In response to rising grocery prices and inflation, the Canadian government has introduced a one-time $628 Grocery Rebate for eligible low- and middle-income households.
Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this rebate aims to provide financial relief to Canadians struggling with the increased cost of living.
Payments commenced in April 2025 and continue into May for those with delayed processing or mailing-based delivery.
What Is the $628 Grocery Rebate?
The $628 Grocery Rebate is a federal assistance program designed to help households cope with escalating grocery bills and inflation.
It operates as a supplement to the GST/HST Credit, requiring no separate application. This one-time, tax-free benefit provides direct cash support and is calculated based on 2023 tax returns.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the May 2025 Grocery Rebate, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be 19 years or older.
- Income: Less than $45,000 for individuals or $65,000 for families.
- Tax Status: Must have filed a 2023 tax return and received the GST/HST Credit.
- Family Size: The number of children impacts the final rebate amount.
Eligible recipients do not need to apply separately; payments are sent automatically to those who meet the criteria.
Rebate Amounts Based on Family Composition
The amount received varies depending on family size and composition:
| Family Type | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| Individual (no children) | $234 |
| Individual with 1 child | $387 |
| Individual with 2 children | $467 |
| Individual with 3 children | $548 |
| Individual with 4 children | $628 |
| Couple (no children) | $306 |
| Couple with 1 child | $387 |
| Couple with 2 children | $467 |
| Couple with 3 children | $548 |
| Couple with 4 children | $628 |
The maximum rebate of $628 is available for families with four children, regardless of whether it’s a single-parent or dual-parent household.
Payment Schedule
Payments began in April 2025 and continue through May for late deposits and paper check recipients. Payment methods include:
- Direct Deposit: Via CRA (fastest method).
- Paper Cheque: Via mail for those without direct deposit.
To avoid delays, ensure your CRA account has the latest banking and address information.
How to Confirm or Track Your Grocery Rebate
Follow these steps to verify if your payment has been issued:
- Log in to CRA My Account at Canada.ca.
- Click on “Benefits and Credits”.
- Select “Grocery Rebate – April/May 2025”.
- Click on “Check Status” to view your payment.
If your payment is not received within 10 business days, call CRA at 1-888-863-8662 for assistance.
The $628 Grocery Rebate provides much-needed relief to Canadians affected by rising food prices. If you’ve received the GST/HST Credit recently and meet the income criteria, you’re likely eligible.
Log in to your CRA My Account to confirm your payment status and ensure your banking and contact details are up to date.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the Grocery Rebate separately?
No. It is automatically issued to those eligible based on their 2023 GST/HST Credit status.
Can I still get the rebate in May if I missed April?
Yes. If your tax return was delayed or your account was recently updated, you may still receive the payment in May 2025.
Will there be another Grocery Rebate later in 2025?
As of now, no additional Grocery Rebates have been announced. Future payments depend on economic conditions and government policy updates.