Eligible Canadians will soon get some relief from high grocery bills as the federal government’s “grocery rebate” is expected to roll out this week.
The one-time rebate is aimed at helping 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families offset the cost of food at grocery stores, which has risen more than 11 per cent in the past year.
The grocery rebate payment will be administered through the GST rebate system. Eligible Canadians will start receiving payments on July 5, in line with already-scheduled quarterly GST rebates, said the Canada Revenue Agency.
Who is eligible for the rebate?
The eligibility is based on household income and family size, same as for the GST tax credit.
The rebate is designed for individuals who make $32,000 or less and families who make $38,000 or less.
How do I get the rebate?
The rebate will be issued automatically. You don’t need to apply for this separately.
But you need to have filed your 2021 income tax return as the rebate calculation is based on your income. The tax return needs to have been filed, even if you have no income for that year.
The payment will be issued by the revenue agency as a direct deposit to your bank account or a cheque mailed to your home.
How much is the rebate?
The rebate ranges between $200 to $500 for lower- and modest-income Canadians.
According to the CRA, the rebate would provide up to:
• $234 for a single person with no children;
• $306 for a couple with no children;
• $467 for a single person or couple with two children;
• $538 for a single person or couple with three children;
• $628 for a single person or couple with four children.
The amounts are equivalent to the temporary doubling of the GST rebate offered by the government last fall.
What can I use it for?
The rebate is meant to be used to help buy groceries and other basic essentials, but no proof of purchase is required, and you can spend it on anything.
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