The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially announced the December 2025 Grocery Rebate payment schedule, bringing welcome relief to millions of low- and middle-income Canadians facing steep grocery and living costs.
This one-time rebate is part of the government’s wider strategy to support vulnerable households amid inflation and high food prices. With the year’s end bringing extra financial pressure, the CRA’s rebate helps cushion grocery expenses and stabilize budgets during the holiday season.
What Is the December 2025 Grocery Rebate?
The December 2025 Grocery Rebate is a targeted federal support payment, provided through the CRA, to help Canadians deal with inflated grocery costs and general cost-of-living challenges.
This rebate builds on earlier measures and is aimed at delivering financial relief to households that meet income-based criteria. It is not a recurring monthly payment, but a year-end lump sum intended to ease holiday and household food bills.
When Will the Grocery Rebate Be Paid?
According to the CRA’s confirmed timeline, payments will be made during the final week of December 2025. While the exact date may vary slightly, most eligible recipients can expect their direct deposit before December ends.
For those receiving a paper cheque, mail delays may mean receiving the rebate a few days into January 2026, depending on postal schedules.
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How Is the Rebate Amount Calculated?
The amount each household receives is not fixed and is calculated using several factors:
- Net family income from your 2024 tax return
- Marital status (single, married, common-law)
- Number of children or dependents
Lower-income individuals may receive a few hundred dollars, while families with dependents are likely to qualify for higher amounts to reflect increased food costs and household needs.
Eligibility Requirements for the December 2025 Rebate
To receive this rebate, you must meet these core conditions:
1. File Your 2024 Tax Return
The CRA uses your 2024 tax return to assess your income and family status. If you haven’t filed your taxes, you won’t be eligible, even if you meet the income criteria.
2. Qualify for the GST/HST Credit
If you are already approved for the GST/HST credit, you will be automatically eligible for the grocery rebate. No separate application is needed.
3. Income and Family Size
The CRA evaluates adjusted net income and family composition. Households with more children or dependents generally receive larger rebate amounts to match their needs.
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How Will the CRA Deliver Payments?
Rebates will be issued through one of two standard CRA methods:
- Direct Deposit: This is the fastest and most reliable method, ensuring you get your rebate on time.
- Mailed Cheque: Sent to your CRA-registered address. Delivery may be delayed based on location and Canada Post schedules.
To avoid issues, make sure your banking and contact details are updated in your CRA My Account before payment processing begins.
How to Track the Grocery Rebate Payment
You can easily check your rebate details through the CRA My Account portal. After logging in, you will be able to:
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- See the expected payment date
- Check the exact rebate amount
- Review any messages or alerts about missing tax or personal information
The portal is the fastest way to confirm if your payment has been processed or if any issues are delaying it.
Why the December Rebate Is Important in 2025
With grocery prices expected to remain elevated into late 2025, the rebate offers timely support to Canadians, particularly:
- Low- and modest-income individuals and families
- Seniors on fixed incomes
- Households with multiple dependents
This rebate eases pressure on household budgets, especially during a season when expenses are already high. It helps families:
- Buy groceries and essentials
- Celebrate the holidays without added financial stress
- Plan better for January expenses
Don’t Miss Out – Take Action Now
If you haven’t already, take these steps to ensure your eligibility and avoid missing out:
- File your 2024 income tax return
- Verify or update your CRA banking info
- Confirm your GST/HST credit eligibility
- Log in to CRA My Account to check your benefit status
By acting early, you give yourself the best chance to receive your rebate on time and use it when it’s needed most.
FAQs
1. Do I need to apply separately for the December Grocery Rebate?
No. If you qualify for the GST/HST credit, you are automatically considered for the rebate. There is no separate application process.
2. When will I get my grocery rebate in December 2025?
The CRA has confirmed that most payments will be issued during the last week of December 2025, with direct deposit arriving first and paper cheques potentially arriving later.
3. How do I know how much I will receive?
You can log in to your CRA My Account to view your personalized rebate amount, which is based on your 2024 tax return and household composition.
4. What if I haven’t filed my 2024 tax return yet?
You must file your 2024 tax return to be eligible. Without it, the CRA cannot calculate your income or confirm eligibility.
5. What can I do if I don’t receive the payment?
Check your CRA My Account for alerts or updates. If everything looks correct and you still haven’t received your payment, contact the CRA directly for further assistance.