$628 Grocery Rebate Canada August 2025 – Full Details, Eligibility, and Payment Date

Inflation is squeezing wallets and grocery bills are higher than ever. To provide relief, the Canadian government has introduced a $628 grocery rebate in August 2025. This one-time payment is aimed at low and middle-income Canadians, helping families cover essential food costs and even easing back-to-school expenses.

Let’s break down who qualifies, how much you could get, when it will be paid, and how this benefit compares to other government programs.

Amount

The rebate amount is tied to the GST/HST credit system and is designed to offset high food prices. This is not a recurring payment but a lump-sum benefit for eligible individuals and families.

Family Situation	Maximum Rebate
Single person	$234
Couple (no children)	$306
Family with 2 children	$387
Family with 3 children	$467
Family with 4 children	$628

The exact amount is based on your 2023 adjusted family net income. Generally, families earning under $50,000 annually are in the eligibility range. Payments will be issued via direct deposit or mailed cheque.

Eligibility

There’s no separate application process, but you must meet certain requirements:

• Be a Canadian resident and at least 19 years old. Younger individuals with a spouse or child may also qualify.
• File a 2023 tax return, even if you had no income.
• Have received the GST/HST credit in 2023.
• Meet the income limits – about $45,000 for singles and $60,000 for families.
• New immigrants, seniors, and people with disabilities may also qualify if other conditions are met.

Even without children, you may still receive up to $234. You can check your status on the CRA My Account portal.

Payment

The Canada Revenue Agency will issue the payment on August 19, 2025, alongside the GST/HST credit cycle. The timing aligns with back-to-school expenses when grocery and household spending is often at its peak.

• Direct deposit payments typically arrive mid-month.
• Cheques may take about a week longer.
• Late tax filers or those with pending returns may face delays.

To ensure on-time payment, keep your banking information updated and file taxes early.

Process

Applying is simple—actually, you don’t apply at all. If you’ve filed your 2023 taxes by April 30, 2024, and meet the eligibility criteria, the rebate will be sent automatically.

Steps to ensure smooth payment:

• Update direct deposit details in CRA My Account.
• Look out for a CRA eligibility notice in June 2025.
• New beneficiaries can call CRA at 1-800-959-8281 or check online for updates.
• Ensure residency status is current if you live outside Canada.

Benefits

This rebate comes with some clear advantages:

• Tax-free payment.
• Automatic processing without an application.
• Significant help with grocery bills—$628 can cover a family’s weekly shop.

However, there are also limitations:

• One-time only, not recurring.
• Higher-income households are excluded.
• Delays possible if taxes aren’t filed.

Comparison

Here’s how the grocery rebate stacks up against other federal programs:

Program	Frequency	Purpose	Max Amount
Grocery Rebate 2025	One-time	Food cost relief	$628
GST/HST Credit	Quarterly	General cost support	$496/year
Canada Carbon Rebate	Quarterly	Climate cost offset	$1,000/year*

*Varies by province and eligibility.

The grocery rebate is larger than the quarterly GST/HST credit but only comes once. If eligible, you can receive it alongside other programs for maximum benefit.

Canada’s $628 Grocery Rebate is more than just financial assistance—it’s a timely boost when food costs are climbing. If you qualify, make sure your CRA details are correct and your taxes are filed so that the payment lands in your account without delays. Use it wisely to ease the pressure on your household budget.

FAQs