CRA Confirms $612 Canada Grocery Rebate, Check Full Eligibility and Payment Dates

As grocery bills continue to rise across Canada, the federal government is once again stepping in to provide targeted relief. The Canada Grocery Rebate, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), will deliver a one-time, tax-free payment in September 2025 to help low- and modest-income households manage the high cost of food and essential items.

The payment is tied directly to the GST/HST credit program, meaning those who already qualify for that benefit will automatically receive the rebate — no separate application required.

What Is the Canada Grocery Rebate?

The Canada Grocery Rebate was first introduced in 2023 as part of a wider federal affordability plan to help Canadians facing sharp increases in food prices. In 2025, grocery inflation has surged to nearly 9% compared to last year, pushing up costs for everyday necessities like baby formula, fresh produce, dairy products, and household goods.

The rebate is tax-free, issued only once per year, and is designed to directly support households feeling the heaviest pinch from inflation. If you receive the GST/HST credit, you are automatically eligible — there is no need to apply.

Who Is Eligible for the September 2025 Payment?

To qualify for the September 2025 Canada Grocery Rebate, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• Residency: You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes as of September 1, 2025.
• Age: You must be at least 19 years old by the payment month. Those under 19 may still qualify if they live with a spouse/partner or have a dependent child.
• Income Thresholds: Your 2024 family net income must fall within the CRA’s GST/HST credit limits:
• Single adults: Less than about \$49,166
• Couples without children: Less than about \$58,000
• Couples with two children: Less than about \$65,000
• Larger families may have higher limits.
• Tax Filing: You must file your 2024 income tax return, even if you earned no income, to be eligible.

Payments decrease gradually as income rises. Anyone earning above the set thresholds will not qualify.

Canada Grocery Rebate September 2025 Payment Date

The official payment date for the September 2025 Canada Grocery Rebate is September 20, 2025.

The CRA will issue payments via direct deposit for those already enrolled, or by mailed cheque for others. Cheques may take up to 10 business days to arrive, so direct deposit is the faster option

Key Payment Details You Should Know

• Payments will be sent automatically if you qualify for the GST/HST credit.
• Direct deposit ensures the fastest delivery — update your banking details with CRA if needed.
• Cheques are available but can be delayed.
• You can check your payment details and amount in CRA My Account.
• Make sure your address, marital status, and direct deposit info are current to avoid delays.

Estimated Canada Grocery Rebate Amounts for September 2025

While the payment amount varies based on household size and income, CRA estimates for September 2025 are as follows:

Household Type	Income Limit	Estimated Amount
Single (No Children)	Up to \$49,000	\$234
Couple (No Children)	Up to \$58,000	\$306
Couple with 1 Child	Up to \$58,000	\$387
Couple with 2+ Children	Up to \$60,000	\$456 – \$612
Senior Living Alone (GIS)	GIS Recipients	\$225

These are estimates — your exact amount will be based on your 2024 tax return assessment.

Why the September 2025 Grocery Rebate Matters

The 2025 payment comes at a crucial time. Families across Canada are grappling with record-high grocery bills. Even basic staples like bread, milk, and vegetables have seen significant price hikes, putting extra pressure on budgets already stretched by housing costs, utilities, and transportation.

While the rebate won’t cover all expenses, it offers meaningful short-term relief, ensuring more Canadians can afford essential groceries without cutting back on other necessities.

Steps to Make Sure You Get Paid on Time

1. File your 2024 taxes — it’s the key requirement for eligibility.
2. Check your CRA My Account to confirm your GST/HST credit status.
3. Update your bank account and mailing details to prevent payment delays.
4. If you haven’t signed up for direct deposit, consider doing so for faster access.

The Bigger Picture – Federal Aid and Inflation Support

The Canada Grocery Rebate is part of a broader set of measures the government is using to help households manage high inflation. These include:

• GST/HST Credit Payments — quarterly financial assistance for low- and modest-income Canadians.
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — monthly payments to help with the cost of raising children.
• Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) — benefits to support seniors.
• Provincial relief programs — including energy rebates and housing assistance in certain provinces.

By combining these supports, the federal government aims to provide more consistent assistance to the most vulnerable households.

Bottom Line

The Canada Grocery Rebate September 2025 is a timely, targeted benefit for Canadians hit hardest by rising food prices. If you already get the GST/HST credit and have filed your 2024 taxes, you’ll receive the rebate automatically on September 20, 2025 — no extra forms, no complicated process.

For many families, that payment will help make the difference between just getting by and having enough for healthy, balanced meals.

5 Relevant FAQs

Q1: When will the September 2025 grocery rebate be paid?
The CRA will send payments on September 20, 2025.

Q2: Do I need to apply for the Canada Grocery Rebate?
No — it’s automatically sent to those who qualify for the GST/HST credit.

Q3: How much can I get from the September 2025 rebate?
The maximum is around \$612 for a couple with two or more children, but the exact amount depends on income and family size.

Q4: What if I haven’t filed my taxes?
You must file your 2024 tax return to be eligible, even if you earned no income.

Q5: How do I check my payment status?
Log in to your CRA My Account to see your eligibility, payment amount, and deposit details.