Last Updated On 29 March 2026, 9:36 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Millions of Canadian households are about to receive crucial financial relief as the federal government prepares to issue the next HST/GST payment.
The Canada Revenue Agency has confirmed that the upcoming quarterly payment will be deposited into eligible bank accounts on a specific date that falls in early April.
But that’s not all Canadians should be watching for.
A major one-time bonus payment could arrive alongside the regular quarterly deposit, potentially doubling the amount some families receive.
The federal government has announced significant changes to this benefit program that will affect how much money arrives in your account and when you can expect it.
Here’s everything you need to know about the April GST payment, the potential top-up bonus, and the historic transformation coming to this benefit in just a few months.
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April GST Payment Date Confirmed
The Canada Revenue Agency has scheduled the next quarterly GST/HST credit payment for Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
This payment represents one of four annual deposits issued to eligible Canadian residents to help offset the goods and services tax they pay throughout the year.
The April payment follows the regular quarterly schedule that the CRA maintains for this benefit program.
Eligible recipients who have set up direct deposit with the CRA can expect funds to appear in their bank accounts on the morning of April 2.
Those receiving payments by cheque should allow additional time for mail delivery following the payment date.
Complete GST Credit Payment Dates for 2026
| Payment Quarter | Payment Date | Status |
| Q1 2026 | January 3, 2026 | Issued |
| Q2 2026 | April 2, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Q3 2026 | July 4, 2026 | Scheduled |
| Q4 2026 | October 3, 2026 | Scheduled |
New One-Time 50% GST Top-Up Payment
The federal government has announced a significant one-time bonus payment that will be issued to GST/HST credit recipients.
This special top-up payment equals 50% of the recipient’s 2025-26 GST/HST credit value.
The government has committed to delivering this payment as early as possible this spring, with a firm deadline of no later than June 2026.
The April 2, 2026 regular GST payment date represents a realistic window for this top-up to arrive.
However, Canadians should understand that the official government commitment guarantees delivery by June 2026, not specifically on April 2.
If the top-up does not appear with the April payment, it can still legally arrive at any point during the spring season up to the June deadline.
One-Time GST Top-Up Payment Timeline
| Timeline Detail | Information |
| Earliest Possible Date | April 2, 2026 (with regular GST payment) |
| Government Guarantee | No later than June 2026 |
| Payment Amount | 50% of 2025-26 GST/HST credit value |
| Eligibility Requirement | Must have received January 2026 GST payment |
Eligibility Requirements for April 2026 GST Payment
The GST/HST credit is available to Canadian residents who meet specific income and residency requirements.
You must be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes at the beginning of the month in which the CRA makes a payment.
You must also be at least 19 years of age, or have a spouse or common-law partner, or be a parent who lives with your child.
Your 2024 tax return must be filed with the CRA for your eligibility to be assessed.
The CRA automatically determines your eligibility based on your tax return information, so no separate application is required.
GST/HST Credit Eligibility Checklist
| Requirement | Details |
| Canadian Residency | Must be resident for tax purposes |
| Age Requirement | 19 years or older |
| Alternative to Age | Spouse/partner or parent with child |
| Tax Filing | 2024 return must be filed |
| Income Threshold (Single) | Below $54,704 for full amount |
| Income Threshold (Family) | Below $57,924 for full amount |
Eligibility for the 50% GST Top-Up Bonus
The one-time 50% top-up payment has a specific eligibility requirement beyond the standard GST/HST credit qualifications.
You must have received the January 2026 GST/HST credit payment to qualify for the top-up bonus.
If you were eligible and entitled to receive that January payment, you are automatically in the group that will receive the top-up.
The CRA will use the same payment information from your January deposit to issue the bonus payment.
No additional application or registration is required to receive this one-time payment.
The top-up amount is calculated as exactly half of your total 2025-26 GST/HST credit entitlement.
GST/HST Credit Payment Amounts for 2025-26
The GST/HST credit amounts are adjusted annually to account for inflation and cost of living changes.
These amounts represent the maximum annual credit available to eligible recipients based on family status.
The quarterly payments divide these annual totals into four equal installments.
| Recipient Category | Annual Maximum | Quarterly Payment |
| Single Individual | $519 | $129.75 |
| Married/Common-Law | $680 | $170.00 |
| Per Child Under 19 | $179 | $44.75 |
| Single Parent Supplement | $179 | $44.75 |
One-Time Top-Up Calculation Examples
| Family Situation | Annual GST Credit | 50% Top-Up Amount |
| Single Individual | $519 | $259.50 |
| Couple (No Children) | $680 | $340.00 |
| Couple + 1 Child | $859 | $429.50 |
| Couple + 2 Children | $1,038 | $519.00 |
| Single Parent + 2 Children | $877 | $438.50 |
New Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Replacing GST Credit in July 2026
The federal government has announced a historic transformation of the GST/HST credit program.
Beginning in July 2026, the GST/HST credit will be renamed to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
This is not merely a name change but represents a significant expansion of the program.
The government is introducing the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, formerly the Goods and Services Tax Credit, with substantially increased payment amounts.
The benefit amount will increase by 25% for a period of five years starting with the July 2026 payment.
This enhancement is designed to help Canadian families cope with rising grocery and essential goods costs.
The new name better reflects the purpose of helping families afford basic necessities including food and household essentials.
GST Credit vs Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Comparison
| Feature | Current (Until June 2026) | New (From July 2026) |
| Program Name | GST/HST Credit | Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit |
| Single Maximum | $519/year | $648.75/year (+25%) |
| Couple Maximum | $680/year | $850/year (+25%) |
| Per Child | $179/year | $223.75/year (+25%) |
| Enhancement Duration | N/A | 5 years (2026-2031) |
Ways to Check Your GST Payment Status
The CRA provides several methods to verify your GST/HST credit payment status and eligibility.
My Account is the primary online portal where you can view your benefit information and payment history.
You can access payment details, update your direct deposit information, and confirm your eligibility status.
The CRA My Account mobile app provides convenient access to the same information from your smartphone.
You can also call the CRA benefits enquiries line at 1-800-387-1193 for assistance with your account.
Direct Deposit Enrollment for Faster GST Payments
Direct deposit ensures you receive your GST payment on the scheduled date without mail delays.
You can enroll in direct deposit through CRA My Account online.
Canadian financial institutions also allow you to set up CRA direct deposit through online banking.
Once enrolled, your April 2 payment and any top-up bonus will automatically deposit to your account.
Steps to Take If Your GST Payment Doesn’t Arrive
If you do not receive your GST payment by the expected date, there are several steps you should follow.
First, allow 10 business days after the payment date if you receive payments by cheque.
Check CRA My Account to verify your payment was issued and confirm your address or banking information.
Ensure your 2024 tax return has been filed and processed by the CRA.
Contact the CRA benefits line if your payment status shows issued but you have not received it.
Common Reasons for Missed or Reduced GST Payments
| Issue | Solution |
| Tax return not filed | Reach out to CRA for next steps |
| Income above threshold | Payment reduced or eliminated at higher incomes |
| Address not updated | Update address in CRA My Account |
| Banking info changed | Update direct deposit information |
| Marital status change | Report changes to CRA within 30 days |
| CRA owes debt | Payment may be applied to outstanding balances |
Key Dates for Canadian GST Recipients in 2026
| Date | Event |
| April 2, 2026 | Q2 GST/HST credit payment + possible 50% top-up |
| By June 2026 | Guaranteed deadline for one-time 50% top-up payment |
| July 4, 2026 | First Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payment (25% increase begins) |
| October 3, 2026 | Q4 Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payment |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the 50% GST top-up payment arrive on April 2, 2026?
The April 2 date represents a realistic possibility for the top-up payment, as the government has committed to delivering it as early as possible this spring. However, the official guarantee only specifies delivery by June 2026. If the top-up does not appear with your April payment, it can still arrive at any point during the spring up to the June deadline.
Will I need to apply separately for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit when it starts in July 2026?
No separate application will be required. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is a direct continuation of the GST/HST credit program with increased amounts. If you currently qualify for and receive the GST credit, your eligibility will automatically transfer to the new program. The CRA will calculate your enhanced benefit amount and issue payments on the same quarterly schedule.
Can I receive the GST payment if I just arrived in Canada this year?
New residents to Canada may be eligible for the GST/HST credit after establishing Canadian residency for tax purposes. You must file a Canadian tax return for the CRA to assess your eligibility. New immigrants and refugees should complete Form RC151 to apply for the GST/HST credit and other benefit programs. Processing times vary, and you may receive retroactive payments once approved.
What happens to my GST payment if I owe money to the CRA?
The CRA may apply your GST/HST credit payment to outstanding tax debts or other amounts you owe to the government. This includes unpaid income taxes, defaulted student loans, Employment Insurance overpayments, or amounts owed to other federal programs. You will receive notification if your payment is redirected, and any remaining balance after debt repayment will be deposited to your account.
Will the 25% increase to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit be permanent?
The 25% enhancement has been announced for a five-year period beginning in July 2026. This means the increased amounts will apply through 2031. Whether the enhancement becomes permanent beyond this period will depend on future government policy decisions. The base GST credit structure will remain in place regardless of future decisions about the temporary enhancement.
Fact-Checked: All information in this article has been verified against official Government of Canada sources including Canada.ca and CRA publications as of March 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice; consult the CRA or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
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