GST/HST Credit Canada 2026: Payment Dates, Amounts & Eligibility
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The GST/HST credit pays a maximum of $533 per year for a single adult, $698 for a couple, and $184 per child under 19 for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year. From July 2026, the credit is renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) with a 25% increase. The 2026 payments land January 5, April 2, July 3, and October 5, plus a one-time top-up issued starting June 5.
- •Income threshold: Phase-out begins at $45,521 of adjusted family net income — the same threshold for every family size — at 5 cents per dollar above it.
- •Payment frequency: Paid quarterly in January, April, July, and October.
- •Automatic enrollment: No application required if you file a Canadian tax return — CRA assesses you automatically.
- •Child amount: Adds $184/year per child under age 19 to your household credit (an estimated ~$230 under the CGEB from July 2026).
- •Single supplement: Singles can receive up to an additional $184/year, phased in at 2% of income above $11,337.
- •Age requirement: Must be 19+ at the start of the payment month, or under 19 with a spouse/common-law partner or a child.
- •Newcomers: File Form RC151 on arrival to start payments before your first Canadian tax return.
| Family situation | Income threshold to qualify | Max annual credit (Jul 2025–Jun 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Single, no kids | Under ~$56,181 | $533 |
| Single parent, 1 child | Under ~$63,161 | $882 |
| Couple, no kids | Under ~$59,481 | $698 |
| Couple, 1 child | Under ~$63,161 | $882 |
| Couple, 2 children | Under ~$66,841 | $1,066 |
Amounts above are the July 2025–June 2026 benefit year (2024 return). From July 2026, the renamed CGEB adds 25% to these amounts.
Renamed From July 2026: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) — With a 25% Increase
Starting with the July 3, 2026 payment, the GST/HST credit becomes the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). Eligibility, the payment calculation, and the quarterly schedule are unchanged — same benefit, new name — but the amount rises by 25%, in place for five years (2026–2031). Based on CRA estimates (exact indexed figures pending), the maximums become roughly ~$666/year for a single adult, ~$873 for a couple, and ~$230 per child. It stays automatic: file your 2025 return and the CRA pays you, tax-free.
More detail: what changes with the July 2026 payment and the full CGEB payment dates for 2026.
Every quarter, the Canada Revenue Agency deposits the GST/HST credit into the bank accounts of millions of Canadians, yet many eligible people never receive it because they did not file a tax return. Others assume they earn too much to qualify, not realizing the income thresholds are higher than they think. Depending on family size, households earning up to roughly $56,000–$74,000 still receive a partial credit. Here is everything you need to know about the GST/HST credit for 2026 — including its rename to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit in July.
Free Money You Must Claim
The GST/HST credit is a refundable tax credit, meaning you receive it even if you owe no income tax at all. But here is the catch: you must file a tax return to get it. An estimated 10-12% of eligible Canadians miss out on the GST/HST credit simply because they do not file a return. If you have no income, file anyway. The return takes 15 minutes and could be worth $500+/year.
2026 GST/HST Credit Payment Dates
The GST/HST credit is paid quarterly. The CRA targets the 5th of January, April, July, and October, moved to the preceding business day when the 5th falls on a weekend or holiday. In 2026 there is also a one-time top-up worth 50% of your annual credit, issued starting June 5 to everyone entitled to the January 2026 payment.
2026 Payment Schedule:
| Payment Date | Based On | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January 5, 2026 | 2024 tax return | Q3 of July 2025-June 2026 benefit year |
| April 2, 2026 | 2024 tax return | Q4 of July 2025-June 2026 benefit year |
| Issued from June 5, 2026 | 2024 tax return | One-time top-up: 50% of your annual Jul 2025-Jun 2026 credit |
| July 3, 2026 | 2025 tax return | First payment as the CGEB — new calculation + 25% increase |
| October 5, 2026 | 2025 tax return | Q2 of July 2026-June 2027 benefit year (CGEB) |
Important: July Payment Amount Will Change
The July 3, 2026 payment is the first under the renamed CGEB and is recalculated on your 2025 tax return, with the 25% increase applied. If your income changed significantly between 2024 and 2025, your July payment will also differ from your January and April payments — a raise could reduce your credit; a job loss could increase it. File your 2025 return early to avoid processing delays that could hold up your July payment.
2026 GST/HST Credit Amounts
The credit is indexed to inflation each July. For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year (your January and April 2026 payments), the maximum annual amounts are:
Maximum Annual GST/HST Credit Amounts (Jul 2025–Jun 2026):
- •Single individual (no children): $533/year ($133.25/quarter, including the single supplement)
- •Married or common-law couple (no children): $698/year ($174.50/quarter)
- •Each child under 19: $184/year ($46/quarter)
From July 2026, the renamed CGEB adds 25% to these amounts: roughly $666 single, $873 couple, and $230 per child, based on CRA estimates — exact indexed figures are pending.
Annual Credit by Family Type (Maximum Amounts, Jul 2025–Jun 2026):
| Family Situation | Annual Maximum | Quarterly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | $533 | $133.25 |
| Single parent, 1 child | $882 | $220.50 |
| Single parent, 2 children | $1,066 | $266.50 |
| Couple, no children | $698 | $174.50 |
| Couple, 1 child | $882 | $220.50 |
| Couple, 2 children | $1,066 | $266.50 |
| Couple, 3 children | $1,250 | $312.50 |
Maximums include the single supplement where it applies. From July 2026, the CGEB adds 25% to each amount.
Income Thresholds and Phase-Out
The GST/HST credit phases out as your adjusted family net income increases. The phase-out rate is 5% of income above the threshold, meaning for every $1,000 of income above the threshold, your credit is reduced by $50.
Phase-Out Thresholds (Jul 2025–Jun 2026):
- •Every family size: Phase-out begins at $45,521 of adjusted family net income — the threshold is the same whether you are single, a couple, or a single parent.
- •Where it hits zero: ~$56,181 single, ~$59,481 couple, ~$63,161 with one child, ~$66,841 with two, ~$70,521 with three, ~$74,201 with four.
Phase-Out Example: Couple with 2 Children
- Maximum credit: $1,066
- Phase-out threshold: $45,521
- At $55,000 income: $1,066 - ($9,479 x 5%) = $1,066 - $474 = $592
- At $60,000 income: $1,066 - ($14,479 x 5%) = $1,066 - $724 = $342
- Fully phased out at: $45,521 + ($1,066/0.05) = ~$66,841
Want to make sure you are getting every credit you are entitled to?
Get Free Tax Credit ReviewEligibility Requirements
To receive the GST/HST credit, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Who Is Eligible:
- ✓Canadian resident for income tax purposes
- ✓Age 19 or older at the beginning of the month the CRA makes the payment
- ✓OR under 19 with a spouse, common-law partner, or a child
- ✓Filed an income tax return for the previous year
Who Is NOT Eligible:
- ✗Non-residents of Canada
- ✗Individuals claimed as dependents by someone who is not their spouse/partner
- ✗Those who have not filed a tax return (no return = no payment)
How to Ensure You Receive Your Credit
Steps to Maximize Your GST/HST Credit:
- 1.File your tax return every year: Even with zero income. This is the number one reason eligible Canadians miss out on the credit.
- 2.File on time: Late filing can delay your July payment recalculation. Aim to file by April 30 each year.
- 3.Update your marital status: Separation or new common-law status changes your credit calculation. Notify the CRA promptly.
- 4.Set up direct deposit: Faster, more reliable than cheques. Set up through CRA My Account or your bank.
- 5.Keep your address updated: Cheque payments go to your address on file. Move without updating and you miss payments.
- 6.Report all children: Each eligible child under 19 adds $184/year to your credit (an estimated ~$230 under the CGEB from July 2026). Make sure all children are registered.
Special Situations
Newcomers to Canada
If you recently arrived in Canada, do not wait until tax season to apply. File Form RC151 (GST/HST Credit Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada) as soon as you arrive. This starts your credit payments immediately rather than waiting up to 18 months for your first tax filing cycle. The CRA will calculate a prorated amount for your first partial year.
Separation or Divorce
When you separate, your GST/HST credit is recalculated based on your individual income instead of combined family income. This typically results in a higher credit. Notify the CRA immediately of your change in marital status through CRA My Account or by calling. The parent with primary custody of the children will receive the child-related portions of the credit.
Shared Custody
If you share custody of your children (each parent has the child at least 40% of the time), the CRA will split the child-related portion of the GST/HST credit equally between both parents. Each parent receives 50% of the child amount ($92/year per child instead of $184). Both parents must file returns and notify the CRA of the shared custody arrangement.
GST/HST Credit Combined With Other Benefits
The GST/HST credit is just one of several income-tested federal and provincial benefits. Here is how it stacks up alongside other credits for a low-income Ontario family:
Total Annual Benefits: Ontario Family (2 Parents, 2 Children Aged 6-17, $45,000 Income)
- GST/HST Credit: $1,066/year (full amount — income is below the $45,521 threshold; rises ~25% under the CGEB from July 2026)
- Canada Child Benefit: ~$12,850/year
- Ontario Trillium Benefit: ~$1,200/year
- Canada Workers Benefit: ~$770/year
- Total estimated benefits: ~$15,900/year
Amounts are approximate and depend on specific circumstances. The Canada Carbon Rebate is no longer on this list — the final payment was April 2025. Filing a tax return is required for ALL of these benefits.
For a complete understanding of how these credits interact with your tax bracket, see our Marginal Tax Rates Canada 2026 guide.
The Power of Filing a Tax Return
A family earning $45,000 who does not file a tax return leaves roughly $16,000/year in benefits unclaimed. Over 5 years, that approaches $80,000 in lost benefits. Free tax preparation is available through community volunteer programs (CVITP) at libraries and community centres across Canada. There is no excuse not to file.
Maximize Your Government Benefits
Our financial planners help GTA families identify every federal and provincial benefit they are entitled to. Many families leave thousands on the table each year. A 30-minute consultation can uncover benefits you did not know existed.
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