How to Get the GST/HST Credit (Renamed in 2026)

Direct Answer

New immigrants can receive the GST/HST credit (now renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, CGEB). As long as you file your taxes every year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) automatically determines your eligibility – no separate application is needed. Even if you had no income in your first year, you should still file a tax return to be assessed.

Eligibility

You must be a Canadian tax resident and file your taxes annually.
Your income must be low or modest (specific thresholds are not listed on the official page; the CRA will assess).
If you previously received the GST/HST credit and your situation hasn't changed, you are likely eligible for the CGEB.

How to Apply

File your tax return every year – this is the only required step. The CRA will automatically determine if you qualify.
Register for a CRA account (My Account) to view payment details and notices.

Go to the CRA website and select "Individual account"
After logging in, on the Overview screen, select "Benefits and credits"
Find "Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit)" to see payment amounts

Wait for payments – The CRA recalculates every July based on the previous year's tax return. Payment periods run from July to June of the following year.

Common Pitfalls

Not filing taxes means no payment: Even with no income, file a return; otherwise, the CRA cannot assess you.
Late filing: If you file a prior year return late, you may receive retroactive payments, but they will be issued as CGEB payments, possibly as a lump sum or combined with the next quarterly payment.
Beware of scams: The CRA will not ask for personal information or click links via email. Always verify payment details in your CRA account.
Name change: As of July 2026, the credit is renamed CGEB, but eligibility criteria remain the same. If you received it before, you'll continue to receive it.

Payment Dates

Last quarterly GST/HST credit payment: April 2, 2026.
One-time top-up payment: June 5, 2026 (if you were entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026).
Starting July 2026, payments are under the CGEB.

Official Source

GST/HST credit - No longer available - Canada.ca