The Grocery Rebate Bill (C-46) introduced under Canada’s Cost of Living Act No. 03, was a short-term lifeline for millions of low-income Canadians struggling with rising food prices. This one-time payment offered temporary financial relief but officially ended in January 2025, leaving many wondering whether new support will be announced in the future.
This article breaks down the program’s background, eligibility rules, payment amounts, and the current status of the grocery rebate in 2025.
What Was the Grocery Rebate Bill (C-46)?

The Grocery Rebate was created to help offset the impact of inflation-driven grocery costs for low-income Canadians. It was not a permanent program but a one-time rebate administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
The payment was delivered automatically on October 5, 2025, alongside the GST/HST credit. The rebate amounts varied depending on family size and income, ensuring that households under financial stress received some relief.
Key Features of the Grocery Rebate Program
- Program Name: Grocery Rebate (C-46)
- Part of: Cost of Living Act No. 03
- Country: Canada
- Payment Type: One-time rebate
- Payment Date: October 5, 2025
- Administered By: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Status: Ended as of January 2025
- Eligibility (2024): GST/HST credit recipients with low income
- New Eligibility 2025: None (program ended)
How Much Did Canadians Receive?
The rebate was automatically deposited for eligible recipients. Payment amounts depended on household type:
Household Type | Amount Received |
---|---|
Single individual | \$234 |
Senior citizens | \$225 |
Couple with 2 children | \$467 |
No application was required. If you qualified for the GST/HST credit, you automatically received the rebate either through direct deposit or by mailed cheque.
Who Was Eligible for the Rebate?
When it was active, eligibility was determined based on:
- Having filed a 2024 tax return.
- Qualifying for the GST/HST credit.
- Meeting Canadian residency requirements.
- Falling below the federal low-income threshold.
There was no separate application form. The CRA reviewed tax records and issued payments directly.
Status of the Grocery Rebate in 2025
As of January 2025, the grocery rebate has ended. There are no new eligibility rules, no payment dates, and no upcoming rounds of rebates.
While the rebate provided much-needed relief to nearly 11 million Canadians, it was never designed as a permanent solution. It served as temporary financial assistance during a period of high inflation.
Addressing Online Rumors in 2025
Many Canadians continue to see online claims suggesting a new round of grocery rebates in 2025. However:
- No new rebates have been announced.
- The last payment was issued October 5, 2025.
- The program ended officially in January 2025.
- CRA has not confirmed any future extensions.
If you come across claims about another grocery rebate, always verify the information on the official government website (canada.ca).
What Should Canadians Do Now?
With the grocery rebate program concluded, households will need to rely on other federal and provincial support programs such as:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Provincial housing or energy support programs
- Cost-of-living indexed benefits like the GST/HST credit
The CRA continues to adjust certain programs for inflation, but no new food rebate is in place.
The Bottom Line
The Grocery Rebate Bill (C-46) was a short-term program that provided one-time payments to millions of Canadians in 2025. It officially ended in January 2025, with the last payment made on October 5, 2025.
As of now, there is no official confirmation of any new rebate. Canadians should rely only on CRA updates and explore other existing benefit programs to manage the rising cost of living.
FAQs on Grocery Rebate Bill C-46
1. What was the Grocery Rebate Bill C-46?
It was a one-time rebate introduced under the Cost of Living Act No. 03 to help low-income Canadians with rising grocery costs.
2. When was the last grocery rebate payment issued?
The final payment was made on October 5, 2025, alongside the GST/HST credit.
3. Who qualified for the rebate?
Canadians who filed a 2024 tax return, qualified for the GST/HST credit, and met residency and income requirements.
4. Is the grocery rebate still active in 2025?
No. The program ended in January 2025, and no new payments are scheduled.
5. Could there be another rebate in the future?
While possible, no official announcement has been made by the CRA or the Government of Canada. Always check canada.ca for updates.