What this post covers:
1. The exact October 2026 payment date for the GST/HST credit
2. Why the amount is higher this year, and what the new program name
means
3. Who's eligible, and what to do if your payment doesn't arrive on time
Sound familiar?
You checked your account for your usual "GST/HST credit" deposit and saw a
different name — or a bigger number than expected. Neither is a mistake. As
of July 2026, this credit was renamed and increased. Here's exactly what's
landing in October, and why.
Same Program, New Name
What actually changed
As of July 1, 2026, the federal government renamed the GST/HST credit
to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), as part of the
2026 federal budget. The eligibility rules, income test, and quarterly
payment schedule are unchanged — but the amount increased by
25%, for five years (2026–2031). The CRA has confirmed some banking
apps may still display the deposit under the old "GST/HST credit" label, so
don't worry if yours hasn't updated.
October 2026 Payment Date
The CGEB (GST/HST credit) payment for October 2026 arrives on
Monday, October 5, 2026. This is the second payment of the 2026–2027
benefit year (July 2026 to June 2027), calculated from your
2025 tax return. If you're set up for direct deposit, the funds
typically appear that day; cheques can take several additional business
days.
How Much You Could Receive
|
Household
|
Old GST/HST Credit (2025–26)
|
New CGEB (2026–27)
|
|
Single individual
|
up to $533/year
|
up to $679/year
|
|
Couple / common-law
|
up to $701/year
|
up to $890/year
|
| Per child under 19 |
up to $179/year |
up to $234/year |
Figures are maximum annual amounts, paid in four quarterly instalments, and
reduce as household net income rises. Use the CRA's calculator for your
exact amount.
Why the Name and Amount Changed
The rename and increase were announced in the 2026 federal budget as part of
a broader food security strategy, aimed at helping Canadians manage grocery
costs beyond general inflation. Despite the name, the money isn't restricted
to groceries — it's deposited as regular, unrestricted cash, exactly like
the GST/HST credit always was. A one-time top-up, equal to 50% of a
household's 2025–26 GST/HST credit, was already paid out on June 5, 2026, to
bridge the gap before the new rate took effect in July.
Who's Eligible
File your taxesEligibility is determined automatically from your tax return — even with
zero income, filing is what triggers the payment.
Age & residencyGenerally 19 or older, a Canadian resident for tax purposes, with income
under the applicable threshold.
New to CanadaNewcomers may need to apply manually using Form RC151 rather than waiting
for automatic enrollment.
No clawbackThe CGEB is tax-free and doesn't reduce other benefits like OAS or GIS.
If Your Payment Doesn't Arrive on October 5
The CRA asks you to wait 10 business days after the payment date
before contacting them. In the meantime, check CRA My Account to confirm
your direct deposit details and marital status are current — a change in
either can delay or adjust your payment.
Make Sure You Don't Miss a Payment
-
▸File your tax return every year, even with no income to report.
-
▸Set up direct deposit through CRA My Account for faster, more reliable
payment.
-
▸Keep your marital status and number of children up to date with the CRA.
-
▸New to Canada? File Form RC151 as soon as you become a resident, rather
than waiting for your first full tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is the GST/HST credit the same as the Canada Groceries and Essentials
Benefit?
Yes — CGEB is simply the new name for the GST/HST credit as of July
2026, with the same eligibility rules and a higher payment amount.
Q. Why does my bank statement still say "GST/HST credit"?
The CRA has confirmed some banking apps haven't updated the deposit
label yet — it's still the correct payment.
Q. Do I need to apply for the CGEB separately?
No, if you were already receiving the GST/HST credit, you're
automatically transitioned. New applicants still just need to file their
tax return.
Q. Are newcomers to Canada eligible?
Yes, but new residents typically need to apply using Form RC151 rather
than relying on automatic enrollment through a prior tax return.
Q. Will this affect my OAS or GIS payments?
No. The CGEB is tax-free and paid independently — it doesn't reduce or
claw back other federal benefits.
Q. What if I didn't get the June 5, 2026 top-up?
That one-time payment went to anyone entitled to the GST/HST credit in
January 2026. If you believe you qualified but didn't receive it,
contact the CRA directly.
Key Takeaways
Oct 5, 2026official October payment date
Renamed CGEBsame program, new name since July 2026
+25% higherfor 5 years, through 2031
Still automaticjust file your taxes every year
Your turn
Did your October payment show up under the new CGEB name, or still as
"GST/HST credit"? Let us know in the comments — it helps other readers know
what to expect from their own bank.
This post reflects publicly available program information current as of
September 2026. Payment dates and amounts are set by the CRA and can change
— always confirm current details directly through CRA My Account before
making financial plans. This is not tax or financial advice.
