Last Updated: October 5, 2026

The Canada Revenue Agency is sending the October 5, 2026 Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) payment today — the second enhanced quarterly payment under the new benefit, and the final one scheduled for 2026. Many low- and modest-income seniors receive this tax-free quarterly payment.

Answer

The CRA is sending the October 5, 2026 Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) payment today. This is the second enhanced quarterly payment under the new benefit, which replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026 with amounts increased by 25%. Eligible Canadians can receive up to $679 per year (single), $890 per year (couple), plus $234 per year for each eligible child under 19 — paid out quarterly. Check your personal amount in CRA My Account under Benefits and credits.

Who gets paid today

You receive today’s CGEB payment if the CRA has you on file as eligible for the July 2026–June 2027 benefit year. That generally means:

  • You filed your 2025 income tax return (even with $0 income).
  • You are 19 or older (or turn 19 and have filed — the CRA issues your first payment on the payment date after your 19th birthday).
  • You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
  • Your 2025 adjusted family net income (AFNI) is below the limit for your household: $60,012 (single, no children), $64,232 (couple, no children), $68,912 / $73,592 / $78,272 / $82,952 (1 / 2 / 3 / 4+ children).

No separate application is needed — the CRA assesses eligibility automatically from your tax return. New residents apply with Form RC151.

How much is today’s payment

Maximum annual amounts for this benefit year are $679 (single individual), $890 (married or common-law couple), and $234 for each eligible child under 19. Paid quarterly, that works out to roughly:

  • ~$169.75 per quarter for a single individual
  • ~$222.50 per quarter for a couple
  • ~$58.50 per quarter for each eligible child

Your actual payment depends on your AFNI, marital status, and number of children — amounts phase out as income rises. If your calculated quarterly amount is under $50, the CRA pays your full annual entitlement as one July payment instead of quarterly instalments. The benefit is completely tax-free and does not reduce other federal benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit.

When will the money arrive

  • Direct deposit: usually lands on the payment date, though some banks take 1–3 business days to show it.
  • Cheque: mailed by the CRA — allow up to 10 business days for delivery.

Tip: the payment may still appear under the ‘GST/HST credit’ name in some banking apps while institutions update their labels — it is still your CGEB payment.

What to do if you don’t receive it

  1. Wait a few business days (cheques) or check with your bank (direct deposit).
  2. Log in to CRA My Account and check the Benefits and credits section for your payment status and amount.
  3. Confirm your direct deposit details and mailing address are current with the CRA.
  4. If it still hasn’t arrived, contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193.

See the full CGEB eligibility and payment guide for full details. Source: Official CRA payment dates — canada.ca CGEB payment dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the October 5, 2026 CGEB payment the last one of the year? — Yes. It is the second enhanced quarterly payment and the final scheduled CGEB payment of 2026. The next payments are January 5, 2027 and April 5, 2027.

Do I need to apply to get today’s payment? — No. If you filed your 2025 tax return, the CRA automatically determines your eligibility.

Is the CGEB payment taxable? — No. CGEB payments are tax-free and do not reduce other federal or provincial benefits.

What is the CGEB based on? — Payments for July 2026 through June 2027 are based on your 2025 adjusted family net income and your family situation.