CRA Confirms $628 Canada Grocery Rebate 2025 – Eligibility, Dates and Full Details

Millions of Canadians will receive welcome financial help in October 2025 through the Canada Grocery Rebate, a one-time payment program from the federal government. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will begin distributing payments in the first half of October, giving low- and modest-income households a much-needed financial cushion amid ongoing inflation.

The rebate, worth up to $628 per household, is part of Ottawa’s broader cost-of-living relief package aimed at helping Canadians manage the rising cost of food, energy, and other essentials.

What Is the Canada Grocery Rebate?

The Canada Grocery Rebate was first introduced in 2023 as a temporary cost-of-living measure and is being renewed for October 2025 due to persistently high grocery prices.

Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this tax-free, one-time payment mirrors the GST/HST Credit system. It is designed to target those who need it most — low- and middle-income Canadians — and requires no application.

If you qualify, the rebate will be automatically deposited into your account by the CRA.

Who Is Eligible for the $628 Grocery Rebate?

Eligibility for the October 2025 Grocery Rebate is based on your 2024 tax return. The CRA automatically determines who qualifies using your net family income and family composition.

You may qualify if you meet the following conditions:

• You filed your 2024 income tax return.
• You are at least 19 years old by October 2025.
• You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
• Your household income falls within the low-to-modest range.

Households with higher incomes will see reduced or no payments, as the rebate is income-tested to prioritize those most in need.

How Much Will You Receive?

The exact amount depends on your family status and number of children. The CRA has released the following payment estimates for October 2025:

Family Type	Estimated Maximum Amount
Single person	Up to $234
Couple with no children	Up to $306
Family with one child	Up to $387
Family with two children	Up to $467
Family with three children	Up to $548
Family with four children	Up to $628

The rebate is non-taxable, meaning you will receive the full amount directly.

When Will the Canada Grocery Rebate Be Paid?

The CRA has confirmed that payments will begin in early to mid-October 2025. Most direct deposits will appear in recipients’ accounts by the second week of October.

If you are not enrolled in direct deposit, a cheque will be mailed to your registered address. Processing times may vary depending on postal delays.

How to Receive Your Payment

There is no separate application for the grocery rebate. If you qualify, the CRA will issue your payment automatically.

To ensure a smooth process:

• File your 2024 tax return before the deadline.
• Enroll in CRA direct deposit to get your payment faster.
• Check or update your banking details via the CRA My Account portal.
• Monitor your account for payment notifications or deposit updates.

Failing to file your tax return is the most common reason for missing out on the rebate.

Why the Grocery Rebate Matters

Food inflation remains one of Canada’s most pressing financial challenges. Grocery prices have surged over recent years, putting pressure on low- and middle-income families.

The Canada Grocery Rebate helps to:

• Offset the cost of food and essential goods.
• Provide temporary relief from rising household expenses.
• Support vulnerable households coping with inflation.

For many families, this one-time payment can help pay for a month’s worth of groceries or ease the strain of utility and transportation costs.

How the CRA Determines Eligibility

The CRA automatically uses data from your 2024 income tax return to assess eligibility. It calculates your family net income and cross-references it with the GST/HST Credit thresholds.

This ensures that only households within the low-to-modest income bracket receive the payment, maintaining fairness and accuracy in distribution.

Tax and Benefit Impact

The Canada Grocery Rebate is completely tax-free and does not affect eligibility for other federal or provincial benefits, including:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• GST/HST Credit
• Old Age Security (OAS)
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

This ensures the rebate serves as additional support, not a replacement for existing benefits.

Common Reasons for Missing a Payment

If you do not receive your rebate by late October 2025, the most likely causes are:

• Your tax return for 2024 was not filed or processed.
• Your banking details are outdated or incorrect.
• You are not registered for CRA direct deposit.
• You moved and did not update your mailing address.

If this happens, log in to your CRA My Account to verify your payment status or contact the CRA Benefits Helpline for assistance.

Key Takeaways

• Payment Date: Early to mid-October 2025
• Amount: Up to $628 per household
• Automatic: No application needed
• Administered by: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Eligibility based on: 2024 tax return and household income
• Tax Status: Tax-free one-time payment

This rebate joins other government initiatives — including the GST/HST Credit, Canada Child Benefit, and Housing Top-Up Payments — to provide targeted relief to Canadians facing economic hardship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Canada Grocery Rebate 2025?
It’s a federal one-time, tax-free payment from the CRA to help Canadians manage rising grocery and living costs.

2. Who qualifies for the rebate?
Canadians aged 19 or older, who filed their 2024 tax return and have low to modest household incomes.

3. How much will I get?
Payments range from $234 for singles to $628 for families with four children.

4. Do I need to apply for the rebate?
No. The CRA automatically issues the payment if you meet the income and residency requirements.

5. When will the rebate be paid?
Payments will roll out in early to mid-October 2025, either by direct deposit or cheque.