The dates first, since that is why you are here:
| Payment | Date | Benefit year |
|---|
| One-time transition top-up | 5 June 2026 — paid | 2025–26 entitlement |
| Quarterly payment 1 | 3 July 2026 | 2026–27 |
| Quarterly payment 2 | 5 October 2026 | 2026–27 |
| Quarterly payment 3 | 5 January 2027 | 2026–27 |
| Quarterly payment 4 | 5 April 2027 | 2026–27 |
The change behind the dates
Since July 2026, this payment is no longer called the GST/HST credit. It is the
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. Same
quarterly rhythm, same eligibility, same tax return — a new name and 25% more money, locked in for five
years to 2031.
If you are still seeing “GST payment dates” everywhere, that is because most of the internet has not
caught up. Your deposit may already show the new name on your bank statement.
How much lands on each date
Divide your annual entitlement by four. Base annual amounts are $679 for a single person, $890 for a
couple and $234 per child under 19; including the one-time June top-up, maximum-entitlement households receive up
to $950 (single) or $1,890 (family of four) across the 2026–27 benefit year. Your exact figure
depends on your adjusted family net income from your 2025 return.
If your payment does not arrive
- Wait ten business days. The CRA asks for this before you contact them — cheques and interbank transfers
lag the posted date.
- Check that you filed. No 2025 tax return means no payment, even with zero income.
- Check direct deposit in CRA My Account — a closed bank account is the most common cause.
- Check for an offset. The CRA can apply benefit payments against an outstanding balance you owe.
- Marital status or a new child? Update it in My Account — both change your entitlement immediately.
Why the dates land where they do
Payments are issued on the 5th of July, October, January and April, moving to the preceding business day when
the 5th falls on a weekend or holiday — which is why the first enhanced payment landed on 3 July 2026. The
benefit year always runs July to June and is recalculated each July from the previous year's tax return.
FAQ
What are the GST payment dates for 2026?
3 July 2026, 5 October 2026, 5 January 2027 and
5 April 2027 — now paid as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. A one-time top-up was also paid on
5 June 2026.
Why is my payment called something else on my bank statement?
Because the GST/HST credit
was replaced in July 2026 by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. It is the same benefit, increased by
25%.
How much is the GST payment in 2026?
Base annual amounts: $679 single, $890 couple, $234
per child under 19, paid in four instalments. Including the June 2026 top-up, maximum-entitlement households receive up
to $950 (single) or $1,890 (family of four) for 2026–27.
What if I miss the tax-filing deadline?
You still get the benefit — but late. Payments
begin after your return is assessed, and the CRA pays retroactively for the months you were eligible.
Do I need to apply for the new benefit?
No. There is no application. File your tax
return and the CRA calculates and issues payments automatically.
Sources: Canada Revenue Agency — Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (canada.ca), and the archived “GST/HST credit — No longer available” page; Department of Finance Canada news releases (June and July 2026); verified 14 August 2026 · Updated August 2026.
