Canada $628 Grocery Rebate in May 2025: As grocery bills continue to climb across Canada, many households are looking for relief. A popular topic circulating online is the “Canada $628 Grocery Rebate in May 2025”, raising the question: Is this true, and if so, who qualifies? This article offers a complete guide to the Grocery Rebate program—what it is, how much was paid, whether it will return in 2025, and who qualifies. Whether you’re a concerned parent, a low-income worker, or a policy professional, this breakdown will help you understand the facts, eligibility criteria, and what support may be available now and in the future.
Canada $628 Grocery Rebate in May 2025
While talk of a Canada $628 Grocery Rebate in May 2025 is circulating online, no such program currently exists. The one-time Grocery Rebate was paid on July 5, 2023, and targeted low- and modest-income Canadians. Although there’s hope for similar measures in the future, your best course of action is to stay informed, keep tax filings current, and explore all available federal and provincial benefits.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Grocery Rebate |
| Maximum Payment | Up to $628 for families with four children |
| Original Payment Date | July 5, 2023 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Based on 2021 tax return and GST/HST credit eligibility |
| Application Required? | No – automatically issued to those eligible |
| Target Beneficiaries | Low- and modest-income individuals and families |
| Program Status in 2025 | No confirmation yet for a 2025 rebate |
| Official Government Resource | Canada.ca – CRA Grocery Rebate |
What Is the Grocery Rebate?
The Grocery Rebate was introduced by the Government of Canada in 2023 as part of a one-time measure to help low- and modest-income Canadians manage the rising cost of groceries. It was announced as part of the federal budget tabled in spring 2023 and distributed through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
The rebate was designed to double the January 2023 GST/HST credit, offering targeted assistance without requiring a separate application.
Was There a Grocery Rebate in May 2025?
As of now, no new Grocery Rebate has been announced for May 2025. The only official rebate of this nature was issued on July 5, 2023, and there has not yet been confirmation of a repeat in 2025.
For now, any news about a $628 Grocery Rebate in May 2025 appears to stem from confusion or outdated information regarding the 2023 payment.
Who Was Eligible for the Grocery Rebate?
To have qualified for the 2023 Grocery Rebate, you had to meet the following conditions:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Have filed your 2021 tax return.
- Be eligible for the GST/HST credit based on that tax return.
The rebate was income-tested. Those with low or modest incomes were most likely to receive the payment, and amounts varied based on marital status and the number of children.
How Much Was the Grocery Rebate?
The maximum amounts under the 2023 Grocery Rebate were as follows:
For Single Individuals:
- No children: $234
- With 1 child: $387
- With 2 children: $467
- With 3 children: $548
- With 4 children: $628
For Married/Common-Law Couples:
- No children: $306
- With 1 child: $387
- With 2 children: $467
- With 3 children: $548
- With 4 children: $628
Actual payment amounts were calculated by the CRA and automatically sent out via direct deposit or cheque to eligible recipients.
Will the Grocery Rebate Be Issued Again?
There is no official confirmation of a second Grocery Rebate for 2025 at this time. However, given inflationary pressures and public demand for affordability measures, it’s possible the government may consider a similar program in future budgets.
To stay informed, Canadians should monitor:
- The CRA Benefits page
- Annual federal budget announcements
- Trusted news outlets for policy updates
How to Check If You Received the Canada $628 Grocery Rebate in May 2025?
To find out if you received the Grocery Rebate in 2023 or verify any upcoming payments:
- Log in to your CRA My Account.
- Navigate to the “Benefits & Credits” section.
- Review your GST/HST credit payment history and search for a July 5, 2023 entry labeled “Grocery Rebate.”
What If You Missed the Payment?
If you didn’t receive the 2023 Grocery Rebate but believe you were eligible, consider:
- Verifying that you filed your 2021 tax return.
- Ensuring your information (address, banking) is up to date with CRA.
- Contacting CRA to request a reassessment or explanation.
There’s no application for the rebate itself—it was triggered automatically by filing taxes and meeting eligibility.
Economic Impact of the Grocery Rebate
According to the 2023 federal budget, the Grocery Rebate was expected to cost approximately $2.5 billion and benefit over 11 million Canadians. While not a long-term solution, it provided short-term relief during a peak period of grocery inflation, which reached 10.4% year-over-year in January 2023. Policy experts noted that while helpful, the rebate underlined the need for broader structural solutions to food insecurity and affordability.
Related Provincial Programs
In addition to the federal Grocery Rebate, several provinces offer their own cost-of-living relief measures, including:
- Ontario: Ontario Trillium Benefit, including sales and energy tax credits
- Alberta: Affordability Payment Program (2023)
- British Columbia: BC Family Benefit top-ups
Practical Tips: What You Can Do Now
Even if a 2025 Grocery Rebate hasn’t been announced, here’s how to stay financially prepared:
- File your taxes every year, even with no income, to ensure access to benefits.
- Update your CRA information—especially banking and marital status.
- Apply for other benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST Credit, and Canada Workers Benefit (CWB).
- Track policy announcements, especially around federal and provincial budget season (typically February–April).
- Budget wisely: Resources like Budget Planner from FCAC can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a $628 Grocery Rebate in May 2025?
No. There is no confirmed Grocery Rebate for May 2025. The last one was issued in July 2023.
How do I know if I’m eligible for future rebates?
Keep your tax filings up to date and monitor Canada.ca for eligibility guidelines.
Can I apply for the Grocery Rebate?
No application was needed for the 2023 rebate—it was automatically issued to GST/HST credit recipients.
Is the Grocery Rebate taxable income?
No. It was a tax-free payment and does not need to be reported as income.
What other benefits can I receive?
You may be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credit, Canada Workers Benefit, and provincial relief programs.
