$628 Canada Grocery Rebate in October 2025 — Check Eligibilty and Claim Process

If you’ve been on Facebook, TikTok, or Reddit recently, you’ve likely seen viral posts claiming that the Government of Canada is giving every eligible citizen a $628 Grocery Rebate in October 2025.

The story sounds convincing—and appealing—especially with grocery prices at record highs. But here’s the truth: there is no new grocery rebate in 2025.

The original Grocery Rebate was a one-time payment issued in July 2023, designed to help low- and middle-income Canadians cope with inflation. Any current post suggesting another rebate this year is false and potentially part of a scam.

Let’s separate fact from fiction and examine what’s really going on.

What Was the Grocery Rebate and Why It Sounds Believable

In 2023, Canada faced one of its toughest affordability periods in decades. Inflation surged, and grocery prices climbed faster than wages. To ease the burden, the federal government introduced the Grocery Rebate, a one-time top-up to the GST/HST credit, not a permanent benefit.

Those who qualified based on their 2021 tax return automatically received their payment on July 5, 2023, without needing to apply.

Payments at that time were as follows:

• Single Canadians without children: up to $234
• Couples with two children: up to $467
• Seniors: around $225
• Large families: up to $628

That top payment amount—£628—is what scammers are now using to mislead Canadians into believing another rebate is coming in 2025.

Where Did the “October 2025 Grocery Rebate” Rumour Come From?

According to fact-checkers and government agencies, the misinformation first appeared on Facebook and Telegram in mid-2025. Posts included fake CRA logos, fabricated press releases, and AI-generated images of news anchors announcing a “new rebate.”

The content often included clickable links leading to websites designed to steal personal or banking information. Some even urged users to “claim now” by entering CRA login details.

However, there is no mention of any new Grocery Rebate on Canada.ca, in CRA’s newsroom, or in federal budget documents.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has repeatedly confirmed that no new rebate has been announced or approved for 2025.

Why the Fake Rebate Spread So Fast

Scammers know exactly how to exploit economic stress. With food prices up nearly 18% since 2022, Canadians are desperate for relief.

A 2025 study by Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab estimated that an average family of four spends over $16,200 annually on groceries, nearly $700 more than two years ago.

So when false promises of “free money” appear online, many people click without hesitation. The fake rebate stories spread quickly because they tap into hope, frustration, and financial fear—three powerful motivators in tough times.

How to Tell What’s Real and What’s Fake

Fortunately, spotting fake rebate claims isn’t hard if you know what to look for. Here’s a simple checklist to protect yourself:

1. Always go directly to Canada.ca

If it’s not listed on the official government website, it doesn’t exist. Never trust third-party links or “claim pages.”

2. Beware of texts and direct messages

The CRA never contacts individuals via text, WhatsApp, or social media DMs about rebates or refunds.

3. Check official email domains

All genuine CRA emails end in @cra-arc.gc.ca. Anything else—like @canadarebate.com or @govbonus.ca—is fake.

4. Look for news verification

If CBC, CTV, or Global News haven’t reported it, it’s almost certainly a hoax.

5. Report suspicious links

Forward fake emails or websites to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at [email protected].

CRA’s Official Statement on the Rumour

The Canada Revenue Agency has directly addressed the misinformation on its Scam Prevention Page, stating:

“There is no new Grocery Rebate. The one-time payment was issued in July 2023. The CRA does not send text messages, social media messages, or unsolicited emails about rebates.”

Canadians are urged to log into their My CRA Account to confirm legitimate payments. If a rebate or credit doesn’t appear there—it isn’t real.

What Real Financial Supports Exist in 2025

While the Grocery Rebate has ended, several real government programs continue to help Canadians manage living costs.

1. GST/HST Credit

Quarterly payments that help offset sales taxes for individuals and families with low or modest incomes.

2. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Tax-free monthly payments to eligible parents raising children under 18.

3. Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)

A refundable tax credit providing extra income support for low-income workers.

4. Canada Carbon Rebate (formerly Climate Action Incentive)

Quarterly rebates designed to offset carbon tax costs in most provinces.

All these programs are legitimate, automatically processed by the CRA, and can be viewed in your CRA account.

The Bigger Picture: Why Canadians Are Falling for Scams

Economic stress makes people more vulnerable to misinformation. Rising costs for food, rent, and transportation are fueling both frustration and confusion.

Experts say that while one-time relief measures like 2023’s Grocery Rebate helped temporarily, Canada’s affordability crisis requires long-term policy changes—including housing reform, wage growth, and targeted food security programs.

As Food Banks Canada has noted, emergency measures aren’t enough: “People need sustained affordability, not one-time payouts.”

What to Do If You Shared or Clicked a Fake Link

If you accidentally clicked or shared one of these fake rebate posts, act fast to secure your information:

• Change your CRA and banking passwords immediately.
• Scan your device for malware or viruses.
• Contact your bank if you provided financial information.
• Report the scam to [email protected].
• Warn friends and family, especially seniors who may be targeted.

Prompt action can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft or financial loss.

Public Reaction: Canadians Want Real Relief

The viral reaction to the fake rebate reveals one key truth: Canadians are still struggling.

Across social media, users have expressed disappointment, frustration, and even anger—not just at scammers, but at the continued high cost of living.

Many are calling on the government to reintroduce real affordability measures in the 2026 federal budget, including targeted grocery or energy rebates.

Until then, experts say awareness and vigilance remain the best defenses against fraud—and misinformation.

Key Takeaways

• There is no new Grocery Rebate in 2025 — the last one was issued in July 2023.
• Any social media post promising a $628 payment is false or a scam.
• The CRA never contacts individuals via text or social media.
• Always verify information on www.canada.ca or through your CRA account.
• Real support exists through programs like the GST/HST Credit and Canada Workers Benefit.

FAQs

1. Is there really a new $628 Grocery Rebate coming in October 2025?

No. The Grocery Rebate was a one-time payment in July 2023. No new rebate has been announced for 2025.

2. Who received the original Grocery Rebate in 2023?

Canadians who qualified for the GST/HST credit based on their 2021 tax return received the payment automatically.

3. How can I confirm if a government payment is real?

Sign in to your CRA online account at www.canada.ca. If it’s not listed there, it’s not legitimate.

4. What should I do if I clicked a fake link about the rebate?

Change your passwords, run antivirus software, contact your bank, and report the scam to [email protected].

5. Are there other ways to get help with the cost of living in 2025?

Yes. Programs like the GST/HST Credit, Canada Child Benefit, Canada Workers Benefit, and Carbon Rebate remain active and legitimate.