Rising food prices have placed a significant strain on many Canadian households, prompting the government to introduce Grocery Rebate Bill C-46.
This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to low- and modest-income families by offering a one-time rebate to offset increasing grocery costs. Below, we explore who qualifies, how much beneficiaries can receive, and how to check eligibility.
What Is Grocery Rebate Bill C-46?
Grocery Rebate Bill C-46 was designed as part of the Canadian government’s effort to combat food inflation and provide relief to financially vulnerable citizens.
This rebate, issued in July 2023, was structured to assist individuals struggling with rising expenses and was automatically granted to those who met the eligibility criteria.
Who Is Eligible for the Grocery Rebate?
To qualify for the Grocery Rebate, recipients had to meet the following conditions:
- Received the GST/HST credit for January 2023.
- Filed a 2021 tax return (since eligibility was based on 2021 adjusted family net income).
- Met the income criteria required for the GST/HST credit.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount awarded through the rebate was double the GST/HST credit received in January 2023. Here’s how the payout was structured:
For Single Individuals
| Family Size | Rebate Amount |
| No children | $234 |
| One child | $387 |
| Two children | $467 |
| Three children | $548 |
| Four children | $628 |
For Married or Common-Law Couples
| Family Size | Rebate Amount |
| No children | $306 |
| One child | $387 |
| Two children | $467 |
| Three children | $548 |
| Four children | $628 |
The rebate was directly deposited into recipients’ bank accounts or sent via cheque by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to ensure immediate access to funds.
How to Check Eligibility for the Grocery Rebate
If you’re uncertain about whether you received the rebate, follow these steps:
- Log in to My CRA Account:
- Visit the CRA website and enter your login credentials.
- Navigate to the Benefits and Credits section.
- Review Payment History:
- Look for payments issued on July 5, 2023.
- The rebate should be listed as part of your GST/HST credit.
- Verify Tax Return Submission:
- Ensure your 2021 tax return was filed.
- If you haven’t filed, contact the CRA to see if late submissions affect eligibility.
Why the Grocery Rebate Was Necessary
With food inflation reaching record highs, many Canadians found it increasingly difficult to afford basic groceries. According to Statistics Canada, food prices surged by 9.1% in 2022, affecting essential items like:
- Dairy products
- Meat and poultry
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
The Grocery Rebate was introduced to provide immediate relief, particularly for low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes.
By offering direct financial assistance, the government aimed to cushion the impact of soaring food prices on everyday life.
FAQs
1. Is the Grocery Rebate Bill C-46 still active?
No, the rebate was a one-time payment issued in July 2023. There is currently no second rebate announced for 2024.
2. How do I know if I received the rebate?
Log in to your CRA account, navigate to the Benefits and Credits section, and check if a payment was issued on July 5, 2023.
3. Can I apply for the Grocery Rebate now?
No, the rebate was automatically issued to those eligible based on their January 2023 GST/HST credit status.