12 million Canadians should expect this bonus payment starting today, ahead of new benefit launch

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OTTAWA — One of the federal Liberals’ flagship affordability measures will start landing in the bank accounts of eligible Canadians today.

First announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in January, top-up payments for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will start going out today.

The program previously was called the GST/HST credit and is usually paid out on a quarterly basis to lower-income households to help them keep pace with the rising cost of living.

• Canada is replacing the GST/HST credit with a new benefit. What does that mean for you?

Prime Minister Mark Carney celebrated the job gains in Canada as “positive news” after Statistics Canada reported Friday the Canadian economy added 88,000 jobs in May, while the unemployment rate fell to 6.6 per cent from 6.9 per cent in April. Carney said the gains are “signs that our plan is working” during a public appearance in Brampton, Ont., on Friday rolling out the new Groceries and Essentials Benefit. (June 5, 2026)

An estimated 12 million Canadians are eligible for the one-time benefit. Payments will vary based on the size of the household, with a single adult with no children getting up to $267 and a couple with two kids receiving a maximum of $533.

The one-time top-up payment is worth 50 per cent of the annual benefit and regular quarterly payouts will also rise by 25 per cent for the next five years, starting in July.

Canadians who meet the income threshold based on their 2024 tax returns will receive the benefit automatically by direct deposit or by mail.

The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will start landing in the bank accounts of eligible Canadians starting June 5. The program, previously called the GST/HST credit, is getting a one-time top up today along with increases to the regular quarterly payments for the next five years. (June 5, 2026)

• Latest economic news on BNNBloomberg.ca

Carney said at a FreshCo grocery store in Brampton, Ont., on Friday that the money will reduce cost-of-living pressures and help families enjoy the summer.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said in a video posted on social media Friday that the benefit is a key affordability measure.

“We’ve heard from many Canadians that obviously affordability is top of mind,” he said.

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Craig Lord, The Canadian Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2026.