In response to rising grocery prices, the Government of Canada introduced a one-time Grocery Rebate to provide financial relief to eligible Canadians.
This rebate aims to assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families in managing increased food costs.
Key Highlights
- Purpose: To alleviate the financial burden of elevated grocery prices.
- Amount: Up to $628, depending on household size and income.
- Payment Date: Issued on July 5, 2023.
- Eligibility: Based on 2021 tax returns, income thresholds, and family composition.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Grocery Rebate, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 19 years old.
- Income Thresholds: Designed for low- and moderate-income earners.
- Tax Filing: Must have filed a 2021 tax return, even if there was no income.
- Residency: Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Rebate Amount Breakdown
The rebate amount varies based on family composition and income level. The following table outlines the maximum rebate amounts:
| Household Type | Maximum Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| Single individual (no children) | $234 |
| Single individual (with 1 child) | $387 |
| Single individual (with 2 children) | $467 |
| Single individual (with 3 children) | $548 |
| Single individual (with 4 children) | $628 |
| Married/common-law (no children) | $306 |
| Married/common-law (with 1 child) | $387 |
| Married/common-law (with 2 children) | $467 |
| Married/common-law (with 3 children) | $548 |
| Married/common-law (with 4 children) | $628 |
Note: Actual rebate amounts may be adjusted based on net income.
Payment Details
- Payment Date: Distributed on July 5, 2023.
- Method of Payment: Payments were made via direct deposit or mailed cheque, based on the recipient’s preference registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Updating Information: It was essential to ensure that CRA had current direct deposit information or mailing addresses to prevent payment delays.
How to Apply
No separate application was required for the Grocery Rebate. Eligibility was determined based on information from the 2021 tax return. To ensure timely receipt of the rebate:
- File Tax Returns: Ensure 2021 tax returns were filed by the deadline.
- Update CRA Information: Verify that direct deposit details and mailing addresses were current with CRA.
- Check Eligibility: Log in to CRA’s My Account to confirm eligibility and view payment status.
Future Outlook
As of April 2025, the Grocery Rebate was a one-time payment with no indications of future rebates. Canadians are encouraged to stay informed about potential future assistance programs by regularly checking official government communications.
The Grocery Rebate provided essential support to Canadians facing increased grocery costs. Understanding the eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and ensuring accurate information with CRA were key steps for recipients to benefit from this program.
FAQs
Was the Grocery Rebate a one-time payment?
Yes, the Grocery Rebate was a one-time payment issued on July 5, 2023.
How was the rebate amount determined?
The rebate amount was based on family composition and net income from the 2021 tax year.
Do I need to apply for the rebate?
No separate application was necessary. Eligibility was automatically assessed based on tax filings.