Canada Grocery Rebate: it’s the phrase echoing from kitchen tables to community centers across Canada. In a year when grocery prices remain sky-high and everyday living costs feel heavier than ever, the idea of a rebate from the federal government sounds like a much-needed relief. But what’s fact, and what’s fiction?
Let’s talk straight: There is no official Grocery Rebate scheduled for December 2025. That’s not to say help isn’t available — it just means the Grocery Rebate, as introduced in 2023, was a one-time measure, and it hasn’t been renewed or announced again as of late 2025. This article is your go-to explainer and myth-buster: it covers the history of the Grocery Rebate, why confusion is swirling in 2025, what supports still exist, what the CRA has said officially, and how Canadians can check their real benefit eligibility right now.
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Canada Grocery Rebate
In 2025, Canadians are still feeling the effects of high grocery costs. That part is very real. But what’s not real? The idea that there’s another automatic $628 rebate coming this December. As of now, the Grocery Rebate was a one-time, 2023 initiative — and no follow-up program exists. Filing your taxes, staying informed, and keeping your benefit information up to date are still the most reliable ways to get help from the federal government.
| Item | Details & Links |
|---|---|
| Was a Grocery Rebate paid in 2025? | No. The only Grocery Rebate was in July 2023. |
| Original Program | Part of the Cost of Living Act, 2023 |
| Amount Paid (2023) | Up to $628 (based on income & household size) |
| December 2025 Status | No new Grocery Rebate has been announced by the CRA |
| Current Federal Supports | GST/HST Credit, Canada Child Benefit, Trillium/Ontario Benefits |
| Official CRA Benefit Info | canada.ca |
What Was the Canada Grocery Rebate — And Why People Are Still Talking About It
The Grocery Rebate was a one-time payment issued on July 5, 2023, by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It was introduced under Bill C-46, officially titled the Cost of Living Act, No. 3 — legislation that aimed to soften the blow of surging food costs for households with low or modest income.
This rebate wasn’t a standalone program; instead, it was delivered through the GST/HST Credit system, meaning that if you qualified for the GST/HST credit in January 2023 based on your 2021 tax return, you were likely to receive the grocery rebate automatically.
The goal? Help Canadians cover basic grocery expenses during a period when inflation was squeezing food prices by 9–11% in many categories — everything from eggs to bread to vegetables was soaring.
But fast forward to 2025, and here’s the catch:
The Grocery Rebate was never intended to be an ongoing payment. It was a one-time action — and no announcement has been made to repeat it in 2025.
So why are people asking about it again?
Why the Confusion in 2025? (Scams, Fake News & Misleading Posts)
With food prices still high in 2025, many Canadians naturally hope for more relief. That’s led to a flood of social media posts, text messages, and blog articles claiming there’s a “new $628 Grocery Rebate” scheduled for December 2025.
The problem? There is no official statement or budget announcement supporting these claims.
Worse — some of these messages are scams, aiming to trick people into giving away personal information or clicking malicious links in exchange for a fake payment.
The CRA has even issued warnings about impersonation attempts related to the Grocery Rebate and other benefits. Their official advice:
❗ “Don’t click on links in messages claiming you’ll get a new rebate. CRA will never contact you by text or email to offer you benefits or request personal banking information.”
— CRA Scams and Fraud Prevention Page
If you’re unsure about a payment or message, log into CRA My Account to see your actual benefits status — don’t rely on what shows up on your Facebook feed.
How Much Was the Canada Grocery Rebate in 2023? (And Who Got It?)
Let’s revisit the official amounts from the 2023 Grocery Rebate — to help separate real numbers from hype.
| Household Situation (2023) | Maximum Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| Single adult (no children) | ~$234 |
| Married/Common-Law couple (no children) | ~$306 |
| With 1 child | ~$387 |
| With 2 children | ~$467 |
| With 3 children | ~$548 |
| With 4+ children | $628 max |
These amounts were not taxable and were automatically deposited to those eligible under the GST/HST Credit system.
What CRA Benefits Are Real in December 2025?
Although there’s no Grocery Rebate 2025, that doesn’t mean Canadians are left in the cold.
Here are the official federal and provincial benefit payments scheduled for December 2025, as published by the CRA:
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Payment date: December 12, 2025
For families raising children under 18, the CCB is tax-free and paid monthly.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
Payment date: December 10, 2025
This combines the Ontario energy and property tax credit, sales tax credit, and Northern Ontario energy credit.
Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
Payment date: December 27, 2025
For qualifying families with children in Alberta.
How to Check If You Qualify for CRA Benefits (Quick Guide)?
You don’t need to call anyone or wait for a letter. Here’s how to check your own eligibility:
- Go to CRA My Account
- Log in using your banking credentials or a CRA user ID
- Click on “Benefits and Credits”
- View upcoming payment dates and amounts
- Update your direct deposit if needed for faster access
Important Tip: File your taxes on time every year — it’s the only way CRA knows whether you qualify for any credits or rebates.
Food Price Trends in 2025 — The Bigger Picture
As of fall 2025, food inflation remains stubborn in many parts of Canada. According to Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, grocery prices in Canada are still 5–7% above pre-2022 averages, especially in categories like dairy, meats, and fresh produce.
Key food price stats for 2025:
- Milk: Up 5.2% year-over-year
- Ground beef: Up 6.7%
- Fresh fruit: Up 8.9%
- Bakery items (bread, cereal): Up 4.4%
This continued inflation is part of the reason many Canadians think there should be another grocery rebate — and why some scammers exploit that hope.
What Experts Say: Future of Food Affordability Programs
While there is no new Grocery Rebate in 2025, policy experts believe the Federal Government may revisit inflation relief in future budget cycles.
According to food policy researcher Dr. Sylvain Charlebois:
“Short-term targeted supports like the 2023 Grocery Rebate were effective in the moment — but if food inflation continues, governments may have to consider more sustainable affordability measures in 2026 and beyond.”
That could mean:
- Enhancements to the GST/HST Credit
- An indexed grocery supplement tied to CPI (Consumer Price Index)
- Or more targeted provincial supports for vulnerable households
But for now — nothing new has been legislated.
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