in June 2025.
- New beneficiaries can contact CRA at 1-800-959-8281 for assistance.
Benefits and Limitations
Advantages:
- Tax-free and non-repayable payment.
- Automatic eligibility for qualified recipients.
- Significant relief for food costs, especially for larger families.
Limitations:
- One-time payment, not ongoing.
- Excludes higher-income households.
- Possible delays for late tax filers or cheque recipients.
How This Rebate Compares to Other Programs
- GST/HST Credit: Paid quarterly, worth around \$496 annually for eligible households.
- Canada Carbon Rebate: Can reach \$1,000, but focuses on environmental goals rather than food costs.
Households eligible for multiple programs can combine benefits for greater overall financial relief.
A Timely Boost for Canadians Facing Food Price Pressure
The \$628 Grocery Rebate is a one-time lifeline for Canadians struggling with rising grocery prices.
By linking it to the GST/HST credit system, the government ensures fast, targeted delivery without extra paperwork.
Eligible Canadians should confirm their tax filings, update direct deposit details, and be ready for payment on August 19, 2025.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to apply for the \$628 Grocery Rebate?
No. If you qualify, the payment will be issued automatically based on your 2023 tax return and GST/HST credit eligibility.
Q2: Can seniors receive the rebate?
Yes. Seniors meeting residency, tax filing, and income requirements will qualify.
Q3: Will I get the full \$628 amount?
Only if your family size and income match the maximum benefit criteria. Others will receive a prorated amount.
Q4: What if I didn’t receive the GST/HST credit in 2023?
You likely won’t qualify, as the rebate is tied to the GST/HST credit system.
Q5: When will I receive my payment?
Payments will be issued August 19, 2025 for direct deposit recipients. Cheques may take an additional week.
