As of June 2025, no new $628 grocery rebate in Canada has been announced by the Government of Canada or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). While rumors and social media posts may be circulating about a possible payment, there is no official confirmation or legislation introducing such a rebate this year.
The last grocery rebate of this nature was a one-time payment issued on July 5, 2023, as part of a federal affordability plan to offset high food prices and inflation. That payment was targeted at low- and modest-income Canadians and was based on the January 2023 GST/HST credit. Here’s a full breakdown of what happened, what’s changed, and what financial assistance programs are currently available instead.
What Was the $628 Grocery Rebate?
The $628 grocery rebate was a temporary, one-time payment announced in 2023, not a recurring benefit. It was part of the Cost of Living Relief Act, which aimed to help low-income individuals and families cope with high grocery bills amid inflation.
Key features of the 2023 grocery rebate:
- Issued on: July 5, 2023
- Based on: 2021 tax return
- Linked to: January 2023 GST/HST credit eligibility
- Maximum amount:
- Single parent with four children – up to $628
- Married/common-law couples with children – also up to $628
- Single individual with no children – smaller amounts (approx. $234)
You needed to file a 2021 tax return, even if you had no income, to be eligible.
No $628 Grocery Rebate in Canada for 2025
Despite continued economic pressure from inflation, especially on groceries, the federal government has not announced any grocery rebate for 2025. Neither the 2024 federal budget nor any official CRA updates have referenced plans for a similar program.
Important facts:
- No line item for a grocery rebate in the federal budget
- No CRA announcement or payment schedule listed
- No legislation introduced in Parliament for a 2025 version
Canadians should remain cautious of misleading information or viral posts claiming otherwise.
Current Financial Support Alternatives
Even though the $628 grocery rebate in Canada 2025 doesn’t exist, there are ongoing benefits available to help Canadians with rising food and living costs:
1. GST/HST Credit
- Quarterly payments based on income
- For low- to modest-income individuals/families
- Next payment date: July 5, 2025
2. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Up to $7,997/year for children under 6
- Up to $6,748/year for children aged 6–17 (as of July 2025)
- Based on income from 2024 tax return
3. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
- Combines energy, sales, and property tax credits
- Monthly payments for eligible Ontario residents
4. Provincial Grocery and Rent Support
Some provinces offer their own cost-of-living relief programs:
- Alberta Affordability Payments (ended in 2023, but reintroduction possible)
- BC Climate Action Tax Credit
- Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebate Program
How to Stay Updated
To avoid missing legitimate benefit announcements, Canadians are advised to check only official government sources such as:
- Canada.ca
- CRA My Account
- [Your provincial government websites]
Also, ensure you file your 2024 tax return to maintain eligibility for GST/HST and other credits.
Conclusion
While many Canadians are still hopeful for more cost-of-living support, there is no $628 grocery rebate in Canada for 2025. The only grocery rebate ever issued was in July 2023, and it was a one-time measure linked to inflation and economic recovery.
Until the federal government announces new support, families should focus on applying for available CRA and provincial programs, and stay informed through official channels