Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed the continuation of the Canada Grocery Rebate framework, with eligible low- and modest-income households expected to receive a payment once the February 2026 deposit date is officially announced.

The rebate is designed to offset rising food costs and is issued automatically based on income information from a household’s most recent tax return. Payments are deposited directly into recipients’ bank accounts or mailed by cheque, depending on CRA account settings.

While the exact February 2026 payment date has not yet been published, CRA is expected to provide confirmation in the early weeks of the month.

What Is the Canada Grocery Rebate?

The Grocery Rebate is a targeted affordability measure intended to support Canadians facing higher grocery prices due to inflation and cost-of-living pressures.

The benefit primarily supports:

• Low-income individuals
• Modest-income families
• Households with children
• Seniors on fixed incomes

Payments are calculated using a sliding scale model, meaning lower-income households receive higher rebate amounts.

Who Qualifies for the February 2026 Grocery Rebate?

Eligibility is determined automatically through filed income tax returns.

To qualify, you must:

• Have filed your most recent income tax return
• Fall below specific household income thresholds
• Meet residency requirements
• Have updated marital and family information on file

Income thresholds vary based on family size and net income.

Households that did not file taxes may not receive payment until their return is processed.

How Much Will You Receive?

The exact rebate amount depends on:

• Adjusted family net income
• Marital status
• Number of dependent children

Under similar past structures, lower-income households typically receive the highest benefit, while payments phase out gradually as income increases.

CRA calculates the amount automatically — no separate application is required.

February 2026 Payment Details

Once confirmed, the February 2026 Grocery Rebate will be:

• Issued via direct deposit (if registered)
• Sent by cheque if no banking information is on file
• Reflected in CRA My Account payment history

Recipients are encouraged to monitor official updates from CRA regarding the confirmed deposit date.

How to Track Your Grocery Rebate

You can verify payment status by logging into:

• Canada Revenue Agency My Account portal

Steps to check:

• Sign in to CRA My Account.
• Select “Benefits and Credits.”
• Review payment status and scheduled deposits.
• Confirm your banking details are up to date.

CRA may also post public updates if payment schedules shift.

Why the Grocery Rebate Continues

Food inflation has remained a key affordability concern for Canadian households. Federal affordability measures aim to provide targeted support without broadly increasing spending across all income levels.

The rebate complements other federal supports such as:

• GST/HST Credit
• Canada Child Benefit
• Old Age Security (OAS)

Unlike ongoing monthly benefits, the Grocery Rebate is typically structured as a one-time or periodic affordability payment tied to income thresholds.

What Canadians Should Do Now

To avoid delays:

• Ensure your 2024 tax return has been filed and assessed.
• Update your marital status and dependent information if needed.
• Confirm direct deposit details in CRA My Account.
• Watch for official CRA confirmation of the February 2026 payment date.

No application is required if eligibility criteria are met.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the February 2026 Grocery Rebate be paid?

The exact date has not yet been confirmed. CRA is expected to announce it in early February 2026.

Who qualifies for the Grocery Rebate?

Low- and modest-income individuals and families who have filed their most recent tax return.

How much will I receive?

The amount depends on household income and family size, calculated automatically by CRA.

Do I need to apply?

No. The payment is issued automatically if you meet eligibility requirements.

How can I check my payment status?

Log into CRA My Account under “Benefits and Credits” to view scheduled payments.

Will this affect CPP or OAS?

No. The Grocery Rebate does not reduce CPP, OAS, or other federal benefit payments.