To help combat inflation, Ottawa is offering a one-time grocery rebate next Wednesday (July 5) that will range from $234 to $628 depending on the size of your household.
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It is actually an improvement on the GST credit approved in the last federal budget. This is double the GST/HST tax credit normally paid in July.
About 11 million people or families on low or modest incomes will be affected by this measure. How do I get this amount?
In fact, you must be up to date on your tax return and have filed your tax return for 2021. You are entitled to the refund even if you have not declared any income that year.
You can get the refund if you were eligible for the January 2023 GST/HST credit.
Not for everyone
Please note that you may be eligible for the grocery discount even if you are not eligible for the July GST/HST credit. Conversely, some people may not get a grocery discount but are eligible for the GST/HST credit!
In fact, Ottawa takes your 2021 income into account to determine if you are eligible for the grocery rebate, while July’s GST/HST credit is calculated based on your 2022 income.
Of course, the calculation of household income depends on several criteria, in particular whether you live alone, as a couple, with children, as well as the number of children in your household…
Parents with joint custody receive 50% of the grocery discount (similar to the GST/HST credit). The amount is calculated based on net family income and marital status in January 2023.
Payment is by check or direct deposit through Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Good to know: Even if this measure is called “food refunds”, you can do whatever you want with the money.
Advice
- If you do not receive the food refund, wait approximately 10 business days before contacting the CRA (1-888-863-8664). You can also check the status of the benefit by logging into the “My Account” service.
- The grocery discount is not taxable.
- If you have a tax debt, the tax office can reimburse itself by deducting it from the food refund.
refund
What you are entitled to depending on your family situation
- Childless
Single Price: $234
Married, common law $306 - With children (single, married or de facto married)
1 child $387
2 children $467
3 children $548
4 children $628
Source: CRA
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