Canada Grocery Rebate October 2025

This initiative, part of the federal government’s cost-of-living support plan, is designed to help low- and middle-income households cope with rising grocery prices and persistent inflation that continue to stretch family budgets.

The CRA has confirmed that payments will begin rolling out in the third week of October. The rebate will appear under “GST/HST Credit – Grocery Rebate” in eligible taxpayers’ CRA My Account.

Eligibility for the rebate is automatically determined through 2024 tax return data. Individuals who qualified for the GST/HST Credit are also considered for the grocery rebate. No separate application is necessary. Single taxpayers with income under $45,000 and families earning less than $65,000 are expected to qualify. By tying eligibility to existing tax data, the CRA ensures a straightforward process that gets funds into the hands of those who need them most.

To avoid missed payments, taxpayers are encouraged to log into their CRA portal and confirm their direct deposit details and mailing address. Those who moved recently should update their information as soon as possible. If payments are not received by October 25, the CRA will allow recipients to request a trace to locate the missing funds.

While $628 may not completely offset the impact of higher food costs, it provides valuable short-term relief at a time when grocery inflation remains stubbornly high. In provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta—where food prices have jumped more than 10% in the past year—the rebate will help households cover essential expenses. In rural and northern regions, where groceries are often even more expensive due to transportation costs, the financial boost will be especially meaningful.

This payment marks another step in the government’s broader effort to support Canadians navigating rising living costs. For many taxpayers, it serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping tax filings up to date, as rebates and credits are often calculated automatically from prior returns.

With the October rebate reaching millions of Canadians, the initiative reinforces the role of the tax system not only as a mechanism for revenue collection but also as a key tool for delivering targeted economic relief when it’s needed most.