April 2026 CRA Payment Dates: GST Credit & Grocery Benefit

Spring has officially arrived, and for millions of Canadians, it brings a much-needed round of federal and provincial benefit payments.

With Canada’s Food Price Report 2026 forecasting that grocery costs will climb by another four to six percent this year, keeping a close eye on your upcoming government deposits is more important than ever. From standard quarterly rebates to brand-new grocery subsidies, here is a complete breakdown of the money eligible Canadians can expect in their bank accounts this April.

The GST HST Credit & The New Grocery Benefit

Payment Date: April 2, 2026

The GST HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It is specifically designed to help individuals and families with low to modest incomes offset the consumer taxes they pay.

For the April 2026 payment cycle, eligible Canadians can expect to receive up to:

• $533 for single individuals
• $698 for married or common-law couples
• $184 for each child under the age of 19

What’s New for 2026: To combat the ongoing sting of inflation at the checkout counter, the Carney government recently announced a major expansion of this program. Rebranded as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, Ottawa is rolling out a one-time top-up equal to a 50% increase in the annual value of the credit.

While the program’s official 25% sustained boost begins in July 2026, you should keep an eye on your bank accounts this spring—the government aims to deposit this one-time relief top-up as early as possible, and no later than June.

Note: There is no separate application required for this grocery relief. The CRA calculates your eligibility automatically when you file your annual tax return.

Family and Child Support Payments

Payment Date: April 20, 2026

Raising a family is expensive, but the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides tax-free monthly relief to eligible parents. Depending on your adjusted family net income, you could receive the maximum monthly amounts this April:

• $666.41 for each child under six years of age
• $562.33 for each child between six and 17 years of age

Depending on your province of residence, you may also see provincial top-ups bundled into this single monthly payment. For example, qualifying British Columbian families will receive the B.C. Family Benefit (up to $145.83 for the first child), while eligible Ontario residents will receive the Ontario Child Benefit (up to $143.91 per child).

Additional Disability, Pension, and Provincial Benefits

Beyond child and grocery support, several other federal and provincial payments are rolling out this month:

• Ontario Trillium Benefit (April 10): A combined provincial tax-free payment helping low-to-moderate-income Ontarians offset energy costs and sales tax. Eligible residents aged 18 to 64 could see a maximum of $1,283.

• Canada Disability Benefit (April 16): A targeted monthly financial support payment for people with disabilities aged 18 to 64. Eligible recipients can receive a maximum of $200 this month.

• Canada Pension Plan – CPP (April 28): A monthly, taxable benefit for retirees. The maximum payout amount for those starting their pension at age 65 is currently $1,507.65.

• Old Age Security – OAS (April 28): A monthly pension for Canadians 65 and older. Following a slight inflation adjustment this April, seniors aged 65 to 74 can receive up to $749.73, while those 75 and older can see up to $824.70.

• Veteran Disability Pension (April 29): Tax-free support for veterans. Single recipients can receive between $175.67 and $3,513.48 based on their assessment, with additional allowances for spouses and dependents.

Don’t Miss Out: File Your Taxes

The most critical takeaway for this spring? File your 2025 tax return. Even if you had zero income last year, filing your taxes is the only way the CRA can determine your eligibility for the gst hst credit, the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, and other vital support payments.

Disclaimer: Benefit payment amounts vary widely based on individual net income, marital status, and family situations. Always consult the official Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website or a certified tax professional for the most accurate information regarding your personal benefits.

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