The Canada Revenue Agency has set Wednesday, April 5, 2026, as the date for the next quarterly GST/HST credit payment. This payment is one of four yearly deposits that eligible Canadian residents get to help them pay the goods and services tax they owe all year.
Overview of the One-Time 50% GST Bonus Payment
The federal government has said that GST/HST credit recipients will get a big one-time bonus payment. This extra payment is 50% of the recipient’s GST/HST credit value for 2026–27. The government has promised to make this payment as soon as possible this spring, but it must be done by June 2026 at the latest.
Details about the timeline
- The earliest date is April 5, 2026, if you pay your GST on time.
- No later than June 2026, the government will guarantee
- Amount of payment: 50% of the GST/HST credit value for 2026–27
- To be eligible, you must have received your GST payment in April 2026.
Requirements for Getting GST Payments in April 2026
People who live in Canada and meet certain income and residency requirements can get the GST/HST credit. At the beginning of the month when the CRA makes a payment, you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes. You also have to be at least 19 years old, or have a spouse or common-law partner, or be a parent who lives with your child. You need to file your 2024 tax return with the CRA in order to be assessed.
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To Get the 50% GST Bonus, You Must
The one-time 50% top-up payment has a special requirement that goes beyond the usual GST/HST credit requirements.
To be eligible for the top-up bonus, you must have gotten the GST/HST credit payment in April 2026.
If you were eligible and entitled to get that April payment, you are automatically in the group that will get the extra money. The CRA will use the same information about your April deposit to send you the bonus payment.
The GST/HST credit amounts for the fiscal year 2026–27
Every year, the GST/HST credit amounts are changed to keep up with inflation and changes in the cost of living. These amounts are the most money that eligible people can get each year based on their family situation. The quarterly payments break these yearly totals into four equal parts.
Recipient Type Maximum Amount Per Year Payment Every Three Months
- One Person: $519.75
- Married or living together: $680.00
- Per Child Under 19: $179.44.75
- Single Parent Supplement: $179.44.75
Examples of how to figure out a one-time GST top-up
Family Situation Annual GST Credit 50% Top-Up Amount
- One Person: $519.50
- Couple (No Kids) $680.00
- Couple and one child: $859.50
- Couple and two kids: $1,038.00
- $877 for a single parent and two kids, or $438.50 for each child.
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will start in July 2026.
The federal government has announced a major change to the GST/HST credit program.
Starting in July 2026, the GST/HST credit will be called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
This is more than just a name change; it means that the program is getting a lot bigger. The government is starting the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which used to be called the Goods and Services Tax Credit. The payment amounts will be much higher than before.
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How to Find Out If You’ve Paid Your GST
The CRA has a number of ways for you to check the status and eligibility of your GST/HST credit payment. My Account is the main website where you can see your benefit information and payment history. You can see your payment information, change your direct deposit information, and check your eligibility status. The CRA My Account mobile app lets you easily access the same information from your phone. You can also get help with your account by calling the CRA benefits enquiries line at 1-800-387-1193.
What to Do If Your GST Payment Is Late
If you don’t get your GST payment on time, you should do a few things. If you get payments by cheque, wait 10 business days after the payment date. To make sure your payment went through and to double-check your address or banking information, go to CRA My Account. Make sure that the CRA has received and processed your 2024 tax return. If your payment status says “issued” but you haven’t gotten it yet, call the CRA benefits line.
Canadians’ Important GST Payment Dates in 2026
Date: Event April 5, 2026: Payment for the Q2 GST/HST credit, plus a possible 50% top-up
By June 2026, there will be a guaranteed deadline for a one-time 50% top-up payment.
July 4, 2026First, groceries and other things in Canada Payment of benefits (25% increase starts)
Will the 50% GST top-up payment come on April 5, 2026?
The April 5 date is a good guess for when the top-up payment will be made because the government has promised to do it as soon as possible this spring. The official guarantee, on the other hand, only says that delivery will happen by June 2026. If the top-up doesn’t show up with your April payment, it could still come at any time during the spring, up until the June deadline.
Will I have to apply for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit on its own when it starts in July 2026?
You won’t need to fill out a separate application. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is the same as the GST/HST credit program, but with more money. If you currently get the GST credit and meet the requirements, you will automatically be able to get the new program. The CRA will figure out how much your extra benefit is and send you payments on the same schedule every three months.
If I just got to Canada this year, can I still get the GST payment?
New residents of Canada may be able to get the GST/HST credit after they have lived in Canada for tax purposes. The CRA needs you to file a Canadian tax return to see if you qualify. Form RC151 is for new immigrants and refugees who want to apply for the GST/HST credit and other benefits. Times for processing vary, and once your application is approved, you may get payments for past due amounts.
If I owe money to the CRA, what happens to my GST payment?
Your GST/HST credit payment could be used by the CRA to pay off tax debts or other amounts you owe to the government. This includes unpaid income taxes, student loans that have gone into default, overpayments of Employment Insurance, or money owed to other federal programs. If your payment is sent to a different account, you will be notified. Any money left over after paying off your debt will be put into your account.
Is the 25% rise in the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit going to last?
The 25% increase will start in July 2026 and last for five years. This means that the higher amounts will stay in effect until 2031. Future government policy decisions will determine if the improvement lasts beyond this time. No matter what happens with the temporary enhancement in the future, the base GST credit structure will stay the same.
