The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed a $628 Grocery Rebate to be distributed in October 2025 — a one-time payment aimed at helping eligible Canadians cope with rising food costs.
As a key element of the federal affordability plan, this rebate supplements the GST/HST credit and is designed to provide financial relief to low- and modest-income individuals and families.
What Is the October 2025 CRA Grocery Rebate?
This rebate represents a single lump-sum benefit (not a recurring monthly payment) meant to assist with food-related expenses.
It is integrated with the existing GST/HST credit program, and will be delivered via direct deposit or mailed cheque, depending on the recipient’s prior CRA payment preferences.
Eligibility & Payment Details
Who Qualifies?
Citizens and residents who qualify for the GST/HST credit based on their 2024 tax return will automatically be considered. There is no separate application. The rebate amount depends on household composition and income, with priority given to:
- Low- and modest-income singles
- Couples (with or without children)
- Seniors
- Persons with disabilities
Those already receiving the GST/HST credit will automatically get the rebate — no additional action is needed.
Estimated Rebate Amounts & Timeline
| Household Type | Estimated Rebate | Conditions / Notes | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single individual | ~$234 | GST/HST credit recipient, low income | October 20, 2025 |
| Senior couple (no children) | ~$306 | Both eligible for GST/HST credit | October 20, 2025 |
| Single parent with 1 child | ~$387 | Qualifies for GST/HST credit | October 20, 2025 |
| Couple with 2 children | ~$628 | Joint income within CRA thresholds | October 20, 2025 |
| Persons with disabilities | Up to ~$628 | Disability status + GST/HST eligibility | October 20, 2025 |
Payments are expected to land around October 20. Direct deposit recipients will see money in their accounts, while others will receive mailed cheques.
How the Rebate Is Administered
This program builds on the GST/HST credit infrastructure, simplifying administration and ensuring those already eligible receive the benefit seamlessly.
If you currently get GST/HST credit, no further registration is required — CRA will compute and issue the rebate automatically. The payment mechanism mirrors that used for prior CRA credits (deposit or cheque).
Through this linkage, the government aims to deliver timely support to Canadians with lower incomes, especially families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
Nationwide Reach & Impact
The rebate is uniform across provinces — Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, and others — ensuring fairness in distribution. CRA emphasizes that this initiative does not alter existing federal or provincial benefit programs.
Over 11 million Canadians are slated to receive this payment, offering meaningful help for grocery expenses during the challenging fall season. To avoid delays, recipients are urged to verify that their banking and contact information with CRA is current.
The CRA’s October 2025 Grocery Rebate, delivering up to $628 to eligible households, represents a targeted effort to ease grocery cost pressures. Built into the existing GST/HST credit program, it offers a hassle-free process—no new application needed.
As inflation continues to bite, this payment aims to reach low- and modest-income Canadians across the country and make a tangible difference during the fall months.
FAQs
Do I need to apply separately for the Grocery Rebate?
No. If you are already eligible for the GST/HST credit, CRA will automatically assess and issue the rebate based on your 2024 tax return.
What if I don’t receive direct deposit — will I get a cheque?
Yes. If your CRA record indicates you prefer cheques or do not have banking info on file, the rebate will be issued by mailed cheque, which may take a few extra days.
Will this rebate affect my other government benefits?
No — CRA states this Grocery Rebate does not impact eligibility or amount of other federal or provincial benefits.