In 2024, the Canadian government continues its commitment to supporting low- and middle-income families through the $628 Grocery Rebate, a one-time payment aimed at offsetting rising food costs. This initiative, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), is a vital support mechanism for millions of Canadians affected by inflation. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the rebate, its eligibility criteria, payment process, and more.
The $628 Grocery Rebate is a one-time financial assistance program designed to help Canadians manage the high costs of groceries due to inflation. It is tied to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) credit system and is typically double the recipient’s GST/HST credit from January 2023.
Key Details of the Grocery Rebate
Aspect
Description
Maximum Rebate Amount
Up to CAD 628 (varies by family size and income level)
Eligibility
Legal Canadian residents, aged 19 or older, meeting income thresholds
Income Limits
CAD 45,000 for individuals, CAD 65,000 for families
Payment Date
Expected August/September 2024
How to Claim
Automatically credited if eligible; check status via CRA’s My Account portal
Administering Body
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
This rebate builds on the government’s 2023 initiative and aims to provide essential financial relief to over 12 million Canadians in 2024.
Eligibility Criteria for the Grocery Rebate
To qualify for the Grocery Rebate, you must meet specific conditions designed to ensure the program supports low- and middle-income households.
Residency: Must be a legal resident of Canada when the payment is issued.
Age: Must be at least 19 years old by the payment date.
Income Limits:
Individuals: Adjusted net income must be below CAD 45,000.
Families: Adjusted net income must be below CAD 65,000.
Tax Filing: Must have filed 2021 and 2022 tax returns by the CRA’s April 2024 deadline. Even if you had no income, a return must still be filed to qualify.
These requirements ensure that the rebate reaches those most in need, specifically families and individuals already eligible for the GST/HST credit.
Payment Amounts Based on Family Size and Income
The amount you receive under the Grocery Rebate depends on your family size and adjusted net income. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Family Structure
Maximum Rebate Amount (CAD)
Single, no children
234
Single, 1 child
387
Single, 2 children
467
Single, 3 children
548
Single, 4 children
628
Married/Common-law, no children
306
Married/Common-law, 1 child
387
Married/Common-law, 2 children
467
Married/Common-law, 3 children
548
Married/Common-law, 4 children
628
The CRA automatically calculates and issues payments to eligible recipients, based on their GST/HST credit eligibility.
How to Check Your Grocery Rebate Status in 2024
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or want to check the status of your payment, follow these steps:
Use your login credentials to access your CRA My Account.
Navigate to Grocery Rebate Section:
Find the “Grocery Rebate Payment” section under your account dashboard.
Select Check Status for updates.
Contact CRA if Necessary:
If your payment has not arrived 10 business days after the expected date, contact the CRA at 1-888-863-8662 for assistance.
Additional Tips to Ensure You Receive Your Rebate
Update Your Tax Information: Ensure your tax returns for 2021 and 2022 are filed accurately.
Verify Direct Deposit Details: Confirm that your banking information with the CRA is up-to-date to avoid delays.
Monitor CRA Announcements: Regularly check the CRA website or subscribe to updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who qualifies for the $628 Grocery Rebate?
You must be a legal Canadian resident, at least 19 years old, with a net family income below CAD 65,000 (or CAD 45,000 for single individuals). Additionally, you must have filed your 2021 and 2022 tax returns.
2. How much will I receive under the rebate?
The amount varies based on your family size and income. The maximum rebate is CAD 628 for families or individuals with four children, while singles with no children can receive up to CAD 234.
3. Do I need to apply for the rebate?
No, the rebate is automatically credited to eligible individuals based on their GST/HST credit eligibility.
4. When will the payment be issued?
The payment is expected to be disbursed in August or September 2024. The CRA website confirms exact dates.
5. What should I do if I don’t receive my rebate?
Wait 10 business days after the expected payment date. If it hasn’t arrived, contact the CRA at 1-888-863-8662.
6. What if I didn’t file my taxes for 2021 or 2022?
To be eligible, you must file both tax returns by April 2024. If you missed previous deadlines, consider filing immediately and consulting a tax professional.
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