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Amid rising grocery prices and inflation, millions of Canadians can expect some welcome relief in 2025. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed a one-time $628 Grocery Rebate, aimed at easing food affordability for low- and middle-income individuals and families.
This article explains who qualifies, how much you can expect to receive, and when the payment is scheduled to hit your bank account.
What is the $628 Canada Grocery Rebate?
The $628 Grocery Rebate is a tax-free payment initiated by the Canadian government as part of its broader cost-of-living relief efforts. It is delivered through the GST/HST credit system, so no separate application is required. Those who qualify based on income and tax return filing will receive the payment automatically.
This rebate is modeled after previous programs and targets Canadians most impacted by food inflation.
Who is Eligible for the Grocery Rebate in 2025?
Eligibility for this rebate mirrors the GST credit requirements, which are income-tested. To qualify, individuals must:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Have filed their 2024 tax return
- Meet the CRA income thresholds
Estimated Income Thresholds for 2025:
| Household Type | Adjusted Net Income Must Be Below |
|---|---|
| Single individual | $39,826 |
| Married/Common-law couples | $52,066 |
These amounts are estimates based on prior years and may vary slightly in 2025.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount you receive depends on your income, marital status, and number of dependent children under 19.
Grocery Rebate Breakdown:
| Household Composition | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|
| Single individual | $234 |
| Married/Common-law couple | $467 |
| Per child under 19 | $157 |
| Family with 2 children | $628 |
This structure ensures that families with more dependents receive more financial support to offset grocery costs.
When Will the Grocery Rebate Be Paid?
The Grocery Rebate is expected to be issued in Spring 2025, with the tentative payment date set for 2025. This aligns with the typical GST/HST credit payment schedule.
Payments will be made through:
- Direct deposit, if registered
- Mailed cheque, if not enrolled for direct deposit
How to Check Your Payment Status
To verify your eligibility or payment status:
- Log in to your My CRA Account
- Use the CRA MyBenefits app
- Call CRA at 1-800-959-1953
If you do not receive your payment the CRA advises waiting 10 business days before following up.
How to Make Sure You Get the Rebate
To ensure you receive your payment:
- File your 2024 taxes as early as possible
- Update your banking info in your CRA account
- Monitor your income level – if your income dropped in 2024, you might qualify for a higher rebate
Why Is the Government Providing This Rebate?
The Grocery Rebate is a targeted measure to support those hit hardest by soaring food costs.
With grocery bills growing steadily, this financial boost aims to protect vulnerable Canadians from food insecurity and support household budgets during difficult times.
The $628 Canada Grocery Rebate is a timely initiative offering much-needed relief to low- and middle-income Canadians.
By automatically issuing these tax-free payments in Spring 2025, the government is helping citizens cope with inflation and rising grocery bills.
Make sure you’re prepared by filing your taxes, updating your payment info, and tracking your CRA account so you don’t miss this important support.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $628 Canada Grocery Rebate?
Canadians who are residents for tax purposes, file a 2024 tax return, and meet CRA’s income thresholds will qualify automatically.
When will the grocery rebate be paid?
The expected payment date is 2025, though this may be confirmed officially by the CRA closer to the time.
How do I check if I’ll receive the rebate?
You can check your eligibility and payment status by logging into your My CRA Account or calling the CRA’s support line.