Canada’s $628 December Grocery Rebate Is Official – Full Eligibility, Dates, and Payment Guide

The Grocery Rebate is a one-time, tax-free financial relief payment offered by the Canadian federal government to help lower-income families deal with the growing burden of inflation and rising food costs.

Introduced in response to nationwide cost-of-living concerns, the rebate is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is designed to supplement the GST/HST Credit, which is typically paid quarterly.

This special payment is automatically issued to eligible individuals and families based on their 2024 tax return and household income.

Maximum Rebate Amounts Based on Household Size

The total rebate amount depends on your family structure and adjusted net income reported in your tax filings. Below is a breakdown of the maximum payout amounts based on family type:

Household Type	Maximum Rebate Amount
Single (no children)	$234
Married or Common-Law	$306
Family with 1 child	$387
Family with 2 children	$467
Family with 3 children	$548
Family with 4 children	$628 (Maximum)

It’s important to note that actual payments may vary slightly depending on your income bracket and GST Credit eligibility.

Who Is Eligible for the $628 Grocery Rebate?

To receive the December 2025 Grocery Rebate, you do not need to apply separately. The CRA determines your eligibility based on the following factors:

Key Eligibility Criteria:

• You must have filed your 2024 tax return
• You must be eligible for the GST/HST Credit
• Your household income must be low or modest
• You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes

If you meet these conditions, CRA will calculate your rebate and issue it automatically.

When Will the Rebate Be Paid?

According to the CRA schedule, the Grocery Rebate will be deposited on the same day as the December GST/HST Credit, which is expected to be:

December 5, 2025

Payments will be issued through direct deposit for those with banking details on file, while cheque recipients may receive it a few days later, depending on postal delivery times.

How to Check Your Eligibility and Payment Details

To verify if you are eligible and how much you will receive, you can log into the following CRA services:

• CRA My Account (web portal)
• MyCRA Mobile App

Once logged in, go to the “Benefits and Credits” section to view:

• Your Grocery Rebate amount
• Your GST/HST Credit details
• Your upcoming payment date

This method is secure, reliable, and updated regularly with new benefit information.

No Separate Application Needed

Unlike some other government relief programs, you do not need to apply separately for this rebate.

As long as you’ve filed your 2024 taxes and meet the income thresholds, the CRA will automatically assess your eligibility and issue your payment.

If you haven’t filed your tax return yet, it’s strongly advised to do so immediately to avoid missing out.

Why the Government Is Issuing This Rebate

Soaring grocery prices, increased rent, and high utility costs have made everyday life more difficult for low- and middle-income Canadians.

In response, the federal government introduced this rebate to:

• Help families afford basic groceries
• Alleviate short-term financial strain
• Provide meaningful support to vulnerable groups, especially during the winter season
• Offset the impact of persistently high inflation

The Grocery Rebate is seen as a temporary but impactful solution to help struggling households bridge the gap.

Who Benefits the Most?

Certain groups are more likely to receive higher payments based on their household structure and income level. Here are the key beneficiaries:

Top Priority Groups:

• Low-income families with multiple children
• Seniors living on fixed incomes (e.g., OAS + GIS recipients)
• Single parents earning below median income
• Newcomers working minimum-wage or entry-level jobs
• Working individuals with low taxable income and high living expenses

These households are more likely to qualify for maximum benefit amounts or near-maximum thresholds.

Impact on Other Benefits

The Grocery Rebate does not affect your eligibility for:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• Old Age Security (OAS)
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Employment Insurance (EI)
• Provincial income assistance

It is tax-free and does not reduce or replace any other government support.

This makes it a valuable standalone payment for families juggling multiple living costs.

CRA Contact and Support

If you believe you’re eligible but haven’t received the rebate, or if you need to update your direct deposit details, you can:

• Call the CRA Benefit Enquiries line
• Use the secure messaging function within CRA My Account
• Visit a local Service Canada office for in-person support

It’s important to keep your tax records, address, and banking information up to date with the CRA to avoid delays.

Preparing for Future Grocery Rebates

While the December 2025 rebate is a one-time payment, there’s growing speculation about possible repeat benefits in 2026 and beyond.

To stay prepared:

• File your tax returns on time each year
• Maintain eligibility for the GST/HST Credit
• Track CRA announcements for any changes
• Ensure you have direct deposit set up

Staying informed will ensure you never miss out on future federal benefit opportunities.