As inflation continues to impact Canadian households, many are looking forward to potential financial relief through a $628 Grocery Rebate.
While the federal government has not officially confirmed a new rebate for May–June 2025, discussions and expectations are building based on previous programs and current economic conditions.
What Is the Grocery Rebate?
The Grocery Rebate was a one-time financial assistance initiative introduced in 2023 to help Canadians cope with rising food prices.
It was designed as a top-up to the GST/HST credit, distributed to eligible individuals and families based on their income and family structure.
The program provided up to $628, depending on the number of children and marital status of the claimant .
Eligibility Criteria
If a similar rebate is introduced in May–June 2025, eligibility will likely follow previous criteria:
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 19 years old.
- Residency: Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Income Thresholds:
- Individuals: Net income below $45,000.
- Families: Net income below $65,000.
- Tax Filing: Filed the previous year’s income tax return.
- GST/HST Credit Eligibility: Received the GST/HST credit during the qualifying period .
Rebate Amounts
The rebate amount varies based on household size and marital status. Below is a breakdown of potential rebate amounts:
| Family Type | Number of Children | Estimated Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Single Individual | 0 | $234 |
| Single Individual | 1 | $387 |
| Single Individual | 2 | $467 |
| Single Individual | 3 | $548 |
| Single Individual | 4 | $628 |
| Couple | 0 | $306 |
| Couple | 1 | $387 |
| Couple | 2 | $467 |
| Couple | 3 | $548 |
| Couple | 4 | $628 |
These amounts are based on previous structures and may vary if a new rebate is introduced .
Payment Timeline
While no official announcement has been made regarding a May–June 2025 rebate, if introduced, payments would likely align with other benefit schedules.
For instance, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments are scheduled for May 20 and June 20, 2025 .
Eligible individuals who have registered for direct deposit with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) would receive the rebate directly into their bank accounts. Those without direct deposit would receive cheques by mail.
How to Prepare
To ensure eligibility and timely receipt of any potential rebate:
- File Your Taxes: Ensure your 2024 tax return is filed on time.
- Update Personal Information: Keep your address and banking details current with the CRA.
- Check Eligibility: Review your eligibility for the GST/HST credit.
Staying proactive is key to receiving any upcoming benefits without delay.
The $628 Canada Grocery Rebate for May–June 2025 offers potential relief for eligible low- and middle-income Canadians.
While not yet officially confirmed, staying informed, filing taxes on time, and ensuring CRA details are up to date will ensure you’re prepared if the benefit is reintroduced in the coming months.
FAQs
Is the $628 Grocery Rebate confirmed for May–June 2025?
As of now, there is no official confirmation from the federal government regarding a new Grocery Rebate for May–June 2025. However, discussions and expectations are ongoing due to current economic conditions.
How can I check my eligibility for the rebate?
Eligibility would likely be based on factors such as age, residency, income level, tax filing status, and GST/HST credit eligibility. You can check your eligibility by logging into the CRA’s My Account portal.
Will the rebate be issued automatically?
If a new rebate is introduced, it would likely be issued automatically to eligible individuals based on their tax return information and GST/HST credit eligibility. No separate application would be necessary.
