Have you ever examined your grocery receipt, confused at how the total soared so swiftly? With the projection of food prices escalating around 6% this year, such concerns are bound to intensify.
However, what if a mechanism existed to ease the financial pressure experienced during each checkout at your local grocery store? The beginning of Canada’s new Grocery Rebate offers precisely such a breather!
As unveiled in Budget 2023, the Canadian Government has initiated a Grocery Rebate to extend financial aid to qualifying Canadians. This one-time rebate was issued on July 5, 2023, coinciding with the quarterly GST/HST credit payment.
As of now, it is likely there won’t be any other rebate this year.
Canada Grocery Rebate Eligibility Criteria
The rise in food prices presents a harsh reality for numerous Canadians, particularly when striving to maximize each dollar. Unveiled within the 2023 federal budget to aid Canadians in tackling skyrocketing grocery bills, this rebate aims to facilitate a more manageable approach towards accommodating the amplified living expenses.
- Eligibility for the Grocery Rebate is contingent on entitlement to the GST/HST credit for January 2023, necessitating filing a 2021 tax return, irrespective of income status.
- Without a filed 2021 tax return, it’s not too late to submit one to ascertain your eligibility for the Grocery Rebate.
- The Grocery Rebate, a singular payment by the federal government, is engineered to assist lower-income Canadians in navigating the escalating food costs.
Eligibility Criteria
Both you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) need to satisfy the eligibility parameters set for the base year 2021 to be considered for this rebate.
Suppose you missed filing a tax return for 2021, possibly due to full-time schooling and having no income to report. Fear not: There remains an opportunity to file that return now.
Grocery Rebate 2024 – What it means for you?
Picture yourself as a recent graduate, venturing into the financial responsibilities of adulthood with a new job in hand (kudos!). However, your paycheque dissipates swiftly between rent, student loan repayments, and other bills.
Alternatively, imagine being a full-time student, juggling part-time barista hours. Your budget is thinly stretched between tuition, textbooks, and maintaining a social circle.
With rising food prices, the challenge intensifies. Whatever your scenario, stretching your dollars becomes a more challenging task, correct? Here’s a silver lining: The Grocery Rebate could be a financial uplift. Consider it a monetary power-up, providing additional leverage to combat the escalating grocery expenses.
How much amount do you get?
The Grocery Rebate amounts to twice the GST/HST credit sum you received in January 2023, with a ceiling amount that hinges on your marital status and the number of children in your care.
Maximum payments are as follows:
For Single Individuals
- $234 (no children)
- $387 (1 child)
- $467 (2 children)
- $548 (3 children)
- $628 (4 children)
For Married or Common-law Partners
- $306 (no children)
- $387 (1 child)
- $467 (2 children)
- $548 (3 children)
- $628 (4 children)
Rebate Calculation
Even with a lump sum GST/HST credit payment in July 2022, you remain eligible for the Grocery Rebate. Any tax refunds, benefits, and credit payments might be utilized to clear outstanding balances. Check benefit status via your CRA My Account, and contact CRA for any debt repayment issues causing financial strain.
Grocery Rebate Payment Date 2024
The next expected date for the Grocery Rebate (if govt decide to offer it this year) in Canada is July 5, 2024. If the payment is delayed, allow 10 business days before reaching out. After 10 business days, visit the contact page, select ‘Telephone numbers for personal taxes, benefits, and trusts,’ then ‘Get help with your CRA benefits and credits’ for assistance. Your Notice of Redetermination holds extensive information regarding entitlements and payment alterations. Access it via the ‘Mail’ link on My Account.
Canada Grocery Rebate: Frequently Asked Questions
No, the grocery rebate is a one-time benefit.
No, the rebate amount varies depending on your GST/HST credit payment from January 2023, your relationship status, and the number of children you have.
No, eligibility requires qualification for the GST/HST credit for the 2021 tax year, necessitating a 2021 tax return filing.
No, there’s no need for a separate application. Eligible individuals will receive the rebate automatically
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