Who benefits from the new grocery benefit in Canada and what is its value?

Ottawa —
Canada has started distributing new grocery and essential needs benefit payments, a financial aid directed at low- and middle-income Canadians to cope with rising food and daily necessities costs.

The payment benefits those usually eligible for the Goods and Services Tax credit, and most do not need to apply again, as eligibility is based on tax information available to the Canada Revenue Agency.

The support amount this year reaches about $950 per person, and up to $1,890 for a family of four, with the amount varying according to income, family status, and number of children.

The plan includes a one-time additional payment, along with an increase in the value of regular payments starting in July, as part of a broader program replacing the previous support formula linked to the GST/HST credit.

The government says more than 12 million Canadians will receive this aid, although the timing of the funds may vary depending on the bank and payment method.

The program comes at a time when food prices continue to put significant pressure on households, especially with the rising cost of essential goods such as vegetables, meats, coffee, and daily grocery products.