The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment provided by the Government of Canada to low- and modest-income individuals and families to help offset the goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST) they pay on everyday purchases.
Update (March 31, 2026): The January 5, 2026 GST/HST payment (Q1 of 2025–26 benefit year) has been paid. The next payment is April 2, 2026 — this is the second and final quarterly payment of the 2025–26 benefit year. The July 2026 payment begins the new 2026–27 benefit year with increased amounts.
2026 GST/HST Credit Payment Schedule
- January 5, 2026 — Q1 of 2025–26 benefit year ✅ (paid)
- April 2, 2026 — Q2 of 2025–26 benefit year ← Coming now
- July 3, 2026 — Q1 of 2026–27 benefit year (new amounts — significant increase expected)
- October 5, 2026 — Q2 of 2026–27 benefit year
For the full official payment calendar, visit: Canada.ca Benefits Payment Calendar.
GST/HST Credit Payment Amounts for 2026
Benefit Year 2025–26 (January & April 2026 payments)
| Recipient Type | Annual Maximum | Per Quarter |
| Single individual | $519 | $129.75 |
| Married / common-law couple | $680 | $170.00 |
| Each child under 19 | $179 | $44.75 |
Benefit Year 2026–27 (July & October 2026 payments) — Major Increase Coming
The Government of Canada passed the Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly known as the GST/HST Credit boost) in early 2026 as part of the Mark Carney government’s affordability agenda. Starting with the July 2026 payment, eligible Canadians are expected to see up to a 25% increase in their GST/HST-related benefit payments. Final confirmed amounts for 2026–27 will be published by the CRA after they are calculated from 2025 tax returns filed in spring 2026.
Action required: To receive your July 2026 and October 2026 payments at the correct amounts, you must file your 2025 income tax return on time. The CRA uses your 2025 AFNI to calculate your new benefit year entitlement.
GST/HST Credit Eligibility
You may be eligible for the GST/HST credit if you:
- Are a Canadian resident for income tax purposes
- Are 19 years of age or older (or have a spouse/common-law partner, or are a parent living with your child)
- Have low to moderate income
- Have filed a tax return (the CRA determines eligibility automatically — no separate application needed)
For full eligibility details, visit the CRA GST/HST Credit page.
What to Do If Your April 2, 2026 Payment Is Late
- Direct deposit: Allow up to 72 hours after April 2, 2026.
- Paper cheque: Allow up to 7 business days.
- Contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 if your payment has not arrived.
- Verify your details via CRA My Account.