payment date
payment date (2026)
(of your annual amount)
the June top-up
June 2026 is a big month for GST/HST credit recipients. On top of the regular quarterly payment cycle, a special one-time top-up payment is being issued starting June 5, 2026 — providing 50% of your total annual GST/HST credit as an extra lump sum. This is part of the government's transition to the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), which replaces the GST/HST credit starting July 2026. Over 12 million Canadians with low and modest incomes will receive this bonus. Here's exactly when it's coming, how much to expect, and what changes next.
📅 2026 GST/HST Payment Dates — Full Year
| Payment | Date | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | January 5, 2026 | Regular quarterly | Based on 2024 tax return |
| Q2 2026 | April 2, 2026 (Apr 5 → moved) | Regular quarterly | Weekend rule applied |
| One-Time Top-Up | June 5, 2026 | Bonus — 50% of annual | New — part of CGEB transition |
| Q3 2026 (CGEB) | July 4, 2026 | First CGEB payment | ~25% higher than previous GST credit |
| Q4 2026 (CGEB) | October 5, 2026 | Regular CGEB | Based on 2025 tax return |
💵 How Much Will You Get? — June 2026 Top-Up
Example: If your annual GST/HST credit was $400, your June 5 top-up = $200.
If your annual credit was $600, your top-up = $300.
Provincial and territorial program amounts (Ontario Trillium, BC Climate Action Credit, etc.) are NOT included in the top-up calculation — federal portion only.
| Household Type | Annual GST Credit (approx.) | June 5 Top-Up (50%) | Quarterly Amount (regular) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single adult (low income) | ~$533/yr | ~$267 | ~$133/quarter |
| Couple (low income) | ~$698/yr | ~$349 | ~$174/quarter |
| Single parent + 1 child | ~$704/yr | ~$352 | ~$176/quarter |
| Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) | ~$869/yr | ~$435 | ~$217/quarter |
| Senior couple (65+) | ~$910/yr | ~$455 | ~$228/quarter |
🆕 What Is the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB)?
Starting July 2026, the GST/HST credit is replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). Here's what changes:
| Feature | GST/HST Credit (until June 2026) | CGEB (from July 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Payment size | Baseline amount | ~25% higher than old GST credit |
| Frequency | Quarterly (4x/year) | Quarterly (4x/year) |
| Eligibility | Low & modest income | Same criteria — no new application |
| How to apply | Auto via tax return | Auto via tax return — no change |
| Purpose | Offset GST/HST costs | Support essential daily costs (groceries, etc.) |
| July 2026 payment | N/A | First CGEB payment — July 4, 2026 |
✅ Who Qualifies for the June 2026 Top-Up?
- You received the January 2026 GST/HST credit payment.This is the primary qualifier — automatic eligibility if that payment landed in your account.
- You filed your 2024 tax return.The CRA calculates all GST/HST credits based on your annual return. If you haven't filed, file immediately — you can still receive back-payments.
- You are a Canadian residentwith a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- You are 19 or older(or have/had a spouse or child).
- Your family net income is below the phase-out threshold.Even with income, you may still qualify depending on family size.
🌐 Newcomers: How to Get Your First GST Payment
- 1If you've never filed a Canadian tax return (new residents), complete Form RC151 (GST/HST Credit Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada) and send it to the CRA. This lets you receive the credit before your first tax return is processed.
- 2If you have children, also complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) — this simultaneously enrolls you for the GST/HST credit plus CCB.
- 3File your tax return every year, even with zero income. This is how the CRA recalculates your entitlement every July. Skipping one year means losing a full year of payments.
- 4Set up direct deposit through CRA My Account (canada.ca) to receive payments the same day they're issued — no waiting for cheques in the mail.
⚡ June 2026 GST: Quick Reference
payment date
GST/HST credit
(+25% vs old credit)
if got Jan 2026 payment
Canadians
for full entitlement
~25% higher amounts
to start receiving

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