With grocery prices still high across Canada and inflation continuing to impact household budgets, many are asking the same question: Will the federal government issue another Grocery Rebate in 2025? Back in July 2023, millions of Canadians received a one-time, tax-free payment to help offset food expenses — and as of June 2025, there’s increasing speculation that a similar rebate might return.
So far, however, no official announcement has been made. While there’s hope and discussion surrounding another relief payment, Canadians are still waiting on confirmation from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or federal authorities.
This article breaks down what we know about the previous rebate, the current situation, and the other financial support programs still available to eligible Canadians.
2023 Grocery Rebate: What it was and who received it
The Canada Grocery Rebate was launched in July 2023 to help low- and moderate-income households deal with rising food costs. It was a one-time benefit, automatically delivered to eligible recipients through direct deposit or mailed cheque.
Key features of the 2023 rebate included:
- Maximum payment of \$628, depending on family size and income level
- No application required — eligibility was determined based on the 2021 tax return
- Automatic distribution to those who qualified for the GST/HST Credit
- Issued alongside the July 2023 GST/HST credit payment
The rebate reached millions of Canadians, offering temporary but meaningful relief at a time when grocery bills were soaring nationwide.
Eligibility criteria for the 2023 Grocery Rebate
To qualify for the rebate in 2023, individuals had to meet the following conditions:
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Have filed a 2021 income tax return
- Be eligible for the January 2023 GST/HST credit
- Be at least 19 years old, or have a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child
The rebate was automatically issued to all who met the criteria, without requiring a separate application or opt-in process.
Maximum rebate amounts based on family structure
The actual payment amount in 2023 varied based on marital status and number of children. Here’s a breakdown of the maximum amounts:
Family Type | Maximum Rebate |
---|---|
Single, no children | \$234 |
Single, 1 child | \$387 |
Single, 2 children | \$467 |
Single, 3 children | \$548 |
Single, 4 children | \$628 |
Married/common-law, no children | \$306 |
Married/common-law, 1 child | \$387 |
Married/common-law, 2 children | \$467 |
Married/common-law, 3 children | \$548 |
Married/common-law, 4 children | \$628 |
These amounts were calculated using the 2021 tax return data, with lower-income households receiving larger payments.
Status of the 2025 Grocery Rebate: No confirmation yet
As of June 2025, the federal government has not confirmed a new Grocery Rebate. While media reports and public interest have pushed the topic into headlines again, neither the CRA nor the federal finance department has announced any updates or timelines.
If a new rebate is introduced, it will likely mirror the 2023 model in these ways:
- Eligibility based on 2024 tax return
- Automatic distribution, no separate application required
- Payments issued via direct deposit or cheque
- Likely coordinated with a quarterly GST/HST credit payment
Until an official announcement is made, the status of a 2025 Grocery Rebate remains unconfirmed. Canadians are encouraged to watch for CRA updates and review federal budget news for any affordability measures.
How to prepare if a rebate is announced
If the federal government launches a new rebate later in 2025, you’ll want to ensure you’re in a position to receive it. Here’s how to prepare:
- File your 2024 income tax return on time
- Make sure your CRA My Account is set up and active
- Confirm your banking and mailing information are up to date
- Check your GST/HST credit status, as it’s likely to be used for eligibility again
Staying up to date with your CRA profile and filings is essential for receiving any future rebates or credits automatically.
CRA programs that continue in 2025
Even without a new grocery rebate confirmed, Canadians can still access several ongoing CRA benefits that offer consistent financial support:
GST/HST Credit
A quarterly tax-free payment for low- and modest-income individuals and families, based on net income.
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
Provides support for low-income working Canadians, with extra assistance for individuals with disabilities.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
A monthly, tax-free payment for families raising children under 18, adjusted yearly based on income.
Canada Carbon Rebate (formerly Climate Action Incentive)
Quarterly payments issued to households in provinces under the federal carbon pricing system, like Ontario and Alberta.
These programs are automatically assessed based on your annual tax return, meaning you don’t need to apply separately — but you must file taxes each year to stay eligible.
How to stay informed about future rebate announcements
To ensure you don’t miss any new benefit or rebate announcements in 2025:
- File your income tax return annually, even if you have no income
- Register for CRA My Account to manage benefits and payment information
- Sign up for direct deposit for faster payments
- Monitor official CRA news releases and federal budget statements
Being proactive with your tax filings and CRA profile can help you claim your full entitlement — and avoid delays in receiving critical financial support.