You may be able to get this benefit if you:
- Are a resident of Canada for income tax purposes in the month prior to and at the beginning of the month in which the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) makes a payment.
AND at least one of the following applies:
- You are 19 years of age or older before the month in which CRA issues a quarterly payment.
- You have (or previously had) a spouse or common-law partner.
- You are (or previously were) a parent and live (or previously lived) with your child.
You may be entitled to receive the CGEB if your adjusted family net income is less than the maximum income level thresholds.
Please click here to view the income thresholds.
Proof of residency in Province/ Territory
For example:
- lease agreement
- rent receipt
- household bill
- gas
- electricity
- cable television
- telephone
- driver's license
- vehicle registration or car insurance
- membership in social or professional organization
- Other:
- bank information
- employment information
Notice of Assessment
A statement from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to each taxpayer, every year, after you have filed a tax return. It tells you the amount of income tax you owe, or the amount of the refund you will get.
Social Insurance Number
For example:
- confirmation of SIN letter
- plastic SIN card (non-expired)
Proof of primary responsibility for the care and upbringing of the child
For example:
- a letter from the day care or school authorities indicating the child’s home address and contact information on file
- a letter from a social worker, physician, a band council, or a resettlement officer stating that they have personal knowledge that the child lived with you for the period you indicated
- a registration form or a receipt from an activity or club the child was enrolled in for the period you indicated
- a court order, decree, or separation agreement that explains the type of custody arrangement you have (for example, shared custody) and clearly shows the living arrangements for the child
- any other document showing that the child lived with you for the period you indicated
Proof of birth
A document with first name, last name, and date of birth. For example:
- Birth certificate or birth registration
- Hospital record of birth or record of the physician/nurse/midwife who attended the birth
- Passport
- Record of landing or confirmation of permanent residence issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- Citizenship certificate
- Note of decision or temporary resident’s permit issued under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Certificate of Indian status card
- Provincial identity card
To claim the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, you must file your taxes, unless you are new to Canada (meaning that this is your first tax year in Canada).
If you file your taxes, the Canada Revenue Agency will automatically determine your eligibility for this benefit and send you payments if you qualify.
If this is your first tax year in Canada, follow these steps to apply:
Complete one of the following forms:
New resident with no children:
New resident with children who are under 19 years old:
- Download and print PDF:
OR
Form RC66, Canada Child Benefit Application includes federal, provincial, and territorial programs if you are eligible for the Canada child benefit (CCB).
- Include any children under 19 years old who are in your care
- Attach proof of birth for all children you are applying for
- Mail the completed form to your tax centre.
For applicants who apply using Form RC66, the information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility for the CGEB and other related provincial or territorial benefit programs.
The CRA will let you know if you are eligible to receive the credit.
The CRA usually sends the CGEB payments in July, October, January, and April.