$628 Grocery Payment Coming for Canadian Families, Check Eligibility and Payment Details

As food prices continue to rise across the country, the Canadian government has introduced a new federal relief initiative: the $628 Grocery Support CA. Set to begin in August 2025, this one-time payment will be delivered through the CRA benefit for families platform, helping millions of low- and middle-income households offset the burden of inflated grocery bills.

With grocery costs surging over the past two years—particularly in categories like meat, dairy, and produce—this benefit comes at a critical time for Canadian families. If you’re a parent or guardian with dependents, and your 2024 tax return is up to date, you could be eligible to receive up to $628 directly in your bank account.

Here’s a complete breakdown of who qualifies, how much you can receive, and what steps you need to take to make sure your household gets this much-needed support.

What Is the $628 Grocery Support CA Program?

The $628 Grocery Support CA is a newly introduced federal financial relief initiative focused on helping families manage the rising cost of food in Canada. It is a one-time, non-taxable payment issued through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as part of the CRA benefit for families program.

Unlike recurring programs such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), this payment is a standalone benefit designed to provide short-term financial relief in response to ongoing inflation.

The initiative aims to:

• Ease food-related financial stress
• Help families afford essential groceries
• Provide extra help to low- and middle-income households with children
• Deliver support automatically without requiring new applications

Who Qualifies for the Grocery Payment?

To receive the $628 grocery support, families must meet a specific set of eligibility criteria based on CRA guidelines. These include:

• You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
• You must have filed your 2024 income tax return
• You must be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in July 2025
• Your adjusted family net income must fall below the federal threshold
• You must have at least one child under the age of 18

Single parents, low-income households, and families with multiple children are expected to receive higher benefit amounts. The payment is non-taxable and won’t affect eligibility for other CRA-administered benefits such as the CCB or GST/HST credit.

Payment Breakdown: How Much Will You Receive?

The total payment amount under the $628 grocery support CA depends on your family structure and income level. Here’s a simplified overview of the estimated payout tiers:

Household Type	Estimated Benefit
Single parent with 1 child	$328
Couple with 2 children	$487
Couple with 3 or more children	$628
Low-income single parent	Up to $628

These figures are based on CRA projections and will be confirmed when official disbursements begin in August 2025.

When Will the CRA Send the Payments?

The CRA benefit for families will begin issuing grocery support payments in early August 2025. Most eligible families can expect to receive the money via direct deposit, while others may receive it by cheque, depending on their CRA account settings.

To ensure a smooth and timely payment, follow these steps:

• File your 2024 income taxes before July 2025
• Keep your CRA My Account profile up to date
• Set up direct deposit to avoid postal delays
• Watch for payment updates in your CRA account notifications

Importantly, this grocery payment will appear separately from your usual CCB or GST/HST credit deposits.

Why This Grocery Benefit Is Timely and Critical

This grocery rebate isn’t just a cash top-up—it’s a direct response to rising food prices in 2025. National reports indicate that the average Canadian household’s grocery bill has increased by over 10% since 2023, with meat, dairy, and produce experiencing the sharpest hikes.

The $628 grocery support CA offers:

• Financial breathing room for families
• Help covering the basic cost of feeding children
• A streamlined, automatic process with no new application required
• Targeted relief for the most financially vulnerable Canadians

The government’s approach—using existing CRA and tax data—ensures efficient delivery and minimizes administrative delays.

How This Benefit Differs from Other Federal Supports

While the grocery benefit aligns with the Canada Child Benefit in terms of eligibility, it is distinct in several ways:

• It is a one-time payment, not monthly
• It does not reduce or replace existing benefits
• It’s non-taxable and won’t impact income-tested programs
• It’s meant to offer immediate aid during a high-inflation period

This strategic approach ensures the grocery support reaches families who need it most without complicating their benefit entitlements.

What You Need to Do to Receive the Payment

If your family meets the criteria, here’s how to secure your payment:

1. File your 2024 taxes before July 2025

• Your eligibility is based on the most recent tax return

1. Ensure you’re eligible for the CCB in July 2025

• You must have dependent children under 18

1. Update your CRA My Account

• Make sure your mailing address, bank account, and contact info are accurate

1. Sign up for direct deposit

• Payments arrive faster and with fewer complications

The CRA has made it clear that no application is needed—the benefit will be automatically assessed and distributed based on your tax data.

Government’s Broader Plan to Address Affordability

The $628 grocery benefit is part of the federal government’s larger affordability strategy, which includes:

• Energy and heating rebates
• Expanded childcare subsidies
• Healthcare cost support for lower-income households
• Enhanced food security programs in rural and Indigenous communities

Officials have noted that if food inflation continues into 2026, similar or additional payments may be rolled out under future federal budgets.

This proactive strategy reflects a broader mission: to support Canadians where it matters most—in the home.

FAQs

Q1. Who is eligible for the $628 grocery support CA?
Families with at least one child under 18, who qualify for the Canada Child Benefit and meet income thresholds, are eligible.

Q2. When will the CRA issue the payments?
CRA will begin disbursing payments in early August 2025 via direct deposit or cheque.

Q3. Do I need to apply for this benefit?
No. It is automatically issued based on your 2024 tax return and CRA benefit eligibility.

Q4. Will this payment affect my other benefits?
No. It’s non-taxable, won’t be counted as income, and won’t interfere with programs like the CCB or GST/HST credit.

Q5. What if I haven’t filed my 2024 taxes yet?
You must file your 2024 return before July 2025 to be considered for this payment.