In 2023 and 2024, millions of Canadians benefited from the Grocery Rebate Bill (C46), a one-time federal program designed to offset the impact of soaring food costs. For many households, the rebate provided short-term relief during a period of intense inflation. But by early 2025, the program came to an end, leaving seniors, low-income families, and individuals questioning whether another round of payments might return.
As rumors continue to circulate about possible extensions, it is important to understand what the rebate was, who received it, and why the government decided to close the program without renewal.
What Was the Grocery Rebate Bill (C46)?
The Grocery Rebate was introduced under the Cost of Living Act, No. 03. It was designed as a one-time payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to support Canadians struggling with inflation-driven grocery bills.
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The program was straightforward: if you were eligible for the GST/HST credit, you automatically qualified for the rebate. The payment was deposited alongside the regular GST/HST benefit, with no extra application required.
The official payment date was 5 October 2025, and funds were distributed through direct deposit or mailed cheques.
Program Overview – Key Details
To better understand the program, here are the essentials of Bill C-46:
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| Program Name | Grocery Rebate (Bill C-46) |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Part Of | Cost of Living Act, No. 03 |
| Payment Type | One-time rebate |
| Payment Date | 5 October 2025 |
| Status | Ended (January 2025) |
| Eligibility (2024) | Low-income, GST/HST credit recipients |
| Eligibility (2025) | None – program closed |
| Website | www.canada.ca |
This clarity is essential for those still searching for updates in 2025: the program is not ongoing and has no extension.
Who Received the Grocery Rebate?
When it was active, the CRA automatically calculated rebate amounts using 2024 tax return data. The size of the rebate depended on income level and family size.
Here’s how the payments were distributed:
| Household Type | Amount Received |
|---|---|
| Single individual | \$234 |
| Senior citizen | \$225 |
| Couple with two children | \$467 |
The payment was not uniform but adjusted to reflect household needs. Importantly, there was no separate application—eligibility was based entirely on GST/HST credit status
Why Did the Program End?
The Grocery Rebate was always intended as a temporary measure. Unlike recurring programs such as CPP, OAS, or GIS, it was designed to provide short-term relief at a time when grocery prices were increasing sharply.
By early 2025, the government confirmed that the program had ended and would not be renewed. Officials emphasized that the rebate was a one-time intervention, not a permanent food affordability program.
While many households hoped for extensions, no follow-up legislation or funding was introduced. As of now, Canadians cannot apply or qualify for new grocery rebates under Bill C-46
Eligibility Conditions When Active
When it existed, eligibility was linked directly to the GST/HST credit. To qualify, individuals needed to:
- File a 2024 tax return.
- Meet the federal low-income threshold.
- Qualify for the GST/HST credit.
- Fulfill Canadian residency requirements.
No additional paperwork was necessary, and payments were automatic. But since January 2025, these conditions no longer apply.
Fact Check – Grocery Rebate in 2025
Confusion has persisted, with some misleading online posts suggesting another round of grocery rebates in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the facts:
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| Grocery Rebate (C46) still active | False – program ended in Jan 2025 |
| \$234–\$467 payments still issued | False – last payment October 5, 2025 |
| New eligibility list for 2025 | None |
| Future round of rebates confirmed | No official confirmation |
| CRA has updated schedules for 2025 | Yes – but rebates not included |
The last official payment was made on 5 October 2025. After that, no extensions or new eligibility lists were announced by the federal government or the CRA.
How Canadians Should Move Forward
With the end of the rebate, Canadians dealing with high food costs must turn to other support programs at the federal and provincial levels. Some possible alternatives include:
- GST/HST Credit: Still available to qualifying low-income households.
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB): For families raising children under 18.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): For low-income seniors.
- Provincial cost-of-living supports: Many provinces offer utility rebates, housing subsidies, or food assistance programs.
Experts recommend filing taxes on time each year, since most federal benefits—including rebates and credits—are calculated automatically based on tax return data.
Why the Grocery Rebate Matters in Retrospect
Even though the rebate is no longer active, its short-lived impact highlighted two key issues in Canada:
- Food insecurity: Rising grocery bills have become a major burden, particularly for seniors, students, and low-income households.
- Temporary fixes vs. long-term solutions: While rebates provide relief, they do not address the root causes of high food prices, such as supply chain costs, global inflation, and housing pressures.
This has fueled public debate about whether Ottawa should consider recurring grocery support programs or expand existing benefits like GIS or CCB.
5 FAQs
Q1: When was the last Grocery Rebate payment issued?
The final payment was deposited on 5 October 2025.
Q2: Is the Grocery Rebate Bill (C46) still active in 2025?
No. The program officially ended in January 2025 and has not been extended.
Q3: Who qualified for the rebate when it was active?
Eligibility was based on 2024 tax returns and GST/HST credit status, targeting low-income individuals and families.
Q4: How much did Canadians receive from the rebate?
Amounts varied: \$234 for single individuals, \$225 for seniors, and \$467 for couples with two children.
Q5: Are there any new grocery rebate programs planned for 2025?
As of now, there are no confirmed federal grocery rebates for 2025. Canadians must rely on other federal and provincial benefits
