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The second Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payment of 2026 is set to be deposited into eligible Canadians’ bank accounts on Monday, Oct. 5.
The quarterly payment replaces the former GST/HST credit and is designed to help people and families with low and modest incomes offset sales taxes on groceries and other essentials. The October payment will be the final one this year, with the next scheduled for January 2027.
The Canada Revenue Agency says recipients who have not received their payment by Oct. 20 should check their CRA account for an update. The benefit amount increased by 25 per cent in July 2026 and is scheduled to remain at the higher level for five years, through 2031.
(Richard Evans)
