| Verdict: True |
|---|
| A one-time top-up to the GST/HST credit was paid on June 5, 2026. It was automatic, it has already been paid, and no second top-up has been announced. |
What the claim says
People heard about an extra “grocery” or “GST” payment in June 2026. Some posts get it right. Others say it’s coming again, say you have to apply, or give amounts that are far too high.
What’s actually true
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) paid a one-time GST/HST credit top-up on June 5, 2026. It helped bridge the change from the GST/HST credit to the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) in July 2026.
In most cases, the top-up was 50% of your yearly GST/HST credit for July 2025 to June 2026. That’s about twice your January 2026 payment. It was based on your family situation in January 2026 and your 2024 income. It did not include provincial amounts.
| Family type | Maximum top-up |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $267 |
| Couple, no children | $349 |
| Single or couple, 1 child | $441 |
| Single or couple, 2 children | $533 |
| Single or couple, 3 children | $625 |
| Single or couple, 4 or more children | $717 |
Couples got one payment for both. In shared custody, each parent got half the amount for that child.
You got it if you filed a 2024 tax return and were entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026, even if you normally get your credit as one payment in July. It may still show as “GST/HST credit” in your CRA account.
Didn’t get it?
The CRA gives these reasons:
- You didn’t file a 2024 tax return.
- You weren’t entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026.
- Your spouse or common-law partner got it for the family.
- It was used to pay money you owed the CRA, such as a benefit overpayment.
If you haven’t filed your 2024 return, file it now, even if you had no income. The CRA says it will send a payment afterward if you’re entitled. If a debt took your top-up and that’s causing hardship, call the CRA at 1-888-863-8662.
Where the confusion comes from
- It was called “one-time,” but it was followed by bigger regular CGEB payments from July 2026, so some people think the extra money repeats.
- Its name changed partway: announced under the new benefit, but paid as the GST/HST credit.
- “Groceries” in the new name got it confused with the 2023 Grocery Rebate.
- Scam sites use the real news to push fake “apply now” forms.
Scam warning
You never had to apply for the top-up. If a text, email or website asks you to claim a “June top-up” or “grocery payment,” it’s fake. The CRA does not send payments by e-transfer or text, or send benefit links by text or email.
What to do if you were targeted
- Didn’t click? Delete it.
- Gave banking details? Call your bank.
- Gave your SIN or CRA sign-in? Call the CRA at 1-833-995-2336 (Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 7 pm Eastern time).
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4:45 pm Eastern time) or at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca.