$628 Grocery Rebate Is Back: Food’s gotten crazy expensive, eh? From lettuce costing almost as much as gas to eggs feeling like luxury items, grocery bills have been hitting Canadians hard. So when news started making rounds that the Canada Grocery Rebate—which gave families up to $628 in 2023—might be coming back in June 2025, folks got real curious.
So let’s break it down: What is the grocery rebate, who got paid last time, who might get it this time, and how can you check if you’re eligible. If you’re a family juggling bills or a single retiree stretching every loonie, this guide’s got you covered.
$628 Grocery Rebate Is Back
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rebate Name | Grocery Rebate 2025 |
| Possible Max Payout | Up to $628 per household |
| Expected Date | June 2025 (rumored, not officially confirmed yet) |
| Official Announcement | Not yet announced by CRA or federal government |
| Eligibility Basis | 2023 tax return and GST/HST credit qualification |
| CRA Official Website | canada.ca |
| Last Rebate Date | July 5, 2023 |
| Source Law | Federal Budget 2023 |
| How to Check | CRA My Account → GST/HST Credit Status |
With food prices still punching holes in Canadian wallets, the return of the $628 Grocery Rebate could provide much-needed breathing room. While we don’t have official confirmation for June 2025 just yet, the rising pressure and past success suggest the government might step in again.
If you want to be in the payout line, your job is simple: file your taxes, check your GST/HST credit, and keep your CRA profile updated.
What Is the Grocery Rebate?
The Grocery Rebate was a one-time federal payout rolled out in July 2023 as part of the Budget 2023 inflation relief plan. It was designed to help low- and moderate-income Canadians offset the soaring cost of groceries.
Here’s how much people received last time:
- Single adults: Up to $234
- Couples with no kids: Up to $306
- Families with children: Up to $628
You didn’t have to do anything special to get it. If you qualified for the GST/HST credit, it landed in your bank account automatically.
Why a New Rebate in 2025? (Let’s Talk Inflation)
Canadians are still reeling from food price hikes. According to Statistics Canada, grocery prices in March 2025 were 8.1% higher year-over-year, with essentials like bread (+10.2%), cheese (+8.9%), and fruits (+6.4%) driving the spike.
Add in rising rent, gas, and utility costs, and you’ve got families making some tough choices—like whether to pay the hydro bill or fill the fridge.
That’s why politicians, advocacy groups like Food Banks Canada, and even provincial leaders have been urging the federal government to reintroduce the Grocery Rebate this summer.
Public Pressure Is Mounting
Several Members of Parliament and provincial premiers have backed calls to revive the rebate:
- Jagmeet Singh (NDP) called it “the least the government can do while Canadians are skipping meals.”
- Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador stated, “Our communities are hurting. Ottawa needs to step in again.”
Even editorial boards from major outlets like The Globe and Mail and Toronto Star have supported another round of grocery relief.
Bottom line: The pressure’s on, and we could see an announcement during the next federal sitting.
How the 2023 Grocery Rebate Worked
Let’s take a refresher on what happened in July 2023:
- Tied to your 2021 tax return
- Based on your income level, family size, and marital status
- Automatically distributed—no forms, no action required
- Deposited via direct deposit or mailed check
- Paid on July 5, 2023
It reached over 11 million Canadians, and many used it for basic needs—groceries, diapers, medicine, and overdue bills.
Who Might Qualify in 2025?
If the rebate returns and follows the same eligibility guidelines, you’ll likely qualify if:
- You filed your 2023 taxes
- You qualify for the GST/HST credit
- Your household income is considered low-to-moderate
- You have dependents or are a senior
Here’s how you can check your status:
- Visit: CRA My Account
- Log in securely
- Go to “Benefits & Credits”
- Look for your GST/HST credit eligibility
- Make sure your bank info is up to date
What’s the Potential Payout in 2025?
While nothing’s official, here’s a likely breakdown based on the 2023 numbers:
| Household Type | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Single (no children) | Up to $234 |
| Couple (no children) | Up to $306 |
| Couple with 2 children | Up to $628 |
Pro Tip: If you haven’t filed your 2023 taxes yet, do it now. No taxes = no payment.
What If I Live in Ontario, Alberta, or Quebec?
Some provinces are offering their own grocery or cost-of-living rebates:
- Ontario: Child and Family Benefit top-ups are helping some low-income families.
- Alberta: Seniors received $600 affordability payments in 2024.
- Quebec: Food subsidies via the provincial social assistance program.
But the federal Grocery Rebate is separate and would apply nationwide.
Real Canadians, Real Impact
Take Rajdeep Singh, a warehouse worker in Brampton with three kids. “That $600 grocery rebate in 2023? We used it to buy school lunches, rice, oil—stuff we hadn’t stocked in weeks,” he told Global News.
For seniors like Anita Gagnon in rural Quebec, the rebate helped her not skip meals for a month. “I was only eating twice a day. That rebate helped me get my nutrition back,” she shared.
So yeah, the rebate isn’t just helpful—it’s life-saving for many.
Canada Confirms $500 One-Time Relief—Who Qualifies and When to Expect Your Payment
5 Quick Tips to Stretch Your Rebate
When that payment drops (fingers crossed), here’s how to make it go further:
- Use loyalty apps (like PC Optimum or Scene+)
- Buy in bulk for pantry staples
- Avoid impulse buys—go with a list!
- Price match using Flipp or Reebee apps
- Shop flyers on Thursday nights for weekend deals
FAQs About $628 Grocery Rebate Is Back
Q: Is the Grocery Rebate officially announced for June 2025?
A: Not yet. As of May 2025, it’s still under speculation with no CRA confirmation.
Q: Who is eligible?
A: Likely those who filed 2023 taxes and qualify for the GST/HST credit.
Q: Do I need to apply?
A: No. Like before, eligible Canadians will be paid automatically.
Q: What if I moved or changed my bank?
A: Update your info in CRA My Account to avoid missing your payment.
