Mark Carney’s grocery affordability payments roll out across Canada starting today

Millions of Canadians are expected to begin receiving new federal grocery benefit payments starting today as part of the Liberal government’s affordability measures.

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, first announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in January, is being rolled out to eligible households across the country.

The programme was previously known as the GST/HST credit and is paid quarterly to lower-income Canadians to help offset rising living costs.

According to the federal government, around 12 million Canadians qualify for the one-time top-up payment. The amount varies depending on household size and income.

A single adult with no children can receive up to $267, while a couple with two children may qualify for as much as $533.

The one-time payment is worth 50 percent of the annual benefit amount. In addition, regular quarterly payments are set to increase by 25 percent over the next five years, beginning in July.

Eligible Canadians do not need to apply separately for the payment.

The government said those who meet the income threshold based on their 2024 tax returns will receive the money automatically either through direct deposit or by cheque in the mail.