Grocery benefit top-up payments begin for eligible Canadians

Eligible Canadians are expected to begin receiving one-time federal grocery benefit top-up payments starting today as part of the Liberal government's affordability measures.

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, previously known as the GST/HST credit, provides support to lower-income households to help offset rising living costs. The federal government says payments will be issued automatically to qualifying recipients through direct deposit or by mail.

According to the federal government, approximately 12 million Canadians are eligible for the one-time payment. Benefit amounts vary by household size, with a single adult without children eligible for up to $267 and a couple with two children eligible for up to $533.

Prime Minister Mark Carney first announced the measure in January. The one-time top-up is equal to 50 per cent of the annual benefit amount. In addition, regular quarterly payments are scheduled to increase by 25 per cent beginning in July and will remain at that higher level for the next five years.