The Canadian government initiated the $628 Grocery Rebate as a form of relief to assist low- and middle-income households in dealing with the high cost of groceries resulting from inflation. The increasing food prices made this rebate much needed by numerous Canadians. Below are all the requirements for eligibility, the dates for the payments, and the current status of the rebate program.
What Is the $628 Grocery Rebate?
The $628 Grocery Rebate referred to a one-time fiscal relief payment disbursed to eligible Canadians to offset the rising prices of food and other essentials. It was part of a larger effort by federal authorities to reduce the inflation burden on lower-income people.
Who Was Eligible?
Various factors would determine whether an individual qualified to receive the $628 Grocery Rebate. The first requirement was that the recipient had to be a low- to modest-income individual or family. The rebate was closely associated with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit system; thus, all those persons enjoying GST credits became automatically considered for the payment.
He or she was a resident of Canada and not less than 19 years old and filed a tax return for 2021. A single person earning just under $32,000 would have qualified, as would families up to $38,000 in their income. Further funding was considered for families with children.
How Much Was Paid?
The payment depended on the household size and income bracket. A single person could receive up to $234, while couples without children would receive about $306. In the case of families with children, the income level of the family and the number of children could get up to $628.
When Was the Payment Made?
The $628 Grocery Rebate was paid out on July 5, 2023, as part of the regular quarterly GST credit payment. Direct deposit was used by most qualifying recipients, whereas a small number received their cheques by post depending on their setup with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Current Status in 2025: Will another Payment be Given?
As of February 2025, the government has not officially given confirmation as to whether the $628 Grocery Rebate will be issued again. The payment done in the year 2023 was an isolated support initiative and no such rebates have so far been declared for this year. The government, however, continues to watch out for inflation and cost of living to bring forth additional support programs in the future.
How to Check Your Payment Status?
If you were eligible for the 2023 rebate and would like to check your payment status, you can simply log into your CRA My Account online portal. From there, under the “Benefits and Credits” section, you should be able to see payment details as well as confirm whether or not the grocery rebate was deposited. For issues regarding non-payment, the preferable course of action is to contact the CRA directly.
Beware of Scams
Like most government rebates, scams often trail them. One must keep abreast. CRA never contacts an individual by either text messages or emails to ask for personal information. If you receive a suspicious message, do not respond but rather report it to the authorities.
Final Thoughts
It was just an initiative towards good from the entire portion of the $628 Grocery Rebate for many Canadians. While no further payments have been announced for 2025, keeping track of official government sources will help ensure not missing any announcements on further support measures.